Cyprus PIO: Turkish Cypriot and Turkish Media Review, 12-09-17

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

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu says that they will undertake some initiatives in New York taking advantage of UN's General Assembly

[02] Eroglu said they are in accord with Turkey regarding their meeting with Downer?ready to persuade Plan B if there is no agreement

[03] Ertug on Downer's contacts in occupied Cyprus

[04] More on the UBP crisis- Afrika writes that AKP and Erdogan support Kucuk

[05] Huseyin Cobanoglu declined the position of BAYRAK's director while the former chief of the illegal media group became Eroglu's consultant

[06] "Head of religious affairs" Atalay met with a delegation of the Swedish Social Democratic Party

[07] "Movement of a Bright Future" held contacts in Brussels

[08] Representatives of the "real sector" in occupied Cyprus ask from the so-called government to take steps on the issue of the equivalent property title deeds

[09] The so-called ministry of tourism, environment and culture became a member of ANTOR; data showing increase on the occupation regime's tourism from third countries

[10] Bulutoglulari made a call to the Greek Cypriot side if it's ready to open the then "occupied Famagusta crossing point"

[11] Turkey to start oil explorations in Alexandretta-Mersin region

[12] Domestic natural gas reserve found on Turkey's Black Sea Coast

[13] Istanbul to host "Iraq Future Energy 2012 Meeting"

[14] Clashes in Turkey continue; eight more people were killed

[A] TURKISH CYPRIOT / TURKISH PRESS

[01] Eroglu says that they will undertake some initiatives in New York taking advantage of UN's General Assembly

"Taking advantage of the work of the General Assembly, a Coordination Meeting with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Countries is held there. Making use of this opportunity is of great importance. Undertaking some new initiatives in New York is also on our agenda", he argued.

Referring to the presidential elections in the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu argued that some statements made by the candidates cause some questions and concerns. Statements made by presidential candidate and chairman of the Democratic Rally Party (DISY), Nikos Anastasiades that he would withdraw the concessions given by President Christofias in the Cyprus talks, that he would not submit any proposal that is not supported by 75% of the voters and that he would continue the negotiations at the negotiators level are included in these statements, he claimed.

Eroglu went on and said: "With the delegation of Motherland Turkey's Foreign Ministry we have discussed all these issues and the strategies that will be followed in front of the various possibilities, and we determined a road map. It would not be correct, of course, for me to say what is included in this, but I can say that we are in full agreement on this issue with the officials of the Republic of Turkey.

The existence of the TRNC, its protection and survival is the essential duty of all of us. We do not think that this duty is in conflict with the search of a solution, which oversees the equal rights and interests of our people on the island, its equal status and its rights and interests that derive from motherland Turkey's guarantee rights?"

(I/Ts.)

[02] Eroglu said they are in accord with Turkey regarding their meeting with Downer?ready to persuade Plan B if there is no agreement

Eroglu made these statements speaking at a program of the Guven Radio on Friday.

He went on and added that in case a solution is not reached on the Cyprus problem then alternative plans will come into the agenda. He said that in case it will appear that there will be no possibility for an agreement, then it should not be expected that the Secretary General report for the Security Council will be adopted and he said that the Plan B will be applied. He alleged that the Greek Cypriot side has a big advantage and this is the support of Russia, China and France which supports the Greek Cypriots and will veto any resolution that will be against them.

Referring to the settlers, Eroglu said that they are "citizens" of the breakaway regime; therefore they will be citizens of a future co-partner state, he claimed. He also alleged that the UN Secretary General accepted this position of the Turkish Cypriot side.

Asked about the forthcoming presidential election of the Republic of Cyprus, Eroglu alleged that the change of the president will not be consisted of a major change as regards the Cyprus problem.

[03] Ertug on Downer's contacts in occupied Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriot leader's "special representative" Osman Ertug said that the Eroglu will meet with the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor for Cyprus Alexander Downer on the 20th of September.

Ertug also stated that Downer will hold separate meetings with the two leaders and their special representatives. He also underlined that Downer does not have a program aiming to bring the two leaders together.

Meanwhile he announced that Eroglu will be flying to New York for the UN's General Assembly workings, after the Australian Diplomat visit to the "TRNC".

