‘Turkey does not need any support to complete Ilısu project,’ says minister

Eroğlu, who previously said the government is very determined to complete the project, once again stated that the Ilısu Dam project will be completed under any circumstances. “Some circles are claiming that Hasankeyf will be [completely] submerged,” he said. “However, [only] the lower part of the town, which has no historical value, will be submerged, not the upper part, which has the most significant historical and cultural value. All the cultural heritage of the town will be preserved. Hasankeyf will become a spectacular point of attraction with this project.” Noting that the project will contribute to raising the living standards of the locals by providing job opportunities for them, he claimed that the project is an opportunity for Hasankeyf as its historical value will be highlighted.

He said the decision of Swiss, Austrian and German bankers to quit the project is not a technical decision but a political one. He said Turkey has the ability to complete the project on its own without any loans. “The DSİ has constructed many such dams in the past. This project will also be completed successfully,” he added.