TAPI gas pipeline began its peaceful mission in Afghanistan
Many political scientists predicted the stabilizing influence of the construction of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India (TAPI) gas pipeline in Afghanistan, torn by internal conflict. However, no one expected that TAPI would begin to inspire peace in the souls of Afghans so quickly.
The ceremony of laying the Afghan section of the TAPI was held on the Turkmen – Afghan border at the end of last month. TOLO News spread out information already that a group of 70 Taliban militants is ready to join the peace process in support of the TAPI gas pipeline project, if they are given jobs.
Also the armed group will take part in maintaining the project’s security, as it provide locals with employment opportunities and gas as well as dividends for transit of gas to neighboring countries. The authorities of the province of Herat, having held appropriate negotiations with the Taliban, agreed to provide them with job after they join the peace process.
TOLO News informs that the group’s intention comes just days after another group of 10 insurgents also joined the peace process in support of Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India gas pipeline project.
A transnational gas pipeline with a length of more than 1800 kilometers will transport 33 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India through the territory of Afghanistan. According to experts, the TAPI gas pipeline will bring Afghanistan up to $ 1 billion transit payments per year and will create up to 12,000 workplaces.
Official Ashgabat believes that in addition to solving purely economic tasks, the project of the gas pipeline initiated by Turkmenistan will bring peace to the long-suffering land of Afghanistan, create preconditions for greater mutual understanding between Pakistan and India and will contribute to strengthening stability in the entire region.