[04] More on the UBP crisis- Afrika writes that AKP and Erdogan support Kucuk

Under the title "Kucuk: 3 ? Kasif: 1", Turkish Cypriot daily Haberdar (17.09.12) writes that during the occupied Famagusta district party elections of UBP which were held on Sunday, Afet Ozcafer, who is a supporter of "MP" Ahmet Kasif, was elected as UBP Famagusta district leader. Kasif is the main revival of the self-styled prime minister Irsen Kucuk in the forthcoming UBP leadership congress. Haberdar notes that while in the district elections held in occupied Morfou, Keryneia and Trikomo, Kucuk's supporters managed to be elected, this time Kasif supporter won the battle. Ozcafer is the first woman district leader of UBP.

Reporting on the issue, Afrika (17.09.12) reports that Ozcafer, who had a clear win against her revival Ahmet Eti, took the place of the self-styled minister of economy Sunan Atun who issued his resignation to Kucuk in order to run for the position, however, Kucuk did not accept his resignation. Afrika further reports that after Ozcafer's win, either Kucuk or Ankara that supports him, must find another manoeuvre to win UBP's leadership since after this development Eroglu's influence in the congress has been significantly increased. Afrika, which describe the forthcoming UBP leadership congress, which will be held on October 21 as a battle between Eroglu and Erdogan, writes that election staff appointed by Erdogan is in occupied Cyprus and designs Kucuk's strategy for the elections.

In addition, Star Kibris (17.09.12) cites information that Kucuk may establish his own party in case he will not be elected again in the UBP leadership.

[05] Huseyin Cobanoglu declined the position of BAYRAK's director while the former chief of the illegal media group became Eroglu's consultant

In addition, the paper notes that Kanli was immediately appointed for one year as consultant in media issues of the Turkish Cypriot leader, Dervis Eroglu. He has started his duties as of September 14.

[06] "Head of religious affairs" Atalay met with a delegation of the Swedish Social Democratic Party

Speaking during the meeting, the head of the delegation, Peter Weiderud stated that they try to establish a dialogue between religious leaders of both sides of Cyprus and said that he held a meeting with Archbishop Chrysostomos B' in the past.

On his part Atalay stated that the Swedish groups works for peace and added that religious men's duty is to facilitate the work of the politicians.

[07] "Movement of a Bright Future" held contacts in Brussels

According to the paper, AYH held meetings with members of the European Parliament and the European Commission and also met with representatives of civil society organizations.

The chairman of AYH Anil Kaya stated that during the meetings it was mentioned that a solution for the Cyprus problem will help towards establishing stability in the Mediterranean region. She added that the Cyprus problem was evaluated during the meetings as well as the various problems faced by the Turkish Cypriots.

Kaya also stated that their visit to Brussels aimed to show to the European Union the existence of a community that wants the solution of the Cyprus problem and the accession to the EU.

[08] Representatives of the "real sector" in occupied Cyprus ask from the so-called government to take steps on the issue of the equivalent property title deeds

Expressing their views on the issue, they stated to the paper that it is necessary for the "government" to make a law which will envisage that the Turkish banks will accept the equivalent property title deeds as they accept the Turkish title deeds.

Speaking to the paper on the issue, Hasan Sungur, "chairman of the real estate's 'union" said that the discrimination of the two title deeds, the equivalent property title deed and the Turkish property title deed should be ended and added that there is no distinction between them.

Also speaking, the "deputy-chairman of the constructor's union", Fait Dagasti argued that if the branches of the Turkish banks in occupied Cyprus accept the equivalent property title deeds, this will help the market to be revived.

(AK)

[09] The so-called ministry of tourism, environment and culture became a member of ANTOR; data showing increase on the occupation regime's tourism from third countries

In statements on the issue, the so-called ministry of tourism, environment and culture, said that in the above address everyone can find all the necessary information about the occupation regime's tourism.

Commenting on the issue, the so-called minister of environment and culture, Unal Ustel said that is an important development that will contribute to the promotion of the "country" abroad. He also pointed out that "south Cyprus" as he called the Republic of Cyprus is referred to the website of ANTOR, under the name "Cyprus".

