Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-04-27

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Republic of Cyprus Press and Information Office Server at <http://www.pio.gov.cy/>

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkey launches oil and gas drilling in occupied Cyprus; Messages by Yildiz and other Turkish Cypriot officials

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the start of drilling for oil in the area of occupied Sygrasi village

[03] How the Turkish press covers the start of drilling for oil in the area of occupied Sygrasi village

[04] The self-styled tourism minister discussed in FYROM the issue of conducting flights from Skopje to occupied areas as from May 15

[05] Bagis met with NATO Parliamentary Assembly members; Statements by Bagis on the Cyprus problem

[06] The regime is accused of imposing a new isolation on the Turkish Cypriots

[07] "North Cyprus" JAYCEES struggle for the recognition of the breakaway regime

[08] 10 years imprisonment to the person who assaulted against Afrika paper

[09] Davutoglu backs Turkey's Government policy on Syria; He responded to opposition parties' criticism

[10] Turkey and Tunisia signed security cooperation agreement

[11] A British official praised Turkey for its fasten growing economy

[12] Survey reveals in Turkey that 82.5% of Turks don't drink and 68.4% don't exercise

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Turkey launches oil and gas drilling in occupied Cyprus; Messages by Yildiz and other Turkish Cypriot officials

Drilling at the Turk-Yurdu-1 well near the village of S1
n1
rustu [occupied Syngrasi village] was launched this morning (yesterday morning) with a ceremony attended by the Turkish Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Taner Y1
ld1
z.

The Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) began drilling at a field near 0
skele's [occupied Trikomo village] S1
n1
rustu village today following a ceremony attended by Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Y1
ld1
z as well as the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu, "prime minister" 0
rsen Kucuk and the "minister of economy and energy" Sunat Atun.

Following the ceremony, a joint press conference was held at the Kaya Artemis Hotel between "prime minister" Irsen Kucuk and the Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Y1
ld1
z.

The Turkish Petroleum Corporation has said it plans to drill as deep as 3,000 meters at the well, which has been named Turkyurdu-1.

Speaking earlier, the "minister of economy and energy" Sunat Atun said that initial findings from drilling would be available in the next 3-6 months.

Under an agreement signed by the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu in September last year, TPAO will be able to conduct three-dimensional seismic research and onshore and offshore drilling around the "TRNC" more actively.

The agreement follows a Republic of Cyprus' move to start offshore drilling for natural gas and oil in the southeast of the Eastern Mediterranean Island.

The "cabinet" had given an exploration license to TPAO to investigate oil and natural gas opportunities around the "TRNC" in September last year.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the drilling activities, the General Director of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and the President of the Board of Directors Mehmet Uysal took to the stand first and gave information regarding the drilling process in the country.

The "minister for economy and energy" Sunat Atun was next and he pointed to the importance of such an adventure taking place in the "TRNC", adding that it will have many positive benefits for the "country".

According to illegal Bayrak television, Turkish Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Taner Y1
ld1
z gave important messages during his speech at the ceremony and expressed the belief that exploration efforts in the "TRNC" will bring peace to the island. He also noted that economic activity in the area will increase due to the exploration efforts that began in the "TRNC".

"Prime minister" Irsen Kucuk for his part said that the Turkish Cypriot "people" were very proud today (yesterday) due to the drilling activity beginning in the "TRNC". Referring to the struggle for existence waged by the Turkish Cypriot "people", the "premier" said it is thanks to the contributions of "motherland" Turkey that those days are finally over.

The Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu took to the stand and said: "the petrol and natural gas exploration at Sinirustu once again showed that the Turkish Cypriot 'people' will never give up on their land or their existence".

He reiterated that the Turkish Cypriot "people" will always protect their rights no matter what.

[02] How the Turkish Cypriot press covers the start of drilling for oil in the area of occupied Sygrasi village

Under the title "Historic step", Gunes newspaper reports that the drilling works at "Turkyurdu1" site [Translator's note: 'Turk yurdu' means Turkish country in the Turkish language] started yesterday and notes that "it is the first time that Turkey jointly searches for oil and gas in the TRNC territories". The paper writes that in statements during the ceremony Turkish Cypriot leader Eroglu argued that they were experiencing another historic day and pointed out that when water, electricity, oil and natural gas came together, the economy of the regime would secure big benefits. The self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk thanked those who contributed in experiencing "this happiness" and added that they are looking to the future with much more hope and confidence.

The Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Taner Yildiz pointed out that the possibility of finding oil in the occupied area of Cyprus exists and added: "If we did not believe this, we would not start?In the oil explorations saying that 'it might be found and it might not be found' is more realistic. This is a long running job which wants patience?" The self-styled minister of economy and energy Sunat Atun argued that the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus will become an "energy base" with the finding of oil after transferring water and electricity from Turkey. He alleged that the most reasonable and economic route for the transfer of the Republic of Cyprus's natural gas is the occupied area of the island and Turkey. Therefore the Greek Cypriots will have to cooperate with the "TRNC" and Turkey in the future. The chairman and general director of TPAO's administrative council, Mehmet Uysal said that in case they have positive results at Turkyurdu site and in their other seismic explorations (in the occupied area of Cyprus), they will totally spend 400 million US dollars.

Under the title "Drilling started", Volkan newspaper reports that Eroglu said, inter alia, the following: "These lands are a Turkish country for years and they will continue to remain as such. We are experiencing another historic day with the opening of drilling well Turkyurdu1?" The paper writes that Atun said that the resources which will be found will significantly contribute to the increase of their prosperity, the opening of new business fields, the upgrade of "TRNC's" political and economic status and the increase of their national income.

Haberdar newspaper refers to the issue under the title "Drilling of hope" and reports that addressing the ceremony, Eroglu, Kucuk, Yildiz and Atun stressed that the drilling is important both from economic and political point of view. The paper refers also to the statement made by Yildiz at the press conference after the ceremony that if they did not believe that they would find oil they would not start the drilling. The paper writes that it was announced that this is the first leg of TPAO's drilling package regarding the occupied area of Cyprus. The cost of the drilling at Turkyurdu1 is said to be one million US dollars and the entire package, including the other wells onshore and in the sea, is expected to reach 400 million dollars.

Under the title "The target is energy base", Halkin Sesi newspaper reports that the drilling is expected to reach a depth of three thousand meters and the results will be known after 3-6 months. The paper writes that Taner Yildiz stated that the Greek Cypriots have unofficially proposed cooperation to Turkey on the issue of oil explorations, but Turkey rejected this initiative by saying that "our interlocutor is the TRNC".

Havadis newspaper refers to the issue under the title "Drilling to hope" and reports that TPAO started drilling according to a so-called agreement signed by Turkey and the breakaway regime. The paper writes that Eroglu recalled that water will be carried from Turkey to the occupied area of Cyprus in March 2014 and argued that when energy is added to this, new horizons are opened in front of the Turkish nation and the Turkish Cypriot "people". According to the paper, Taner Yildiz said that while energy is a reason for war in the world, in Cyprus it will be reason for peace.

Under the title "Season of praying for oil in the TRNC", Afrika newspaper reports that the area of the drilling was decorated with Turkey's and the breakaway regime's flags.

Kibris newspaper refers to the issue under the title "Go ahead, good luck".

(I/Ts.)

[03] How the Turkish press covers the start of drilling for oil in the area of occupied Sygrasi village

Under the title "TPAO, started oil drilling at the land that oil was found by Shell in 1973", Hurriyet covers the issue and writes that the oil drilling started yesterday in a ceremony that participated by the Turkish Minister of Energy Taner Yildiz.

Milliyet covers the issue under the title "If oil is found in Cyprus it will be shared 50-50 with Turkey", and adds that the works for oil drilling will continue for 3 to 6 months.

Radikal refers on the issue under the title "The first oil drilling was conducted in the land of the TRNC" and writes that Yildiz stated that oil, which is a cause of war in the world, will be a cause of peace in the area.

Under the title, "400 million dollars oil drilling", Zaman reports on the cost of the oil drilling.

Finally, Aksam under the title "The first land oil drilling started", reports on the statements made by various "Turkish Cypriot officials" on the issue.

[04] The self-styled tourism minister discussed in FYROM the issue of conducting flights from Skopje to occupied areas as from May 15

Ustel, who is escorted in his trip by the leading actor in Valley of the Wolves series Necati Sasmaz, who was appointed recently "culture and tourism attach?" of the occupation regime, met yesterday with the Minister of Transportation of FYROM, Mile Yanakieski. Sasmaz was also presented at the meeting.

The paper writes that during the meeting Ustel and Yanakieski disgusted the issue of conducting charter flights from Skopje to the occupied area of Cyprus as from May 15. The Minister of Transportation of FYROM commented on how successful is the choice of such a popular actor as Sasmaz to promote the tourism of the breakaway regime.

The paper writes that Sasmaz's visit to FYROM was covered widely by the press and that he participated in television shows and gave interviews. In addition, he gave a press conference directing the following question to the press: "This summer I will be in north Cyprus. What about you?"

