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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Mullahs’ Airport Still an Ideal Place for a Quiet, Mid-Day Stroll |
| 2004-06-05 |
| From Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty The Iranian government has reportedly decided not to restore the running of Tehran’s new Imam Khomeini Airport to a Turkish-led consortium, IRNA reported on 2 June, citing the Turkish-based "Vatan." The consortium, Tepe-Akfen-Vie (TAV), built the airport and had an agreement to run the operations. On 8 May, the airport’s first day of operation, Iranian troops blocked the runway, citing the presence of foreign TAV staff as a security risk. Iran reportedly informed Turkey "early this week" that it will pay TAV some $15 million, which TAV spent on staff training and equipment for the airport’s first terminal, IRNA reported. But the government may not compensate the consortium for the loss of future profits because Iran and TAV have no contract, only a less formal agreement on the airport’s construction, expansion, and operation, IRNA added, citing "Vatan." Turkey has warned the closure may damage business ties with Iran and discourage Turkish investment in Iran. |
| Posted by:Mike Sylwester |