Turkish energy minister does not confirm oil findings in Black Sea

The Turkish energy minister said on Sunday that negotiations between Turkey and Japan on the construction of nuclear power plants have been affected by the tsunami disaster that has recently hit the Far Eastern country.

Turkish Energy & Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz replied to questions regarding the progress of the negotiations on nuclear power plants and oil exploration activities in Black Sea region during a gathering in central Anatolian province of Kayseri.

Regarding the nuclear issue, Yildiz said Japanese officials have requested some time from their Turkish counterparts in nuclear talks as Japan is currently dealing with the consequences of a major earthquake and a following tsunami.

"We have told our Japanese counterparts that we can definitely give the time they requested as a matter of international courtesy, diplomacy and humanity," the minister said.


Commenting on the news stories published in several newspapers claiming that oil was discovered in Black Sea region, Yildiz noted that oil exploration activities continued in 5-6 different locations in the region.

"It is early to say that 'we have found oil'. I wish I could announce such news. However, unless we see oil bursting out, I cannot confirm such information. Our studies continue with hope, faith and a little bit of insistence," Yildiz said.

Earlier, Mehmet Uysal, Director General of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), said that the company was moving towards a happy ending in its oil exploration activities in the Black Sea region.

Uysal said samples taken from a 4,800 meter depth at Surmeli-1 oil well had signs of high-quality oil. Indicators for economic oil and natural gas have also been obtained from Sinop-1 and Yassihoyuk-1 oil wells in the Black Sea.


/World Bulletin/