ANKARA - Israeli government has approved the Manavgat Water Agreement envisaging purchase of water from Turkey.
Releasing a statement on Monday, the Israeli Embassy in Ankara said, ''the government of Israel approved on January 4, 2004 the water agreement between Turkey and Israel. The signing of the agreement by both countries is expected in the near future.''
''With the signing of this agreement, a new era will begin in the Middle East with Turkey and Israel presenting creative solution to the regional water problem,'' the statement noted.
Under the agreement, 250 thousand tons of water to be purchased from Turkey will be transported to Israel's Ashqelon Port by oil tankers.
The transportation requires construction of a terminal and a pipeline in Ashqelon. The construction is expected to cost nearly 20 million U.S. dollars. Therefore, transportation of water can start next year the earliest.
The ''Peace Water Project'' was brought onto agenda by Turgut Ozal, the eighth president of Turkey. The project started in 1992, was finalized in 1999.
Negotiations between Turkey and Israel over the project has lasted for about three years.
(UK-AÖ) 05.01.2004