February 23, 2003	Sunday	Zul Hijjah 21, 1423

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 22: The steering committee on Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan gas pipeline project on Saturday decided to invite India to join the project.

“Since the viability of this huge project depends on the extension of pipeline to India, it was decided to formally invite the Indian government to join the project,” said Petroleum and Natural Resources Minister Chaudhry Noraiz Shakoor Khan.

He was speaking at a joint news conference with Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Yolly Qurbanmuradov, Afghan Mines and Industries Minister Juma Mohammad Mohammadi and Turkmen Petroleum Minister Tagive Techberdi after a fourth meeting of the steering committee.

Mr Khan said the 1,400km pipeline project would be completed at a revised cost of $3.5 billion.

The project was earlier estimated to cost $2.5 billion.

The Asian Development Bank, whose representatives were present, has decided to offer $1 million for conducting the feasibility study of the project.

In reply to a question, the Afghan minister said his government would ensure safety of the pipeline. “I know people are expressing apprehensions but I want to tell them that we will ensure the security, operation and maintenance of this project.”

He said there were two options to lay the pipeline; one via northern Afghanistan and the other through southern part of the country.