Today’s Zaman: Turkish approval of South Stream gives huge boost to Russia

Just a couple of days before the end of 2011, Turkey has given its approval for the South Stream pipeline project, which will transport Russian natural gas to Europe by passing through Turkish territorial waters.

The deal is a major blow to Kiev because it will bypass Ukraine, linking the pipelines of the Gazprom-led link on Bulgarian territory after passing through Turkey's territorial waters. Bulgaria and Russia have already sorted out ownership issues with regard to the pipeline in Bulgarian territory. The Ukrainian embassy in Ankara declined to comment on the agreement, saying the embassy will issue a statement later 

The formal agreement between Turkey and Russia was signed on Wednesday in Moscow between the heads of the state-owned Turkish Pipeline Corporation (BOTAŞ) and Russian energy giant Gazprom. Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Deputy Prime Minister Igor Seçin were also present during the ceremony.  HERE