India Cements Ties With Turkey's Rivals In Retaliation To Erdogan's Staunch Support For Pakistan Modi government has responded to Turkey's President Erdogan's Kashmir provocation by cements ties with Turkey's rivals in the region. Palki explains India's game-plan to counter Turkey's interference in the Kashmir issue and the staunch support extended to Pakistan.

Gravitas: India's Game-plan To Counter Turkey

Turkey To Build Four Corvettes For Pakistan As President Erdogan Prioritises Ties With Pakistan. In 2017, when Turkey's President Erdogan visited India, India and Turkey defined their ties as a 'stable and friendly' partnership. Two years later, Turkey is singing a different tune. First Erdogan took the pro-Pakistan position on Kashmir issue, now Turkey is building a warship for Pakistan. Palki explains.

Gravitas: Erdogan Chooses Pakistan Over India As Turkey Builds Warship For Pakistan

Erdogan hosts Putin and Rouhani for new round of Syria talks. Watch video to know more.

Erdogan hosts Putin and Rouhani for new round of Syria talks

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence</a> systems.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-deliver-first-s-400-missile-to-turkey-in-july-reports-230635">Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile</a> system in July raised the prospect of US&nbsp;sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's&nbsp;Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired.

However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week.

"I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday.

"But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms.

"He (Trump) said,&nbsp;'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet.

Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US&nbsp;Treasury imposing a heavy fine on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-turn-elsewhere-if-us-does-not-sell-f-35-fighter-jets-erdogan-238608">Turkey</a>'s mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men.

"In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-still-committed-to-purchasing-us-f-35-fighters-foreign-minister-246735">Turkey </a>any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

'Safe zone'

Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters.

On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border.

Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years.

"The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said.

The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border.

"It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US&nbsp;arms supplies to the YPG.

"We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said.

Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions.

Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions.

Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled.

"If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said.

Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said.

Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011.

Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations.

Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he will discuss buying US Patriot missiles with President Donald Trump this month, saying his personal bond with the US leader could overcome a crisis caused by Ankara buying Russian air defence systems. Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system in July raised the prospect of US sanctions, and the State Department has said an offer to sell Raytheon Co's Patriot missile defence system to Ankara has expired. However, Erdogan told Reuters he had discussed buying Patriots in a phone call with Trump two weeks ago and would follow up when they meet at the UN General Assembly, which opens next week. "I said no matter what package of ... S-400s we get, we can buy from you a certain amount of Patriots," Erdogan told Reuters on Friday. "But I said we have to see conditions that at least match up to the S-400s," Erdogan said, adding that he was referring to the possibility of joint production and favourable lending terms. "He (Trump) said, 'Are you serious?' I said: 'Yes'," Erdogan said, adding that he told Trump they would discuss it in greater detail when they meet. Asked whether he would also ask Trump to prevent the US Treasury imposing a heavy fine on Turkey's mainly state-owned Halkbank for violating US sanctions on Iran, Erdogan said he was confident they could avoid such a "mistake", citing what he said was "a different kind of trust" between the two men. "In my opinion a country like the USA will not want to hurt its ally Turkey any more. This is not a rational behaviour," he said in an interview at the Ottoman Dolmabahce palace complex on the Bosphorus in Istanbul. 'Safe zone' Erdogan and Trump will also discuss plans to establish what Turkey describes as a safe zone along 450 km (280 miles) of Syrian border stretching from the Euphrates river to the Iraq border, a region controlled mainly by US-backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters. On Sunday the two countries launched joint military patrols in the area, but Erdogan says that Washington has dragged its feet in an operation Turkey sees as crucial to driving the YPG, which it designates a terrorist group, away from its border. Turkey has warned it will act alone if the safe zone is not established this month, raising the prospect of a third Turkish military incursion into northern Syria in three years. "The peace corridor is the essential thing. We will not allow a terror corridor on our borders and we will take whatever steps are necessary on this subject," he said. The U.S. alliance with the YPG in Syria has angered NATO member Turkey, which has faced a decades-long insurgency in its mainly Kurdish southeast and fears growing Kurdish military power on its southern border. "It is Turkey which is fighting with these terror groups... We are your partner in NATO. You give them the weapons for free that you will not sell for money to your NATO ally," he said, referring to US arms supplies to the YPG. "We are fed up with explaining this... I think Trump must understand us," Erdogan said. Russia and Iran back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad against rebels who sought his overthrow. The United States, European and Arab allies as well as Turkey have supported different rebel factions. Assad has regained control of most territory lost in the early stages of the eight-year conflict and has vowed to retake every inch of Syria including the northwestern province of Idlib, where Syrian and foreign radical fighters hold sway alongside other more moderate factions. Erdogan reiterated a warning that Turkey would be forced to let Syrian refugees on its soil leave for Europe if Western nations did not provide greater support to Turkey and support its plans for a safe zone where Syrians could be settled. "If you can’t accept this business, we will open the gates. Let them go from there wherever they want," he said. Establishing the zone 20 miles (32 km) inside northeast Syria would allow refugees in Turkey "to return to their lands, and allow for all their needs - from education, health, shelter - to be met. It will allow them to live on their own lands and break away from the tent life and container cities," he said. Erdogan said the financial aid Turkey was receiving from the European Union was not sufficient to ease the burden of 3.6 million Syrian refugees who have fled to Turkey since the civil war erupted in 2011. Turkey says it has spent $40 billion hosting the Syrians, and a deal with the EU to give 6 billion euros to support those efforts was not enough and too slow, a message he would repeat to German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the United Nations. Erdogan will host the presidents of Russia and Iran on Monday for talks that would focus on securing a lasting truce in Idlib, preventing a fresh refugee wave into Turkey, and asserting control over jihadist fighters there, he said.

Turkey's Erdogan to discuss buying US Patriot missiles with Trump

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-hit-pro-syria-palestinian-group-in-lebanon-245680"> 'safe zone' in northern Syria</a>, in comments published on Thursday.

Ankara and Washington earlier this month agreed after difficult talks to set up a buffer zone between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia.

The NATO allies agreed to set up a joint operations centre which Turkey said at the weekend was at full capacity.

"We will never allow a delay similar to that in Manbij. The process should advance swiftly," Erdogan said, according to CNN Turk broadcaster.

Turkey and the United States in May last year had agreed on a road map including the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij in northern Syria.

"The agreement made with the US towards clearing the east of the Euphrates (river) from the YPG and setting up a safe zone is the right step," Erdogan said after returning from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said the YPG was "pulling a trick in Manbij" and had not withdrawn. Turkey has repeatedly accused the US of delaying the previous deal.

Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984.

The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

But the US worked closely with the YPG in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

Turkey-US relations have been particularly tense over American support to the YPG but other issues remain, including the failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 failed coup in Turkey.

But Erdogan said joint US-Turkey patrols would "start soon" as part of the latest agreement for northern Syria.

He said Turkish forces and armoured vehicles were already at the border, adding: "We are in a position where we can do anything at any moment."

Turkey repeatedly threatened to launch a third cross-border offensive in Syria against the YPG until the US-Turkey agreement.

Previous offensives by the Turkish military supporting Syrian rebels took place against IS in 2016 and against the YPG in early 2018.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria, in comments published on Thursday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan vowed Turkey would not allow the US to delay the establishment of a 'safe zone' in northern Syria, in comments published on Thursday. Ankara and Washington earlier this month agreed after difficult talks to set up a buffer zone between the Turkish border and Syrian areas controlled by the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia. The NATO allies agreed to set up a joint operations centre which Turkey said at the weekend was at full capacity. "We will never allow a delay similar to that in Manbij. The process should advance swiftly," Erdogan said, according to CNN Turk broadcaster. Turkey and the United States in May last year had agreed on a road map including the withdrawal of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) from Manbij in northern Syria. "The agreement made with the US towards clearing the east of the Euphrates (river) from the YPG and setting up a safe zone is the right step," Erdogan said after returning from talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said the YPG was "pulling a trick in Manbij" and had not withdrawn. Turkey has repeatedly accused the US of delaying the previous deal. Ankara says the YPG is a "terrorist" offshoot of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been waging an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984. The PKK is blacklisted as a terror group by Ankara, the US and the European Union. But the US worked closely with the YPG in the fight against the Islamic State (IS) extremist group. Turkey-US relations have been particularly tense over American support to the YPG but other issues remain, including the failure to extradite a Pennsylvania-based Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 failed coup in Turkey. But Erdogan said joint US-Turkey patrols would "start soon" as part of the latest agreement for northern Syria. He said Turkish forces and armoured vehicles were already at the border, adding: "We are in a position where we can do anything at any moment." Turkey repeatedly threatened to launch a third cross-border offensive in Syria against the YPG until the US-Turkey agreement. Previous offensives by the Turkish military supporting Syrian rebels took place against IS in 2016 and against the YPG in early 2018.

Won't allow US to delay establishment of 'safe zone' in northern Syria: Erdogan

WION Playlist: Watch top stories of the day, 27th August 2019

Watch WION Playlist, 27th August 2019

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would turn elsewhere for fighter jets if the United States will not sell it F-35s, adding that the US decision to cut Ankara from the jet production programme would not deter it from meeting its needs.

The United States said last week it was removing NATO ally Turkey from the F-35 programme, as it long threatened after Ankara purchased and received delivery of Russian<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-shipment-of-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-completed-second-planned-turkey-238397"> S-400 missile defences</a>. US President Donald Trump has yet to decide on sanctions on Turkey that appear to be required by US law.

Erdogan, speaking publicly about Ankara's strained ties with Washington for the first time in 11 days, said he hoped US officials would be "reasonable" on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-expresses-disappointment-over-turkeys-acquisition-of-russian-s-400-missiles-237351">question of sanctions</a>.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

The head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate had said earlier that Russia and Turkey are in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov.

After the Pentagon announcement, Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement: "We invite the United States to return from this mistake which would open irreparable wounds in strategic relations."

NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum in Aspen, Colorado, said he was concerned at Turkey's expulsion from the F-35 programme.

"The S-400, the Russian air defence system, it’s not possible to integrate into the integrated NATO air defence and missile system, which is about sharing, you know, radar picture, about joint air policing, which is about shared capabilities. And Turkey has not asked for that," Stoltenberg said.

The S-400 acquisition is one of several issues that have frayed ties between the two allies, including a dispute over strategy in Syria east of the Euphrates River, where the United States is allied with Kurdish forces that Turkey views as foes.

The Pentagon had already laid out a plan to remove Turkey from the programme, which included halting training for Turkish pilots on the aircraft. 
&nbsp;

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would turn elsewhere for fighter jets if the United States will not sell it F-35s, adding that the US decision to cut Ankara from the jet production programme would not deter it from meeting its needs.

President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday Turkey would turn elsewhere for fighter jets if the United States will not sell it F-35s, adding that the US decision to cut Ankara from the jet production programme would not deter it from meeting its needs. The United States said last week it was removing NATO ally Turkey from the F-35 programme, as it long threatened after Ankara purchased and received delivery of Russian S-400 missile defences. US President Donald Trump has yet to decide on sanctions on Turkey that appear to be required by US law. Erdogan, speaking publicly about Ankara's strained ties with Washington for the first time in 11 days, said he hoped US officials would be "reasonable" on the question of sanctions. The head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate had said earlier that Russia and Turkey are in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov. After the Pentagon announcement, Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement: "We invite the United States to return from this mistake which would open irreparable wounds in strategic relations." NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, speaking at the Aspen Institute's annual security forum in Aspen, Colorado, said he was concerned at Turkey's expulsion from the F-35 programme. "The S-400, the Russian air defence system, it’s not possible to integrate into the integrated NATO air defence and missile system, which is about sharing, you know, radar picture, about joint air policing, which is about shared capabilities. And Turkey has not asked for that," Stoltenberg said. The S-400 acquisition is one of several issues that have frayed ties between the two allies, including a dispute over strategy in Syria east of the Euphrates River, where the United States is allied with Kurdish forces that Turkey views as foes. The Pentagon had already laid out a plan to remove Turkey from the programme, which included halting training for Turkish pilots on the aircraft.