Finally, the paper writes that the self-styled tourism minister met yesterday with leaders of FYROM political parties. In the meetings he had with the FYROM ministers of tourism and economy, they discussed issues regarding what can be done for the tourism on FYROM and the breakaway regime.

[05] Bagis met with NATO Parliamentary Assembly members; Statements by Bagis on the Cyprus problem

Speaking to reporters while meeting the delegation, Bagis said that he was pleased to host the NATO Parliamentary Assembly members in Turkey.

"The obstacles Turkey faces while trying to co-exist with Europeans cannot be explained especially when one considers Turkey's cooperation with European countries in NATO in all corners of the world", Bagis stressed.

"You should try to help us become a member of the EU and we, in return, will help you improve your economy", Bagis told the NATO Parliamentary Assembly members.

Referring to the Cyprus problem, Bagis reiterated that the Cyprus problem is not a precondition for Turkey's EU full membership.

Bagis stated further that it is the Turkish Cypriot side the side which exerts intensive efforts for the solution of the Cyprus problem, in spite of the fact that the Greek Cypriot side is not willing for the solution, as he said.

He said also the following: "When a commercial plane or a vessel comes to the TRNC, Turkey will open its ports for the Greek Cypriot side".

Recalling that it is due to the blockage of the "Greek Cypriot administration", as he called the Republic of Cyprus, that the EU members states were decided not to open any chapter for Turkey before the opening the 23rd and 24th chapters, Bagis alleged that this is on its own a doubled standard.

(AK)

[06] The regime is accused of imposing a new isolation on the Turkish Cypriots

He noted: "This is an initiative to deprive the Turkish Cypriot community of their partnership rights in the Republic of Cyprus of 1960 by restricting their freedom of travelling, and it is extremely wrong".

The breakaway regime had decided that the "civil servants" and the persons, who travel abroad for participating in sports or cultural activities, will not be financed by the "state", in case they use any passport other than those of Turkey and the "TRNC".

Damdelen noted that the Turkish Cypriots, who are politically equal partners of the Republic of Cyprus, have every natural right to benefit from all the rights provided by the Republic of Cyprus and their EU citizenship. He, inter alia, said: "The continuation of the inter-communal talks today, by two community leaders of equal status and the fact that we will be politically equal in a federal solution that will be found is based on the 1960 rights?Actually what is not said in the government's decision, is the position that the Republic of Cyprus does not exist and it seems that wrong policies, such as not allowing the use of the rights related to this position, which are contrary to the realities, are reflected [in the decision]?The policy of both Turkey and the TRNC officials to ignore the Republic of Cyprus is wrong and inconsistency in the international policy?"

(I/Ts.)

[07] "North Cyprus" JAYCEES struggle for the recognition of the breakaway regime

The Cyprus problem and various economic issues of the breakaway regime were discussed during the meeting.

Ozdal Karem, former chairman of the JAYCEES and now member of the organization's senate, stated that it is wrong all problems of the occupation regime to be related to the Cyprus problem. He went on and stated that since 1994, that "north Cyprus" JAYCEES was established; the organization has been active in the breakaway regime and has been struggled for the recognition of the "TRNC" as he called the occupied area of the Republic of Cyprus.

He went on and added that they will participate in the 2012 European Council, which will be held in June and also in the World JAYCEES conference to be held in November 2012.

[08] 10 years imprisonment to the person who assaulted against Afrika paper

According to the paper, the chief judge who read out the verdict yesterday, stated that Mustafa Yalcin was declared guilty in 7 out of 9 chargers, adding that the "court" has decided to be sentenced with 10 years imprisonment.

Yalcin was found guilty in the following cases: for the attempt to murder Ali Osman, for illegal possession and use of a gun, possession of explosives and opening fire in an inhabited area.

(AK)

[09] Davutoglu backs Turkey's Government policy on Syria; He responded to opposition parties' criticism

"A new Middle East is about to be born. We will be the owner, pioneer and the servant of this new Middle East," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu criticized the opposition parties that have rejected Ankara's stance on Syria, saying it was not possible to understand those who embraced "autocratic regimes" instead of the people of the Middle East.

"Dealing with Syria is not a matter of choice, but an obligation," Davutoglu said, adding that Turkey would be involved in every step of the process to help the Arab Republic attain peace.

Davutoglu said the government had advised the Syrian administration to make reforms even before the "Arab awakening" had started. "But when they saw how Damascus turned the country into an 'open prison' for its people, Turkey sided with the latter", he added.

Replying to criticism that the Government had interfered in Syria too much at the expense of neglecting domestic issues, Davutoglu said critics had misinterpreted the Zeitgeist and wrongly perceived what was happening in Syria. "The era of policies [such as] 'wait and see' and following behind big powers has ended," the Minister said, adding that Turkey would not become involved in any policy that did not originate from Ankara.

