ANKARA - Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said on Tuesday that talks on gas purchase within the scope of the Blue Stream project were postponed to the following week.
Guler held a press conference in which he gave information about the negotiations held with officials of Gazprom firm in Ankara regarding natural gas purchase from Russia.
Noting that they took up several issues in the talks that had continued for the last two days, Guler said that they agreed not to make any statement until they reached a certain point.
Guler stated that some issues were clarified in the talks, adding that they decided to continue the negotiations in Turkey in the following week.
MINISTER SAYS THEY ESPECIALLY BRING ONTO AGENDA OFF-SET ISSUE DURING TALKS WITH RUSSIAN SIDE
Guler emphasized that they might reach a result in the talks after they had made their preparations.
Asked if Turusgas issue came onto the agenda in the negotiations, Guler said that Turusgas issue also came onto the agenda together with the Blue Stream project and that both sides expressed mutual views regarding some points.
When asked if the Russian side was positive towards reduction of price and if possibility of arbitration was eliminated, Guler said, ''we favor solution of the issue through compromise since the beginning. But, arbitration process is naturally operating at the same time. Mutual calculations are made on price and amount. So, I don't think it is appropriate to give more details.''
Replying a question about the gas on the Blue Stream pipeline, Guler recalled that it was a technical issue and it was not debated.
Regarding the issue of off-set, Guler noted that Turkey would pay the gas by selling goods or services under the agreement made in 1984 but that that practice ended in 1994. He said that they had brought that issue onto agenda again.
Guler stated that both of the sides wanted to solve the issue.
(BRC) 17.06.2003