Turkey will turn elsewhere if US does not sell F-35 fighter jets: Erdogan

The first shipment of Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-expresses-disappointment-over-turkeys-acquisition-of-russian-s-400-missiles-237351">S-400 defence systems</a> to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday.

Turkey began accepting delivery of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-concerned-by-turkeys-acquisition-of-russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-235300">S-400s earlier this month </a>in a move that has strained ties with its NATO ally, the United States.

In response, Washington suspended Ankara from the F-35 jet programme over security concerns and has warned of possible US sanctions, but Turkey has so far dismissed the warnings.

On Thursday, the officials said Turkey was still engaged in talks with US officials to procure the Patriot defence system, which Washington had offered as an alternative to the S-400s.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

They also said France would deploy one SAMP-T battery, a missile defence system developed by the Franco-Italian EUROSAM consortium, along the southern Turkish border.

"If the United States portrays an adversarial attitude towards us, we will take retaliatory measures, as we've told them. This is not a threat or a bluff," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber.

"We are not a country that will bow down to those who show a animosity towards Turkey," he said, reiterating a threat of retaliation that Turkey made last month.

Cavusoglu added that he did not expect the US administration to take such action.

"Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey and he frequently says that his administration and the previous U.S. administration is also responsible for Turkey not being able to buy Patriot systems. This is true," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey, like other partners in the F-35 programme, was part of the manufacturing supply chain for the high-tech jet aircraft, producing some 900 parts. A U.S. official said it would cost some $500 million to $600 million to shift F-35 manufacturing from Turkey.

Separately, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov, head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate, as saying that Russia and Turkey were in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey.

The first shipment of Russian S-400 defence systems to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday.

The first shipment of Russian S-400 defence systems to Turkey has been completed and a second shipment is now being planned to arrive in Ankara, Turkish military officials said on Thursday. Turkey began accepting delivery of the S-400s earlier this month in a move that has strained ties with its NATO ally, the United States. In response, Washington suspended Ankara from the F-35 jet programme over security concerns and has warned of possible US sanctions, but Turkey has so far dismissed the warnings. On Thursday, the officials said Turkey was still engaged in talks with US officials to procure the Patriot defence system, which Washington had offered as an alternative to the S-400s. They also said France would deploy one SAMP-T battery, a missile defence system developed by the Franco-Italian EUROSAM consortium, along the southern Turkish border. "If the United States portrays an adversarial attitude towards us, we will take retaliatory measures, as we've told them. This is not a threat or a bluff," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber. "We are not a country that will bow down to those who show a animosity towards Turkey," he said, reiterating a threat of retaliation that Turkey made last month. Cavusoglu added that he did not expect the US administration to take such action. "Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey and he frequently says that his administration and the previous U.S. administration is also responsible for Turkey not being able to buy Patriot systems. This is true," Cavusoglu said. Turkey, like other partners in the F-35 programme, was part of the manufacturing supply chain for the high-tech jet aircraft, producing some 900 parts. A U.S. official said it would cost some $500 million to $600 million to shift F-35 manufacturing from Turkey. Separately, the TASS news agency cited Sergei Chemezov, head of Russia's Rostec state conglomerate, as saying that Russia and Turkey were in talks about the possibility of jointly manufacturing some components of Russia's S-400 missile defence system in Turkey.

First shipment of Russian S-400 missile defence system completed, second planned: Turkey

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unfair-to-remove-one-of-the-partners-in-f-35-programme-turkey-to-us-236968">Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>.

The US president has taken a soft line on Turkey over its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-removing-turkey-from-f-35-programme-after-its-russian-missile-defence-purchase-236770">purchase of the S-400 system</a> -- which was delivered on July 13 -- saying Thursday that he did not envisage sanctions "for now".

But Washington did respond by kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet programme -&nbsp;a loss of billions of dollars for Turkish defence contractors.

The US says Russia could glean technical secrets about the new fighter jet if it is operated alongside the S-400.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/us-turkey-cant-have-both-s-400-and-f-35-236783/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

"Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey," said Cavusoglu in an interview with TV station TGRT Haber.

"When Trump promises something, he does his best to stick to it, but there are different points of view in the United States."

It is up to US lawmakers to decide on further punishing Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which prescribes penalties for countries that deal with Russia's defence sector.

But Cavusoglu said he expected Trump to waive any potential sanctions imposed by the US Congress.&nbsp;

"That is our expectation," he told TGRT Haber.

He also said exclusion from the F-35 programme could force Turkey to look elsewhere for new fighter jets.&nbsp;

"If the United States doesn't give us the F-35, while we are waiting to build our own planes... we will have to get them from another country, and no one can say anything about that," he said. &nbsp;

"We have the right to look at the options," he added, while insisting that Turkey would never leave the NATO alliance.&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system.

Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday that he was convinced President Donald Trump did not want to impose sanctions over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defence system. The US president has taken a soft line on Turkey over its purchase of the S-400 system -- which was delivered on July 13 -- saying Thursday that he did not envisage sanctions "for now". But Washington did respond by kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet programme - a loss of billions of dollars for Turkish defence contractors. The US says Russia could glean technical secrets about the new fighter jet if it is operated alongside the S-400. Watch Video: "Trump does not want to impose sanctions on Turkey," said Cavusoglu in an interview with TV station TGRT Haber. "When Trump promises something, he does his best to stick to it, but there are different points of view in the United States." It is up to US lawmakers to decide on further punishing Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which prescribes penalties for countries that deal with Russia's defence sector. But Cavusoglu said he expected Trump to waive any potential sanctions imposed by the US Congress. "That is our expectation," he told TGRT Haber. He also said exclusion from the F-35 programme could force Turkey to look elsewhere for new fighter jets. "If the United States doesn't give us the F-35, while we are waiting to build our own planes... we will have to get them from another country, and no one can say anything about that," he said. "We have the right to look at the options," he added, while insisting that Turkey would never leave the NATO alliance.

If US doesn't give F-35 planes, will get it from another country: Turkey foreign minister Cavusoglu

Turkey's defence ministry said the first parts of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">S-400 Russian missile defence</a> systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday.

Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system is a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States.

"The delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue in the coming days," Turkey's defence industry directorate said separately. "Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be used in a way determined by the relevant authorities," it added.

A Russian Air Force AN-124 cargo plane had flown to Turkey early on Friday morning and was last tracked approaching Ankara, data from Flightradar24 website showed. Turkish broadcasters showed footage of the plane at the Murted Air Base.

Turkey had earlier called on the United States to avoid steps harmful to bilateral relations after the US State Department spokeswoman reiterated Ankara would face "real and negative consequences" for acquiring<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-delivery-to-turkey-will-have-consequences-us-230313"> Russian S-400 defence systems</a>.

Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman had said the comments by the State Department's Morgan Ortagus were not in line with the spirit and content of talks between presidents of the two countries at the G20 summit last month.

President Tayyip Erdogan said after meeting President Donald Trump in Osaka that the United States did not plan to impose sanctions on Ankara for buying the S-400s, which he said would arrive in the first half of July. Trump said Turkey had not been treated fairly but did not rule out sanctions.

The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO's defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme and other US&nbsp;sanctions if it goes ahead with the S-400 delivery. Washington has already halted training of Turkish pilots in the United States on the aircraft.

Turkey's defence ministry said the first parts of the S-400 Russian missile defence systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday. Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system is a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States.

Turkey's defence ministry said the first parts of the S-400 Russian missile defence systems were delivered to Ankara on Friday. Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system is a source of tension between Turkey and NATO ally United States. "The delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue in the coming days," Turkey's defence industry directorate said separately. "Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be used in a way determined by the relevant authorities," it added. A Russian Air Force AN-124 cargo plane had flown to Turkey early on Friday morning and was last tracked approaching Ankara, data from Flightradar24 website showed. Turkish broadcasters showed footage of the plane at the Murted Air Base. Turkey had earlier called on the United States to avoid steps harmful to bilateral relations after the US State Department spokeswoman reiterated Ankara would face "real and negative consequences" for acquiring Russian S-400 defence systems. Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman had said the comments by the State Department's Morgan Ortagus were not in line with the spirit and content of talks between presidents of the two countries at the G20 summit last month. President Tayyip Erdogan said after meeting President Donald Trump in Osaka that the United States did not plan to impose sanctions on Ankara for buying the S-400s, which he said would arrive in the first half of July. Trump said Turkey had not been treated fairly but did not rule out sanctions. The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO's defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy. Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme and other US sanctions if it goes ahead with the S-400 delivery. Washington has already halted training of Turkish pilots in the United States on the aircraft.

First part of Russian S-400 missile defence system delivered: Turkey

An official Turkish visit to the troubled north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang to assess reports of a brutal crackdown on the region’s Turkic Muslims could shape Turkey’s challenge to conservative Gulf states’ leadership of the Islamic world and complicate Muslim silence about the most frontal assault on their faith in recent history.

The visit to assess the situation in Xinjiang was agreed in talks with Chinese leaders when Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue during a recent visit to Beijing.

Erdogan appeared to set the tone for the visit by declaring that it was possible to "Find a solution to this issue that takes into consideration the sensitivities on both sides."

Walking a fine line, Erdogan went on to say that "those who exploit the issue…by acting emotionally without thinking of the relationship that Turkey has with another country, unfortunately, end up costing both the Turkish republic and their kinsman."

For its part, China seemingly sought to frame the Turkish visit with state-run China Daily newspaper quoting Erdogan as telling Chinese leaders that "It is a fact that the people of all ethnicities in Xinjiang are leading a happy life amid China's development and prosperity."

Turkey has in the past sought unsuccessfully to mediate tensions in Xinjiang in part by agreeing with Beijing on an investment program in the Chinese region.

For Turkey, the visit amounts to a risky gamble.

A Turkish confirmation of the extent of the crackdown would position Erdogan as a leader willing to defend Muslim causes that other leaders have chosen to ignore much like he attempted last year to take the lead on denouncing US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Turkey earlier this year briefly appeared to be willing to take on the Xinjiang issue when its foreign ministry harshly condemned Chinese policy but has largely remained silent since.

In response to the criticism, China temporarily closed its consulate in the Mediterranean port city of Izmir, warned Chinese residents and travellers to Turkey to “Be wary and pay attention to their personal safety,” and threatened further economic retaliation.

If Turkey, on the basis of the visit, were to endorse China’s assertion that it is countering extremism by offering voluntary vocational training to Turkic Muslims, it would be granting a significant victory to China given Turkey’s ethnic and cultural ties to the Xinjiang Muslim community.

It would project Erdogan as just one more Muslim leader who for economic and commercial reasons was willing to cold-shoulder co-religionists in a time of need.

An endorsement would group Erdogan with men like Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman who earlier this year during a visit to Beijing recognized China’s right to undertake "anti-terrorism" and "de-extremism" measures and Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and Indonesian president Joko Widodo who professed to be unaware of the situation in Xinjiang.

Trying to balance Turkey’s position as a safe haven for Turkic Muslims while maintaining close ties to China, Turkey last month said it had granted 146,000 residence permits to members of various Turkic communities, including an estimated 35,000 Uyghurs.

“You don’t need to worry. I want you to know that we will use every chance in favour of you to provide that you will reach tomorrow as citizens of the Republic of Turkey, brotherly and sisterly,” interior minister Suleyman Soylu told a breaking of the Ramadan fast dinner.

China’s past attempts to convince foreign diplomats even if they remained publicly silent and journalists of its version of events by taking them on guided tours of Xinjiang have largely produced moderate results at best.

How Turkey handles the visit to Xinjiang is likely to resonate in major parts of the Islamic world.

The delegation’s conclusion is likely to come as pressure plays out on the Sudanese military by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to revisit several Turkish contracts concluded with ousted president Omar al-Bashir, including the development of Khartoum airport and a port on Suakin Island.

