Albanian authorities of Kosovo consider possibility of joining TAP

The Albanian authorities of Kosovo are not going to be involved in construction of the South Stream gas pipeline, despite the statements of the Serbian authorities, said Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hojay in his interview to the Albanian Top Channel TV.

RIA Novosti reported that Kosovo’s Albanians unilaterally proclaimed their independence from Serbia in 2008. Belgrade does not recognize the self-proclaimed state, but it has been conducting talks with Kosovo to improve relationships under pressure of the European Union. 

Serbian Premier Iviz Dachich said last Sunday that it is planned to build a branch from the South Stream gas pipeline towards south of the country in Kosovo. He said such a possibility has been discussed at the talks in Brussels.

Enver Hojay claims, however, that the possibility of Kosovo’s joining the trans-Adriatic pipeline (TAP) has been discussed in Brussels, as TAP construction is supported by the EU. He said the Kosovo authorities are interested in this project.

TAP will be used to transport gas from the Caspian region to the south of Italy and further to the Balkan countries through Greece, Albania and Adriatic Sea. Gas, which is planned to be extracted during the Shah-Deniz Phase 2, will be considered as a source of the project. The initial capacity of TAP will be 10 billion cub.m. a year.—0—