EPEG Project To Turn Iran Into Communications Hub : Min.

Tehran, May 26, IRNA - Minister of communications and information technology said here Sunday that the Europe-Persia Express Gateway (EPEG) project will turn Iran into a communications hub in the region. Mohammad Hassan Nami made the remarks during the inauguration ceremony of the EPEG project which was attended by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The project will guarantee communications security around the country, the minister said, adding that by launching the project, Iran will play a key role in the international communications. Elaborating on Iranˈs strategic situation, he said the Islamic Republic is a major global gateway. He added that Iran is the third world country enjoying access to the world free waters. The minister referred to the Strait of Hormuz as a sensitive spot through which 65 percent of world trade exchanges are carried out. There is no substitute for the strait, he noted. As to the 8,000-km EPEG project, Nami said it will start from Frankfurt in Germany, pass several European states and reach Barka in Oman after crossing Bandar-e Jask in south of Iran./end