The port project would put Turkey too close for comfort to the Saudi Red Sea coast and challenge the UAE’s effort to dominate East African ports.

Turkish criticism of China could also complicate efforts by Central Asian governments to ignore Xinjiang even if ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks and other Central Asians are among the detainees in the Chinese region, sparking anti-Chinese sentiment in former Soviet republics.

Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, meeting Chinese president Xi Jinping a day before leaders of the eight Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries gathered in Bishkek last month, described the situation in Xinjiang as an “internal (Chinese) matter.”

The SCO groups Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan.

A critical Turkish stance could further aggravate problems, at least in Kyrgyzstan, stemming from China’s promotion of a non-competitive Xinjiang-based company competing for a major infrastructure project.

China’s insistence that TBEA, a little-known contractor with at best modest experience in building and repairing power stations, be granted a $386 million contract to refurbish Bishkek’s ageing plant has landed former Kyrgyz prime minister Sapar Isakov in court on corruption charges.

TBEA was awarded the contract despite lower bids by a competing Chinese company and a Russian company with an established track record.

It was not clear to what degree the push for TBEA was driven by an effort to line the pockets of corrupt officials and/or geopolitical objectives. China sees Central Asia and Pakistan as key drivers of economic development in Xinjiang.

Said Yang Shu, head of the Institute for Central Asia Studies at Lanzhou University in north-western China, commenting on Chinese strategy: “For countries that have good relations with China and have similar problems, it is easy for both to reach consensus on the Xinjiang issue. For other countries, explanations will not have much effect… But overall, it’s better to do it than not to do it.”

After vacillating between silence and criticism, the Turkish visit is likely to determine where Turkey really stands. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

An official Turkish visit to the troubled north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang to assess reports of a brutal crackdown on the region’s Turkic Muslims could shape Turkey’s challenge to conservative Gulf states’ leadership of the Islamic world and complicate Muslim silence about the most frontal assault on their faith in recent history.

An official Turkish visit to the troubled north-western Chinese province of Xinjiang to assess reports of a brutal crackdown on the region’s Turkic Muslims could shape Turkey’s challenge to conservative Gulf states’ leadership of the Islamic world and complicate Muslim silence about the most frontal assault on their faith in recent history. The visit to assess the situation in Xinjiang was agreed in talks with Chinese leaders when Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the issue during a recent visit to Beijing. Erdogan appeared to set the tone for the visit by declaring that it was possible to "Find a solution to this issue that takes into consideration the sensitivities on both sides." Walking a fine line, Erdogan went on to say that "those who exploit the issue…by acting emotionally without thinking of the relationship that Turkey has with another country, unfortunately, end up costing both the Turkish republic and their kinsman." For its part, China seemingly sought to frame the Turkish visit with state-run China Daily newspaper quoting Erdogan as telling Chinese leaders that "It is a fact that the people of all ethnicities in Xinjiang are leading a happy life amid China's development and prosperity." Turkey has in the past sought unsuccessfully to mediate tensions in Xinjiang in part by agreeing with Beijing on an investment program in the Chinese region. For Turkey, the visit amounts to a risky gamble. A Turkish confirmation of the extent of the crackdown would position Erdogan as a leader willing to defend Muslim causes that other leaders have chosen to ignore much like he attempted last year to take the lead on denouncing US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Turkey earlier this year briefly appeared to be willing to take on the Xinjiang issue when its foreign ministry harshly condemned Chinese policy but has largely remained silent since. In response to the criticism, China temporarily closed its consulate in the Mediterranean port city of Izmir, warned Chinese residents and travellers to Turkey to “Be wary and pay attention to their personal safety,” and threatened further economic retaliation. If Turkey, on the basis of the visit, were to endorse China’s assertion that it is countering extremism by offering voluntary vocational training to Turkic Muslims, it would be granting a significant victory to China given Turkey’s ethnic and cultural ties to the Xinjiang Muslim community. It would project Erdogan as just one more Muslim leader who for economic and commercial reasons was willing to cold-shoulder co-religionists in a time of need. An endorsement would group Erdogan with men like Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman who earlier this year during a visit to Beijing recognized China’s right to undertake "anti-terrorism" and "de-extremism" measures and Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan and Indonesian president Joko Widodo who professed to be unaware of the situation in Xinjiang. Trying to balance Turkey’s position as a safe haven for Turkic Muslims while maintaining close ties to China, Turkey last month said it had granted 146,000 residence permits to members of various Turkic communities, including an estimated 35,000 Uyghurs. “You don’t need to worry. I want you to know that we will use every chance in favour of you to provide that you will reach tomorrow as citizens of the Republic of Turkey, brotherly and sisterly,” interior minister Suleyman Soylu told a breaking of the Ramadan fast dinner. China’s past attempts to convince foreign diplomats even if they remained publicly silent and journalists of its version of events by taking them on guided tours of Xinjiang have largely produced moderate results at best. How Turkey handles the visit to Xinjiang is likely to resonate in major parts of the Islamic world. The delegation’s conclusion is likely to come as pressure plays out on the Sudanese military by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to revisit several Turkish contracts concluded with ousted president Omar al-Bashir, including the development of Khartoum airport and a port on Suakin Island. The port project would put Turkey too close for comfort to the Saudi Red Sea coast and challenge the UAE’s effort to dominate East African ports. Turkish criticism of China could also complicate efforts by Central Asian governments to ignore Xinjiang even if ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Uzbeks and other Central Asians are among the detainees in the Chinese region, sparking anti-Chinese sentiment in former Soviet republics. Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov, meeting Chinese president Xi Jinping a day before leaders of the eight Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) countries gathered in Bishkek last month, described the situation in Xinjiang as an “internal (Chinese) matter.” The SCO groups Russia, China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, and Pakistan. A critical Turkish stance could further aggravate problems, at least in Kyrgyzstan, stemming from China’s promotion of a non-competitive Xinjiang-based company competing for a major infrastructure project. China’s insistence that TBEA, a little-known contractor with at best modest experience in building and repairing power stations, be granted a $386 million contract to refurbish Bishkek’s ageing plant has landed former Kyrgyz prime minister Sapar Isakov in court on corruption charges. TBEA was awarded the contract despite lower bids by a competing Chinese company and a Russian company with an established track record. It was not clear to what degree the push for TBEA was driven by an effort to line the pockets of corrupt officials and/or geopolitical objectives. China sees Central Asia and Pakistan as key drivers of economic development in Xinjiang. Said Yang Shu, head of the Institute for Central Asia Studies at Lanzhou University in north-western China, commenting on Chinese strategy: “For countries that have good relations with China and have similar problems, it is easy for both to reach consensus on the Xinjiang issue. For other countries, explanations will not have much effect… But overall, it’s better to do it than not to do it.” After vacillating between silence and criticism, the Turkish visit is likely to determine where Turkey really stands. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

For Turkey, Xinjiang visit amounts to a risky gamble

Trump and Erdogan held a bilateral at the G20 summit. Turkish President says S-400 to be delivered in 10 days. Washington earlier warned Turkey of sanctions. Erdogan is confident about resolving dispute with U.S. Watch this video to know more.

Turkish President: S-400 to be delivered within 10 days

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a day after he said there would be no US sanctions over the deal.

Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, have been at odds over Ankara's decision to purchase the S-400s, with Washington warning of US sanctions if the delivery took place. Turkey has dismissed the warnings, saying it would not back down.

The United States says the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-no-setback-in-missile-deal-with-russia-as-trump-voices-sympathy-231492">S-400s will compromise its Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets</a>, of which Turkey is a producer and buyer. Washington has also formally started the process of expelling Turkey from the F-35 programme, halting the training of Turkish pilots in the United States.

But on Saturday, Erdogan said US President Donald Trump had told him there would be no sanctions over the Russian deal, after Trump said Turkey had been treated unfairly over the move.

The White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance."

Speaking to reporters after the G20 summit in Japan, where he held bilateral talks with Trump, Erdogan said he believed the dispute over the S-400s would be overcome "without a problem" and added that his US counterpart supported Turkey in the dispute.

"In our phone calls, when we come together bilaterally, Mr Trump has not said so far: 'We will impose these sanctions.' On the S-400s, he said to me: 'You are right.' We carried this issue to a very advanced level," Erdogan said, according to NTV.

"At this advanced level, Trump said: 'This is injustice'. This is very important. I believe that we will overcome this process without any problems," Erdogan added.

He said the two leaders had agreed to delegate officials to follow the issue. He also said Turkish and US&nbsp;foreign and defence ministers would "open the doors" to resolving the matter.

In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with Raytheon Co Patriot missiles.

Erdogan was quoted by NTV as saying: "One S-400 is worth three Patriots. If the conditions are even equal to the S-400 (deal), we would buy Patriots, but if they are not, then we have to think of our interests,"

Erdogan also said that he hoped the issue of Turkish lender Halkbank, which faces US&nbsp;Treasury sanctions over an Iran sanctions-busting case that has further strained ties between the allies, would be resolved soon, NTV said.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a day after he said there would be no US sanctions over the deal.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the first delivery of the Russian S-400 missile defence system would take place within 10 days, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a day after he said there would be no US sanctions over the deal. Turkey and the United States, NATO allies, have been at odds over Ankara's decision to purchase the S-400s, with Washington warning of US sanctions if the delivery took place. Turkey has dismissed the warnings, saying it would not back down. The United States says the S-400s will compromise its Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jets, of which Turkey is a producer and buyer. Washington has also formally started the process of expelling Turkey from the F-35 programme, halting the training of Turkish pilots in the United States. But on Saturday, Erdogan said US President Donald Trump had told him there would be no sanctions over the Russian deal, after Trump said Turkey had been treated unfairly over the move. The White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance." Speaking to reporters after the G20 summit in Japan, where he held bilateral talks with Trump, Erdogan said he believed the dispute over the S-400s would be overcome "without a problem" and added that his US counterpart supported Turkey in the dispute. "In our phone calls, when we come together bilaterally, Mr Trump has not said so far: 'We will impose these sanctions.' On the S-400s, he said to me: 'You are right.' We carried this issue to a very advanced level," Erdogan said, according to NTV. "At this advanced level, Trump said: 'This is injustice'. This is very important. I believe that we will overcome this process without any problems," Erdogan added. He said the two leaders had agreed to delegate officials to follow the issue. He also said Turkish and US foreign and defence ministers would "open the doors" to resolving the matter. In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with Raytheon Co Patriot missiles. Erdogan was quoted by NTV as saying: "One S-400 is worth three Patriots. If the conditions are even equal to the S-400 (deal), we would buy Patriots, but if they are not, then we have to think of our interests," Erdogan also said that he hoped the issue of Turkish lender Halkbank, which faces US Treasury sanctions over an Iran sanctions-busting case that has further strained ties between the allies, would be resolved soon, NTV said.

First delivery of Russian S-400 missile defence system within 10 days: Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia should share all facts and details about the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

However, Erdogan said that while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) had promised him during a recent telephonic conversation, he contended that "nothing has been done".

"It is first of all MbS who needs to shed light on this because he promised me during our phone call but until now nothing had been done," he was quoted by CNN as saying while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka.

Erdogan insisted that the Saudi Crown Prince had to shed light on the perpetrators of Khashoggi`s killing.

"There are certain suspects that we know of and they need to be tried in Istanbul because that`s where the crime was committed," he said.

Erdogan has repeatedly charged at the Saudi Crown Prince after Khashoggi was murdered when he had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October last year.

Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of the incident, but Saudi officials later claimed that many among the group, who murdered the former Washington Post columnist, belonged to the Crown Prince`s inner circle.

United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, who recently presented her special report on Khashoggi`s murder, has called for an international investigation into the murder, adding that the Saudi probe into the matter has failed to examine who may have ordered it.

The independent investigation released earlier this month held Saudi Arabia responsible for the scribe`s "extrajudicial killing."&nbsp;

The report revealed that the late Saudi Arabian journalist was the victim of a "deliberate and premeditated execution."

