The Turkish Lira weakened 1.6% to a record low against the dollar in early Asian trade after President Tayyip Erdogan said he had ordered the expulsion of the ambassadors of the United States and nine other western countries.

Turkish Lira weakens 1.6% to a record low

<p>After Turkey's President <strong>Erdogan</strong> threatened to expel ambassadors from ten countries, Germany expressed concern while adding that there had not received any notification from the government.</p>

<p>Erdogan had said his government would expel ambassadors belonging to<strong> NATO</strong> allies including the United States as they demanded the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala.&nbsp;Kavala has reportedly been in jail since 2017 without conviction.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indecency-turkeys-erdogan-orders-expulsion-of-10-ambassadors-423377">Also Read:&nbsp;'Indecency': Turkey's Erdogan orders expulsion of 10 ambassadors</a></p>

<p>Erdogan in a speech said he would declare the <strong>ambassadors</strong> "persona non grata" while informing that he has asked the country's foreign minister to go ahead with the order.</p>

<p>The US hasn't formally reacted to Erdogan's order as Norway said it hadn't received the order. Last week the <strong>FATF </strong>had put Turkey on the "grey list" of countries for money laundering and terrorist financing attracting the government's ire.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-may-buy-russian-jets-if-us-f-16-deal-fails-report-421864">Also Read:&nbsp;Turkey may buy Russian jets if US F-16 deal fails</a></p>

<p>On Monday, the Turkish<strong> Lira </strong>which has already hit record lows against the dollar dived further. The FATF directive has already put pressure on Turkey's ability to attract foreign investment even as it struggles amid high inflation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-philanthropist-osman-kavala-jailed-in-jail-for-4-years-423481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Last week Germany, France, US, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Canada, &nbsp;Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands had demanded <strong>Kavala </strong>to be freed stating that the incident "cast a shadow" over the country's democracy.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-puts-turkey-on-grey-list-pakistan-to-remain-on-grey-list-422766">Also Read:&nbsp;FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'</a></p>

<p>Although Erdogan said he had decided to expel the ambassadors but there has been no official notification so far.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


After Turkey's President Erdogan threatened to expel ambassadors from ten countries, Germany expressed concern while adding that there had not received any notification from the government.

After Turkey's President Erdogan threatened to expel ambassadors from ten countries, Germany expressed concern while adding that there had not received any notification from the government. Erdogan had said his government would expel ambassadors belonging to NATO allies including the United States as they demanded the release of philanthropist Osman Kavala. Kavala has reportedly been in jail since 2017 without conviction. Also Read: 'Indecency': Turkey's Erdogan orders expulsion of 10 ambassadors Erdogan in a speech said he would declare the ambassadors "persona non grata" while informing that he has asked the country's foreign minister to go ahead with the order. The US hasn't formally reacted to Erdogan's order as Norway said it hadn't received the order. Last week the FATF had put Turkey on the "grey list" of countries for money laundering and terrorist financing attracting the government's ire. Also Read: Turkey may buy Russian jets if US F-16 deal fails On Monday, the Turkish Lira which has already hit record lows against the dollar dived further. The FATF directive has already put pressure on Turkey's ability to attract foreign investment even as it struggles amid high inflation. Watch: Last week Germany, France, US, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Canada, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands had demanded Kavala to be freed stating that the incident "cast a shadow" over the country's democracy. Also Read: FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list' Although Erdogan said he had decided to expel the ambassadors but there has been no official notification so far. (With inputs from Agencies)

Germany 'concerned' after Erdogan threatens to expel foreign envoys

<p class="MsoNormal">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered his foreign minister to expel ambassadors of 10 countries, which includes United States and Germany.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This decision by Erdogan came after some leaders appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk85918783">"</a>I have ordered our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors as persona non grata as soon as possible," Erdogan said. "They must leave here the day they no longer know Turkey."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fatf-puts-turkey-on-grey-list-pakistan-to-remain-on-grey-list-422766">FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list'</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">These envoys had reportedly protested the detention of Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala. They had claimed that his detention had “cast a shadow” over Turkey.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The western ambassadors had urged Turkey to ensure "just and speedy resolution" in Kavala’s case.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Erdogan, however, accused the foreign envoys of ‘indecency’ and ordered expulsion of these ten foreign ambassadors. He claims "we cannot have the luxury of hosting them in our country".</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-remain-under-fatf-grey-list-turkey-jordan-mali-also-added-422835"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></o:p></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal">Kavala, a 64-year-old civil society leader, has been behind the bars since 2017 without any conviction. He has been accused with several charged which are linked to infamous anti-government protests in 2013 and 2016’s failed military coup.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">This announcement comes at a time when Turkey has been pushed to the FATF "grey list" with other countries such as Pakistan, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen. Erdogan’s country has been placed in "grey list" due to money laundering and terrorist financing issues.<o:p></o:p></p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered his foreign minister to expel ambassadors of 10 countries, which includes United States and Germany. This decision by Erdogan came after some leaders appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ordered his foreign minister to expel ambassadors of 10 countries, which includes United States and Germany. This decision by Erdogan came after some leaders appealed for the release of a jailed civil society leader. "I have ordered our foreign minister to declare these 10 ambassadors as persona non grata as soon as possible," Erdogan said. "They must leave here the day they no longer know Turkey." Also read | FATF puts Turkey on 'grey list'; Pakistan to remain on 'grey list' These envoys had reportedly protested the detention of Parisian-born philanthropist and activist Osman Kavala. They had claimed that his detention had “cast a shadow” over Turkey. The western ambassadors had urged Turkey to ensure "just and speedy resolution" in Kavala’s case. Erdogan, however, accused the foreign envoys of ‘indecency’ and ordered expulsion of these ten foreign ambassadors. He claims "we cannot have the luxury of hosting them in our country". WATCH | Kavala, a 64-year-old civil society leader, has been behind the bars since 2017 without any conviction. He has been accused with several charged which are linked to infamous anti-government protests in 2013 and 2016’s failed military coup. This announcement comes at a time when Turkey has been pushed to the FATF "grey list" with other countries such as Pakistan, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen. Erdogan’s country has been placed in "grey list" due to money laundering and terrorist financing issues.

'Indecency': Turkey's Erdogan orders expulsion of 10 ambassadors

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded three-hour talks as "useful" and "productive" as they met to discuss the Syrian conflict.</p>

<p>It was their first face-to-face talks in 18 months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian leader hosted Erdogan at his Black Sea residence in the resort of Sochi after two weeks in self-isolation following a coronavirus outbreak among aides.</p>

<p>The two men, who did not address reporters after the talks, had been expected to discuss northwestern Syria where regime troops and Moscow have ratcheted up airstrikes in recent weeks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-bases-in-central-asia-came-up-during-putin-biden-talks-us-defence-secretary-416657">Russian bases in Central Asia came up during Putin-Biden talks: US Defence Secretary</a></strong></p>

<p>On Tuesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar had said Ankara hoped the &nbsp;talks would result in a return to "a peaceful situation according to our agreement."</p>

<p>In a warm post-negotiation exchange, that included a discussion of their coronavirus antibody levels, Putin thanked Erdogan, calling the visit "useful and informative."</p>

<p>"We will be in touch," he added.</p>

<p>Writing on Twitter, Erdogan called the talks "productive".</p>

<p>Russia and Turkey have historically had complex relations, balancing regional rivalries with finding common ground on economic and strategic interests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-releases-photos-of-vladimir-putin-hiking-and-fishing-in-siberia-416191">Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia</a></strong></p>

<p>In recent years, the two powers have clashed in particular in Syria, where Moscow and Ankara support opposing camps in the civil war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Syria, they last year sponsored a ceasefire deal in the northwestern Idlib region, home to the last major jihadist and rebel stronghold in northwest Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 11 fighters from a pro-Turkish rebel group had been killed Sunday in Russian air raids outside the north Syria town of Afrin.</p>

<p>The war monitor said such Russian raids are rare in this region of Syria, which has been controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies for three years.</p>

<p><strong>'Compromises'</strong></p>

<p>Earlier in the day Erdogan told Putin he believes there are great benefits in "Turkey and Russia keeping stronger relations each passing day".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The steps we have taken with Russia related to Syria are of utmost importance," Erdogan said. "The peace there depends on Turkey-Russia relations."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two countries also found themselves on different sides in last year's conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Negotiations are sometimes difficult -- but with a final positive result," Putin told Erdogan.</p>

<p>He added that they "have learned to find compromises favourable to both parties".</p>

<p>The two countries have grown closer in recent years thanks to tensions between Moscow and the West and Ankara's increasingly delicate relations with its NATO allies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, Turkey agreed a multi-billion-dollar purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system that led to US sanctions last year.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded three-hour talks as "useful" and "productive" as they met to discuss the Syrian conflict.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded three-hour talks as "useful" and "productive" as they met to discuss the Syrian conflict. It was their first face-to-face talks in 18 months. The Russian leader hosted Erdogan at his Black Sea residence in the resort of Sochi after two weeks in self-isolation following a coronavirus outbreak among aides. The two men, who did not address reporters after the talks, had been expected to discuss northwestern Syria where regime troops and Moscow have ratcheted up airstrikes in recent weeks. Also Read | Russian bases in Central Asia came up during Putin-Biden talks: US Defence Secretary On Tuesday, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar had said Ankara hoped the talks would result in a return to "a peaceful situation according to our agreement." In a warm post-negotiation exchange, that included a discussion of their coronavirus antibody levels, Putin thanked Erdogan, calling the visit "useful and informative." "We will be in touch," he added. Writing on Twitter, Erdogan called the talks "productive". Russia and Turkey have historically had complex relations, balancing regional rivalries with finding common ground on economic and strategic interests. Also Read | Kremlin releases photos of Vladimir Putin hiking and fishing in Siberia In recent years, the two powers have clashed in particular in Syria, where Moscow and Ankara support opposing camps in the civil war. In Syria, they last year sponsored a ceasefire deal in the northwestern Idlib region, home to the last major jihadist and rebel stronghold in northwest Syria. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 11 fighters from a pro-Turkish rebel group had been killed Sunday in Russian air raids outside the north Syria town of Afrin. The war monitor said such Russian raids are rare in this region of Syria, which has been controlled by Turkey and its Syrian rebel allies for three years. 'Compromises' Earlier in the day Erdogan told Putin he believes there are great benefits in "Turkey and Russia keeping stronger relations each passing day". "The steps we have taken with Russia related to Syria are of utmost importance," Erdogan said. "The peace there depends on Turkey-Russia relations." The two countries also found themselves on different sides in last year's conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. "Negotiations are sometimes difficult -- but with a final positive result," Putin told Erdogan. He added that they "have learned to find compromises favourable to both parties". The two countries have grown closer in recent years thanks to tensions between Moscow and the West and Ankara's increasingly delicate relations with its NATO allies. In 2019, Turkey agreed a multi-billion-dollar purchase of the Russian-made S-400 air defence system that led to US sanctions last year.

