Guler: Haifa pipeline does not cast threat for Turkey

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said in a televised interview on Sunday that for the operation of the Kirkuk-Haifa pipeline, at first the Palestinian problem should be solved.

"Kirkuk-Haifa pipeline’s technology is outdated," says analysts adding, "Because of the strategic reasons the operation of the pipeline does not seem to be possible."

"The flow of gas through this pipeline may cause uneasiness among Arabic countries," add analysts.

"We have no problem in the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline. The Haifa pipeline does not cast a threat for us, and does not decrease the importance of our pipeline," stated Guler speaking to the press after a panel discussion in Ankara.

"The Kirkuk-Yumurtalik pipeline will resume operating after the arrival of transportation ships," said Guler.

Ships that transport oil to international markets could not head towards Iskenderun harbour because of heavy sea traffic during the Iraq war. Turkey permitted the U.S. to transport its military equipment, through Iskenderun port, that was used for site preparations in Turkey.

Guler said the Kirkuk-Yumurtalik oil pipeline is the strongest among the three pipelines that carry Iraqi oil and added, "The capacity and technological specifications of our pipeline is better."