Turks ask Azeri government to release cargo detained on Georgian border

ANS TV, Baku
22 Jan 05

[Presenter] The Turkish government has appealed to Azerbaijan’s
Foreign Ministry and other government bodies in connection with
Azerbaijan’s refusal to allow wagons of two Turkish companies to enter
Georgia.

[Correspondent] Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other
government bodies have not yet responded to an appeal by the Turkish
embassy about Azerbaijan holding more than 200 wagons of the Baslam
Ltd and Son petrol companies [as heard] on the Azerbaijani-Georgian
border for over two months, the Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan,
Turan Morali, has told ANS.

Mr Morali said the embassy appealed to Azerbaijan’s appropriate bodies
after the Baslam company asked them for help.

[Morali speaking in Turkish] Around 40,000 tonnes of fuel were
detained two months ago. Of course, the volume [of cargo] and the
losses are very big. They [the companies] want the issue to be settled
as soon as possible. Although I contacted [Azerbaijani officials], I
have not received a direct response yet.

[Correspondent] Sidki Ayan [as heard], head of the Baslam and Son Ltd
companies, also told ANS that customs officials have been holding 253
wagons on the border since 3 November on the pretext of an
inspection. Official Baku says that the inspections on the
Azerbaijani-Georgian border aim to stop cargo from being transported
from Central Asia to Armenia via Azerbaijan and Georgia. Turan Morali
wants the inspections to be completed soon.

[Morali] I mean [changing tack], at least the results of the
inspections should be released and if these companies have done
anything wrong, this should be officially stated. Then they [the
companies] will decide what to do next. But now they do not know what
to do.

[Correspondent] Foreign Ministry spokesman Matin Mirza refused to
comment on the issue.