Putin praises 'useful' Erdogan talks

<p>Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Pakistan, raked up the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, India called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.</p>

<p>In his address on Tuesday, Erdogan said, “We maintain our stance in favour of solving the ongoing problem in Kashmir for 74 years, through dialogue between the parties and within the framework of relevant United Nations resolutions.”</p>

<p>Last year also, Erdogan in his pre-recorded video statement to the General Debate, had made a reference to Kashmir.</p>

<p>Hours after the Turkish president’s speech, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a bilateral meeting with his Cyprus counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, emphasised the need to adhere to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions with respect to the east Mediterranean island.</p>

<p><strong>Also read </strong>|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-vows-to-stop-funding-coal-projects-overseas-at-unga-414805">&nbsp;Chinese President Xi vows to stop funding coal projects overseas at UNGA</a></p>

<p>Tweeting about his meeting, Jaishankar on Wednesday said,&nbsp;“Working to take our economic ties forward. Appreciated his regional insights. Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Delighted to meet FM <a href="https://twitter.com/Christodulides?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Christodulides</a> of Cyprus.<br />
<br />
Working to take our economic ties forward.<br />
<br />
Appreciated his regional insights.<br />
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Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all. <a href="https://t.co/pZXPefT9Sj">pic.twitter.com/pZXPefT9Sj</a></p>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1440424567663521799?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a brief Greek-inspired coup. North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey, while the Republic of Cyprus, run by Greek Cypriots, is internationally recognised.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-bilateral-ties-destined-to-move-ahead-says-indias-envoy-to-us-taranjit-singh-sandhu-414790">Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu</a></p>

<p>In his address on Tuesday, the Turkish president also referred to China's minority Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Myanmar's Rohingya.</p>

<p>Erdogan said that within China's territorial integrity perspective, we do believe that more efforts need to be displayed regarding the protection of the basic rights of the Muslim Uyghur Turks.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Pakistan, raked up the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, India called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus.

Hours after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a close ally of Pakistan, raked up the Kashmir issue in his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, India called for respecting UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus. In his address on Tuesday, Erdogan said, “We maintain our stance in favour of solving the ongoing problem in Kashmir for 74 years, through dialogue between the parties and within the framework of relevant United Nations resolutions.” Last year also, Erdogan in his pre-recorded video statement to the General Debate, had made a reference to Kashmir. Hours after the Turkish president’s speech, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a bilateral meeting with his Cyprus counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, emphasised the need to adhere to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions with respect to the east Mediterranean island. Also read | Chinese President Xi vows to stop funding coal projects overseas at UNGA Tweeting about his meeting, Jaishankar on Wednesday said, “Working to take our economic ties forward. Appreciated his regional insights. Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all”. Delighted to meet FM @Christodulides of Cyprus. Working to take our economic ties forward. Appreciated his regional insights. Important that relevant UN Security Council resolutions in respect of Cyprus are adhered to by all. pic.twitter.com/pZXPefT9Sj — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) September 21, 2021 × Cyprus was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a brief Greek-inspired coup. North Cyprus is recognised only by Turkey, while the Republic of Cyprus, run by Greek Cypriots, is internationally recognised. Also read | Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu In his address on Tuesday, the Turkish president also referred to China's minority Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang and Myanmar's Rohingya. Erdogan said that within China's territorial integrity perspective, we do believe that more efforts need to be displayed regarding the protection of the basic rights of the Muslim Uyghur Turks. (With inputs from agencies)

Hours after Erdogan rakes up Kashmir at UNGA, India calls for respecting UNSC resolutions on Cyprus

<p>Reports say a social media influencer from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-women-rally-in-istanbul-to-send-message-to-erdogan-392633"><strong>Turkey</strong></a> Merve Taskin has said she has been ordered to appear in court for sharing "joke" photos inside the Amsterdam sex museum.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taskin had reportedly shared photos of <strong>sex toys</strong> she had bought from the famous Amsterdam museum during her birthday trip in January 2020.</p>

<p>Turkey's Instagram star who has over 600,000 followers lives in Istanbul and had gone to the <strong>Netherlands</strong> to celebrate her birthday last year. She claimed authorities have arrested her twice after she returned to Turkey.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-turkey-at-war-with-friends-371259/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Taskin</strong>, 23, has reportedly been summoned to court for violating Turkey's penal code relating to obscene material. The law carries a sentence of up to six months to three years in prison.</p>

<p>The Turkish national said she had deleted several tweets after receiving the<strong> court order.</strong></p>

<p>Turkey had passed a new law last year to assign legal representatives and immediately enforce court orders. Last year some users had criticised Turkish President <strong>Erdogan’s </strong>newborn grandson and daughter on Twitter angering the president who threatened to ban <strong>social media </strong>sites.</p>

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<p>Amsterdam's sex museum has also sent messages to support Taskin against Turkey's move. She is expected to appear in court on October 26 to face <strong>obscenity charges</strong>.</p>

<p>Reports say Turkey's court has passed several orders banning websites, Twitter accounts and YoutTube videos.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


Reports say a social media influencer from Turkey Merve Taskin has said she has been ordered to appear in court for sharing "joke" photos inside the Amsterdam sex museum.

Reports say a social media influencer from Turkey Merve Taskin has said she has been ordered to appear in court for sharing "joke" photos inside the Amsterdam sex museum. Taskin had reportedly shared photos of sex toys she had bought from the famous Amsterdam museum during her birthday trip in January 2020. Turkey's Instagram star who has over 600,000 followers lives in Istanbul and had gone to the Netherlands to celebrate her birthday last year. She claimed authorities have arrested her twice after she returned to Turkey. Watch: Taskin, 23, has reportedly been summoned to court for violating Turkey's penal code relating to obscene material. The law carries a sentence of up to six months to three years in prison. The Turkish national said she had deleted several tweets after receiving the court order. Turkey had passed a new law last year to assign legal representatives and immediately enforce court orders. Last year some users had criticised Turkish President Erdogan’s newborn grandson and daughter on Twitter angering the president who threatened to ban social media sites. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Merve Taşkın (@tasskinmerve) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Merve Taşkın (@tasskinmerve) × Amsterdam's sex museum has also sent messages to support Taskin against Turkey's move. She is expected to appear in court on October 26 to face obscenity charges. Reports say Turkey's court has passed several orders banning websites, Twitter accounts and YoutTube videos. (With inputs from Agencies)

Turkey's social media influencer gets court order for posting photos at Amsterdam sex museum

<p>Hundreds of people were evacuated as the <strong>wildfire</strong> continued to rage in Turkey's Mugla province.</p>

<p>Local authorities said the fire had spread to a <strong>coal-fired</strong> Kemerkoy&nbsp;thermal plant&nbsp;in southwest Turkey as it continued to spread.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The people working in the plant were evacuated even as <strong>environmentalists</strong> raised questions over the fire spreading into the plant's coal storage unit.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-more-than-130-wildfires-rage-through-southern-turkey-402959/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Regional mayor Osman Gurun said although the explosive material was removed from the plant but there was a risk the<strong> fire </strong>could spread since there were thousands of tonnes of coal inside.</p>

<p>The thermal powerplant is located along the <strong>Aegean Sea</strong>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/climate-threat-wildfires-rage-in-turkey-heatwave-hits-greece-402459">See Pics:&nbsp;Climate threat: Wildfires rage in Turkey, heatwave hits Greece</a></p>

<p>The wildfire had started at the beginning of the week in the area and then kept on spreading as <strong>firefighters </strong>worked ceaselessly to bring it under control.</p>

<p>Reports say hundreds of people living near the sea were also<strong> evacuated </strong>as villagers scampered to collect their belongings and head out to catch the coastguard speedboats in the port of <strong>Oren</strong>.</p>

<p>European Union's satellite monitoring service said the wildfire's intensity had reached unprecedented values as Turkish President Recep Tayyip <strong>Erdogan's</strong> government faced mounting criticism.</p>

<p><img alt="Turkey wildfire" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4590950f-7184-4ffd-916f-c31d8bc7aaa1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/W2.jpg" /></p>

<p>The Turkish president lashed out saying there was "no room for politics" while asserting that the opposition should rally behind the nation amid the crisis.</p>

<p>"When fires break out in America or Russia, (the opposition) stands by the government," Erdogan said.</p>

<p>Extreme weather has to lead&nbsp;to <strong>heatwaves</strong> in the south of the country as experts have warned climate change could increase the intensity of the wildfires as temperatures in the Aegean city of Marmaris reached &nbsp;45.5 degrees Celsius.</p>

<p>At least eight people have died in the wildfire since the fires started two weeks ago with vast forest areas in Turkey's Aegean and <strong>Mediterranean coasts </strong>completely destroyed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Hundreds of people were evacuated as the wildfire continued to rage in Turkey's Mugla province. Local authorities said the fire had spread to a coal-fired Kemerkoy thermal plant in southwest Turkey as it continued to spread.

