Archived press release

Swedish firm pulls out of turkish dam project

26 September 2000

One of the main companies behind the controversial Ilisu Dam in Turkey has pulled out of the project to protect its environmental reputation it emerged today. The decision by Skanska, a Swedish construction firm which had a 24 per cent stake in the project, was welcomed by Friends of the Earth which is calling on the Government to abandon plans to underwrite the dam with taxpayers money.

Tony Juniper, Policy and Campaigns Director at Friends of the Earth said:

“We welcome Skanska's decision to protect its reputation by putting its environmental and social policies ahead of the short-term gains of being involved with this highly damaging dam. Sadly Balfour Beatty continues to enhance its reputation as a company that appears to be prepared to be involved with almost any project, no matter how controversial or damaging.

“Skanska's move deals a body blow to this scheme. The UK Government should realise that the Ilisu Dam is rapidly becoming the foreign policy equivalent of the Millennium Dome. It is highly controversial, unlikely to serve any useful purpose and will do more harm than good. Balfour Beatty and the UK Government should withdraw immediately.

1. British firm Balfour Beatty has a 31 per cent stake in the project.

For further information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.

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Archived press release

Swedish firm pulls out of turkish dam project

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