ISTANBUL - "We will take all necessary security measures in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline," said Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler on Monday.
Guler left today for Germany upon invitation of German Economics & Technology Minister Michael Glos.
Holding a news conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to his departure, Guler said, "Germany made significant contributions to construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline."
Upon a question regarding security issues, Guler told reporters, "We will try to prevent oil smuggling by imposing heavy punishments. We prepared a draft law to this end."
Guler will hold a news conference at the Turkish Embassy in Berlin to give information about Turkey's energy policy.
He is expected to return to Turkey on June 14th.