Saudi Arabia has already dismissed the UN`s report.Saudi Arabia began the trial for 11 suspects in the murder case earlier this year, after rejecting Erdogan`s call for the suspected Saudi nationals to be extradited to Turkey to face trial in the nation where the crime took place.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia should share all facts and details about the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said that Saudi Arabia should share all facts and details about the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, Erdogan said that while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) had promised him during a recent telephonic conversation, he contended that "nothing has been done". "It is first of all MbS who needs to shed light on this because he promised me during our phone call but until now nothing had been done," he was quoted by CNN as saying while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Osaka. Erdogan insisted that the Saudi Crown Prince had to shed light on the perpetrators of Khashoggi`s killing. "There are certain suspects that we know of and they need to be tried in Istanbul because that`s where the crime was committed," he said. Erdogan has repeatedly charged at the Saudi Crown Prince after Khashoggi was murdered when he had entered the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in October last year. Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of the incident, but Saudi officials later claimed that many among the group, who murdered the former Washington Post columnist, belonged to the Crown Prince`s inner circle. United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, who recently presented her special report on Khashoggi`s murder, has called for an international investigation into the murder, adding that the Saudi probe into the matter has failed to examine who may have ordered it. The independent investigation released earlier this month held Saudi Arabia responsible for the scribe`s "extrajudicial killing." The report revealed that the late Saudi Arabian journalist was the victim of a "deliberate and premeditated execution." Saudi Arabia has already dismissed the UN`s report.Saudi Arabia began the trial for 11 suspects in the murder case earlier this year, after rejecting Erdogan`s call for the suspected Saudi nationals to be extradited to Turkey to face trial in the nation where the crime took place.

All details on Khashoggi's murder should be shared by Saudi: Erdogan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-will-do-all-it-can-to-improve-ties-with-us-231474">Moscow will do all it can to improve ties with US, says Russian President Vladimir Putin</a>

Russia's president&nbsp;said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to improve relations with the United States that have been strained by years of diplomatic conflicts over Ukraine and accusations of Russian meddling in US elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mass-resignations-of-congress-leaders-part-of-scripted-drama-bjps-tom-vadakkan-231500">Mass resignations of Congress leaders part of 'scripted drama': BJP's Tom Vadakkan</a>

BJP member Tom Vadakkan on Saturday claimed the&nbsp;recent mass resignations in the Congress&nbsp;as a "scripted drama", following Rahul Gandhi's refusal to withdraw his resignation as the party president.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-kill-26-pro-government-militia-members-in-afghanistan-231459">Taliban kill 26 pro-government militia members in Afghanistan</a>

Taliban militants killed at least 26 members of a pro-government militia in north Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, the same day the militants and US government officials are due to start a new round of peace talks in Qatar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-no-setback-in-missile-deal-with-russia-as-trump-voices-sympathy-231492">Erdogan says no setback in missile deal with Russia as Trump voices sympathy</a>

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy&nbsp;Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-declares-emergency-in-violence-plagued-rural-alaska-231512">Trump administration declares emergency in violence-plagued rural Alaska</a>

US Attorney General William Barr on Friday declared a public-safety emergency in rural Alaska and pledged $10.5 million in federal funds to combat some of the nation`s worst rates of sexual assault, child abuse and other violent crimes.

Moscow will do all it can to improve ties with US, says Russian President Vladimir Putin Russia's president said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to improve relations with the United States that have been strained by years of diplomatic conflicts over Ukraine and accusations of Russian meddling in US elections.

Moscow will do all it can to improve ties with US, says Russian President Vladimir Putin Russia's president said on Saturday that Moscow would do all it could to improve relations with the United States that have been strained by years of diplomatic conflicts over Ukraine and accusations of Russian meddling in US elections. Mass resignations of Congress leaders part of 'scripted drama': BJP's Tom Vadakkan BJP member Tom Vadakkan on Saturday claimed the recent mass resignations in the Congress as a "scripted drama", following Rahul Gandhi's refusal to withdraw his resignation as the party president. Taliban kill 26 pro-government militia members in Afghanistan Taliban militants killed at least 26 members of a pro-government militia in north Afghanistan on Saturday, government officials said, the same day the militants and US government officials are due to start a new round of peace talks in Qatar. Erdogan says no setback in missile deal with Russia as Trump voices sympathy Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response. Trump administration declares emergency in violence-plagued rural Alaska US Attorney General William Barr on Friday declared a public-safety emergency in rural Alaska and pledged $10.5 million in federal funds to combat some of the nation`s worst rates of sexual assault, child abuse and other violent crimes.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-problem-trump-tells-erdogan-on-russia-s-400-missile-deal-231388">Russian S-400 missile defence systems</a>, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through.&nbsp;

Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute.

Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia.

"Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer.

Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey.

The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion.

Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy.

In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal.

Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector.

Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year.&nbsp; 
The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge.

'Complicated'

Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal.

Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership.

Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed.

But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly.

"We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said.&nbsp;

"You can`t do business that way. It`s not good."

"They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said.&nbsp;

"I don`t think he was treated fairly."

Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions".

In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance".

The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response.

Turkey said on Saturday there was no setback in its plan to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems, despite US opposition, and President Donald Trump expressed understanding for the decision but did not rule out sanctions in response. NATO allies Turkey and the United States have been at odds over Turkey`s decision to procure the S-400s, with the United States warning of sanctions if the deal goes through. Turkey has dismissed the warnings and said it would not back down, as already strained ties between the two countries have deteriorated further over the dispute. Speaking before talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of a G20 summit in Japan, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the deal for the S-400s showed improving ties between Turkey and Russia. "Now, I believe eyes are on the delivery process of this issue, but there are no setbacks in our agreement," Erdogan said, adding that it was a priority for Turkey that the deal includes joint production of the systems and a technology transfer. Erdogan also said it was important for Turkey to finish the first reactor in the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear plant, by 2023. He said non-nuclear equipment at the plant should be procured from Turkey. The plant is being built by Russia`s Rosatom at a cost of more than $20 billion. Buying military equipment from Russia leaves Turkey vulnerable to US retribution under a 2017 law known as the Countering America`s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The United States says the S-400s are not compatible with NATO`s defence network and could compromise its Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets, an aircraft Turkey is helping to build and planning to buy. In an effort to sway Turkey, the United States has offered to supply it with its Raytheon Co Patriot missiles, but Erdogan has said the US offer was not as good as Russia`s S-400 proposal. Under the possible US sanctions, Turkey could face expulsion from the F-35 programme among other measures that could deal a significant blow to Turkey`s ailing economy and its defence industry sector. Even minor US sanctions could prompt another sharp sell-off in the Turkish lira. A 30 per cent slide in the currency drove the economy into recession last year. The lira has fallen another 10 per cent this year, and markets remain on edge. 'Complicated' Despite the threat of sanctions, Turkey has put its hopes in the relationship between Erdogan and Trump, saying it expected the US president to protect it from sanctions over the S-400 deal. Erdogan, in comments ahead of a meeting with Trump, said he believed Turkey and the United States would act in line with their strategic partnership. Trump, sitting alongside Erdogan, said the United States faced a "complicated" situation in how to respond to the S-400 deal, adding that sanctions were being discussed. But signalling a potential solution, Trump also expressed sympathy with Erdogan, blaming former President Barack Obama`s administration for placing conditions on Turkey`s purchase of Patriot missiles and treating Turkey unfairly. "We have a very complicated situation because the president was not allowed to buy the Patriot missiles," Trump said. "You can`t do business that way. It`s not good." "They would not let him buy the missile that he wanted to buy, which is the Patriot. He`s a NATO member. He`s somebody that I`ve become friendly with. And you have to treat people fairly," he said. "I don`t think he was treated fairly." Asked if the United States would impose sanctions on Turkey, Trump said the issue was being discussed, but it was a "two-way street" and both sides were evaluating "different solutions". In a readout of the meeting, which lasted for about 40 minutes, the White House said Trump "expressed concern" over the S-400 deal and "encouraged Turkey to work with the United States on defence cooperation in a way that strengthens the NATO alliance". The S-400s are expected to be delivered in Turkey in the first half of July. Turkish officials have said discussions on where the systems would be stationed are underway.

Erdogan says no setback in missile deal with Russia as Trump voices sympathy

Why The Defeat In Istanbul Is A Serious Blow For Erdogan's Political Career It's a significant defeat for Erdogan. Istanbul is very important in Turkey's political landscape and now Erdogan's party has lost in Istanbul. How will this impact Erdogan's political career? Is this the first sign of power slipping away from Turkey's powerful leader? Here's a report

Gravitas: Big setback for Erdogan: Istanbul votes against Erdogan's party

The winner of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/istanbul-awaits-election-verdict-on-erdogan-and-turkish-democracy-229788"> Istanbul's mayoral election re-run</a>, Ekrem Imamoglu, said Sunday that the victory marked a "new beginning" for Turkey and offered to work closely with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"It was not a single group or party, but the whole of Istanbul and Turkey that won this election," Imamoglu said in his victory speech.&nbsp;

With almost 99 percent of votes counted, he had 54 percent of the vote against the ruling AKP party's Binali Yildirim on 45.1 per cent.&nbsp;

His lead of more than 775,000 votes marked a huge increase on his victory in March, when he won by just 13,000.&nbsp;

That win was annulled by election authorities after Erdogan's AKP party claimed there was corruption in the counting.&nbsp;

"Mr President, I am ready to work in harmony with you. I convey from here my request to meet with you in the shortest time possible," Imamoglu said.

"I will work diligently without discriminating against anyone," he added, before concluding with his campaign slogan: "Everything will be fine."

The winner of Istanbul's mayoral election re-run, Ekrem Imamoglu, said Sunday that the victory marked a "new beginning" for Turkey and offered to work closely with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The winner of Istanbul's mayoral election re-run, Ekrem Imamoglu, said Sunday that the victory marked a "new beginning" for Turkey and offered to work closely with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "It was not a single group or party, but the whole of Istanbul and Turkey that won this election," Imamoglu said in his victory speech. With almost 99 percent of votes counted, he had 54 percent of the vote against the ruling AKP party's Binali Yildirim on 45.1 per cent. His lead of more than 775,000 votes marked a huge increase on his victory in March, when he won by just 13,000. That win was annulled by election authorities after Erdogan's AKP party claimed there was corruption in the counting. "Mr President, I am ready to work in harmony with you. I convey from here my request to meet with you in the shortest time possible," Imamoglu said. "I will work diligently without discriminating against anyone," he added, before concluding with his campaign slogan: "Everything will be fine."

Istanbul mayor says win marks 'new beginning' for Turkey

Polls closed in Sunday's replay of the mayoral election in Istanbul, with voters anxiously awaiting a verdict seen as crucial to the future of Turkish democracy and its long-ruling president, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-to-push-for-trial-of-egyptian-government-over-morsis-death-228805">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>.&nbsp;

Ekrem Imamoglu was a little-known district mayor who caused a huge upset when he narrowly beat the candidate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-endorses-un-report-on-khashoggi-murder-228798">Erdogan</a>'s ruling party in March.&nbsp;

Election authorities annulled that result after Erdogan claimed irregularities in the counting -- but that has only galvanised Imamoglu who vowed "a battle for democracy" to take back the city of 15 million.

Critics say Erdogan simply refused to give up control of Istanbul, Turkey's economic powerhouse and a crucial source of patronage for Islamic conservatives since he won the mayorship himself a quarter-century ago.

But being stripped of the victory has turned Imamoglu, of the secular Republican People's Party, into a household name.

"Today our people will make the best decision... for the sake of our democracy, for Istanbul and also for the legitimacy of all future elections," he said after voting.

His upbeat message under the slogan "Everything will be fine" is in contrast to the usual aggressive name-calling of Turkish politics.

The message had struck a chord among voters.&nbsp;

"I'm nervous but I'm sure of the result," said one 26-year-old supporter on Sunday. "The interest in the first election was far less. Now things are different and I believe Ekrem Imamoglu will win by a big margin."

