Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed his US counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> for calling Russia's Vladimir Putin a "killer," saying the comments by the US president were "unacceptable".&nbsp;

"Mr. Biden's statements about Mr. Putin are not fitting of a president, and a president coming out and using such remarks against the president of a country like Russia is truly unacceptable, not something that can be stomached," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, as reported by news agency Reuters.&nbsp;

Watch |

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-joe-biden-calls-vladimir-putin-a-killer-371517/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a TV interview when Biden was asked whether he considers the Russian president a killer, the US president responded "I do".&nbsp;

Putin in his response mocked Biden which roughly translates into "it takes one to know one" and wished him good health.&nbsp;

Erdogan also praised Putin for his response to the US president, calling his answer "very smart" and "elegant".&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/subtle-art-of-diplomacy-biden-and-putin-engage-in-verbal-spat-371511">Subtle art of diplomacy: Biden and Putin engage in verbal spat</a>

"In my opinion, Mr. Putin has done what is necessary by giving a very, very smart and elegant answer," the Turkish president said.&nbsp;

The remarks by Erdogan can escalate tensions between Washington and Ankara as Biden's administration has been critical of Turkey's worsening record on human rights, something his predecessor Donald Trump was silent of.&nbsp;

Despite Turkey growing proximity with Russia during Trump-era, the ties remained largely normal, however, Biden since his inauguration has not engaged in any conversation with Erdogan so far via a phone call.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed his US counterpart Joe Biden for calling Russia's Vladimir Putin a "killer," saying the comments by the US president were "unacceptable".

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed his US counterpart Joe Biden for calling Russia's Vladimir Putin a "killer," saying the comments by the US president were "unacceptable". "Mr. Biden's statements about Mr. Putin are not fitting of a president, and a president coming out and using such remarks against the president of a country like Russia is truly unacceptable, not something that can be stomached," Erdogan told reporters in Istanbul, as reported by news agency Reuters. Watch | In a TV interview when Biden was asked whether he considers the Russian president a killer, the US president responded "I do". Putin in his response mocked Biden which roughly translates into "it takes one to know one" and wished him good health. Erdogan also praised Putin for his response to the US president, calling his answer "very smart" and "elegant". Also read | Subtle art of diplomacy: Biden and Putin engage in verbal spat "In my opinion, Mr. Putin has done what is necessary by giving a very, very smart and elegant answer," the Turkish president said. The remarks by Erdogan can escalate tensions between Washington and Ankara as Biden's administration has been critical of Turkey's worsening record on human rights, something his predecessor Donald Trump was silent of. Despite Turkey growing proximity with Russia during Trump-era, the ties remained largely normal, however, Biden since his inauguration has not engaged in any conversation with Erdogan so far via a phone call.

Erdogan slams Biden for 'killer' remarks, says Putin's response 'elegant'

Dozens of protesters detained on Thursday after Turkey brushed aside the US criticism of Ankara's approach of a crackdown on student demonstrations.&nbsp;

The latest detentions come as Erdogan stresses that he will not let the month-long student protests at Turkish university take the shape of anti-government protests in 2013, describing the demonstrators as "terrorists".

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkish-students-protest-against-erdogan-355244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Thursday, news agency AFP reported that police used riot shields and batons on protesters participating at an unsanctioned event in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-tells-us-not-to-interfere-in-its-internal-matters-361291">Turkey tells US not to interfere in its internal matters</a>

The students are protesting against the government's decision to appoint Erdogan supporter Melih Bulu to head Turkey's prestigious Bogazici University last month.&nbsp;

Bulu's appointment is seen by many as Erdogan's attempt to take control of various institutions across the country.&nbsp;

Over 250 people were detained in Istanbul this week and 69 in Ankara.

More than 500 people have been detained in the past month across the country.&nbsp;

The United States on Wednesday expressed its concern over the detention of students and the use of LGBTQI rhetoric for the protesters.&nbsp;

Ankara responded to the US with the Turkish foreign ministry saying on Thursday that "those who dare to teach a lesson of democracy and law... to look in the mirror".

Turkey's interior minister on Tuesday described the protesters "LGBT deviants" on Twitter, which led to the social media platform put a rare warning on his comment.

The European Union said it was "seriously concerned" by the latest developments in Turkey and called for the release of protesters who are "arbitrarily detained".

Dozens of protesters detained on Thursday after Turkey brushed aside the US criticism of Ankara's approach of a crackdown on student demonstrations. The latest detentions come as Erdogan stresses that he will not let the month-long student protests at Turkish university take the shape of anti-government protests in 2013, describing the demonstrators as "terrorists".

