ANKARA - Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAS) Director General Saltuk Duzyol said Tuesday the EU was too late to support Nabucco Project (Turkey-Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary-Austria Natural Gas Pipeline) which would transport Caspian natural gas to Europe.
Duzyol who attended Turkish International Oil and Gas Summit, TUROGE 2008, in Ankara told reporters that six-partner structure in Nabucco Project is large enough, and they don't think of including a seventh partner in the project.
They are not against Russian natural gas for Nabucco, Duzyol said. "Russian natural gas can certainly be included in the project. The important thing is to draw the natural gas --which both Turkey and Europe need-- to this course."
Duzyol stated that on the contrary to several criticisms, Turkey has been the most loyal one to Nabucco Project. He added that the natural gas pipeline project which was pursued by Russian Gazprom and Italian Eni companies --named "South Stream"-- is rival to Nabucco project.
EU was too late to support Nabucco Project, Duzyol said and added that EU should have extended support 4-5 years ago.
Duzyol also said Iran which has the second largest natural gas reserve in the world cannot be underestimated.
"When we consider the natural gas need of Turkey and Europe for the next 20 years, we have to evaluate all supply sources including Iran," he said.
(GC-MS)