Hisarciklioglu worried about rising tension with Iran

Speaking at a conference at the Washington-based think tank German Marshall Fund, Union of Chamber and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu said that peace and stability in the Middle East was essential for the world and thus there was no need to raise tensions with Iran. "If new sanctions on Iran covered Turkey's gold for gas trade, this situation would make Turkey more dependent to Russia" said Hisarciklioglu. Stating that this situation will also have impacts on investors, Hisaciklioglu said Turkey might face some economic risks. "I am optimistic about the reconstruction of political relations between Turkey and Israel" said Hisarciklioglu, adding that there was no problem in Israel-Turkey relations within the context of economy and that they were experiencing an increase in trade. Hisarciklioglu also said that Turkey must find an alternative way of payment for the Iranian gas or diversify the source of supply.