Dozens of protesters detained on Thursday after Turkey brushed aside the US criticism of Ankara's approach of a crackdown on student demonstrations. The latest detentions come as Erdogan stresses that he will not let the month-long student protests at Turkish university take the shape of anti-government protests in 2013, describing the demonstrators as "terrorists". Watch | On Thursday, news agency AFP reported that police used riot shields and batons on protesters participating at an unsanctioned event in Istanbul. Also read | Turkey tells US not to interfere in its internal matters The students are protesting against the government's decision to appoint Erdogan supporter Melih Bulu to head Turkey's prestigious Bogazici University last month. Bulu's appointment is seen by many as Erdogan's attempt to take control of various institutions across the country. Over 250 people were detained in Istanbul this week and 69 in Ankara. More than 500 people have been detained in the past month across the country. The United States on Wednesday expressed its concern over the detention of students and the use of LGBTQI rhetoric for the protesters. Ankara responded to the US with the Turkish foreign ministry saying on Thursday that "those who dare to teach a lesson of democracy and law... to look in the mirror". Turkey's interior minister on Tuesday described the protesters "LGBT deviants" on Twitter, which led to the social media platform put a rare warning on his comment. The European Union said it was "seriously concerned" by the latest developments in Turkey and called for the release of protesters who are "arbitrarily detained".

Turkey continues to detain student protesters despite US condemnation

Being ambitious is good, but unchecked ambition can invite trouble. And so is the position of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whose ambitions have put his country in trouble.&nbsp;

Erdogan wanted to be a caliph, unseat Saudi Arabia's position and befriend both arch-rivals US and Russia. He also wanted Turkey to lead the European Union.&nbsp;

However, Erdogan has single-handedly upset the entire world and put his country into an uncertain and isolated future.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-impose-sanctions-on-turkey-over-russian-s-400-defense-system-349164">US to impose sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 defense system</a>

The list of Erdogan's misdeeds is only growing ever since he came to power.&nbsp;

"We have unanimously observed that Turkey has continued with its provocations," said French President Emmanuel Macron. &nbsp;

The EU is not pleased with Ankara and is pressing sanctions.&nbsp;

Erdogan has sent a gas exploration ship to waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus and also angered France by his actions.&nbsp;

He has called Macron a "burden on France" and also questioned his mental health. This is because Macron spoke against radical Islamists.&nbsp;

Erdogan intends to lead the Muslim world but his actions have offended other Muslim nations.&nbsp;

He is already on the wrong side of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and in 2019 joined then Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad for an Islamic conference.&nbsp;

Iran too was a part of this conference. But, Erdogan found a way to upset Tehran too.&nbsp;

He recited a politically incorrect poem during his visit to Azerbaijan.&nbsp;

Turkey's role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has also not gone down well with Russia.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey were at the opposing ends of the conflict and when Kremlin managed to get Baku and Yerevan sign a peace deal, Erdogan landed in Azerbaijan to fan the flames again.&nbsp;

"My dear brother (Azerbaijan president) Ilham Aliyev had some advice for the French. What did he say? 'If they love Armenians so much, then they should give Marseilles to the Armenians," said Erdogan. &nbsp;

It is said enemy's enemy is your friend and in Erdogan's case, Russia's rival US is slapping sanctions on Turkey.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The US is upset with Erdogan for purchasing S-400 missile defence systems from Russia.&nbsp;

Erdogan has managed to incite India too by calling Kashmir a "burning issue".

So let's take a look at Ankara's friends now.

The EU is angry and so is France, India, the US, Russia and the Arab world.

Apparently, the world is one on the side and Turkey on another.&nbsp;

Being ambitious is good, but unchecked ambition can invite trouble. And so is the position of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whose ambitions have put his country in trouble.

Being ambitious is good, but unchecked ambition can invite trouble. And so is the position of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan whose ambitions have put his country in trouble. Erdogan wanted to be a caliph, unseat Saudi Arabia's position and befriend both arch-rivals US and Russia. He also wanted Turkey to lead the European Union. However, Erdogan has single-handedly upset the entire world and put his country into an uncertain and isolated future. Also read | US to impose sanctions on Turkey over Russian S-400 defense system The list of Erdogan's misdeeds is only growing ever since he came to power. "We have unanimously observed that Turkey has continued with its provocations," said French President Emmanuel Macron. The EU is not pleased with Ankara and is pressing sanctions. Erdogan has sent a gas exploration ship to waters claimed by Greece and Cyprus and also angered France by his actions. He has called Macron a "burden on France" and also questioned his mental health. This is because Macron spoke against radical Islamists. Erdogan intends to lead the Muslim world but his actions have offended other Muslim nations. He is already on the wrong side of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and in 2019 joined then Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad for an Islamic conference. Iran too was a part of this conference. But, Erdogan found a way to upset Tehran too. He recited a politically incorrect poem during his visit to Azerbaijan. Turkey's role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has also not gone down well with Russia. Russia and Turkey were at the opposing ends of the conflict and when Kremlin managed to get Baku and Yerevan sign a peace deal, Erdogan landed in Azerbaijan to fan the flames again. "My dear brother (Azerbaijan president) Ilham Aliyev had some advice for the French. What did he say? 'If they love Armenians so much, then they should give Marseilles to the Armenians," said Erdogan. It is said enemy's enemy is your friend and in Erdogan's case, Russia's rival US is slapping sanctions on Turkey. The US is upset with Erdogan for purchasing S-400 missile defence systems from Russia. Erdogan has managed to incite India too by calling Kashmir a "burning issue". So let's take a look at Ankara's friends now. The EU is angry and so is France, India, the US, Russia and the Arab world. Apparently, the world is one on the side and Turkey on another.

