Turkey has no intention of and no technology for the production of nuclear weapons, Turkeys energy minister says.

Claims in the German daily Die Welt that Turkey is seeking to acquire enriched uranium with the goal of building a nuclear weapon, were denied by Turkey's Energy Minister Taner Yildiz on Wednesday.

"Turkey has no intention and no technology for nuclear weapons production" said Yildiz. "Turkey is a member of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and audited by the organization. Also Turkey is a party of 4 main concerned agreements."

Yildiz stated that Turkey has no uranium enrichment operation, saying the claims in German newspaper Die Welt are a political campaign to discredit the government.

"Turkey signed the agreement with Japan for using nuclear in peaceful goals in January." Yildiz said.

"There is no direction from Turkey's president on uranium enrichment as claimed" he added. "Turkey doesn't even have a nuclear research reactor."

"Fuel rods will be sent to Russia due to the agreement. Used fuel may be reused in nuclear energy as fuel." he said. "This article is a part of Die Welt's efforts to internationally discredit Turkey."

Meanwhile Minister Yildiz said that Turkey always has a stance against smuggling; "Turkey gets oil by road and Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline. 13.7 million barrels oil, with a value of $1.3 billion, were transferred to international markets by 19 shiploads from Ceyhan." Yildiz added. 
http://www.aa.com.tr/en/news/394538--turkey-denies-nuclear-weapons-production
24/9/14
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