Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 11
By Elena Kosolapova - Trend:
Difficulties in relations between Russia and Turkey may hinder the construction project implementation of the Caspian segment of the Trans-Eurasian Information Super Highway (TASIM), executive director for infrastructure projects of KazTransCom, a telecom company of Kazakhstan, Alexander Kislitsyn told Trend.
Relations between Russia and Turkey have deteriorated after Turkish Air Force jets shot down the Russian SU-24 bomber when it entered Turkish airspace Nov. 24.
"Participants of the project include Russia and Turkey, which have complicated relationships now," said Kislitsyn.
Earlier, Alexander Yakovenko, director of department for work with the international operators at Russia's largest national telecommunications operator Rostelecom, told Trend that the company may leave the TASIM project, since it currently focuses on the development of the national segment, and in view of the crisis situation, there may be not enough funds for this project.
"In the light of relations between Russia and Turkey, if the Rostelecom leaves TASIM, it may have a positive impact on the project," said Kislitsyn.
The executive director noted that both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are interested in this project.
During the meeting of Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan intergovernmental commission held in early December, both sides spoke for continuing the cooperation on this project. TASIM was included in the final protocol of the meeting.
TASIM project envisages creation of the main transit communication line from Frankfurt to Hong Kong. The network that will unite the largest information exchange centers of Europe and Asia will run through China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to Germany.
The project involves such countries as Russia (operator Rostelecom), Kazakhstan (operator KazTransCom), Turkey (operator Turk Telekom) and China (operator China Telecom). Azerbaijan is represented in the project by AzInTelecom LLC.
Earlier, Azerbaijan proposed trilateral cooperation between the TASIM project, United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia and CAREC (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation).
This cooperation will contribute to Azerbaijan's exchanging experience in ICT with the countries in Central Asia and to the broad support for TASIM.
Aside from that, an opportunity will emerge to integrate TASIM with the Asian high-speed information highway, supported by a program of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNSCAP).
The UNSCAP is the founder of SPECA.
Earlier, the UNSCAP and the TASIM secretariat have spoken for the mutual support for both projects and expressed readiness to further work together to build information and communication area in Asia and the Pacific.
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