Hundreds of people were evacuated as the wildfire continued to rage in Turkey's Mugla province. Local authorities said the fire had spread to a coal-fired Kemerkoy thermal plant in southwest Turkey as it continued to spread. The people working in the plant were evacuated even as environmentalists raised questions over the fire spreading into the plant's coal storage unit. Watch: Regional mayor Osman Gurun said although the explosive material was removed from the plant but there was a risk the fire could spread since there were thousands of tonnes of coal inside. The thermal powerplant is located along the Aegean Sea. See Pics: Climate threat: Wildfires rage in Turkey, heatwave hits Greece The wildfire had started at the beginning of the week in the area and then kept on spreading as firefighters worked ceaselessly to bring it under control. Reports say hundreds of people living near the sea were also evacuated as villagers scampered to collect their belongings and head out to catch the coastguard speedboats in the port of Oren. European Union's satellite monitoring service said the wildfire's intensity had reached unprecedented values as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government faced mounting criticism. The Turkish president lashed out saying there was "no room for politics" while asserting that the opposition should rally behind the nation amid the crisis. "When fires break out in America or Russia, (the opposition) stands by the government," Erdogan said. Extreme weather has to lead to heatwaves in the south of the country as experts have warned climate change could increase the intensity of the wildfires as temperatures in the Aegean city of Marmaris reached 45.5 degrees Celsius. At least eight people have died in the wildfire since the fires started two weeks ago with vast forest areas in Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts completely destroyed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Hundreds evacuated as wildfire reaches Turkey's thermal power plant

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.</p>

<p>"God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport.</p>

<p>Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June.</p>

<p>Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces".</p>

<p>Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said.</p>

<p>Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible".</p>

<p>"We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach"</p>

<p>"In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan."</p>

<p>Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport</p>

<p><br />
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.</p>

<p>"God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport.</p>

<p>Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June.</p>

<p>Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces".</p>

<p>Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said.</p>

<p>Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible".</p>

<p>"We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach"</p>

<p>"In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw. "God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul. Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June. Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces". Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said. Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible". "We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said. Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach" "In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation. "We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan." Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw. "God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul. Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June. Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces". Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said. Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible". "We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said. Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach" "In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation. "We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan." (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport

<p>A Turkish coastguard vessel on Friday fired warning shots at a Cyprus police boat. The boat was on patrol for undocumented migrants, said Cypriot media.</p>

<p>The incident came amid high tensions on the island as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to visit the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north next week to mark the anniversary of Turkey's 1974 invasion.</p>

<p>The Cypriot vessel spotted the Turkish coastguard some 11 nautical miles from the small fishing port of Kato Pyrgos, just west of the UN-patrolled armistice line separating government-held territory from the breakaway north, the Cyprus News Agency reported.</p>

<p>Christos Andreou, spokesman for Cyprus police told CNA that coastguard cutter was inside Cyprus' territorial waters. The incident took place at 0030 GMT, he said.</p>

<p>He further said that the boat was on regular patrol to check irregular migrants. The area is a dropping-off point for migrants coming from Turkey.</p>

<p>"The patrol boat’s three-member crew seeing the intentions of the Turkish coastguard tried to avoid any incident and headed toward the fishing shelter at Kato Pyrgos," he said.</p>

<p>"At a distance of four nautical miles from the shelter, the marine police boat received warning shots from the Turkish coastguard.</p>

<p>"Then, being a short distance from the shores, the Turkish coastguard left for the occupied territories" (of northern Cyprus), he said.</p>

<p>Tensions are high ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the island next week. Greek Cypriots see this tour as provocative one. Erdogan will visit abandoned beach resort of Varosha, which was emptied of its Greek Cypriot residents by the Turkish invasion.</p>

<p>Cyprus police have stepped up both land and sea patrols since the government declared a "state of emergency" in May following an influx of Syrian migrants that has flooded its reception centres.</p>

<p><em>(With inouts from agencies)</em></p>


A Turkish coastguard vessel on Friday fired warning shots at a Cyprus police boat. The boat was on patrol for undocumented migrants, said Cypriot media. The incident came amid high tensions on the island as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to visit the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north next week to mark the anniversary of Turkey's 1974 invasion.

A Turkish coastguard vessel on Friday fired warning shots at a Cyprus police boat. The boat was on patrol for undocumented migrants, said Cypriot media. The incident came amid high tensions on the island as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan prepares to visit the breakaway Turkish Cypriot north next week to mark the anniversary of Turkey's 1974 invasion. The Cypriot vessel spotted the Turkish coastguard some 11 nautical miles from the small fishing port of Kato Pyrgos, just west of the UN-patrolled armistice line separating government-held territory from the breakaway north, the Cyprus News Agency reported. Christos Andreou, spokesman for Cyprus police told CNA that coastguard cutter was inside Cyprus' territorial waters. The incident took place at 0030 GMT, he said. He further said that the boat was on regular patrol to check irregular migrants. The area is a dropping-off point for migrants coming from Turkey. "The patrol boat’s three-member crew seeing the intentions of the Turkish coastguard tried to avoid any incident and headed toward the fishing shelter at Kato Pyrgos," he said. "At a distance of four nautical miles from the shelter, the marine police boat received warning shots from the Turkish coastguard. "Then, being a short distance from the shores, the Turkish coastguard left for the occupied territories" (of northern Cyprus), he said. Tensions are high ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the island next week. Greek Cypriots see this tour as provocative one. Erdogan will visit abandoned beach resort of Varosha, which was emptied of its Greek Cypriot residents by the Turkish invasion. Cyprus police have stepped up both land and sea patrols since the government declared a "state of emergency" in May following an influx of Syrian migrants that has flooded its reception centres. (With inouts from agencies)

Turkish coastguard fires warning shot at Cyprus police ship

<p>After <strong>Turkey</strong> said it was ready to provide troops to protect Kabul airport, the Taliban said the decision of Erdogan's regime was "ill-advised" and "violation of our sovereignty".</p>

<p>The <strong>Taliban</strong> have swept through various areas in the north in the past one month with the US troops having left the country from most parts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>President Biden </strong>had said last week that all US troops would be pulled of&nbsp;Afghanistan by August 31.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/exclusive-afghan-envoy-to-india-farid-mamundzay-says-taliban-continues-to-unleash-violence-397758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>On Monday, US general Austin Miller handed over command to the <strong>Afghan forces</strong> to end US engagement in the country.</p>

<p>The Taliban added that it does not want to fight in the cities while stating that "fighting from mountains and deserts has reached the doors of the cities."</p>

<p>On Turkey's intention to protect Kabul's airport, the militant group said: "We consider stay of <strong>foreign forces</strong> in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation."</p>

<p>"If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the <strong>Islamic Emirate</strong>... will take a stand against them," it said, adding,"The Islamic Emirate of <strong>Afghanistan</strong> condemns this reprehensible decision."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 600 American service members will reportedly stay in capital Kabul. Meanwhile, reports said Afghan troops and the Taliban continue to engage in <strong>Kandahar</strong>.</p>

<p>Taliban on Monday had surrounded <strong>Ghazni </strong>with heavy fighting continuing in the area. Reports said Afghan special forces had entered Khandhar on Sunday as Afghan security forces said it had thwarted a Taliban attack in a northern province bordering Tajikistan.</p>

<p>Last week the militant group had said it had taken control of 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory which was denied by the <strong>Afghan government</strong>.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


After Turkey said it was ready to provide troops to protect Kabul airport, the Taliban said the decision of Erdogan's regime was "ill-advised" and "violation of our sovereignty".

After Turkey said it was ready to provide troops to protect Kabul airport, the Taliban said the decision of Erdogan's regime was "ill-advised" and "violation of our sovereignty". The Taliban have swept through various areas in the north in the past one month with the US troops having left the country from most parts. President Biden had said last week that all US troops would be pulled of Afghanistan by August 31. Watch: On Monday, US general Austin Miller handed over command to the Afghan forces to end US engagement in the country. The Taliban added that it does not want to fight in the cities while stating that "fighting from mountains and deserts has reached the doors of the cities." On Turkey's intention to protect Kabul's airport, the militant group said: "We consider stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation." "If Turkish officials fail to reconsider their decision and continue the occupation of our country, the Islamic Emirate... will take a stand against them," it said, adding,"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemns this reprehensible decision." Over 600 American service members will reportedly stay in capital Kabul. Meanwhile, reports said Afghan troops and the Taliban continue to engage in Kandahar. Taliban on Monday had surrounded Ghazni with heavy fighting continuing in the area. Reports said Afghan special forces had entered Khandhar on Sunday as Afghan security forces said it had thwarted a Taliban attack in a northern province bordering Tajikistan. Last week the militant group had said it had taken control of 85 per cent of Afghanistan's territory which was denied by the Afghan government. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Will take a stand against them': Taliban warns Turkey over involvement in Kabul airport

<p>Hundreds of women rallied in Istanbul on Saturday and urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reverse the decision from withdrawing from anti-violence treaty. Turkey formally exits from the treaty on July 1.</p>

<p>In March, there was outrage against Erdogan as he pulled out of the world's first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention.</p>

<p>The anger has not subsided. Other than Saturday's rally, women's groups have planned to hold a big protest on July 1. Smaller protests have been planned in the meanwhile.</p>

<p>Over 1,000 women from across Turkey &nbsp;took part in the demonstration on the Asian side of Istanbul surrounded by a heavy police presence, an AFP correspondent said.</p>

<p>Some held rainbow flags while others held placards saying: "Istanbul Convention is ours."</p>

<p>"Our hope is always rooted in our struggles, in our organisations," Melek Ondas, of the Women's Council association, said, adding that women came from 70 provinces to Istanbul.</p>

<p>"We believe in the strength of our organisations. And whether the decision is overturned or not, we will continue our struggle in every way possible," she told AFP.</p>

<p>The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation linked to the prosecution of domestic violence including marital rape and female genital mutilation.</p>

<p>Women's rights organisations accuse the government of withdrawing from the treaty to appease conservatives who claimed the treaty damaged family unity.</p>

<p>Conservatives also suggested references to equality in the treaty were used by the LGBT community to gain broader acceptance in Turkish society.</p>

<p>But critics of Erdogan's decision say the withdrawal puts women in Turkey at greater risk in a country where violence against women is prevalent.</p>

<p>Last year, 300 women were murdered according to the rights group We Will Stop Femicide Platform, while 177 have been killed so far this year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hundreds of women rallied in Istanbul on Saturday and urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reverse the decision from withdrawing from anti-violence treaty.