But Imamoglu faces the juggernaut of the AKP, which has ruled Turkey since 2002 and remains the most popular political force nationwide thanks to years of dramatic growth and support for previously-excluded religious conservatives.&nbsp;

The AKP's candidate is Binali Yildirim, a mild-mannered Erdogan loyalist who oversaw several huge transport projects and served as prime minister.

He struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, saying: "If we have wronged, knowingly or unknowingly, one of our fellow Istanbulites or our challengers, if we have done something unjust, I ask for your forgiveness," he said.

Results of the vote are expected Sunday evening.&nbsp;

- 'Lose-lose situation' -

Analysts say that the re-run is a lose-lose proposition for Erdogan: a second defeat would undermine his image of invincibility and embolden rivals within his party, while a victory would forever be seen by the opposition as stolen.

It comes as an economic slump and rising prices have dented his reputation for economic stewardship, with the AKP also losing the capital Ankara in March.&nbsp;

For many conservatives, Erdogan remains a hero who brought prosperity and has fiercely defended the country's interests.

Most accept the line that the re-run was necessary.

"If there's something like stolen votes, I think it's better to re-do the election in the name of democracy," said 45-year-old Huseyin as he queued to cast his ballot.

Erdogan maintained his allegations of irregularities as he voted on Sunday, saying the last election "should not have happened like that".&nbsp;

But the controversy over the re-run may explain his relative silence, with no repeat of the tireless rallying for the March polls, which included 102 appearances in just 50 days.

Erdogan has downplayed the importance of the re-run, saying last week that the choice of mayor was "only a change in the shop window" since the AKP controls almost two-thirds of the city's districts.

Fearing fraud, the opposition has mobilised an army of lawyers from across Turkey to monitor Sunday's election, with the Istanbul Bar Association unfurling a huge banner at their headquarters that reads: "Stand guard for democracy".&nbsp;

"I have always a doubt in the corner of my mind that they would not replay this election for nothing. Anything is possible from the other side," said an Imamoglu supporter.

- The Kurdish factor -

The AKP has gone to great lengths to rally conservative voters who abstained in March.&nbsp;

It has also tried to win over Kurds, who number in the millions in Istanbul and have been angered by the crackdown on Kurdish activists in recent years.&nbsp;

Yildirim travelled to one of the main Kurdish cities of Diyarbakir this month and uttered the word "Kurdistan" -- a taboo in Turkey.

There have even been signs of dialogue with the jailed leader of the Kurdish insurgency, Abdullah Ocalan, who this week called on the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party to remain neutral in the election, though it has continued to back Imamoglu.

Polls closed in Sunday's replay of the mayoral election in Istanbul, with voters anxiously awaiting a verdict seen as crucial to the future of Turkish democracy and its long-ruling president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Polls closed in Sunday's replay of the mayoral election in Istanbul, with voters anxiously awaiting a verdict seen as crucial to the future of Turkish democracy and its long-ruling president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ekrem Imamoglu was a little-known district mayor who caused a huge upset when he narrowly beat the candidate of Erdogan's ruling party in March. Election authorities annulled that result after Erdogan claimed irregularities in the counting -- but that has only galvanised Imamoglu who vowed "a battle for democracy" to take back the city of 15 million. Critics say Erdogan simply refused to give up control of Istanbul, Turkey's economic powerhouse and a crucial source of patronage for Islamic conservatives since he won the mayorship himself a quarter-century ago. But being stripped of the victory has turned Imamoglu, of the secular Republican People's Party, into a household name. "Today our people will make the best decision... for the sake of our democracy, for Istanbul and also for the legitimacy of all future elections," he said after voting. His upbeat message under the slogan "Everything will be fine" is in contrast to the usual aggressive name-calling of Turkish politics. The message had struck a chord among voters. "I'm nervous but I'm sure of the result," said one 26-year-old supporter on Sunday. "The interest in the first election was far less. Now things are different and I believe Ekrem Imamoglu will win by a big margin." But Imamoglu faces the juggernaut of the AKP, which has ruled Turkey since 2002 and remains the most popular political force nationwide thanks to years of dramatic growth and support for previously-excluded religious conservatives. The AKP's candidate is Binali Yildirim, a mild-mannered Erdogan loyalist who oversaw several huge transport projects and served as prime minister. He struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, saying: "If we have wronged, knowingly or unknowingly, one of our fellow Istanbulites or our challengers, if we have done something unjust, I ask for your forgiveness," he said. Results of the vote are expected Sunday evening. - 'Lose-lose situation' - Analysts say that the re-run is a lose-lose proposition for Erdogan: a second defeat would undermine his image of invincibility and embolden rivals within his party, while a victory would forever be seen by the opposition as stolen. It comes as an economic slump and rising prices have dented his reputation for economic stewardship, with the AKP also losing the capital Ankara in March. For many conservatives, Erdogan remains a hero who brought prosperity and has fiercely defended the country's interests. Most accept the line that the re-run was necessary. "If there's something like stolen votes, I think it's better to re-do the election in the name of democracy," said 45-year-old Huseyin as he queued to cast his ballot. Erdogan maintained his allegations of irregularities as he voted on Sunday, saying the last election "should not have happened like that". But the controversy over the re-run may explain his relative silence, with no repeat of the tireless rallying for the March polls, which included 102 appearances in just 50 days. Erdogan has downplayed the importance of the re-run, saying last week that the choice of mayor was "only a change in the shop window" since the AKP controls almost two-thirds of the city's districts. Fearing fraud, the opposition has mobilised an army of lawyers from across Turkey to monitor Sunday's election, with the Istanbul Bar Association unfurling a huge banner at their headquarters that reads: "Stand guard for democracy". "I have always a doubt in the corner of my mind that they would not replay this election for nothing. Anything is possible from the other side," said an Imamoglu supporter. - The Kurdish factor - The AKP has gone to great lengths to rally conservative voters who abstained in March. It has also tried to win over Kurds, who number in the millions in Istanbul and have been angered by the crackdown on Kurdish activists in recent years. Yildirim travelled to one of the main Kurdish cities of Diyarbakir this month and uttered the word "Kurdistan" -- a taboo in Turkey. There have even been signs of dialogue with the jailed leader of the Kurdish insurgency, Abdullah Ocalan, who this week called on the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party to remain neutral in the election, though it has continued to back Imamoglu.

Istanbul awaits election verdict on Erdogan and Turkish democracy

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed to make an effort to ensure the Egyptian government is tried in international courts for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-former-president-mohamed-mursi-dies-report-228094/amp">death of former president Mohamed Morsi</a>, who suffered a fatal heart attack in a Cairo court earlier this week.

Speaking at an election rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said Morsi "did not die, he was murdered," and called on the Organisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/turkey-positions-itself-as-a-prominent-backer-of-muslim-community-in-new-zealand-204311">Islamic Cooperation</a> to act on Morsi`s death. He added he will raise the issue at the G-20 summit in Japan at the end of the month.&nbsp;

Erdogan forged close ties with Morsi, Egypt's first civilian president and a prominent Muslim Brotherhood member.

But Ankara's relations with Cairo ties deteriorated after the Egyptian military, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Morsi in 2013. Sisi then became president.

Erdogan has sharply denounced the military takeover in Egypt and called it a "coup".

On Wednesday, he said he would follow up on the process related to Morsi's death.

"We will do whatever is needed for Egypt to be tried in international courts."

The attorney general's office in Egypt has said that Morsi was "transported immediately to the hospital", where medics pronounced him dead -- a version confirmed by a judicial source.

Morsi was buried on Tuesday, as rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for an independent probe into the causes of his death.

Erdogan on Tuesday joined in prayer at an Istanbul mosque for the former Egyptian leader.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed to make an effort to ensure the Egyptian government is tried in international courts for the death of former president Mohamed Morsi, who suffered a fatal heart attack in a Cairo court earlier this week.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed to make an effort to ensure the Egyptian government is tried in international courts for the death of former president Mohamed Morsi, who suffered a fatal heart attack in a Cairo court earlier this week. Speaking at an election rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said Morsi "did not die, he was murdered," and called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to act on Morsi`s death. He added he will raise the issue at the G-20 summit in Japan at the end of the month. Erdogan forged close ties with Morsi, Egypt's first civilian president and a prominent Muslim Brotherhood member. But Ankara's relations with Cairo ties deteriorated after the Egyptian military, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Morsi in 2013. Sisi then became president. Erdogan has sharply denounced the military takeover in Egypt and called it a "coup". On Wednesday, he said he would follow up on the process related to Morsi's death. "We will do whatever is needed for Egypt to be tried in international courts." The attorney general's office in Egypt has said that Morsi was "transported immediately to the hospital", where medics pronounced him dead -- a version confirmed by a judicial source. Morsi was buried on Tuesday, as rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for an independent probe into the causes of his death. Erdogan on Tuesday joined in prayer at an Istanbul mosque for the former Egyptian leader.

Turkey's Erdogan to push for trial of Egyptian government over Morsi's death

Turkey on Tuesday accused the US of not acting as an ally in its official response to Washington's ultimatum to Ankara to abandon <a href="Turkey rejects United States ultimatums, says will not back down on Russian S-400s">a Russian missile defence system deal</a>.

The Turkish defence ministry said in a statement "the wording and approach" of a letter sent early this month by Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan "was not in the spirit of an alliance (and) caused unease".

The ministry said Turkey's previously "known" opinions on acquiring the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-it-has-already-bought-russian-s-400-defence-systems-226725"> Russian S-400 missile defence system</a> had been shared in a detailed manner, without offering further information.

Shanahan's letter warned Ankara has until July 31 to renounce the S-400 purchase or Turkish pilots would be booted from US training on America's latest-generation F-35 fighter jets.

Ankara's push to buy the missile defence system from Moscow has caused significant tension between the NATO allies, whose ties are already strained by multiple issues including US support for a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Turkey.

Despite US concerns over the S-400 system's interoperability with NATO equipment, Turkey has repeatedly said it would not back away from the deal.

The defence ministry statement stressed the importance of "continued dialogue based on mutual respect and friendship, and efforts to find an appropriate solution to the issues".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump on the margins of a G20 summit in Japan later this month.

Erdogan at the weekend said Ankara expected the first deliveries of the Russian system in the first half of July.

Washington has also warned Turkey faces economic sanctions if it goes through with the deal. 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Tuesday accused the US of not acting as an ally in its official response to Washington's ultimatum to Ankara to abandon a Russian missile defence system deal.

Turkey on Tuesday accused the US of not acting as an ally in its official response to Washington's ultimatum to Ankara to abandon a Russian missile defence system deal. The Turkish defence ministry said in a statement "the wording and approach" of a letter sent early this month by Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan "was not in the spirit of an alliance (and) caused unease". The ministry said Turkey's previously "known" opinions on acquiring the Russian S-400 missile defence system had been shared in a detailed manner, without offering further information. Shanahan's letter warned Ankara has until July 31 to renounce the S-400 purchase or Turkish pilots would be booted from US training on America's latest-generation F-35 fighter jets. Ankara's push to buy the missile defence system from Moscow has caused significant tension between the NATO allies, whose ties are already strained by multiple issues including US support for a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Turkey. Despite US concerns over the S-400 system's interoperability with NATO equipment, Turkey has repeatedly said it would not back away from the deal. The defence ministry statement stressed the importance of "continued dialogue based on mutual respect and friendship, and efforts to find an appropriate solution to the issues". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet his US counterpart Donald Trump on the margins of a G20 summit in Japan later this month. Erdogan at the weekend said Ankara expected the first deliveries of the Russian system in the first half of July. Washington has also warned Turkey faces economic sanctions if it goes through with the deal.

US response to S-400 missile defence was not in spirit of alliance: Turkey

Turkey expects the delivery of the controversial <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/would-like-to-keep-f-35-fighter-jet-programme-with-us-erdogan-226686">Russian S-400 missile defence</a> system to begin in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying in Turkish media on Sunday.