Davutoglu rebuked the opposition for failing to understand the Government's foreign policy, stating the following: "Turkey is no longer a country which does not have self-confidence and is waiting for foreign approval [in its policies]. Turkey now has 'puissance'. "Even your dreams can't and won't reach the place where our power has come to."

[10] Turkey and Tunisia signed security cooperation agreement

During the signature ceremony, Turkey's Interior Minister Idris Naim Sahin said Turkey appreciated the noble struggle of the Tunisian people to gain democracy. "Turkey is determined to boost its relations with Tunisia, and we will be pleased to share our political, economic and administrative experiences with our Tunisian brothers," Sahin said.

Sahin said Tunisia was a country that could elect its president and Parliament speaker, and set up its Government with free will among other countries that had experienced "Arab Spring".

"Turkey would continue to support and contribute to Tunisia", Sahin said.

Sahin said it was not possible for countries to counter terrorism and organized crime on their own, and underlined importance of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in combating such threats, adding that Turkish Gendarme General Command and General Directorate of Security were ready to help Tunisia's security forces.

Sahin said Turkey considered Tunisia a door opening to Africa, and was therefore willing to cooperate with Tunisia in its policy to open to Africa. "This agreement is an indicator of not only our good will but also our common determination to fight crimes and criminals," Sahin also said.

Speaking in the ceremony, Tunisia's Interior Minister Ali Laareydh said that more agreement were ahead of Turkey and Tunisia, and Tunisia's aim was to boost cooperation with Turkey in its own restructuring efforts.

Laareydh said Tunisia needed cooperation with friend and brother countries, particularly Turkey, to fulfil the goals of the revolution, adding that his country wanted to make use of Turkey's experiences.

The agreement envisages cooperation in countering crimes such as terrorism, organized crime, illegal migration, human trafficking, and illicit drug trafficking.

[11] A British official praised Turkey for its fasten growing economy

Speaking to the Anadolu Agency (AA) on the sidelines of his visit to Turkey, Lord Green said that Turkey offered British companies great opportunities. "When I look at Turkey, I see Europe's fastest growing economy. We have brought a British delegation consisting of representatives of medium scale businesses to Turkey. I believe that there are excellent opportunities for British companies in Turkey," Lord Green indicated.

[12] Survey reveals in Turkey that 82.5% of Turks don't drink and 68.4% don't exercise

The survey, titled "Study on the Status of the Family Structure in Turkey," was conducted by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and had 10,362 male and 13,017 female respondents from 12,056 families across Turkey.

The survey reveals that the rate of respondents, who were all over the age of 18, who say they have never drank alcohol is 82.5% , while 93.8% of them say they have never gone to a bar or nightclub. The percentage of participants who say they sometimes go to bars or nightclubs is 5.2, while the rate of people who say they often go is 1%.

According to the survey, 68.4% of the participants say they do not exercise at all, while 44% of the respondents say they never read. In terms of going to the theatre or cinema, 74.7% say they have never been, 22% say they sometimes go while 3.3% say they often go.

The percentage of participants who say they never watch TV is 8.1. Of the 91.9 % who say they watch TV, 18.6% say they watch between 0-1 hours of TV a day, 55.9 % say they watch between 1-3 hours a day, 22.1% watch between 4-6 hours of TV a day while 3.4% watch more than seven hours a day.

Responding to a question about what type of TV content most bothers them, 46.9% say they are disturbed by sexually explicit content, 15.5% of them cite violence, 14.1% say rude and abusive language, 9.9% say biased news and viewpoints while 9.6% of them say they don't like advertisements.

The survey further reveals that 78.7% of the participating families define themselves as middle-income families, 4.4% of them define themselves as high-income families while the remaining 16.9% define themselves as low-income families.

There is Internet at 34.2% of the participating families' homes, and 13.8% say they use it at home every day. The rate of this Internet usage among the male respondents is 17.9%, while it is 9.6% among the females.

The survey further states that 5% of the respondents' first marriages ended in divorce, and of this, 11.5% of the second marriages, 28.5% of the third marriages, 55.7% of the fourth marriages and 27.8% of the fifth marriages. The most common reason for divorce, at 27.3%, was indifference and a spouse's irresponsible acts.

Responding to a question on what they look for in a spouse, 90.9% of the female respondents say they would like him to have a good job. TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION http://www.moi.gov.cy/pio

/EI

Cyprus Press and Information Office: Turkish Cypriot Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article