Minister: The Oil Pipeline between Iraq and Turkey Will Start Operation Soon

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar indicated yesterday that "the inspection of the oil pipeline between Iraq and Turkey is complete, and the pipeline will be ready 'technically' for operation soon." Bayraktar stated, "As of today, an independent surveying company has completed its work and is now preparing the report." He did not mention a specific date for the resumption of oil flows. Turkey then began maintenance work on the pipeline, which runs through an area prone to earthquakes, and which it claims was damaged due to floods.