The Turkish government has said it will limit the number of oil tankers allowed through the Bosphorus.

The Turkish Foreign Minister, Ismail Cem, did not say when the measure would be implemented; but he said it was in response to concerns over possible environmental damage.

His announcement comes a few days ahead of a meeting at which a consortium of oil companies the Azerbaijan International Operating Company is expected choose its preferred route for the transport of oil from Central Asia to the West.

Turkey supports a route being proposed by the United States, which would take oil by pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, on the Mediterranean.

An alternative shorter pipeline would supply tankers which would have to pass through the Bosphorus.