"I believe (S-400s) will begin to arrive in the first half of July. Colleagues in charge of the schedule are following the issue," Erdogan said according to CNN Turk broadcaster.

Ankara's deal with Moscow has been a major source of tension between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-made-an-agreement-with-russia-no-backtracking-on-s400-missile-system-erdogan-224109">Turkey and the United States</a>, with Washington threatening consequences including sanctions against its fellow NATO member.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter earlier this month warning Turkey it must renounce the S-400 system by July 31 or Turkish pilots currently training on the F-35 fighter jet programme would be expelled from the US.

Turkey plans to buy 100 US F-35s while a number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the warplane.

Ankara has yet formally to respond to Shanahan's letter but Erdogan said that "within a short time, perhaps sometime this week, a letter in response will be sent".

He was adamant the deal with Moscow was not one which Turkey would walk away from.

"The issue of the S-400 is completed. There are no difficulties," Erdogan said, speaking to Turkish journalists on his plane to Turkey after a visit to Tajikistan for a summit.

"If we now swallow our words, this would not comply with the manners of our state, and it would also not suit my statesmanship," Erdogan added.

There had been expectations that the first deliveries could begin this month but Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec said earlier in June that there were plans to start deliveries in two months.

Washington has urged Ankara to buy US Patriot missiles instead and warned Turkey faces penalties under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The act bars business with Russia's state and private defence and intelligence sectors.

But Ankara has insisted the country is preparing for any possible US sanctions.

Turkey expects the delivery of the controversial Russian S-400 missile defence system to begin in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying in Turkish media on Sunday.

Turkey expects the delivery of the controversial Russian S-400 missile defence system to begin in July, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quoted as saying in Turkish media on Sunday. "I believe (S-400s) will begin to arrive in the first half of July. Colleagues in charge of the schedule are following the issue," Erdogan said according to CNN Turk broadcaster. Ankara's deal with Moscow has been a major source of tension between Turkey and the United States, with Washington threatening consequences including sanctions against its fellow NATO member. Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter earlier this month warning Turkey it must renounce the S-400 system by July 31 or Turkish pilots currently training on the F-35 fighter jet programme would be expelled from the US. Turkey plans to buy 100 US F-35s while a number of Turkish manufacturers are making parts and equipment for the warplane. Ankara has yet formally to respond to Shanahan's letter but Erdogan said that "within a short time, perhaps sometime this week, a letter in response will be sent". He was adamant the deal with Moscow was not one which Turkey would walk away from. "The issue of the S-400 is completed. There are no difficulties," Erdogan said, speaking to Turkish journalists on his plane to Turkey after a visit to Tajikistan for a summit. "If we now swallow our words, this would not comply with the manners of our state, and it would also not suit my statesmanship," Erdogan added. There had been expectations that the first deliveries could begin this month but Russia's state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec said earlier in June that there were plans to start deliveries in two months. Washington has urged Ankara to buy US Patriot missiles instead and warned Turkey faces penalties under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The act bars business with Russia's state and private defence and intelligence sectors. But Ankara has insisted the country is preparing for any possible US sanctions.

Russia's S-400 missile defence system to be delivered next month: Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he hoped to persuade the United States not to exclude Turkey from taking part in the F-35 fighter jet programme, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump later this month.&nbsp;

Erdogan, who is to meet Trump on the margins of G20 summit in Japan on June 28-29, said in a televised speech that before the gathering he "would like to discuss this issue by telephone and reverse it from the current situation back to where we started".

Washington has given Turkey until the end of July to abandon its purchase of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-and-erdogan-discuss-s-400-missile-deal-208998">major Russian missile defence system</a>, which it considers incompatible with Ankara's participation in the US's construction of its F-35 stealth fighters.

The Pentagon announced on Friday that if by July 31 Turkey did not give <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-made-an-agreement-with-russia-no-backtracking-on-s400-missile-system-erdogan-224109">up on the S-400 system</a>, Ankara would be blocked from purchasing F-35 fighter jets and Turkish pilots currently training in the US would be expelled.

Erdogan vowed to seek answers on his country's "exclusion from F-35 project for reasons that have no rational or legitimate basis", adding that Turkey was not only a customer but also a programme partner of the F-35 project.

Turkey plans to buy 100 F-35s and its defence industry has made significant investment in the warplanes' production.

"We have so far paid $1.250 billion," Erdogan said.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader, however, repeated there would be no step back from Ankara's plans.

"Look, I am not saying Turkey will buy the S400 defence system, I say Turkey has bought it," he added.

"We have completed the business. God willing, the system will be delivered to our country next month."

The purchase has raised eyebrows among Turkey's NATO allies and provoked anger in Washington, which expected Ankara to opt for the American Patriot air defence system instead.&nbsp;

But Erdogan said Russia offered a better deal including reasonable pricing and a joint production promise.

"This is not an attack system but a defence system. Won't we take necessary measures to defend our country?" he said.&nbsp;

"Did we ask for such a defence system from America? Yes, we did. Did they deliver? No, they didn't," he said.

Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Friday the US offer for the Patriots was "very competitive".

He also said he had sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar informing him of Washington's decision to pull Turkey out of the F-35 programme unless it abandons its plans to buy the S400 system.

Akar said in a statement Wednesday that the language used in the letter "does not bode well for the spirit of the alliance."

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he hoped to persuade the United States not to exclude Turkey from taking part in the F-35 fighter jet programme, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump later this month.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said he hoped to persuade the United States not to exclude Turkey from taking part in the F-35 fighter jet programme, ahead of his meeting with President Donald Trump later this month. Erdogan, who is to meet Trump on the margins of G20 summit in Japan on June 28-29, said in a televised speech that before the gathering he "would like to discuss this issue by telephone and reverse it from the current situation back to where we started". Washington has given Turkey until the end of July to abandon its purchase of a major Russian missile defence system, which it considers incompatible with Ankara's participation in the US's construction of its F-35 stealth fighters. The Pentagon announced on Friday that if by July 31 Turkey did not give up on the S-400 system, Ankara would be blocked from purchasing F-35 fighter jets and Turkish pilots currently training in the US would be expelled. Erdogan vowed to seek answers on his country's "exclusion from F-35 project for reasons that have no rational or legitimate basis", adding that Turkey was not only a customer but also a programme partner of the F-35 project. Turkey plans to buy 100 F-35s and its defence industry has made significant investment in the warplanes' production. "We have so far paid $1.250 billion," Erdogan said. The Turkish leader, however, repeated there would be no step back from Ankara's plans. "Look, I am not saying Turkey will buy the S400 defence system, I say Turkey has bought it," he added. "We have completed the business. God willing, the system will be delivered to our country next month." The purchase has raised eyebrows among Turkey's NATO allies and provoked anger in Washington, which expected Ankara to opt for the American Patriot air defence system instead. But Erdogan said Russia offered a better deal including reasonable pricing and a joint production promise. "This is not an attack system but a defence system. Won't we take necessary measures to defend our country?" he said. "Did we ask for such a defence system from America? Yes, we did. Did they deliver? No, they didn't," he said. Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said Friday the US offer for the Patriots was "very competitive". He also said he had sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar informing him of Washington's decision to pull Turkey out of the F-35 programme unless it abandons its plans to buy the S400 system. Akar said in a statement Wednesday that the language used in the letter "does not bode well for the spirit of the alliance."

Would like to keep F-35 fighter jet programme with US: Erdogan

Training by Turkish pilots on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-starts-unwinding-turkey-from-f-35-program-over-russia-defence-deal-225370">F-35 fighter jets</a> has come to a faster-than-expected halt at a US air base in Arizona, US officials said on Monday, as the United States winds down Ankara's involvement in the program over Turkey's plans to buy a Russian air defence system.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-to-produce-s-500s-with-russia-after-s-400-missile-deal-219729">Russia's S-400 air defences</a> poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. Washington says Ankara cannot have both.

The move to halt training at Luke Air Force Base, came just days after acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told his Turkish counterpart that Turkish pilots already in the United States could remain there until the end of July. That would have allowed time for more training and for Turkey to rethink its plans.

"The department is aware that the Turkish pilots at Luke AFB are not flying," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Pentagon spokesman, said.

"Without a change in Turkish policy, we will continue to work closely with our Turkish ally on winding down their participation in the F-35 program."

A second US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a local commander at Luke decided last week to halt the training of Turkish pilots and maintenance crews over safety concerns.

Some training of Turkish maintenance personnel continues at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the official said.

If Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said.

But strains in US-Turkish ties already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey.

Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan had said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey.

Training by Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets has come to a faster-than-expected halt at a US air base in Arizona, US officials said on Monday, as the United States winds down Ankara's involvement in the program over Turkey's plans to buy a Russian air defence system.

Training by Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets has come to a faster-than-expected halt at a US air base in Arizona, US officials said on Monday, as the United States winds down Ankara's involvement in the program over Turkey's plans to buy a Russian air defence system. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defences poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. Washington says Ankara cannot have both. The move to halt training at Luke Air Force Base, came just days after acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told his Turkish counterpart that Turkish pilots already in the United States could remain there until the end of July. That would have allowed time for more training and for Turkey to rethink its plans. "The department is aware that the Turkish pilots at Luke AFB are not flying," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "Without a change in Turkish policy, we will continue to work closely with our Turkish ally on winding down their participation in the F-35 program." A second US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a local commander at Luke decided last week to halt the training of Turkish pilots and maintenance crews over safety concerns. Some training of Turkish maintenance personnel continues at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the official said. If Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said. But strains in US-Turkish ties already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey. Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan had said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey.

S-400 row: Turkish pilots halt operations at US air base in Arizona

Former German international football Mesut&nbsp;Ozil&nbsp;was married in Istanbul on Friday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as his best man.

The 30-year-old&nbsp;Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last year when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign.

The Turkish leader arrived in the early evening for Friday's ceremony at a luxury hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus to see the former Arsenal midfielder marry his fiancee, former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse.

A smiling Erdogan and his wife Emine were seen standing next to the young couple as their marriage was formalised.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mrs. &amp; Mr. Özil 👰🏻❤🤵🏻 <a href="https://t.co/DxJdla17pE">pic.twitter.com/DxJdla17pE</a>
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) <a href="https://twitter.com/MesutOzil1088/status/1137104930974646273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory,&nbsp;Ozil&nbsp;suddenly quit the national squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism.

Ozil&nbsp;announced in March that he had asked Erdogan to be his best man.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff was part of a chorus of criticism of the invitation.&nbsp;

Helge Braun, a CDU told the Bild newspaper then that it "makes one sad" that&nbsp;Ozilwould make a such a move despite having already been sharply criticised by the German public over his first meeting with Erdogan.&nbsp;

Ozil&nbsp;has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018.

The footballer, a third-generation German, whipped up a political storm when he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May.

Criticism intensified after the red-faced defending champions crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in Russia.

In the wake of the World Cup fiasco,&nbsp;Ozil&nbsp;announced his resignation from the national squad, saying: "I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose".

Erdogan often attends marriages in Turkey of celebrities, whom he particularly seeks out during election campaigns.

His presence at&nbsp;Ozil's marriage comes ahead of a mayoral election in Istanbul on June 23, required after the original voting in March was annulled following a narrow victory for the main opposition Republican People's Party.

Former German international football Mesut Ozil was married in Istanbul on Friday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as his best man. The 30-year-old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last year when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign.