Hundreds of women rallied in Istanbul on Saturday and urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reverse the decision from withdrawing from anti-violence treaty. Turkey formally exits from the treaty on July 1. In March, there was outrage against Erdogan as he pulled out of the world's first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention. The anger has not subsided. Other than Saturday's rally, women's groups have planned to hold a big protest on July 1. Smaller protests have been planned in the meanwhile. Over 1,000 women from across Turkey took part in the demonstration on the Asian side of Istanbul surrounded by a heavy police presence, an AFP correspondent said. Some held rainbow flags while others held placards saying: "Istanbul Convention is ours." "Our hope is always rooted in our struggles, in our organisations," Melek Ondas, of the Women's Council association, said, adding that women came from 70 provinces to Istanbul. "We believe in the strength of our organisations. And whether the decision is overturned or not, we will continue our struggle in every way possible," she told AFP. The 2011 Istanbul Convention, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation linked to the prosecution of domestic violence including marital rape and female genital mutilation. Women's rights organisations accuse the government of withdrawing from the treaty to appease conservatives who claimed the treaty damaged family unity. Conservatives also suggested references to equality in the treaty were used by the LGBT community to gain broader acceptance in Turkish society. But critics of Erdogan's decision say the withdrawal puts women in Turkey at greater risk in a country where violence against women is prevalent. Last year, 300 women were murdered according to the rights group We Will Stop Femicide Platform, while 177 have been killed so far this year. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish women rally in Istanbul to send message to Erdogan

In an attempt to fix the rocky relations between US and Turkey, both POTUS Joe Biden and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan met in Brussels on the sidelines of NATO summit.

Erdogan and Biden met in Brussels to reset bilateral relations

The list of disagreements is unusually long for the two NATO allies: There's U.S. support for Kurdish fighters in Syria, as well as Turkey's purchase of a Russian weapons system.

Biden, Erdogan to meet during tense time in US-Turkey relations

What Erdogan hopes to achieve during meeting with Biden at NATO

<p>Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally.</p>

<p>Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times</p>

<p>"America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban.</p>

<p>Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers.</p>

<p>Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said.&nbsp;<br />
Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear.</p>

<p>A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met."</p>

<p>"If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous.</p>

<p>The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport.</p>

<p>But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified."</p>

<p>On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkey will be the "only reliable" country left for stabilising Afghanistan after the US pulls its troops out of the country. He appeared to indicate that Washington could rely on its NATO ally. Erdogan also said that he would discuss the issue in a face-to-face meeting with US President Joe Biden. Both Biden and Erdogan are due to attend NATO summit in Brussels on Monday. Relations between USA and Turkey have been strained in recent times "America is preparing to leave Afghanistan soon and from the moment they leave, the only reliable country to maintain the process over there is obviously Turkey," Erdogan told reporters at an Istanbul airport on Sunday before leaving for Brussels. The United States is in the final stages of completing a military drawdown, alongside NATO forces, by September 11 -- 20 years after they invaded Afghanistan and toppled the Taliban. Turkey has reportedly said it is prepared to keep troops in Afghanistan to protect Kabul airport, the main exit route for western diplomats and humanitarian workers. Erdogan said on Sunday that Turkish officials had informed their American counterparts about Ankara's plans in Afghanistan after the US troop pullout, without providing details. They are "pleased and happy. We will be able to discuss the Afghanistan process with them," he said. Turkey has made clear its intentions to stay in the war-torn country, but the details remain unclear. A Turkish official said Turkish troops could remain "as long as certain conditions including legal and financial are met." "If Turkey is to stay it will do so under which frame: under NATO umbrella or bilateral terms? And if it will be under NATO auspices, under which authorisation?" asked the official, who wished to remain anonymous. The official also confirmed that Western powers were willing to let Turkey stay and protect the Kabul airport. But, the official added, "why should Turkey try hard if nobody is going to give support? These issues need to be clarified." On Saturday the Taliban said that foreign forces should hold "no hope" of keeping a military presence in Afghanistan after the US and NATO withdraw troops, warning the security of embassies and airports would be the responsibility of Afghans. (With inputs from agencies)

Erdogan: US can count on Turkey after Afghanistan troop pullout

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, said that he and US President Joe Biden should use NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, including a dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles.</p>

<p>Before travelling to Brussels for the NATO Summit Erdogan told reporters that he would raise the issue of Biden's decision to declare 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide. This decision by the White House had angered Turkey earlier this year. Turkey, the modern-day state with a legacy of Ottoman Empire insists that the both sides had to face the brunt of the violence.</p>

<p>Erdogan and Biden will also address the issue of F-35 jet programme from which Turkey was removed by the USA after the former made purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agecies)</em></p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, said that he and US President Joe Biden should use NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, including a dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday, said that he and US President Joe Biden should use NATO Summit to move on from past troubles, including a dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles. Before travelling to Brussels for the NATO Summit Erdogan told reporters that he would raise the issue of Biden's decision to declare 1915 massacre of Armenians as genocide. This decision by the White House had angered Turkey earlier this year. Turkey, the modern-day state with a legacy of Ottoman Empire insists that the both sides had to face the brunt of the violence. Erdogan and Biden will also address the issue of F-35 jet programme from which Turkey was removed by the USA after the former made purchase of S-400 missiles from Russia. (With inputs from agecies)

Turkey and USA should keep troubles behind, says Erdogan

<p>Senior official from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was eliminated in a Turkish intelligence operation in Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday.</p>

<p>He accuses the PKK of using mountainous area in northern Iraq as springboard for insurgency against Turkey</p>

<p>Erdogan said Selman Bozkir was the PKK chief in Makhmur, a Kurdish refugee camp in northern Iraq.</p>

<p>"We will not allow the gruesome separatist organisation to use Makhmur as an incubator for terrorism," Erdogan said on Twitter.</p>

<p>"We will continue to exterminate terrorism at its source," he added.</p>

<p>The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun warned that "all terrorists will end up like him."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Set up by the United Nations at the end of the 1990s to host Turkish Kurds, the Makhmur camp was hit Saturday by a Turkish drone strike that left three civilians dead, a Kurdish official from the camp told AFP.</p>

<p>Ankara regularly accuses the PKK of running the Makhmur camp, which is 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of the Turkish border.</p>

<p>Turkey regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids on PKK rear bases in Iraq -- moves that have strained relations between the two neighbours -- launching its latest offensive in April.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Senior official from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was eliminated in a Turkish intelligence operation in Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday.

Senior official from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was eliminated in a Turkish intelligence operation in Iraq. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the announcement on Sunday. He accuses the PKK of using mountainous area in northern Iraq as springboard for insurgency against Turkey Erdogan said Selman Bozkir was the PKK chief in Makhmur, a Kurdish refugee camp in northern Iraq. "We will not allow the gruesome separatist organisation to use Makhmur as an incubator for terrorism," Erdogan said on Twitter. "We will continue to exterminate terrorism at its source," he added. The presidency's communications director Fahrettin Altun warned that "all terrorists will end up like him." Set up by the United Nations at the end of the 1990s to host Turkish Kurds, the Makhmur camp was hit Saturday by a Turkish drone strike that left three civilians dead, a Kurdish official from the camp told AFP. Ankara regularly accuses the PKK of running the Makhmur camp, which is 250 kilometres (150 miles) south of the Turkish border. Turkey regularly conducts cross-border operations and air raids on PKK rear bases in Iraq -- moves that have strained relations between the two neighbours -- launching its latest offensive in April. (With inputs from agencies)

Top Kurdish official killed in Turkey's Iraq operation

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced discovery of a new natural gas in the Black Sea on Friday. This can help Turkey reduce its dependence on energy imports</p>

<p>Erdogan last year announced a 405-billion-cubic-metre &nbsp;(14.3-trillion-cubic-feet) find in the so-called Sakarya field -- the biggest ever discovery in the Black Sea.</p>

<p>He hopes to put bring the first gas from that find to consumers in time for Turkey's &nbsp;centenary celebrations in 2023.</p>

<p>Erdogan said that further Turkish exploration work in the region resulted in the discovery of a new well with 135 billion cubic metres of reserves.</p>

<p>"The new discovery of 135 billion cubic metres was made in the Amasra-1 exploration well," Erdogan said while attending a special ceremony in the Black Sea city of Zonguldak.</p>

<p>Every year, Turkey consumes 45-50 billion cubic metres of natural gas.</p>

<p>Analysts have urged caution over the discoveries' significance</p>

<p>There has been no independent audit of the Sakarya field published to date.</p>

<p>Erdogan has said that Turkey intends to exploit the wells without foreign assistance and would not need outside financing.</p>

<p>Turkey's search for natural gas sparked an international crisis last year when it began conducting work in disputed waters claimed by EU members Cyprus and Greece.</p>

