Istanbul is so special city for me

MONACO PRINCE ALBERT TALKED TO TURKISH MARITIME

Alberto Grimaldi who is the Prince of Monaco and President of Mediterranean Science Commission, said ? ?stanbul is very special city with its magical effect for me.? One of the most important member of polite society, Prince of Monaco Albert Grimaldi, made a statement to our magazine, when he was in Istanbul for the 38th congress of CIESM in ?stanbul.

Monaco Princedom, which is under control of France at Advocacy and Foreign affairs, is the smallest country of Europe and is being conducted by Grimaldi Family. Prince Albert the Second who is the latest man of Monaco Princedom, has born in Monaco. Prince Albert who took education of economy and politic at America Massachutes University in 1977, after his father"s -Prince Rainer the Third- death sat on the throne of Monaco Princedom. Prince Albert who has been to be ?stanbul for the Assembly of Mediterranean Science Commission, gave explanations to the Chairman of the Board of ?stanbul News Agency and Turkish Maritime Magazine Editor Chief, Recep Canpolat at Turkish Straits Vessel Traffic Service Center.

Recep Canpolat: Your Excellency Prince Albert, could you please give us some information about Mediterranean Science Commission?

Prince Albert: Mediterranean Science Commission (CIESM) has been for more than 100 years and its conferences has being done since 1919 at Mediterranean Country permanently. The aim of the Commission is to discuss the life conditions at Black Sea and Mediterranean Catchments and to provide the presentation"s of studies of sea scientists that came from all over the world.

Recep Canpolat: Your Excellency Prince Albert, do you think the meeting done has reached to its aim?

Prince Albert: As I said our aim is to report the new studies of scientists to member countries and public opinion. We as Commission don"t make sanction to countries. It can be just advice. There has been 800 sea scientists who came from all around the world, made 120 offers. We sent studies to the countries, which care about it, by this way protect the environmental equilibrium in the sea. All this means, in my opinion conference is successful.

Recep Canpolat: What do you think about global warming?

Prince Albert: Global warming is very hazardous fact for the world. About this subject there must be some things done urgently. The change of fish migration ways and ecosystems reached the stage of threatening sea life and Mediterranean Catchments. One of the most important contaminants is territorial contaminants. About this subject, CIESM works very hard.

Recep Canpolat: What is your impression about Turkey and ?stanbul?

Prince Albert: First I should say that: ?In the term I have been to Turkey, I have been so pleased of Turkish Public"s hospitality and want to thank very much. Turkey is very important country for us and ?stanbul is special city for me. ?stanbul is the city that links not only continents but also cultures and civilizations. Apart from this my father, Prince Rainer the Third was chosen to the Presidency of CIESM in 1956. In that meaning Istanbul is special for me.

Recep Canpolat: Your Excellency according to the fact that CIESM is delicate about environment, what do you think of the tanker traffic that is loaded approximately 150 millions tone dangerous material pass by the Straits.

Prince Albert: According to the information I get from Shipping Undersecretaryship and Directorate General of Coastal Safety, every year the dangerous material passes by the Straits is nearly 145 millions tones and the number of tanker is about 10 thousand. This is really high count but Turkish Mariners are so professionals and good at their jobs. Especially I have been so affected at the investigations we do at Turkish Straits Ship Traffic Services. Actually the ones work there are high qualified and use the highest technologies. ?stanbul where 12 millions people live in, is being protected by these professional authorities. I congratulate ?stanbul and this authorities faithfully yet I couldn"t figure out that why the ships and tankers pass by straits are free to rent a maritime pilot and tugs or not. I think, at ?stanbul where has 12 million people around itself, the ships and tankers have to rent maritime pilot.

Recep Canpolat: Are you going to make an intensive study of this hazardous cargo traffic, as CIESM? Besides are you going to report these studies to Europe Union Commission?

Prince Albert: As CIESM, of course we are going to work on this accurate topic and will send the reports prepared to member countries. But we cannot intermeddle to any country, only we will examine this subject to advice. Apart from this we have been thinking of submitting these studies to Europe Union Environmental Commission as advice.

Recep Canpolat: Your Excellency, thank you for giving us this opportunity to make this interview.

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