Former German international football Mesut Ozil was married in Istanbul on Friday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as his best man. The 30-year-old Ozil, who has Turkish family roots, sparked controversy last year when he was photographed with Erdogan, raising questions about the footballer's loyalty to Germany on the eve of their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign. The Turkish leader arrived in the early evening for Friday's ceremony at a luxury hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus to see the former Arsenal midfielder marry his fiancee, former Miss Turkey Amine Gulse. A smiling Erdogan and his wife Emine were seen standing next to the young couple as their marriage was formalised. Mrs. & Mr. Özil 👰🏻❤🤵🏻 pic.twitter.com/DxJdla17pE — Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) June 7, 2019 × After 92 appearances for Germany, including a key role in the 2014 World Cup victory, Ozil suddenly quit the national squad last July, accusing German football officials of racism. Ozil announced in March that he had asked Erdogan to be his best man. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief of staff was part of a chorus of criticism of the invitation. Helge Braun, a CDU told the Bild newspaper then that it "makes one sad" that Ozilwould make a such a move despite having already been sharply criticised by the German public over his first meeting with Erdogan. Ozil has dated Gulse since 2017 and the couple announced their engagement in June 2018. The footballer, a third-generation German, whipped up a political storm when he was pictured alongside Erdogan last May. Criticism intensified after the red-faced defending champions crashed out of the first round of the World Cup in Russia. In the wake of the World Cup fiasco, Ozil announced his resignation from the national squad, saying: "I am German when we win, an immigrant when we lose". Erdogan often attends marriages in Turkey of celebrities, whom he particularly seeks out during election campaigns. His presence at Ozil's marriage comes ahead of a mayoral election in Istanbul on June 23, required after the original voting in March was annulled following a narrow victory for the main opposition Republican People's Party.

Mesut Ozil marries in Istanbul, with Turkish President Erdogan as best man

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey would not withdraw from a deal made with Russia to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-to-produce-s-500s-with-russia-after-s-400-missile-deal-219729">an S400 missile defence system</a> despite pressure from the United States.

"We have made an agreement (with Russia). We are determined. There is nothing like backtracking from that," Erdogan was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency.&nbsp;

Ankara's desire to buy the Russian S400 system has been a major source of contention between NATO allies Turkey and the United States, which has threatened sanctions.

Last week, a top Pentagon official said the consequences would be "devastating" for Turkey's joint F-35 fighter programme and its cooperation with NATO if the country goes ahead with plans to buy the Russian missile defence system.

Kathryn Wheelbarger, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said Ankara's planned purchase of the S-400 would damage Turkey's ability to work with the Western alliance, and force Washington to hit the country with sanctions.

She said that the US administration, even if it does not want to punish Turkey for the purchase, could be forced to do so by a Congress unsympathetic to Ankara.

Turkey has defied the mounting pressure and said the purchase was a "done deal."

Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone and, according to the Turkish leader's office, they discussed Ankara's previous offer to form a "joint working group" on the missile system.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey would not withdraw from a deal made with Russia to buy an S400 missile defence system despite pressure from the United States.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey would not withdraw from a deal made with Russia to buy an S400 missile defence system despite pressure from the United States. "We have made an agreement (with Russia). We are determined. There is nothing like backtracking from that," Erdogan was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency. Ankara's desire to buy the Russian S400 system has been a major source of contention between NATO allies Turkey and the United States, which has threatened sanctions. Last week, a top Pentagon official said the consequences would be "devastating" for Turkey's joint F-35 fighter programme and its cooperation with NATO if the country goes ahead with plans to buy the Russian missile defence system. Kathryn Wheelbarger, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said Ankara's planned purchase of the S-400 would damage Turkey's ability to work with the Western alliance, and force Washington to hit the country with sanctions. She said that the US administration, even if it does not want to punish Turkey for the purchase, could be forced to do so by a Congress unsympathetic to Ankara. Turkey has defied the mounting pressure and said the purchase was a "done deal." Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone and, according to the Turkish leader's office, they discussed Ankara's previous offer to form a "joint working group" on the missile system.

We have made an agreement with Russia, no backtracking on S400 missile system: Erdogan

Turkey`s main opposition party said on Wednesday it had formally requested the annulment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-opens-turkeys-largest-mosque-215827">President Tayyip Erdogan`s</a> mandate because the same flaws his AK Party alleged in the city`s March 31 mayoral vote occurred in last year`s national elections.

The Republican People`s Party (CHP) also said votes for Istanbul officials and councils, submitted in the same envelopes as the mayoral election, should be cancelled if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-election-body-orders-istanbul-vote-re-run-after-erdogans-akp-defeat-216530">mayoral vote is re-run</a>. The AK Party (AKP) won a majority in the councils.

After weeks of appeals by the AKP and their nationalist MHP allies, Turkey`s High Election Board (YSK) ruled on Monday for a re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election, which was dramatically won by the CHP`s Ekrem Imamoglu with a razor-thin majority.

It was the first time in 25 years that the AKP or its Islamist predecessors had failed to win control of Istanbul, Turkey`s largest city with a budget of close to $4 billion. Erdogan launched his own political career as Istanbul mayor.

In its ruling, which also annulled Imamoglu`s mandate, the YSK cited irregularities in the appointment of polling station officials. Erdogan`s party said the fact that individuals who were not public servants had been appointed to the polling stations amounted to organised crime.

However, the YSK left results for district administrators, municipal councils and local officials unchanged, a decision which the CHP said was nonsense because all four votes were cast in the same envelopes and counted by the same polling officials.

"If you`re revoking Ekrem Imamoglu`s mandate ... then you must also annul President Erdogan`s mandate because the same laws, same regulations, same applications, same polling stations and conditions were present in both elections," CHP Deputy Chairman Muharrem Erkek told reporters.

"Why are you not cancelling the results that came out of the same envelopes?" he said.

A video posted on the AKP`s Twitter account said the YSK had not ruled that all the elections must be re-run in Istanbul because the number of "suspicious" votes it had identified would not affect the outcome of the district council polls.

In his first comments after the YSK`s decision, Erdogan said on Tuesday that the elections had been marred by "organised irregularity".

The United States, which has had tetchy relations with Erdogan, issued a statement on the re-run, saying that "we, like other friends of Turkey, take note of this extraordinary decision".

"Turkey has a long, proud democratic tradition. We urge Turkish authorities to carry out this election in keeping with its laws, and in a manner that is consistent with its OSCE commitments, its status as a NATO ally, and its aspirations for membership in the European Union," the statement from State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.&nbsp;

DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT?

Asked about the ruling, Imamoglu said democracy was the victim.

"The municipal council, crystal clear. The local officials, great. The district administrators, also okay. But the mayoral, there is an issue there," he told

Turkey`s Fox TV late on Tuesday. "When Ekrem Imamoglu wins as mayor, you complain of irregularities. How can this be in line with anyone`s morals?" 
Imamoglu is portraying the election re-run as a battle for democracy in Turkey, maintaining since Monday`s ruling the upbeat and defiant tone of his original election campaign.

In a video interview with online newspaper T24 broadcast on Wednesday, Imamoglu said he did not expect the election board to accept the CHP`s request.

Responding to his appeal for support in a fiery speech after the announcement, around a million people including several prominent artists have used the hashtag #HerSeyCokGuzelOlacak (Everything Will be Alright) to show their solidarity.&nbsp;

The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), representing Turkey`s top lawyers, has said the YSK`s ruling had no legal basis and demanded that it publish a detailed justification.

The YSK has yet to set out its reasoning, which it is legally obliged to do. It was also not immediately clear when it would rule on the CHP`s appeal.&nbsp;

CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Tuesday accused the YSK of betraying voters` trust, saying the seven members who voted in favour of the re-run were "gang members" who bowed to the wishes of the AKP.

State-owned Anadolu news agency quoted the YSK on Wednesday as condemning Kilicdaroglu`s comments, saying he should not be allowed to insult members of the judiciary.

Challenges to the election results have unnerved financial markets and put pressure on the already ailing lira, which tumbled to its weakest level since October after the YSK scrapped the vote.&nbsp;

The lira stood at 6.1830 against the dollar at 1451 GMT on Wednesday, as investors questioned Turkey`s commitment to both the rule of law and economic reforms during a recession.

"The elections will be repeated in Istanbul, but they will be felt across the whole country," the TBB said in its statement.

Turkey`s main opposition party said on Wednesday it had formally requested the annulment of President Tayyip Erdogan`s mandate because the same flaws his AK Party alleged in the city`s March 31 mayoral vote occurred in last year`s national elections.

Turkey`s main opposition party said on Wednesday it had formally requested the annulment of President Tayyip Erdogan`s mandate because the same flaws his AK Party alleged in the city`s March 31 mayoral vote occurred in last year`s national elections. The Republican People`s Party (CHP) also said votes for Istanbul officials and councils, submitted in the same envelopes as the mayoral election, should be cancelled if the mayoral vote is re-run. The AK Party (AKP) won a majority in the councils. After weeks of appeals by the AKP and their nationalist MHP allies, Turkey`s High Election Board (YSK) ruled on Monday for a re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election, which was dramatically won by the CHP`s Ekrem Imamoglu with a razor-thin majority. It was the first time in 25 years that the AKP or its Islamist predecessors had failed to win control of Istanbul, Turkey`s largest city with a budget of close to $4 billion. Erdogan launched his own political career as Istanbul mayor. In its ruling, which also annulled Imamoglu`s mandate, the YSK cited irregularities in the appointment of polling station officials. Erdogan`s party said the fact that individuals who were not public servants had been appointed to the polling stations amounted to organised crime. However, the YSK left results for district administrators, municipal councils and local officials unchanged, a decision which the CHP said was nonsense because all four votes were cast in the same envelopes and counted by the same polling officials. "If you`re revoking Ekrem Imamoglu`s mandate ... then you must also annul President Erdogan`s mandate because the same laws, same regulations, same applications, same polling stations and conditions were present in both elections," CHP Deputy Chairman Muharrem Erkek told reporters. "Why are you not cancelling the results that came out of the same envelopes?" he said. A video posted on the AKP`s Twitter account said the YSK had not ruled that all the elections must be re-run in Istanbul because the number of "suspicious" votes it had identified would not affect the outcome of the district council polls. In his first comments after the YSK`s decision, Erdogan said on Tuesday that the elections had been marred by "organised irregularity". The United States, which has had tetchy relations with Erdogan, issued a statement on the re-run, saying that "we, like other friends of Turkey, take note of this extraordinary decision". "Turkey has a long, proud democratic tradition. We urge Turkish authorities to carry out this election in keeping with its laws, and in a manner that is consistent with its OSCE commitments, its status as a NATO ally, and its aspirations for membership in the European Union," the statement from State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT? Asked about the ruling, Imamoglu said democracy was the victim. "The municipal council, crystal clear. The local officials, great. The district administrators, also okay. But the mayoral, there is an issue there," he told Turkey`s Fox TV late on Tuesday. "When Ekrem Imamoglu wins as mayor, you complain of irregularities. How can this be in line with anyone`s morals?" Imamoglu is portraying the election re-run as a battle for democracy in Turkey, maintaining since Monday`s ruling the upbeat and defiant tone of his original election campaign. In a video interview with online newspaper T24 broadcast on Wednesday, Imamoglu said he did not expect the election board to accept the CHP`s request. Responding to his appeal for support in a fiery speech after the announcement, around a million people including several prominent artists have used the hashtag #HerSeyCokGuzelOlacak (Everything Will be Alright) to show their solidarity. The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), representing Turkey`s top lawyers, has said the YSK`s ruling had no legal basis and demanded that it publish a detailed justification. The YSK has yet to set out its reasoning, which it is legally obliged to do. It was also not immediately clear when it would rule on the CHP`s appeal. CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Tuesday accused the YSK of betraying voters` trust, saying the seven members who voted in favour of the re-run were "gang members" who bowed to the wishes of the AKP. State-owned Anadolu news agency quoted the YSK on Wednesday as condemning Kilicdaroglu`s comments, saying he should not be allowed to insult members of the judiciary. Challenges to the election results have unnerved financial markets and put pressure on the already ailing lira, which tumbled to its weakest level since October after the YSK scrapped the vote. The lira stood at 6.1830 against the dollar at 1451 GMT on Wednesday, as investors questioned Turkey`s commitment to both the rule of law and economic reforms during a recession. "The elections will be repeated in Istanbul, but they will be felt across the whole country," the TBB said in its statement.