<p>The EU pulled back from its threat to expand existing sanctions on Ankara when Turkey pulled back its main exploration vessel and opened informal talks with Greece at the start of the year.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced discovery of a new natural gas in the Black Sea on Friday. This can help Turkey reduce its dependence on energy imports Erdogan last year announced a 405-billion-cubic-metre (14.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced discovery of a new natural gas in the Black Sea on Friday. This can help Turkey reduce its dependence on energy imports Erdogan last year announced a 405-billion-cubic-metre (14.3-trillion-cubic-feet) find in the so-called Sakarya field -- the biggest ever discovery in the Black Sea. He hopes to put bring the first gas from that find to consumers in time for Turkey's centenary celebrations in 2023. Erdogan said that further Turkish exploration work in the region resulted in the discovery of a new well with 135 billion cubic metres of reserves. "The new discovery of 135 billion cubic metres was made in the Amasra-1 exploration well," Erdogan said while attending a special ceremony in the Black Sea city of Zonguldak. Every year, Turkey consumes 45-50 billion cubic metres of natural gas. Analysts have urged caution over the discoveries' significance There has been no independent audit of the Sakarya field published to date. Erdogan has said that Turkey intends to exploit the wells without foreign assistance and would not need outside financing. Turkey's search for natural gas sparked an international crisis last year when it began conducting work in disputed waters claimed by EU members Cyprus and Greece. The EU pulled back from its threat to expand existing sanctions on Ankara when Turkey pulled back its main exploration vessel and opened informal talks with Greece at the start of the year. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President announces new Black Sea gas find

<p>President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;inaugurated an imposing new mosque in Istanbul on Friday, fulfilling a decades-old goal and stamping a religious identity on the landmark Taksim Square in the heart of Turkey's largest city.</p>

<p>The Taksim mosque and its 30-metre high dome loom symbolically over a monument to the foundation of the Turkish republic by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose staunchly secular legacy has been eroded by nearly two decades of&nbsp;Erdogan's rule.</p>

<p>After performing Friday prayers with thousands of worshippers,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said completion of the mosque marked the culmination of a dream for Turks, and that the call to prayer would be heard there "until the end of time".</p>

<p>Erdogan&nbsp;told crowds outside the mosque that before building work started four years ago there was not even a prayer room at the site. "Worshippers were trying to pray here on top of newspapers, literally like a hen-house," he said.</p>

<p>Construction of the mosque began in February 2017 in a project championed by&nbsp;Erdogan, a devout Muslim, and his Islamist-rooted AK Party, but which was beset for decades by court battles and public debate.</p>

<p>Officials on Friday shared on Twitter a video showing&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;in 1994, the year he became Istanbul mayor, pointing from the top of a building towards the area where he said he would build the mosque, the exact spot where it now stands.</p>

<p>It is one of many construction projects with which&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has left his mark on Turkey, including a huge hilltop mosque overlooking the Asian side of Istanbul. Last year he reconverted into a mosque the city's Haghia Sophia, for centuries the world's largest church before being turned into a mosque and museum in turn.</p>

<p>Supporters of the Taksim project argued there were not enough Muslim places of worship close to one of the city’s busiest hubs. Opponents saw it as a bid to impose a religious tone on the square, featuring a cultural centre dedicated to Ataturk which was demolished and is being rebuilt.</p>

<p>The mosque complex, with two towering minarets, will be able to host as many as 4,000 worshippers and includes an exhibition hall, a library, car park and soup kitchen, state-owned Anadolu news agency said.</p>

<p>Pro-government newspapers hailed the new mosque. Aksam's headline mocked critics who fear creeping religiosity: "It looks great. A mosque was built in Taksim and neither has sharia law come, nor has the republic collapsed," it said.</p>

<p>The inauguration also coincides with the date when protests began just 100 metres away in Gezi Park, before growing into massive protests against&nbsp;Erdogan's government which spread across Turkey in June 2013.</p>

<p>The Gezi protests began on May 28, 2013 after demolition work began in one corner of the park the previous evening, knocking down a wall and some trees, drawing a small group of protesters who camped out at the site.</p>

<p>The anniversary of the protests is generally marked on May 31, when the protests escalated. In June of that year, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in demonstrations against a plan to build a replica Ottoman barracks on Gezi Park.</p>


President Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated an imposing new mosque in Istanbul on Friday, fulfilling a decades-old goal and stamping a religious identity on the landmark Taksim Square in the heart of Turkey's largest city.

President Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated an imposing new mosque in Istanbul on Friday, fulfilling a decades-old goal and stamping a religious identity on the landmark Taksim Square in the heart of Turkey's largest city. The Taksim mosque and its 30-metre high dome loom symbolically over a monument to the foundation of the Turkish republic by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, whose staunchly secular legacy has been eroded by nearly two decades of Erdogan's rule. After performing Friday prayers with thousands of worshippers, Erdogan said completion of the mosque marked the culmination of a dream for Turks, and that the call to prayer would be heard there "until the end of time". Erdogan told crowds outside the mosque that before building work started four years ago there was not even a prayer room at the site. "Worshippers were trying to pray here on top of newspapers, literally like a hen-house," he said. Construction of the mosque began in February 2017 in a project championed by Erdogan, a devout Muslim, and his Islamist-rooted AK Party, but which was beset for decades by court battles and public debate. Officials on Friday shared on Twitter a video showing Erdogan in 1994, the year he became Istanbul mayor, pointing from the top of a building towards the area where he said he would build the mosque, the exact spot where it now stands. It is one of many construction projects with which Erdogan has left his mark on Turkey, including a huge hilltop mosque overlooking the Asian side of Istanbul. Last year he reconverted into a mosque the city's Haghia Sophia, for centuries the world's largest church before being turned into a mosque and museum in turn. Supporters of the Taksim project argued there were not enough Muslim places of worship close to one of the city’s busiest hubs. Opponents saw it as a bid to impose a religious tone on the square, featuring a cultural centre dedicated to Ataturk which was demolished and is being rebuilt. The mosque complex, with two towering minarets, will be able to host as many as 4,000 worshippers and includes an exhibition hall, a library, car park and soup kitchen, state-owned Anadolu news agency said. Pro-government newspapers hailed the new mosque. Aksam's headline mocked critics who fear creeping religiosity: "It looks great. A mosque was built in Taksim and neither has sharia law come, nor has the republic collapsed," it said. The inauguration also coincides with the date when protests began just 100 metres away in Gezi Park, before growing into massive protests against Erdogan's government which spread across Turkey in June 2013. The Gezi protests began on May 28, 2013 after demolition work began in one corner of the park the previous evening, knocking down a wall and some trees, drawing a small group of protesters who camped out at the site. The anniversary of the protests is generally marked on May 31, when the protests escalated. In June of that year, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in demonstrations against a plan to build a replica Ottoman barracks on Gezi Park.

Erdogan inaugurates major new mosque in heart of Istanbul

<p>Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that UEFA's decision was political.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kylian-mbappe-magic-sets-up-paris-saint-germain-for-french-cup-victory-386173" hreflang="en">Kylian Mbappe magic sets up Paris Saint-Germain for French Cup victory</a></p>

<p>"A couple of years ago, we were notified that the final would be played in Turkey, but things took a sudden turn when two English clubs qualified to play the final," Erdogan said on Turkish television on Wednesday.</p>

<p>"We couldn't reach the UK&nbsp;Prime Minister in the meantime, he applied a lot of pressure on this issue."</p>

<p>According to Erdogan, talks with British ministers and UEFA failed to achieve any results and said that Istanbul was promised to host the Champions League final in 2023.</p>

<p>Earlier, Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium was scheduled to host the European Championship final, however, Turkey was put on &nbsp;Britain's travel "red list", due to which no English fans could travel to the country. UEFA stepped in and decided to relocate the finals and thus chose Porto's Estadio do Dragao fit to host it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There had been discussions over moving the final to London's Wembley Stadium but UEFA said that despite "exhaustive efforts on the part of the (English) Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements".</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions.

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that UEFA's decision was political. ALSO READ: Kylian Mbappe magic sets up Paris Saint-Germain for French Cup victory "A couple of years ago, we were notified that the final would be played in Turkey, but things took a sudden turn when two English clubs qualified to play the final," Erdogan said on Turkish television on Wednesday. "We couldn't reach the UK Prime Minister in the meantime, he applied a lot of pressure on this issue." According to Erdogan, talks with British ministers and UEFA failed to achieve any results and said that Istanbul was promised to host the Champions League final in 2023. Earlier, Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium was scheduled to host the European Championship final, however, Turkey was put on Britain's travel "red list", due to which no English fans could travel to the country. UEFA stepped in and decided to relocate the finals and thus chose Porto's Estadio do Dragao fit to host it. There had been discussions over moving the final to London's Wembley Stadium but UEFA said that despite "exhaustive efforts on the part of the (English) Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements". (Inputs from Reuters)

Turkey's Erdogan feels UEFA's decision to relocate Champions League final was political

<p>The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned recent comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the Jewish people as anti-Semitic, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We urge President Erdogan and other Turkish leaders to refrain from incendiary remarks, which could incite further violence," Price said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Anti-Semitic language has no place anywhere," he said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Price did not specify which Erdogan remarks the United States considered anti-Semitic. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for clarification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan, a vocal defender of the Palestinians, has criticised Israel for conducting air strikes on Gaza and called it a 'terror state' after Israeli police fired rubber bullets at rock-throwing Palestinians in Jerusalem.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em></p>


The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned recent comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the Jewish people as anti-Semitic, State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

The United States on Tuesday strongly condemned recent comments by Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the Jewish people as anti-Semitic, State Department spokesman Ned Price said. "We urge President Erdogan and other Turkish leaders to refrain from incendiary remarks, which could incite further violence," Price said in a statement. "Anti-Semitic language has no place anywhere," he said. Price did not specify which Erdogan remarks the United States considered anti-Semitic. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for clarification. Erdogan, a vocal defender of the Palestinians, has criticised Israel for conducting air strikes on Gaza and called it a 'terror state' after Israeli police fired rubber bullets at rock-throwing Palestinians in Jerusalem. (With inputs from agencies)

US condemns Erdogan comments on Jewish people as anti-Semitic 

<p>Turkish President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;called&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;a "terror state" on Saturday after&nbsp;Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;youth at Jerusalem's&nbsp;Al-Aqsa&nbsp;mosque on Friday.</p>

