LOC23:20
20:20 GMT
ANKARA, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz said on
Tuesday he did not believe fresh US sanctions on Iran would include Turkish
natural gas imports from Iran.
"Iran is Turkey's second biggest supplier of natural gas. I believe
(sanctions) will not cover it ... We know that sanctions of this kind would
not only be against Iran, but would also be against Turkey," Yildiz told
reporters in Istanbul.
Yildiz said Turkey could increase its imports of crude oil Yrom Russia if
needed, noting that Moscow showed willingness to meet Turkey's increasing gas
demand.
Last Friday, the US Senate approved expanded sanctions on global trade with
Iran's energy and shipping sectors in a bid to boost economic pressure on
Tehran over its nuclear program.
The new sanctions, which would be the third round in a year if passed into
law, include measures aimed at stopping the flow of gold from Turkey to Iran
in exchange for natural gas.
Turkey heavily hinges upon imported energy and produces the majority of its
electricity from natural gas.
Turkey imports 10 billion cubic meters of Iranian natural gas, making up
more than 90 percent of Iran's gas exports. (end)
mm.mt
KUNA 042320 Dec 12NNNN