Ezgi Çapa - Güven Usta / Istanbul, Aug 20 () - The Environment Impact Assessment meeting for the controversial project for constructing a third airport in Istanbul’s green Arnavutköy district has been interrupted by environmentalist NGOs North Forests Defence and Istanbul City Defence, on August 20.

The airport project is controversial for many, due to its potential environmental effects as the construction targets a forested area at north of the city.

After the announcement of the meeting, protesters marched towards the culture center to host the meeting, with support of villagers of the region in question, activists and MPs of main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).

While the riot police took security measures, the press statement urged that the meeting should has been held earlier, since its main task is to inform the public within the procedure.

“The meeting is held 2,5 years after the tender bid, one year after the ground breaking and 3,5 months after the site delivery. What are you trying to hide? What is the objective of this pirate meeting? You have caused enough destruction on the forests. The villagers experience this destruction in person. How will you explain the public that the project has no impact against the environment, while trees are being uprooted there?”

During the press statement, the residents of Arnavutköy also shared their concerns and defined the meeting as deceiving people of having taken assent of the public, to receive money from international creditors.