Dam constructions by Turkey not acceptable for Iran: Abdollahian

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has stressed that it is not acceptable for Iran that Turkey takes measures in the field of dam construction which will cause problems for the Iranian people and the region, Iranian media outlets reported on Tuesday.

“Given the environmental conditions prevailing in the region, it is not acceptable for us that our neighbor country, Turkey, takes measures in the field of dam construction which will cause problems for our people in the country and the region, as well as has a negative effect on the amount of water inflow,” said Abdollahian during the Iranian Parliament meeting on Tuesday in response to a question by a Parliament member about extensive dam construction by Turkey on the Tigris, Euphrates and Aras and its impact on water inflow to Iran.

 “The issue has been raised at least three times in the past eight months in two meetings with the Turkish Foreign Minister in New York, as well as in a phone call with him,” he added.

“Despite the fact that there is no bilateral agreement between Tehran and Ankara on water cooperation in the past, 4 months ago, we asked the Turkish government to establish a joint water committee between the two countries so that we can address the concerns in this regard. We must make sure that dam constructions by Turkey do not have a negative impact on the water supply to Iran.”

He went on to say, “Turkish officials have so far assured us that the dam constructions are done primarily in mountainous areas for hydropower use.”

 Source: Mehr News Agency