Transit fee for IPI pipeline being discussed: Iran Petroleum Min

Dubai, Apr 11 (UNI) Talks with India and Pakistan for the proposed gas pipeline from Iran are in an advanced stage and the focus now is on transit fee, Iranian Minister of Petroleum Sayed Kazem Vaziri-Hamaneh has said.

''We are confident of taking the talks to the next level,'' he said about the seven-billion-dollar 'Peace Pipeline'.

When pointed out that the US and some other western nations saw the initiative with suspicion, Mr Hamaneh said, ''They have not understood the essence of the idea. The idea is to enhance co-operation among countries that produce the same source of energy.'' He was speaking on the sidelines of the sixth Ministerial Meeting of Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha yesterday.

''We are not against anyone. Our co-operation will not harm anyone. On the contrary, our co-operation will facilitate stable supply of gas in the international market as we will have plenty of opportunities to share our expertise, experience and knowledge,'' the minister was quoted as saying by The Gulf Times.

Founded in 2001, GECF is an informal grouping 15 countries that include Russia, Iran, Qatar, Venezuela and Algeria.

UNI