ANKARA — Turkey is facing a decision between a Russian- and Western-sponsored energy project that could change its 'political fate' a leading analyst said.   

"Both at the same time may create problems in finding buyers," Birol said. "European countries are likely to prefer Nabucco as they do not want to be dependent on Russia."

Birol said Turkey could become one of the five top energy transporters in the world. He said either Nabucco or South Stream could "change Turkey’s political fate.

Being a bridge country in energy and standing at the valves is as important as membership in the European Union."

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