ANKARA - Turkey signed natural gas agreement with Russia on Wednesday at the end of 11-month negotiations that continued between Turkish state run pipeline company BOTAS and Russian natural gas company Gasprom.
Speaking in a news conference, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Guler said that ''we reached happy end after 11 months of negotiations. This agreement is the sign that the mistakes done so far will be corrected one by one.''
GULER:''WE GOT THE MOST CONVENIENT PRICE''
Guler said that the agreement was the sign of the importance which two countries attached to each other.
Recalling that Turkey bought natural gas from four different prices under three separate agreements, Guler said that an agreement was reached to purchase gas from one price.
Guler said that the activities of Turusgaz company which mediated in the natural gas purchase via Bulgaria were ended.
''The natural gas amount which we will buy in summer will be less than the one in winter. A new page will be opened in our relations and investments with Russia, which is our very important neighbour. Our relations will go on a more sound basis,'' Guler said.
Gazeksport Director General Medvedev said in his part that the agreement showed that all problems in the past were solved.
Medvedev stated that Turkey was one of their most important clients, adding that they brought the natural gas demand projection to a reasonable level. ''We open a new page,'' Medvedev said adding Gazeksport could start transferring the natural gas soon.
Botas Director General Mehmet Bilgic said that they reached compromise on the basis of a sustainable agreement.
GULER:''THERE IS NO PROBLEM ABOUT BASIC AGREEMENT''
Speaking to reporters, Guler said that there was no problem about the basic agreement and he thought that they would sort out the problem about the tax this evening.
When asked what was the problem about the tax, Guler said that there was a tax issue regarding the laying of pipelines in Blue Stream project, adding that the issue in fact was not subject to tax, but the other side wanted the issue to be clarified.
Upon a question, Guler said he didn't think that the agreement would be submitted to the parliament.
(ÖŞ) 19.11.2003