USIA: State Department Report, 97-07-28

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From: The United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at <http://www.usia.gov>

STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT, MONDAY, JULY 28, 1997

(Turkish pipeline, Azerbaijan, Middle East, Weld, Greece-Turkey, Pol Pot)(660)

TURKISH PIPELINE -- Foley said that a plan to build a pipeline through Iran would not violate international sanctions against that nation. The pipeline would carry natural gas from Turkmenistan through Iran to Turkey. "There has been no change in U.S. policy in any way nor any signal to that effect, " he emphasized. "It is U.S. policy and law to seek to deny Iran the resources it needs to pursue terrorism and weapons of mass destruction by means of deterring investments in Iran's oil and gas sectors. We are applying that law diligently."

In this case, he continued, the pipeline does not fall under the sanctions regime. "The bottom line" is that Turkey is going to buy gas from Turkmenistan, not Iran. Foley noted that the United States believes that the route through Iran is "not the ideal route" to bring Turkmenistan's natural gas to the West. "We preferred a transCaspian route" would could also serve to develop Azerbaijan gas resources, he said.

He noted that Iran would get transit fees from the pipeline. "We believe that Turkey and Turkmenistan have an interest" to see that the fees are "low and in alignment with market circumstances."

He said the U.S. position also reflects the desire to encourage emerging countries to develop their natural resources and to help Turkey, "an old and loyal NATO ally."

AZERBAIJAN -- Foley was asked about the visit this week of Azerbaijan President Heydar Aliyev. He noted that the United States has "important and growing relations with Azerbaijan in different fields." Aliyev is scheduled to meet with President Clinton, Secretary of State Albright and other cabinet members.

MIDDLE EAST -- Commenting on reports that Israeli-Palestinian talks will resume, Foley said the United States has been working behind-the-scenes for the resumption of informal talks. "We obviously welcome" the renewal of talks.

The Clinton administration is seeking from Congress an extension of authority for The Middle East Peace Facilitation Act (MEPFA) which expires August 12, Foley said. Administration certification that the Palestinians are still in compliance with the Oslo Accords is a "different question," Foley said. "As in the past, any certification decision would be based on a careful review of the facts and a determination of whether all commitments were being met."

WELD --- Foley said that it was a logical step for Massachusetts Governor William Weld to resign immediately to devote full time to his confirmation as ambassador to Mexico. He was asked about press reports of the governor's possible resignation. Foley said the administration "hopes and expects" Weld will be confirmed. He said that Weld is highly qualified and is the "right person" for the ambassadorship.

TURKEY-GREECE -- Foley said the Clinton administration last week notified Congress of several arms transfers that had been under review for Greece and Turkey. "As the result of an extensive process of consultations with Congress, we have found a consensus for moving ahead" on this matter. "Our arms transfer policy has sought to take into account both the legitimate defense needs of these two important NATO allies and our concern that tensions in the region not escalate."

These arms transfer decisions, Foley continued, "reflect the positive changes that we have observed in the region." The U.S. actions include three Perry Class Frigates for Turkey, he noted.

POL POT -- Asked about accounts that a reporter in Cambodia saw Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot last week and witnessed Pol Pot's trial by his former followers, Foley said "we have no independent confirmation" of Pol Pot's status or location. "We support his (Pol Pot's) prosecution........but we do not condone trials in absentia or legal proceedings inconsistent with...internationally accepted legal norms as this jungle trial appears to be."

From the United States Information Agency (USIA) Home Page at http://www.usia.gov

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