Tensions between Caspian littoral states and Russia
- Written by Paul Goble
BISHKEK (TCA) — Different opinions between the five littoral states of the Caspian Sea — Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan — have for many years blocked energy projects and other initiatives planned without the participation of Russia. A proposed agreement announced in January did not materialize and now the littoral states are finding alternative ways directing their traffic to other carriers and ports. The following article by Paul Goble, entitled ‘Collapse of Russian Shipping in the Caspian Puts Moscow’s Regional Strategy at Risk’, originally published by The Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily Monitor, explains the ongoing situation at various ports and the great decline in traffic through the Russian ports: