Piri Reis starts second tour of seismic researchTurkish Cypriot daily Havadis (13.10.11) reports that the Turkish seismic research ship, Koca Piri Reis, which had docked at the port of occupied Famagusta to refuel and resupply, set sailed for its second trip yesterday noon.

According to a statement made to the press by the project coordinator Professor Derman Dondurur, they have completed research in a 1,200 kilometre area as part of the first phase of the project. Dondurur said that they are ready to begin the second phase of the project which will take 20 to 25 days to complete weather permitting. He said that in their previous trip they covered the north and south part of “area G” and now they intend to perform further seismic data collecting studies in the north and east part of “area G” [Translator’s note: The “G area” was determined by the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO)].

Dondurur characterized their research as being “politically critical” and said that during the first phase they have approached on the Noble platform, which performs drilling explorations on behalf of the Republic of Cyprus. “We have approached 14-15 km the platform and established visual contact,” said Dondurur and added that in the second phase in the south part of their research they will approach again the platform. He also said that at all times they were escorted by at least one Turkish Navy vessel and occasionally by Turkish fighter jets.

Dondurur stated that after the end of the research in “area G,” TPAO and the Turkish Foreign Ministry will decide upon the future activities. He said that the data they collect will be processed by TPAO, a sensitive and sometimes long process. Furthermore he said that in case they find anomalies that imply the existence of oil and natural gas, a public announcement will be issued by the Foreign Affairs Ministry and TPAO.