<p>He added that Ankara had launched initiatives to mobilise international&nbsp;institutions.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;at Islam's third-holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured at least 205&nbsp;Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger&nbsp;over&nbsp;the potential&nbsp;eviction of&nbsp;Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers.&nbsp;Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the case on Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa">Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking at an event in Istanbul,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;called on&nbsp;all Muslim countries and the international&nbsp;community to take "effective" steps against&nbsp;Israel, adding that those who remain silent were "a party to the cruelty there."</p>

<p>"The cruel&nbsp;Israel,&nbsp;terror state&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;is mercilessly and unethically attacking Muslims in Jerusalem,"&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Clashes erupt in Jerusalem ahead of key court ruling on Palestinians' eviction">Clashes erupt in Jerusalem ahead of key court ruling on Palestinians' eviction</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that Turkey had "immediately launched the necessary initiatives to get the United Nations, Organisation for Islamic Cooperation and&nbsp;all relevant institutions to take action."</p>

<p>Several&nbsp;Turkish officials criticised&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;late on Friday as&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;erupted, and most opposition parties echoed the condemnations, in a rare sign of unity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Palestinian parliamentary elections delayed, says Abbas, blaming Israel">Palestinian parliamentary elections delayed, says Abbas, blaming Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>There was no immediate response to a request for comment from&nbsp;Israel's foreign ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that law and order would be maintained in Jerusalem as would the right to worship.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people crowded outside&nbsp;Israel's embassy in Ankara and its consulate in Istanbul late on Friday, despite a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, in protest of the violence in Jerusalem and&nbsp;Al-Aqsa.</p>

<p>Turkey has condemned what it said was&nbsp;Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting&nbsp;Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal&nbsp;case.&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;on Saturday called for evictions to be halted.</p>

<p>"Otherwise, we will do everything we can to ensure the cruel are sentenced to the fate they deserve," he warned, without elaborating.</p>

<p>Former&nbsp;allies Turkey and&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial&nbsp;ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018.</p>

<p>Ankara has repeatedly condemned&nbsp;Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of&nbsp;Palestinians, while playing down prospects of a rapprochement amid sharp policy differences.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said any rapprochement between the two sides was unlikely as long as&nbsp;Israeli policies towards&nbsp;Palestinians continued, and&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has said that while Ankara would like to improve ties with&nbsp;Israel, it cannot abandon its&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;policy.</p>

<p>On Friday, Cavusoglu held talks in Ankara with&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;Foreign Minister Riyad&nbsp;al-Maliki.</p>


Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called Israel a "terror state" on Saturday after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on Friday.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called Israel a "terror state" on Saturday after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque on Friday. He added that Ankara had launched initiatives to mobilise international institutions. The clashes at Islam's third-holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured at least 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers. Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the case on Monday. Also read | Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa Speaking at an event in Istanbul, Erdogan called on all Muslim countries and the international community to take "effective" steps against Israel, adding that those who remain silent were "a party to the cruelty there." "The cruel Israel, terror state Israel is mercilessly and unethically attacking Muslims in Jerusalem," Erdogan said. Also read | Clashes erupt in Jerusalem ahead of key court ruling on Palestinians' eviction He added that Turkey had "immediately launched the necessary initiatives to get the United Nations, Organisation for Islamic Cooperation and all relevant institutions to take action." Several Turkish officials criticised Israel late on Friday as clashes erupted, and most opposition parties echoed the condemnations, in a rare sign of unity. Also read | Palestinian parliamentary elections delayed, says Abbas, blaming Israel There was no immediate response to a request for comment from Israel's foreign ministry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that law and order would be maintained in Jerusalem as would the right to worship. Hundreds of people crowded outside Israel's embassy in Ankara and its consulate in Istanbul late on Friday, despite a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, in protest of the violence in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa. Turkey has condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case. Erdogan on Saturday called for evictions to be halted. "Otherwise, we will do everything we can to ensure the cruel are sentenced to the fate they deserve," he warned, without elaborating. Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018. Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, while playing down prospects of a rapprochement amid sharp policy differences. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has said any rapprochement between the two sides was unlikely as long as Israeli policies towards Palestinians continued, and Erdogan has said that while Ankara would like to improve ties with Israel, it cannot abandon its Palestinian policy. On Friday, Cavusoglu held talks in Ankara with Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki.

Turkey's Erdogan calls Israel 'terror state' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa

<p>Turkish citizens are asking their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show them the money.&nbsp;They want to know where the government spent $128 million from its forex reserves.</p>

<p>Opposition parties say this sum was sold at foreign exchange markets to keep the sinking Turkish currency stable.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/people-of-turkey-choose-human-rights-as-erdogan-prefers-silence-376556">People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Erdogan denies the charge. He says those levelling it should be charged with treason. It is not helping his case, though as hundreds of posters and billboards have emerged in Istanbul asking one question: Where are the $128 billion dollars?</p>

<p>This question has turned into a political slogan in Turkey. It is emblazoned on posters and billboards in Istanbul and is imprinted on the masks of many Turkish citizens.</p>

<p>The Republican People's Party in Turkey says the state banks used this sum from Turkish forex reserves and sold them to support the sinking Turkish lira in foreign exchange markets.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-erdogan-cornered-on-missing-128-billion-379609"><strong>Watch |</strong></a></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-erdogan-cornered-on-missing-128-billion-379609/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>They claim this corrupt policy began around the 2019 municipal elections and was ramped up in 2020 when the pandemic laid bare the lira's vulnerability.</p>

<p>What's worse is that this alleged foul play coincided with the tenure of Berat Albayrak, the former finance minister of Turkey and the son-in-law of the Turkish president.</p>

<p>Albayrak resigned in November 2020 citing health reasons. However, opposition leaders say the resignation was a political stunt to save the first family's reputation.</p>

<p>The Turkish government has literally launched a counter-attack. It has ordered the Turkish police to take down all banners in questioning the government’s actions.</p>

<p>Erdogan has gone as far as to call the campaign as 'outright treason’. He even offered a clarification in the country's parliament.</p>

<p>"Since there is no real desire to understand what happened to the $128 billion, of all the talk, there is nothing accurate. Neither the sum in question, nor the explanation of the sum, nor the campaign around it. From beginning to end, it is all lies and mistakes," he said. "Let our people be reassured. The 128 billion dollars of this country have neither been given as a gift to anyone nor wasted."</p>

<p>However, Istanbul has also acknowledged that the questions need answers from the right people. So the finance minister of Turkey has allowed the country's central bank to publish all data regarding foreign exchange transactions.</p>

<p>This is a welcome step from a government that rarely owns up to its mistakes. It is also an indication that every leader, even Erdogan who has ruled Turkey for 18 years, can be vulnerable to political and public pressure.</p>


Turkish citizens are asking their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show them the money. They want to know where the government spent $128 million from its forex reserves.

Turkish citizens are asking their President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to show them the money. They want to know where the government spent $128 million from its forex reserves. Opposition parties say this sum was sold at foreign exchange markets to keep the sinking Turkish currency stable. Also read | People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence However, Erdogan denies the charge. He says those levelling it should be charged with treason. It is not helping his case, though as hundreds of posters and billboards have emerged in Istanbul asking one question: Where are the $128 billion dollars? This question has turned into a political slogan in Turkey. It is emblazoned on posters and billboards in Istanbul and is imprinted on the masks of many Turkish citizens. The Republican People's Party in Turkey says the state banks used this sum from Turkish forex reserves and sold them to support the sinking Turkish lira in foreign exchange markets. Watch | They claim this corrupt policy began around the 2019 municipal elections and was ramped up in 2020 when the pandemic laid bare the lira's vulnerability. What's worse is that this alleged foul play coincided with the tenure of Berat Albayrak, the former finance minister of Turkey and the son-in-law of the Turkish president. Albayrak resigned in November 2020 citing health reasons. However, opposition leaders say the resignation was a political stunt to save the first family's reputation. The Turkish government has literally launched a counter-attack. It has ordered the Turkish police to take down all banners in questioning the government’s actions. Erdogan has gone as far as to call the campaign as 'outright treason’. He even offered a clarification in the country's parliament. "Since there is no real desire to understand what happened to the $128 billion, of all the talk, there is nothing accurate. Neither the sum in question, nor the explanation of the sum, nor the campaign around it. From beginning to end, it is all lies and mistakes," he said. "Let our people be reassured. The 128 billion dollars of this country have neither been given as a gift to anyone nor wasted." However, Istanbul has also acknowledged that the questions need answers from the right people. So the finance minister of Turkey has allowed the country's central bank to publish all data regarding foreign exchange transactions. This is a welcome step from a government that rarely owns up to its mistakes. It is also an indication that every leader, even Erdogan who has ruled Turkey for 18 years, can be vulnerable to political and public pressure.

'Where are $128 billion?', Turkey questions Erdogan about forex money

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties.</p>

<p>Erdogan had issued a carefully-worded statement moments before Biden made his landmark announcement on Saturday at a ceremony commemorating the tragic 1915-17 events.</p>

<p>But the Turkish president did not hold back his anger in a televised address. He also used the moment to point out the US history of slavery and persecution of Native Americans.</p>

<p>"The US president has made comments that are groundless and unfair," Erdogan said.</p>

<p>"We believe that these comments were included in the declaration following pressure from radical Armenian groups and anti-Turkish circles. But this situation does not reduce the destructive impact of these comments."</p>

<p>The Armenians -- supported by historians and scholars -- say 1.5 million of their people died in a genocide committed under the Ottoman Empire during World War I.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey says that both, Armenians and Turks died in huge numbers as Ottoman forces fought tsarist Russia. But it vehemently denies a deliberate policy of genocide and notes that the term had not been legally defined at the time.</p>

<p>Biden tried to temper the inevitable Turkish anger by calling Erdogan for the first time since taking office in January.</p>

<p>The two leaders agreed in Friday's phone call to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit in June.</p>

<p>But Erdogan said on Monday that Biden needed "to look in the mirror" when calling the century-old events a genocide.</p>

<p>"We can also talk about what happened to Native Americans, Blacks and in Vietnam," Erdogan said.</p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday denounced US President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide as "groundless". He said that the recognition was harmful to bilateral ties. Erdogan had issued a carefully-worded statement moments before Biden made his landmark announcement on Saturday at a ceremony commemorating the tragic 1915-17 events. But the Turkish president did not hold back his anger in a televised address. He also used the moment to point out the US history of slavery and persecution of Native Americans. "The US president has made comments that are groundless and unfair," Erdogan said. "We believe that these comments were included in the declaration following pressure from radical Armenian groups and anti-Turkish circles. But this situation does not reduce the destructive impact of these comments." The Armenians -- supported by historians and scholars -- say 1.5 million of their people died in a genocide committed under the Ottoman Empire during World War I. Turkey says that both, Armenians and Turks died in huge numbers as Ottoman forces fought tsarist Russia. But it vehemently denies a deliberate policy of genocide and notes that the term had not been legally defined at the time. Biden tried to temper the inevitable Turkish anger by calling Erdogan for the first time since taking office in January. The two leaders agreed in Friday's phone call to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit in June. But Erdogan said on Monday that Biden needed "to look in the mirror" when calling the century-old events a genocide. "We can also talk about what happened to Native Americans, Blacks and in Vietnam," Erdogan said.

