Energy Minister Bayraktar: We seek an exemption for Turkey from the U.S. sanctions.

Before the Cabinet Meeting at the Presidential Complex, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar made a statement to journalists regarding the sanctions decision taken by the White House against Gazprombank, saying, "Sanctions will affect Turkey. We cannot pay, and if we cannot pay, we cannot receive the goods. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in discussions."

"INDUSTRY NEEDS GAS"

Bayraktar expressed that Turkey needs gas in terms of supply security as it enters winter, stating, "The industry needs gas. Therefore, in terms of supply security, we need this (Russian gas). In the past, there were sanctions against Iran. There was an exemption for natural gas there. We are asking for a similar thing from America here."

"IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS TAKES ONE NIGHT, REMOVAL TAKES LONGER"

Regarding the decision taken by the Biden administration about 1.5 months before the transfer of authority to the elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, Bayraktar said, "The bad part is that the imposition of these sanctions can happen overnight, but their removal may take a bit longer."

"THE ISSUE BETWEEN BIDEN AND TRUMP DOES NOT CONCERN ME AT ALL"

Minister Bayraktar emphasized the importance of energy supply security for Turkey, stating, "If such an exemption is not granted to Turkey, it will directly affect Turkey. Here, Russia is not the target; it means Turkey is the direct target." He commented on the allegations that the Biden administration wanted to leave a bad picture for Trump before stepping down, saying, "What they do among themselves does not concern me at all. I need to bring gas to my country."