Ex-PM accuses US of pressurising Turkey

Former Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz has stated that the USA put pressure on his country after it concluded contracts on natural gas transportation with Russia, i.e. the ratification of the Turkish-Russian agreement to construct the Blue Stream gas pipeline between the countries, Turkish newspaper Zaman reports.

The former PM quoted several instances of the US and some other countries' Ambassadors in Ankara openly expressing their discontent at Russian-Turkish relations in the energy sphere. He also suggested that strategic partnership with Russia is in the best interests of Turkey. Russia has proved that it is a reliable partner, states the former Turkish PM.