MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON FORMATION OF REGIONAL ENERGY MARKET SIGNED
ATHENS - A memorandum of understanding was signed on Monday at the end of the Southeast European Energy Market meeting held in Athens, Greece.
Holding a joint news conference after the meeting with Greek Development Minister Akis Tsokhatzopoulos, Guler, who was the term president in the meeting, said that agreement on formation of a regional energy market was very important for the region and for the EU. Underlining that the agreement which foresaw providing energy, which was the driving force of development, constituted a strategic step, Guler said that efforts would continue to safely provide energy and diversify the sources. Guler said that he also met with Tsokhatzopoulos and confirmed their attitude to build the natural gas pipeline between Turkey and Greece. Guler stated that they worked in harmony and cooperation with Tsokhatzopoulos, adding that Turkey did its mission to undertake the role of being a terminal in transportation of energy.
Upon questions about the effects of the bombed attacks in Istanbul on Turkish economy, Guler said that ''unfortunately Turkey is used to such attacks. Our strong economy was not affected and the daily life continued. Certainly we took necessary measures and we continue taking them.''
Tsokhatzopoulos said in his part that the compromise on formation of a regional energy market was a historic development, adding that the market would operate within the rules and practices of the EU energy market. Tsokhatzopoulos said that safe energy market was very important for stability, development and trust, adding the market was planned to be totally opened in 2007 and its parts excluding house energy would open in 2004.
Tsokhatzopoulos added that participating countries could get fund both from World Bank and also from European Investment Bank regarding infrastructure investments for formation of the market.
Tsokhatzopoulos said that memorandum of understanding which was signed was also legally binding.
Turkey, Albania, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Italy, Kosovo, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia-Montenegro and Greece attended the meeting.
Following the meeting, Guler told reporters that Europe was waiting for natural gas from Turkey.
Guler noted that there were two main routes for transport of natural gas to Europe and stated that one of them was Greece-Italy and the second one was Bulgaria-Romania-Austria pipeline.
Stating that Turkey was exerting efforts to diversify natural gas of Europe, he said that they attributed great importance to Shah Sea project, Syria and Iranian natural gas projects. He stated that studies on those projects were continuing and noted that Greece and Europe were waiting impatiently for natural gas from Turkey. Guler added that Greek Public Energy Company DEPA and BOTAS were holding talks in Ankara.
Guler noted that Europe's natural gas demand was more than 100 billion cubic meters and stated that those issues would also help Turkey's becoming closer with Europe.
Upon questions, Guler said that talks on Blue Stream natural gas pipeline which were held with Russian side satisfied Turkey.
Guler noted that price of natural gas did not increase for last 10 months and stated that there was a promising investment relation between Turkey and Russia. He added that Turkish people could consume natural gas at reasonable price.
Guler will return to Turkey on Tuesday.
(EÖ-Öª) 08.12.2003