Israel, Turkey close to water deal
Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Thursday, May 24, 2001
ANKARA — Israel and Turkey have renewed water talks in what is
regarded as an effort to complete a deal to supply the Jewish state with 50
million cubic meters of water per year.
Officials said an Israeli water delegation arrives in Ankara on
Wednesday and could complete a deal for the purchase of water. Under the
plan, Turkey would begin water shipments by next year.
So far, the officials said, the two countries remain apart over price.
They said the price being negotiated ranges from 10 and 18 cents per cubic
meter. With the addition of transport costs, the water would be sold to
Israel for about 80 cents a cubic meter.
Israel has issued a tender for the transport of 35 to 50 million cubic
meters of water a year from
Turkey. The project, open to foreign companies, would be up to 10 years.
In addition, three companies have submitted bids to construct a
desalination plant that could produce 50 million cubic meters of drinking
water a year. The plant is expected to cost $150 million and be located in
Ashkelon.
Thursday, May 24, 2001
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