He said the pipeline is safe, adding that the land will be returned in its original state, possibly to a better condition.
“All expropriation payments will be paid by the TAP consortium three months before construction work begins,” the report quoted Scoufias as saying. “Approximately 300 companies have joined forces to contribute to the TAP project’s construction.”
“TAP stands as an achievement of strategic importance for Greece and Europe,” said Scoufias. “It takes into account all the specific needs of residents.”
He added that completing the project on time stands as a challenge, adding, “We have taken unprecedented steps. We are paying heed [to concerns], respecting them, and making a serious effort for the environment.”
TAP is meant to transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further to western Europe.
The pipeline’s total length is about 870 kilometers.
The construction of the pipeline is expected to start in 2016. TAP’s initial capacity will be 10 billion cubic meters per year, expandable to 20 billion cubic meters per year.
TAP`s shareholders are: BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Statoil (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent), and Axpo (five percent).
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