Israel, Turkey close to water deal

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.