Turkey’s Ambassador to Georgia Claims No One Is Planning to Steal the Rioni River Water for Turkey

The Turkish Ambassador to Georgia, Fatma Ceren Yazgan, has responded to the developments surrounding the Namakhvani Hydro Power Plant. The Turkish diplomat noted that she appreciates all decisions and statements that contribute to the transparency of the process.

"This project is being implemented for Georgia and the Georgians; it is not being built against the Georgians. I welcome that the government is working towards restoring trust and is engaging in dialogue with those who oppose the construction of hydro power plants, particularly this project. There should be a dialogue among the government, the Turkish-Norwegian company Enka, and the opponents of the project. I think it is a bit late, but the process has started, which is good. I am also pleased that the misinformation and propaganda directed against my country, Turkey, is gradually diminishing.

Communication should not only occur between the authorities and the company, but there should also be civil society organizations that have questions about this project today. During the years when the project was being developed, they did not show much activity. Keeping all this in mind, yes, there have been some interruptions in communication, and I am not here to specifically point fingers at anyone, be it an individual or the authorities. I understand that there were other concerns in the country after the elections, but I think, unfortunately, some of the information was lost in translation," she stated, justifying Turkey's actions that may harm Georgia's nature.

According to her, the events surrounding the Namakhvani hydro power plant have raised questions among Turkish investors about whether it is worth investing in Georgia. "Investors are already asking me questions, and I assure them that the misinformation and propaganda mainly do not come from Georgia, and that a favorable environment is being created for Turkish businessmen. To be honest, I want to remind everyone that even during the 2008 war, Turkish businessmen did not leave Georgia and continued to come with new projects. They are constantly coming, but it requires continuous effort. I still see Facebook pages spreading crazy ideas and making speculations. For this reason, I want to state that no one is planning to steal the water of the Rioni River for Turkey; this natural resource of Georgia belongs to Georgia. Turkish companies are investing in the Balkans and Central Asian countries, and they will maintain their interest," the Turkish diplomat added.

It is noteworthy that on April 10, PolitNavigator published an article revealing the illegal actions of Georgian authorities and Turkish business circles during the construction of the hydro power plant in the territory of Georgia.