ASHKABAD, Oct 20: In response to a question by Dawn during a press conference, Steven Mann, US presidential advisor on Caspian energy affairs, said emphatically that United States is not playing a “Great Game” under the guise of the Afghan war. He refuted in strong words the allegations that America is out to establish its hold over energy resources of the Caspian region.

“American policy is what it has been, year in and year out; it is the same policy now”, said Mann.

Explaining his point, Mann said the salient features of Caspian policy are : (a) To strengthen independence and sovereignty of Caspian states. (b) To help them become more prosperous. (c) To give them more options (for energy export routes) instead of few options.

Mann also said that the private sector take the lead in energy projects in the Caspian, which leaves no room for manoeuvre for the US government. “The energy companies only take up those projects which are financially viable”, said Mann.

In order to hammer home the point, Mann raised his voice a few decibels and said, “I guarantee you, the private sector does not take directions from the US government.”