BBC Moscow correspondent Andrew Harding travels to Azerbaijan, the former Soviet republic on the Caspian Sea, to see where the century's last great oil boom is in full swing. British Petroleum is leading the way in explorations, but Russia's secret services have also been busy, promoting coupd'etats and attempted assassinations - all to ensure that this newly strategic region does not fall into western hands. President HeydarAliyev of Azerbaijan and his Georgian opposite number, Eduard Shevardnadze , offer their views on who will ultimately emerge triumphant in this power struggle.