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily Kibris newspaper (17.09.12) reports in its economic pages that an increase of 24.2% has been observed to the number of tourists from third countries who are illegally visited the occupied area of Cyprus during the first 6 months of 2012, comparing with the same period of the previous year. The paper adds that this is a very encouraging development and underlines that the number of tourists from third countries who visited the occupation regime during the first 6 months of 2012 was 107. 179.

Also, according to data given by the so-called "Tourism Planning Department", 96% of those visiting the occupation regime prefer to come by plane whereas 3 out of 4 prefer to visit the occupation regime by sea and they enter to the occupied area through the occupied Keryneia port.

(AK)

[10] Bulutoglulari made a call to the Greek Cypriot side if it/s ready to open the then "occupied Famagusta crossing point"

Commenting on Bulutoglulari' statements, the paper writes that right after those statements by Bulutoglulari, the eyes are turn now to the Greek Cypriots.

(AK)

[11] Turkey to start oil explorations in Alexandretta-Mersin region

International oil companies had shown interest in partnering with the state-run Turkish Petroleum Company (TPAO) to explore in the Iskenderun (Alexandretta)-Mersin region, tucked in a corner of the eastern Mediterranean near the island of Cyprus and the Syrian shore.

"But with the 18-month-old Syrian crisis and Turkey's decades-old dispute over Cyprus showing little sign of abating, none of the 11 firms which showed initial interest ended up applying for a license", Turkish energy officials said. "Companies are concerned about stability in the region. Because of the fact they did not enter into the process that TPAO started. However, when the region calms down, the same interest will be shown again," one of the officials told Reuters.

TPAO will start exploration in 2013. TPAO plans two separate drills in the (Iskenderun) Gulf," he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Turkey is locked in a row with "Greek Cyprus", as the Republic of Cyprus is called, over who has the right to tap hydrocarbon deposits in the eastern Mediterranean.

Surveys suggest more than 100 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of reserves could lie untapped throughout the region, a potential that has sparked investor interest but also revived decades-old boundary disputes.

Turkey, which shares long land borders with Syria, Iraq and Iran, has also been thrust to the forefront of renewed Middle East tensions and has seen conflicts in neighboring countries spill into its own territory.

Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees have fled to Turkey, which has also given sanctuary to rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces. Ankara is also grappling with its own conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has recently produced some of the bloodiest fighting with government forces in over a decade.

Over the past three years, there have been significant discoveries made in the Eastern Mediterranean. "Greek Cyprus" reported a natural gas discovery in December and neighbouring Israel has reported two major finds offshore in the sea separating both countries.

But Turkey has challenged Greek Cypriot attempts to discover offshore reserves, while Lebanon is in dispute with Israel over the Jewish state's discoveries.

Adding to tensions, Turkey, the only country to recognize the "TRNC", started onshore oil and gas explorations on the breakaway regime in April.

Turkish officials said in March that 11 firms had showed interest in exploring in the Iskenderun-Mersin region: Chevron, Total, Petrobras, Statoil, ConocoPhillips, OMV, RWE, Perenco, Genel Energy, BG and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Cooperation. or Kufpec.

Last November, TPAO signed an accord with Shell for hydrocarbon exploration and production further west in the Mediterranean off the coast of Antalya and shale gas exploration near the south-eastern city of Diyarbak?r.

[12] Domestic natural gas reserve found on Turkey's Black Sea Coast

TPAO officials confirmed on Sunday that an exploratory drilling operation headed by the state-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) has reached a natural gas deposit at a depth of 3,600 meters.

Officials quoted by the Turkish daily Sabah, stated: "Now the well will be able to tap into a tangible, exploitable reserve. ? New soundings will also be made in this area" and suggesting the TPAO platform that made the discovery will continue its exploratory drilling for the next six to 12 months.

The Istranca-1 field in the western Black Sea where the discovery was made, is only one of five Black Sea sites where exploratory drilling has been under way in recent months, with TPAO drilling in the Surmene field off the Trabzon coast, while a consortium including TPAO, British Petroleum (BP), Brazil's state-controlled oil company Petrobras, American Chevron and Exxon drills in the remaining three sites. The other four drilling operations have so far failed to locate commercially exploitable gas fields.

The drilling results may draw the interest of several international oil firms such as Royal Dutch Shell, whose CEO, Peter Voser, visited Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Energy Minister Taner Y?ld?z on a trip to Ankara earlier this month. Speaking during a joint press conference with Y?ld?z, Voser said in comments carried by the Anatolia news agency, that Shell was "evaluating opportunities in the Black Sea."

The firm might be joined by US rival Chevron, which announced in July that it would be renewing its contract for offshore drilling with the TPAO until 2016. Some industry experts have speculated that Chevron applied for the new license to sidestep a $100 million fine that Chevron would face if its license expired without drilling a well it had previously promised TPAO it would dig. Company officials nevertheless, have said that they would be stepping up survey work and looking for gas and unsurveyed regions of the Black Sea coast.

Any discoveries made by TPAO and its partners are sure to come as welcome news to a country that imports nearly all of its natural gas and is looking for ways to lessen dependency on its foreign suppliers. According to a recent report released by BP, Turkey was ranked third after China and Greece for rising natural gas costs, at 17.3%, with Turkey responsible for 1.4 % of world natural gas consumption. Oil use also increased by 5.8 % in 2011 compared to 2010.

Turkey's ambitions to meet some of that demand through domestic sources -- as well as its row with the Republic of Cyprus over eastern Mediterranean hydrocarbon deposits -- will also lead the country to start drilling alone next year near Cyprus and Syria. TPAO announced this month that it would go ahead with its Mediterranean plans despite regional tensions, chief among them an 18-month-old crisis in Syria, which led international partners to back out of the deal.

[13] Istanbul to host "Iraq Future Energy 2012 Meeting"

The KRG had confirmed on September 14 a deal aimed at resolving an oil standoff with Baghdad, whereby the region will export 200,000 barrels of oil per day, and receive an "advance" of about $833 million. "We are proud that Iraq Future Energy returns to Istanbul for a third year to provide a forum for crucial discussions around the Iraqi energy industry," Murat Mercan, Deputy Minister of Energy for Turkey, wrote on the official website of the event, which will last until September 20. (?)

Ibrahim Bahr Alolom, former Minister at the Ministry of Oil for Iraq, said: "The entire Iraqi energy industry is getting ready for big things. Production is expected to hit 3.4 million barrels a day this year and as more fields come on stream, this figure can only increase, and this will be of enormous benefit for every single Iraqi." Iraq has announced its goal of reaching a target production capacity of almost 12 million barrels per day by 2017.

Mercan, Alolom, and Amer Rajab Salih, head of the Regulatory Department at Iraq's Ministry of Electricity, are among the speakers at the Istanbul event, which also includes state and private sector representatives.

The KRG had halted its oil exports via the federal government on April 1. Over $1.5 billion it said is owed to foreign oil companies working in the region that Baghdad has allegedly withheld, but then resumed them again on August 7, in what was billed as a confidence-building measure. A KRG official then said on September 1st that the region would extend exports until the 15th.

The deal is crucial for Ankara as Iraq remains a leading oil and gas supplier for Turkey. Genel Energy, an Ankara-based oil firm trading on the London Stock Exchange, is among the oil searchers in northern Iraq.

(?).

[14] Clashes in Turkey continue; eight more people were killed

The mine was detonated by remote control by suspected members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Clashes continued in the area afterwards as security forces sought to locate the militants responsible for the attack.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu condemned the strike and said such attacks would not shake Turkey's will in its fight with terror.

Parliamentary Speaker Cemil Cicek also said they would not allow the attack to drag Turkey into chaos and terror.

Meanwhile, Dogan news agency reported that four Turkish soldiers were killed and five more were wounded on September 15 in a suspected PKK attack during the passing of a military convoy.

Explosives were detonated remotely by suspected PKK members as the military convoy was passing through a village 35 kilometres from the town centre of the eastern province of Hakkari at around 2 p.m.

Operations followed the blast, as armoured vehicles and helicopters were sent to the area immediately.

Also, the Hakkari Governor's Office announced in a written statement that 28 PKK militants were killed in the area yesterday. Some 123 militants have been caught in the area in the last 10 days, the statement also said.

At least 30 Turkish security personnel have been killed by PKK militants in the eastern part of Turkey since the beginning of September, while more than 150 PKK militants have also been killed, according to reports. (?) TURKISH AFFAIRS SECTION

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