Yildiz said Turkey would fulfill all criteria of International Atomic Energy Agency in construction of nuclear power plant.
Turkish Minister of Energy & Natural Resources Taner Yildiz said on Wednesday that stance of the European Union (EU) in putting forth criteria regarding nuclear power plants was not meaningful in political sense as it did not open chapter heading on energy with non-technical reasons.
Asked to comment on an EU letter requesting implementation of EU criteria on nuclear power plants, Yildiz said he would talk to European Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger on the matter.
When reminded that Greece complained to EU about the nuclear power plant that would be constructed in Akkuyu, Yildiz said the complaint was not realistic. He said Akkuyu was 900 km away to Greece, however, there are nuclear power plants in EU member countries which are 500-600 km away to Greece.
Yildiz said Turkey would fulfill all criteria of International Atomic Energy Agency in construction of nuclear power plant.
Asked to comment of Russia’s statement that it had alternatives in case Turkey did not allow South Stream project, Yildiz said he met with Russian president, prime minister and energy minister last week. He said procedure of this permission was underlined clearly, noting this was not a new development.
“During the visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to Turkey last August, it was stated that the permission would be concluded after feasibility reports related to setting of route, environmental conditions, and Environmental Impact Assessment were formed,” Yildiz said adding that, “No new conditions have been put forth. There will be no obstacle regarding construction permission when Russian Federation meet the conditions.”
AA