Turkey signs energy agreement with Iran over U.S. objections
ANKARA — Iran and Turkey have signed an accord to launch electricity
projects despite warnings by the Bush Administration not to invest in Iran energy projects.
Officials said the two countries signed the accord on Nov. 20 despite
warnings by the United States for Turkey not to invest in Iran. They said
Ankara and Teheran would conclude additional agreements over the next week.
"The signing [of agreements] will continue." Turkish Energy Minister
Hilmi Guler said. "Our efforts are continuing."
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The Bush administration has warned of sanctions against those who invest
in Iran's energy sector. Under the project, two thermal power facilities
would be constructed in Iran and one in Turkey, Middle East Newsline reported. Each plant would have a
capacity of 2,000 megawatts and offered in a tender to private contractors.
"After we improve the lines, both countries will take as much power as
they need," Guler said.
Turkey also plans to build nuclear energy reactors through a tender
offered to private firms. On Nov. 20, President Abdullah Gul approved
legislation for the establishment and operation of nuclear power plants and
sale of energy.