Erdogan calls Biden genocide recognition 'destructive'

<p>US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Friday told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he intends to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide in Saturday statement, a potential further blow to the already frayed ties between the two NATO allies.</p>

<p>The much-anticipated first phone call between the two leaders took place more than three months after&nbsp;Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, a delay that is widely seen as a cold shoulder to Erdogan, who had enjoyed close ties with former president Donald Trump.</p>

<p>It also came a day before Armenian Remembrance Day when&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is expected to break away from decades of carefully calibrated White House statements that had previously described the events as "Metz Yeghern" (great evil). Neither the White House statement on the phone call nor the readout from the Turkish presidency made any mention of the issue.</p>

<p>"President&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;spoke today with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, conveying his interest in a constructive bilateral relationship with expanded areas of cooperation and effective management of disagreements," the White House said in a statement.</p>

<p>It said the two leaders agreed to meet on the margins of the NATO summit in June to have a wider conversation about their two countries' relations.</p>

<p>Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but contests the figures and denies the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide.</p>

<p>Statement from the Turkish presidency said both leaders agreed on "the strategic character of the bilateral relationship and the importance of working together to build greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest."&nbsp;Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues, from Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems - over which it was the target of U.S. sanctions - to policy differences in Syria, human rights and legal matters.</p>

<p>Erdogan had established a close bond with former US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, but since&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;took over in Jan. 20, Washington has grown more vocal about Turkey's human rights track record. It has also stood firm on its demand that Ankara get rid of the Russian defence systems.</p>


US President Joe Biden on Friday told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he intends to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide in Saturday statement, a potential further blow to the already frayed ties between the two NATO allies.

US President Joe Biden on Friday told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan that he intends to recognise the 1915 massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as genocide in Saturday statement, a potential further blow to the already frayed ties between the two NATO allies. The much-anticipated first phone call between the two leaders took place more than three months after Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration, a delay that is widely seen as a cold shoulder to Erdogan, who had enjoyed close ties with former president Donald Trump. It also came a day before Armenian Remembrance Day when Biden is expected to break away from decades of carefully calibrated White House statements that had previously described the events as "Metz Yeghern" (great evil). Neither the White House statement on the phone call nor the readout from the Turkish presidency made any mention of the issue. "President Biden spoke today with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, conveying his interest in a constructive bilateral relationship with expanded areas of cooperation and effective management of disagreements," the White House said in a statement. It said the two leaders agreed to meet on the margins of the NATO summit in June to have a wider conversation about their two countries' relations. Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War One, but contests the figures and denies the killings were systematically orchestrated and constitute a genocide. Statement from the Turkish presidency said both leaders agreed on "the strategic character of the bilateral relationship and the importance of working together to build greater cooperation on issues of mutual interest." Ties between Ankara and Washington have been strained over a host of issues, from Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems - over which it was the target of U.S. sanctions - to policy differences in Syria, human rights and legal matters. Erdogan had established a close bond with former US President Donald Trump, but since Biden took over in Jan. 20, Washington has grown more vocal about Turkey's human rights track record. It has also stood firm on its demand that Ankara get rid of the Russian defence systems.

Biden told Erdogan he plans to call 1915 massacres of Armenians genocide: Sources

<p>Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, Turkish politicians criticised China for its treatment of Uighurs. Beijing then created a situation that ultimately led to the cutting of water supply to the Chinese embassy in Ankara.<br />
<br />
<strong>Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-cuts-off-water-supplies-to-chinese-embassy-376545/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>On April 5, Meral Aksener, chairwoman of Turkey's opposition party, put out this tweet.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C4%B1nKatliam%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarınKatliamı</a>’nda Çin esaretine boyun eğmeyen Doğu Türkistanlı soydaşlarımızı, şehadetlerinin yıl dönümünde rahmetle anıyorum…<br />
<br />
Esaret altındaki soydaşlarımızı unutmayacak, uğradıkları zulümlere sessiz kalmayacağız.<br />
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Doğu Türkistan bir gün mutlaka bağımsız olacak! <a href="https://t.co/VoA7m1suh8">pic.twitter.com/VoA7m1suh8</a></p>
— Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) <a href="https://twitter.com/meral_aksener/status/1378989779916886022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>In her tweet, she said that 'east Turkistan would become independent one day. It is reference to Xinjiang and the Baren revolution.</p>

<p>In the year 1990, thousands of Uighurs and Turkic minorities were killed by Chinese troops. Their fault was that they rebelled against Chinese occupation, genocide, and robbing women of their babies under the one-child policy. The Baren uprising had erupted on the 5th of April, 1990.</p>

<p>And on the 5th of April this year, another Turkish politician tweeted about it. He was Mansur Yavas, Mayor of Ankara.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">Doğu Türkistan'da yaşanan katliamın acısını 31 yıl geçmesine rağmen hâlâ ilk günkü gibi hissediyoruz.<br />
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Barın şehitlerini rahmetle anıyorum. <a href="https://t.co/eXJoUL2teC">pic.twitter.com/eXJoUL2teC</a></p>
— Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansuryavas06/status/1378953364483022849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>'although 31 years have passed, we still feel the pain of the massacre' he said</p>

<p>This did not go down too well with china.</p>

<p>The Chinese embassy in Ankara shot back with a tweet within 24 hours.</p>

<p>'The Xinjiang Uigur autonomous region is an integral part of Chinese territory. This is an internationally accepted and indisputable fact,' said the tweet. The embassy tagged both the Turkish leaders.</p>

<p>Another tweet followed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="tr">Çin tarafı, herhangi bir kişi veya gücün Çin’in egemenliğine ve toprak bütünlüğüne herhangi bir şekilde meydan okumasına kararlılıkla karşı çıkmakta ve bunu şiddetle kınamaktadır. Çin tarafı, haklı karşılık verme hakkını saklı tutmaktadır.<a href="https://twitter.com/meral_aksener?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@meral_aksener</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mansuryavas06?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mansuryavas06</a></p>
— Çin Büyükelçiliği Ankara/中国驻土耳其使馆 (@ChinaEmbTurkey) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaEmbTurkey/status/1379379955042242562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>'China opposes any challenge to its sovereignty and reserves the right to a justified response,' it said. Again, the two leaders were tagged. The Chinese embassy in Ankara was threatening the mayor of the city!</p>

<p>The tweets triggered an outrage on social media. Reports say Turkey summoned the Chinese Ambassador the very same day. The next day- the spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry openly backed the embassy's tweet</p>

<p>'The response of China's embassy in turkey was absolutely appropriate,' said Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Here's what happened next.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After the Chinese Embassy targeted the mayor of Ankara, Ankara Municipality cuts water to Chinese Embassy. <a href="https://t.co/wDjjUXCJD5">pic.twitter.com/wDjjUXCJD5</a></p>
— ibrahim Haskoloğlu (@haskologlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/haskologlu/status/1379797474278305801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Ankara municipality cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy. Experts say- this is the most public spat between china and turkey in more than a decade.</p>

<p>Turkey is home to one of the world's largest Uighur communities, most of whom have fled the genocide in China.</p>

<p>The people of Turkey share religious and linguistic ties with the Uighurs. While Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been silent on the genocide. The people, of Turkey, it seems, have decided to choose Human Rights.</p>


Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey.

