| Topic: |
Politics > Politics-USA |
| User: |
"Captain Compassion" |
| Date: |
24 Apr 2007 11:24:05 AM |
| Object: |
TURKEY REJECTS KYOTO TREATY "BECAUSE IT'S AGAINST NATIONAL INTEREST" |
TURKEY REJECTS KYOTO TREATY "BECAUSE IT'S AGAINST NATIONAL INTEREST"
Today's Szaman, 22 April 2007
http://www.todayszaman.com/tz-web/detaylar.do?load=detay&link=109074
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Hilmi Güler has announced that
Turkey has declined to sign the Kyoto Protocol for the sake of the
country's national interests, in particular because certain parts of
the protocol would hinder Turkey's infrastructure development.
Güler explained that there were four criteria when it came to energy
-- energy security, diplomacy, economy and legislative -- emphasizing
that the situation became even more complicated when Turkey's
geopolitical position was taken into consideration.
At a meeting sponsored by the Marmara Group, he said it is necessary
to be cautious when it comes to energy issues, pointing out the
binding nature of international agreements, according to the Anatolia
news agency.
Remarking that oil had been king for the past 100 years but that
natural gas is the heir to the throne, Güler asserted that Russia,
which has both gas and oil, has lately been using its energy potential
as a means of power in international politics. He added Russia is
establishing energy trade connections with countries only if it is
strategically important for it. Underlining Turkey's growing
importance in the region, Güler recalled that throughout its history
the country has served as a bridge between East and West. Since the
Bakü-Tiblisi-Ceyhan pipeline started operation, Turkey's position has
become even more significant, Güler said.
He noted one of the most important projects being implemented in
Turkey under the EU was the Nabucco project. "We will become a major
transit point," he said, adding that he wants Turkey to grow in its
role as an energy corridor.
Turkey is pursuing a policy to reduce dependence on foreign energy
sources and use more local resources, Güler said, adding that in
addition to oil and natural gas exploration, Turkey has also started
looking more closely at coal.
Pointing out that the government considers the issue of renewable
energy very important, Güler noted that they have initiated activities
aiming at more intensive exploitation of water, wind and geothermal
resources.
When asked a question regarding the Kyoto Protocol, Güler said Turkey
had reasons for not signing it. Explaining that the protocol wasn't
signed for the sake of national interests, Güler remarked that the
same protocol also wasn't signed by highly developed economies such as
the US and China. "We don't want the world to become more polluted;
however, the protocol is against the construction of dams. We have
decided to take this action for the sake of our national interests,"
he said.
--
There may come a time when the CO2 police will wander the earth telling
the poor and the dispossed how many dung chips they can put on their
cook fires. -- Captain Compassion.
Wherever I go it will be well with me, for it was well with me here, not
on account of the place, but of my judgments which I shall carry away
with me, for no one can deprive me of these; on the contrary, they alone
are my property, and cannot be taken away, and to possess them suffices
me wherever I am or whatever I do. -- EPICTETUS
"Civilization is the interval between Ice Ages." -- Will Durant.
"Progress is the increasing control of the environment by life.
--Will Durant
Joseph R. Darancette
daranc@NOSPAMcharter.net
.
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