Turkish opposition: Erdogan's mandate must also be revoked if Istanbul poll annulled

Turkey's top election body ordered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-tayyip-erdogan-signals-he-backs-re-run-of-contested-istanbul-vote-215937">re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election</a> on Monday after the party of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-opens-turkeys-largest-mosque-215827">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> complained about its shock <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-vows-to-confront-opponents-inside-party-after-vote-loss-213918">defeat in the vote</a>, the state news agency reported.&nbsp;

The winner of the election, Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said it was a "treacherous decision" and vowed to fight on.&nbsp;

"They are trying to take back the election we won. Maybe you are upset but never lose your hope," he told thousands of supporters on the outskirts of Istanbul following the ruling.&nbsp;

Imamoglu narrowly defeated the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the March 31 local elections to take control of Turkey's biggest city.&nbsp;

It was a rare electoral defeat for Erdogan, himself a former mayor of the city, which has been in the hands of the AKP and its predecessors for 25 years.&nbsp;

But the AKP has refused to accept defeat, saying there were "irregularities and corruption" in the vote.&nbsp;

Imamoglu won by just 13,000 votes but was confirmed after two weeks of recounts in April.&nbsp;

The soft-spoken former district mayor had vowed to heal political divisions and reach across party lines.&nbsp;

But Istanbul, with 16 million residents, is Turkey's economic engine and controls a major chunk of public spending.

Erdogan once said winning Istanbul was like winning the entire country.

The loss of the mayorship in Istanbul, along with a more resounding defeat in the capital Ankara, reflected widespread concern over the deteriorating economy.&nbsp;

'Downright dictatorship'

The CHP, which had previously called Erdogan a "bad loser", said it was holding an emergency meeting after the election body's announcement.

The party's deputy chair, Onursal Adiguzel, who represents Istanbul in the national assembly, said the ruling was "neither democratic nor legitimate".&nbsp;

"Going to the polls against the AKP is allowed, but winning is forbidden... This is downright dictatorship," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Imamoglu said he would travel to Ankara on Tuesday to meet with party leaders.&nbsp;

"I dont even know what to say. The lawlessness is so obvious," a female supporter told AFP ahead of his speech in Istanbul.&nbsp;

"If there is no rule of law... they will trigger a civil war."

The defeated mayoral candidate, former prime minister Binali Yildirim, said he hoped the re-run would "be beneficial for our city".&nbsp;

Erdogan presented the local elections as a matter of national survival, campaigning heavily even though he was not running himself.

For his supporters, Erdogan remains the strong leader that Turkey needs as it faces internal and international security threats -- while also speaking for religiously conservative Turks who have felt sidelined.

His critics say he has undermined the rule of law with a sweeping crackdown on dissent and sewn division by portraying his opponents as enemies of the state.

The AKP still won the most seats nationwide in the local elections, but it has been damaged by Turkey's first recession in a decade, as well as record-high inflation and a currency that has lost more than 12 per cent of its value against the dollar this year alone.&nbsp;

The party did not request a re-run of the election for the Istanbul local assembly, in which it won a majority of seats.

Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on Monday after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported.

Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on Monday after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported. The winner of the election, Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said it was a "treacherous decision" and vowed to fight on. "They are trying to take back the election we won. Maybe you are upset but never lose your hope," he told thousands of supporters on the outskirts of Istanbul following the ruling. Imamoglu narrowly defeated the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the March 31 local elections to take control of Turkey's biggest city. It was a rare electoral defeat for Erdogan, himself a former mayor of the city, which has been in the hands of the AKP and its predecessors for 25 years. But the AKP has refused to accept defeat, saying there were "irregularities and corruption" in the vote. Imamoglu won by just 13,000 votes but was confirmed after two weeks of recounts in April. The soft-spoken former district mayor had vowed to heal political divisions and reach across party lines. But Istanbul, with 16 million residents, is Turkey's economic engine and controls a major chunk of public spending. Erdogan once said winning Istanbul was like winning the entire country. The loss of the mayorship in Istanbul, along with a more resounding defeat in the capital Ankara, reflected widespread concern over the deteriorating economy. 'Downright dictatorship' The CHP, which had previously called Erdogan a "bad loser", said it was holding an emergency meeting after the election body's announcement. The party's deputy chair, Onursal Adiguzel, who represents Istanbul in the national assembly, said the ruling was "neither democratic nor legitimate". "Going to the polls against the AKP is allowed, but winning is forbidden... This is downright dictatorship," he tweeted. Imamoglu said he would travel to Ankara on Tuesday to meet with party leaders. "I dont even know what to say. The lawlessness is so obvious," a female supporter told AFP ahead of his speech in Istanbul. "If there is no rule of law... they will trigger a civil war." The defeated mayoral candidate, former prime minister Binali Yildirim, said he hoped the re-run would "be beneficial for our city". Erdogan presented the local elections as a matter of national survival, campaigning heavily even though he was not running himself. For his supporters, Erdogan remains the strong leader that Turkey needs as it faces internal and international security threats -- while also speaking for religiously conservative Turks who have felt sidelined. His critics say he has undermined the rule of law with a sweeping crackdown on dissent and sewn division by portraying his opponents as enemies of the state. The AKP still won the most seats nationwide in the local elections, but it has been damaged by Turkey's first recession in a decade, as well as record-high inflation and a currency that has lost more than 12 per cent of its value against the dollar this year alone. The party did not request a re-run of the election for the Istanbul local assembly, in which it won a majority of seats.

Turkey election body orders Istanbul vote re-run after Erdogan's AKP defeat

Ibrahim Kalin, Turkish President, Erdogan's advisor was in India and WION's Ramesh Ramachandran brings you Kalin's opinion on the current US-Iran sanctions and more, in this report. Watch this and many more stories like this from the West-Asian part of the world, on The West Asia Post, every Friday at 8:30pm, only on WION, WORLD IS ONE.

The West Asia Post: Erdogan's adviser visits Delhi

Senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in New Delhi on Friday. In a conversation with WION, Ibrahim Kalin noted that terrorism is a global phenomenon, therefore merits a global response.&nbsp;

He said that it will be best if India and Pakistan revitalise the sagging momentum in their bilateral ties.

"We would like to see a resolution of these political difficulties and pressing security issues through political dialogues. And the stability and safety of both India and Pakistan is extremely important for us as well and for peace and stability in the region. We will continue to work on this relationship," Kalin stated as reported by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

He said that Turkey is looking at "ways and mechanisms" to continue its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-wont-immediately-raise-oil-output-after-iran-waivers-end-vladimir-putin-213882">oil trade with Iran</a>.

"We are talking with Americans on this issue. We are also talking with the Europeans. We are on the same page with the Europeans. We are trying to find ways and mechanisms so that we can continue to trade with Iran," he said.

Kalin was speaking at a conference in New Delhi at Observer Research Foundation (ORF). He condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14.

Kalin also met with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.&nbsp;

Turkey looks forward to hosting the Indian Prime Minister later this year, he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in New Delhi on Friday. In a conversation with WION, Ibrahim Kalin noted that terrorism is a global phenomenon, therefore merits a global response.

Senior advisor to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was in New Delhi on Friday. In a conversation with WION, Ibrahim Kalin noted that terrorism is a global phenomenon, therefore merits a global response. He said that it will be best if India and Pakistan revitalise the sagging momentum in their bilateral ties. "We would like to see a resolution of these political difficulties and pressing security issues through political dialogues. And the stability and safety of both India and Pakistan is extremely important for us as well and for peace and stability in the region. We will continue to work on this relationship," Kalin stated as reported by news agency PTI. He said that Turkey is looking at "ways and mechanisms" to continue its oil trade with Iran. "We are talking with Americans on this issue. We are also talking with the Europeans. We are on the same page with the Europeans. We are trying to find ways and mechanisms so that we can continue to trade with Iran," he said. Kalin was speaking at a conference in New Delhi at Observer Research Foundation (ORF). He condemned the terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in which over 40 CRPF personnel were killed on February 14. Kalin also met with Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Turkey looks forward to hosting the Indian Prime Minister later this year, he said. (With inputs from PTI)

Would like to see resolution of political difficulties between India and Pakistan: Turkish president's senior advisor

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upped his war of words Saturday with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for creating a day of remembrance for the 1915 Armenian "genocide".

Macron decided in February to formally to mark the mass killings and forced deportations of Armenians by troops from the Ottoman Empire -- which preceded modern-day Turkey and sided with German and Austro-Hungary in World War I.

France on Wednesday held its first "national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide".

It was the first major European country to recognise the massacres as genocide in 2001 and Macron has said his decision on a commemoration is designed to show Paris "knows how to look history in the face".

But Erdogan, who has urged "political novice" Macron to "focus on massacres committed by French troops during the colonial era" on Saturday again denounced the idea.

"Delivering a message to 700,000 Armenians who live in France will not save you, Monsieur Macron," Erdogan told a gathering of his ruling party in Kizilcahamam, north of Ankara.

"Learn first to be honest in politics -- if you are not you cannot win," said Erdogan, adding he had told Macron his views several times face to face.

Turkish officials have indicated France should look first at its own record, notably in Algeria and its role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.&nbsp;

Rwanda's current government accuses Paris of being complicit in the atrocities committed by the majority Hutu community on minority Tutsis.

France has always denied the allegations and Macron announced the creation of a panel of historians and researchers earlier in April which will be tasked with investigating France's role.

Some 30 countries and a number of historians recognise the 1915 massacre of between 1.2 and 1.5 million Armenians as genocide.

Ankara rejects the term, saying World War I brought countless fatalities on both sides against a further backdrop of famine and civil war.

Armenians commemorate the massacres on April 24 -- the day in 1915 when thousands of Armenian intellectuals suspected of harbouring nationalist sentiment and being hostile to Ottoman rule were rounded up.

At the Paris commemoration, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe declared France wanted to contribute to having the massacre internationally recognised as a crime against humanity.

He added Paris "will not be impressed by any lies" on the matter nad supported "historical accuracy and reconciliation".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upped his war of words Saturday with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for creating a day of remembrance for the 1915 Armenian "genocide".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan upped his war of words Saturday with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron for creating a day of remembrance for the 1915 Armenian "genocide". Macron decided in February to formally to mark the mass killings and forced deportations of Armenians by troops from the Ottoman Empire -- which preceded modern-day Turkey and sided with German and Austro-Hungary in World War I. France on Wednesday held its first "national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide". It was the first major European country to recognise the massacres as genocide in 2001 and Macron has said his decision on a commemoration is designed to show Paris "knows how to look history in the face". But Erdogan, who has urged "political novice" Macron to "focus on massacres committed by French troops during the colonial era" on Saturday again denounced the idea. "Delivering a message to 700,000 Armenians who live in France will not save you, Monsieur Macron," Erdogan told a gathering of his ruling party in Kizilcahamam, north of Ankara. "Learn first to be honest in politics -- if you are not you cannot win," said Erdogan, adding he had told Macron his views several times face to face. Turkish officials have indicated France should look first at its own record, notably in Algeria and its role in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda's current government accuses Paris of being complicit in the atrocities committed by the majority Hutu community on minority Tutsis. France has always denied the allegations and Macron announced the creation of a panel of historians and researchers earlier in April which will be tasked with investigating France's role. Some 30 countries and a number of historians recognise the 1915 massacre of between 1.2 and 1.5 million Armenians as genocide. Ankara rejects the term, saying World War I brought countless fatalities on both sides against a further backdrop of famine and civil war. Armenians commemorate the massacres on April 24 -- the day in 1915 when thousands of Armenian intellectuals suspected of harbouring nationalist sentiment and being hostile to Ottoman rule were rounded up. At the Paris commemoration, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe declared France wanted to contribute to having the massacre internationally recognised as a crime against humanity. He added Paris "will not be impressed by any lies" on the matter nad supported "historical accuracy and reconciliation".

Erdogan slams Macron over 'Armenia genocide' remembrance

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