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey. Recently, Turkish politicians criticised China for its treatment of Uighurs. Beijing then created a situation that ultimately led to the cutting of water supply to the Chinese embassy in Ankara. Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy On April 5, Meral Aksener, chairwoman of Turkey's opposition party, put out this tweet. #BarınKatliamı’nda Çin esaretine boyun eğmeyen Doğu Türkistanlı soydaşlarımızı, şehadetlerinin yıl dönümünde rahmetle anıyorum… Esaret altındaki soydaşlarımızı unutmayacak, uğradıkları zulümlere sessiz kalmayacağız. Doğu Türkistan bir gün mutlaka bağımsız olacak! pic.twitter.com/VoA7m1suh8 — Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) April 5, 2021 × In her tweet, she said that 'east Turkistan would become independent one day. It is reference to Xinjiang and the Baren revolution. In the year 1990, thousands of Uighurs and Turkic minorities were killed by Chinese troops. Their fault was that they rebelled against Chinese occupation, genocide, and robbing women of their babies under the one-child policy. The Baren uprising had erupted on the 5th of April, 1990. And on the 5th of April this year, another Turkish politician tweeted about it. He was Mansur Yavas, Mayor of Ankara. Doğu Türkistan'da yaşanan katliamın acısını 31 yıl geçmesine rağmen hâlâ ilk günkü gibi hissediyoruz. Barın şehitlerini rahmetle anıyorum. pic.twitter.com/eXJoUL2teC — Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) April 5, 2021 × 'although 31 years have passed, we still feel the pain of the massacre' he said This did not go down too well with china. The Chinese embassy in Ankara shot back with a tweet within 24 hours. 'The Xinjiang Uigur autonomous region is an integral part of Chinese territory. This is an internationally accepted and indisputable fact,' said the tweet. The embassy tagged both the Turkish leaders. Another tweet followed. Çin tarafı, herhangi bir kişi veya gücün Çin’in egemenliğine ve toprak bütünlüğüne herhangi bir şekilde meydan okumasına kararlılıkla karşı çıkmakta ve bunu şiddetle kınamaktadır. Çin tarafı, haklı karşılık verme hakkını saklı tutmaktadır.@meral_aksener @mansuryavas06 — Çin Büyükelçiliği Ankara/中国驻土耳其使馆 (@ChinaEmbTurkey) April 6, 2021 × 'China opposes any challenge to its sovereignty and reserves the right to a justified response,' it said. Again, the two leaders were tagged. The Chinese embassy in Ankara was threatening the mayor of the city! The tweets triggered an outrage on social media. Reports say Turkey summoned the Chinese Ambassador the very same day. The next day- the spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry openly backed the embassy's tweet 'The response of China's embassy in turkey was absolutely appropriate,' said Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson said. Here's what happened next. After the Chinese Embassy targeted the mayor of Ankara, Ankara Municipality cuts water to Chinese Embassy. pic.twitter.com/wDjjUXCJD5 — ibrahim Haskoloğlu (@haskologlu) April 7, 2021 × The Ankara municipality cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy. Experts say- this is the most public spat between china and turkey in more than a decade. Turkey is home to one of the world's largest Uighur communities, most of whom have fled the genocide in China. The people of Turkey share religious and linguistic ties with the Uighurs. While Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been silent on the genocide. The people, of Turkey, it seems, have decided to choose Human Rights.

People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence

Two Presidents went to Turkey on an official visit, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered a chair only to the man. European Commission Chief Ursula Von der Leyen was left with no place to sit. What happened next? WION's Palki brings you the details of Turkey's diplomatic faux pas.

Gravitas: Turkey's diplomatic faux pas

<p>Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in line with "demands and suggestions from the EU side", rejecting criticism that Ankara snubbed her.<br />
<br />
Cavusoglu said the Turkish and EU sides agreed on the protocol ahead of Tuesday`s meeting with Erdogan, reports DPA news agency.<br />
<br />
"The seating arrangement was made in line with suggestions from the EU side," Cavusoglu told a joint press conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah in Ankara.<br />
<br />
Cavusoglu`s remarks came after the European Commission expressed disappointment that its President was relegated to a sofa on the side, while European Council President Charles Michel was offered the only chair next to Erdogan during their visit at the Turkish presidential palace.<br />
<br />
The unequal seating arrangements prompted social media allegations of sexism or a purposeful affront against the commission.<br />
<br />
Cavusoglu called the criticism against Turkey "very unfair", adding the meeting was held "within the frame of international protocol rules and Turkish hospitality".<br />
<br />
"We would not put this so clearly if it wasn`t for the accusations," the top Turkish diplomat added.<br />
<br />
Cavusoglu described the meeting as "very productive".<br />
<br />
In a Facebook post late Wednesday, Michel described the situation as "regrettable" and added the EU leaders decided to focus on the substance of the meeting rather than cause a "public incident".</p>


Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in line with "demands and suggestions from the EU side", rejecting criticism that Ankara snubbed her.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen in line with "demands and suggestions from the EU side", rejecting criticism that Ankara snubbed her. Cavusoglu said the Turkish and EU sides agreed on the protocol ahead of Tuesday`s meeting with Erdogan, reports DPA news agency. "The seating arrangement was made in line with suggestions from the EU side," Cavusoglu told a joint press conference with his Kuwaiti counterpart Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah in Ankara. Cavusoglu`s remarks came after the European Commission expressed disappointment that its President was relegated to a sofa on the side, while European Council President Charles Michel was offered the only chair next to Erdogan during their visit at the Turkish presidential palace. The unequal seating arrangements prompted social media allegations of sexism or a purposeful affront against the commission. Cavusoglu called the criticism against Turkey "very unfair", adding the meeting was held "within the frame of international protocol rules and Turkish hospitality". "We would not put this so clearly if it wasn`t for the accusations," the top Turkish diplomat added. Cavusoglu described the meeting as "very productive". In a Facebook post late Wednesday, Michel described the situation as "regrettable" and added the EU leaders decided to focus on the substance of the meeting rather than cause a "public incident".

Turkey denies it snubbed EU chief during Ankara visit

<p>The European Union's top officials met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, weeks after Erdogan took conciliatory steps and EU leaders agreed to increase trade and improve cooperation with Turkey on migration.</p>

<p>The visit is part of a relaunch of relations approved by EU leaders in March, after Turkey moved to calm a dispute over hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean.</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Ankara's change in stance on the eastern Mediterranean, but said the relationship between the bloc and aspiring member Turkey was still fragile, in part over human rights.</p>

<p>Turkey hosts some four million refugees, mostly Syrian, and has repeatedly accused the EU of not honouring its promises as per a 2016 migrant deal, under which it curbed migrant flows to Europe in exchange for financial aid.</p>

<p>Turkey is formally a candidate for EU membership, but its bid to join the 27-nation bloc has been at a standstill.</p>

<p>Von der Leyen also emphasised that Turkey must respect the rule of law and implement rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, voicing alarm over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, aimed to protect women's rights, and other issues.</p>

<p>The visit by von der Leyen and Michel follows an EU summit last month at which the bloc said work could begin on deeper trade ties and on providing more money for refugees in Turkey, in a sign of improving ties after&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;took a constructive tone following months of tensions.</p>

<p>At the summit, the EU also warned Ankara of sanctions if it restarts energy exploration in disputed Mediterranean waters and voiced concern over Turkey's human rights record.</p>

<p>Both the EU and the United States have criticised a case to close Turkey's third biggest party, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP).</p>

<p>A row between Turkey and EU members Greece and Cyprus over energy resources and jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean has strained ties between the bloc and Ankara. Tensions flared in August when Turkish and Greek navy frigates escorted vessels exploring for hydrocarbons in disputed waters.</p>

<p>The European Union backs Athens, while Ankara has accused the bloc of bias.</p>

<p>Michel said the EU welcomed and supported the resumption of talks between Ankara and Athens over the decades-old dispute.</p>

<p>At last month's summit, the EU opened the door to begin modernising a Customs Union as Ankara has demanded. This would bring EU candidate Turkey into the internal market of the world's largest trading bloc and allow unhindered flow of goods and services.</p>

<p>While citing it as a strategic goal,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;has downplayed EU membership in recent years amid increasing criticism from the bloc toward Ankara's foreign policy and human rights record, and the threat of EU sanctions.</p>

<p>The EU chiefs, who last held in-person talks with&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;a year ago, said they would cooperate with Ankara in three areas if the de-escalation continues, including improving economic ties, a formula to support refugees in Turkey, and ways to increase mobility</p>


The European Union's top officials met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, weeks after Erdogan took conciliatory steps and EU leaders agreed to increase trade and improve cooperation with Turkey on migration.

The European Union's top officials met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday, weeks after Erdogan took conciliatory steps and EU leaders agreed to increase trade and improve cooperation with Turkey on migration. The visit is part of a relaunch of relations approved by EU leaders in March, after Turkey moved to calm a dispute over hydrocarbons in the eastern Mediterranean. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed Ankara's change in stance on the eastern Mediterranean, but said the relationship between the bloc and aspiring member Turkey was still fragile, in part over human rights. Turkey hosts some four million refugees, mostly Syrian, and has repeatedly accused the EU of not honouring its promises as per a 2016 migrant deal, under which it curbed migrant flows to Europe in exchange for financial aid. Turkey is formally a candidate for EU membership, but its bid to join the 27-nation bloc has been at a standstill. Von der Leyen also emphasised that Turkey must respect the rule of law and implement rulings by the European Court of Human Rights, voicing alarm over Turkey's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, aimed to protect women's rights, and other issues. The visit by von der Leyen and Michel follows an EU summit last month at which the bloc said work could begin on deeper trade ties and on providing more money for refugees in Turkey, in a sign of improving ties after Erdogan took a constructive tone following months of tensions. At the summit, the EU also warned Ankara of sanctions if it restarts energy exploration in disputed Mediterranean waters and voiced concern over Turkey's human rights record. Both the EU and the United States have criticised a case to close Turkey's third biggest party, the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). A row between Turkey and EU members Greece and Cyprus over energy resources and jurisdiction in the eastern Mediterranean has strained ties between the bloc and Ankara. Tensions flared in August when Turkish and Greek navy frigates escorted vessels exploring for hydrocarbons in disputed waters. The European Union backs Athens, while Ankara has accused the bloc of bias. Michel said the EU welcomed and supported the resumption of talks between Ankara and Athens over the decades-old dispute. At last month's summit, the EU opened the door to begin modernising a Customs Union as Ankara has demanded. This would bring EU candidate Turkey into the internal market of the world's largest trading bloc and allow unhindered flow of goods and services. While citing it as a strategic goal, Erdogan has downplayed EU membership in recent years amid increasing criticism from the bloc toward Ankara's foreign policy and human rights record, and the threat of EU sanctions. The EU chiefs, who last held in-person talks with Erdogan a year ago, said they would cooperate with Ankara in three areas if the de-escalation continues, including improving economic ties, a formula to support refugees in Turkey, and ways to increase mobility

EU leaders meet Turkey's Erdogan for talks on migration, trade

The top European Union officials have raised “deep worries” over Turkey's decision to pull out of a convention to combat violence against women and the launch of a formal attempt to shut down the country’s main pro-Kurdish party.

EU Chiefs raise 'deep worries' over rights in Turkey with President Erdogan

Top European leaders held talks with Turkey's President Erdogan. Despite strong words on rights abuses, the EU has failed to bring sanctions on Turkey. Has Europe sacrificed human rights over peace?

Gravitas: Erdogan hosts EU leaders, signals thaw

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