Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Taner Yildiz said today that his country is unlikely to buy any natural gas from Israel because of Operation Protective Edge, "Reuters" reported.
In recent years since the Marmara flotilla incident in 2010 relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated although trade relations between Israeli and Turkish companies has continued to flourish.
Yildiz said, "For energy projects to proceed, the human tragedy in Gaza will have to be stopped and Israel will have to instal a permanent peace there with all elements."
He added, "It is out of question to proceed on any energy project unless a permanent peace is established, with contribution from all sides and with necessary conditions. A human tragedy unfolded, it is all too easily forgotten."
Ten Turkish consortiums were reportedly competing to buy Leviathan gas with one group due to have been chosen to lead the project this month.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 9, 2014
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