Israeli gas deal tried to resolution of Mavi Marmara dispute

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz has said Turkey can facilitate the transportation of natural gas Greek Cyprus and Israel are currently working to extract in the eastern Mediterranean to northwestern markets only if and when Israel agrees to Turkey's demands regarding the killing of eight of its citizens together with a US citizen of Turkish origin onboard an aid ship two years ago. "All the feasibility studies conducted are now pointing to Turkey [as the most suitable transportation route]. If we did not have the Mavi Marmara issue with Israel, there could have been many joint projects between us -- and the transportation of natural gas [from the eastern Mediterranean to Europe] would be at the top of the list of those projects. And that would have been only right to do. Yet that natural gas pipeline is not worthy of nine lives we lost," he said on Sunday, speaking to reporters in the southern province of Antalya. "There is only one way to transport this natural gas. The seabed of the Mediterranean is not ideal for a pipeline. Turkey, on the other hand, has a pipeline infrastructure. Why should it not be used for that purpose? Should we receive an offer, we can speak of such a partnership only when the political foundation is strengthened for it. Energy cannot carry the burden of politics," Yildiz said.