EU, US...the list goes on: Erdogan's ambitions has put Turkey in a corner

Hagia Sophia was born as a church, then converted into a mosque, a pride of the Ottoman Empire, and later declared into a museum.

In modern times, it was considered a symbol of Turkish secularism.&nbsp;

However, now it is witnessing yet another transformation as it has once again been declared a mosque.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-voices-distress-over-turkeys-hagia-sophia-conversion-to-mosque-312751#:~:text=Pope%20Francis%20said%20Sunday%20he,distressed%2C%22%20the%20pope%20said.">Pope Francis voices distress over Turkey's Hagia Sophia conversion to mosque</a>

On July 24, this monument will open its doors to worshippers as Friday prayers will be held inside this structure.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-rejects-criticism-over-hagia-sophias-conversion-to-mosque-312589">Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque</a>

This decision has shaken the foundations of Turkey's secular credentials and the world is openly speaking up against it.&nbsp;

However, India has opted to remain silent. This report will tell you why New Delhi needs to take a stand and object to the conversion of the structure as a mosque.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hagia-sophia-conversion-why-india-must-take-a-stand-313101/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Three days ago, Turkey's highest administrative court, unanimously revoked a 1934 cabinet decision, which made the Hagia Sophia a museum.&nbsp;

Later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree, ordering the conversion of this museum into a mosque.&nbsp;

As the news spread, there was condemnation from many parts of the world, with UNESCO, European Union, Russian Orthodox Church marking their protest.&nbsp;

UNESCO called this decision "regrettable" and a committee of this UN body said they were not informed about this decision. &nbsp;

It now wants Ankara to start a dialogue immediately, otherwise, preservation of this heritage site will be subject to a review.&nbsp;

This suggests that Hagia Sophia may lose its status as a World Heritage Site.&nbsp;

The European Union has also expressed disappointment with its foreign policy chief saying, "The ruling by the Turkish Council of State to overturn Turkey's landmark decisions and Erdogan's decision to place the monument under the management of the religious affairs presidency is regrettable".&nbsp;

Religious bodies are also speaking up like the Russian Orthodox Church, which expressed its "dismay" over Erdogan's decision.&nbsp;

"The concern of millions of Christians has not been heard. The court ruling shows that all calls for the need for extreme delicacy in this matter were ignored," it said.&nbsp;

Even Pope in his short message expressed his disappointment over the decision.&nbsp;

Countries such as the US, France, Russia, Cyprus and Greece have slammed the decision.&nbsp;

The list however doesn't include India.&nbsp;

On the contrary, The Turkish president has never missed an opportunity to criticise India, questioning its secular credentials.&nbsp;

And now when the world is speaking on the undermining of secularism in Turkey, why shouldn't India also join them?

Here are some recent examples of Turkey's approach towards India.

A few months ago, there were communal riots in New Delhi, where people from both communities were killed.&nbsp;

However, for Erdogan, it was the "massacre" of Muslims.&nbsp;

"A country which will fail to make global peace a possibility. A country which calls itself strong because of its large population, but is not," were his words on India.&nbsp;

Erdogan's activism on Kashmir is much-talked and written about.

In the same month of February, the Turkish president travelled to Pakistan and justified Islamabad's cross-border terrorism in Kashmir while addressed a joint session of the Pakistan Parliament.&nbsp;

He also said India is making Kashmiris suffer.&nbsp;

On both these occasions, the Indian foreign ministry came down heavily on the Turkish president.

"These remarks reflect neither an understanding of history nor the conduct of diplomacy...They distort events of the past to advance a narrow-minded view of the present," New Delhi said.&nbsp;

The remarks made by Indian foreign ministry are relevant now too in the context of Hagia Sophia controversy.&nbsp;

The decision to convert this monument into a mosque is "distorting of the past".&nbsp;

Erdogan indeed is advancing a "narrow-minded view of the present".&nbsp;

This is a new shift in Turkey's politics from being secular in nature to an authoritarian Islamic region.&nbsp;

This leaves Erdogan no moral right to point fingers at others.

And India must not remain silent on this issue and a statement or two may go a long way in setting the record straight.&nbsp;

Hagia Sophia was born as a church, then converted into a mosque, a pride of the Ottoman Empire, and later declared into a museum. In modern times, it was considered a symbol of Turkish secularism.

Hagia Sophia was born as a church, then converted into a mosque, a pride of the Ottoman Empire, and later declared into a museum. In modern times, it was considered a symbol of Turkish secularism. However, now it is witnessing yet another transformation as it has once again been declared a mosque. Also read | Pope Francis voices distress over Turkey's Hagia Sophia conversion to mosque On July 24, this monument will open its doors to worshippers as Friday prayers will be held inside this structure. Also read | Turkish President Erdogan rejects criticism over Hagia Sophia's conversion to mosque This decision has shaken the foundations of Turkey's secular credentials and the world is openly speaking up against it. However, India has opted to remain silent. This report will tell you why New Delhi needs to take a stand and object to the conversion of the structure as a mosque. Three days ago, Turkey's highest administrative court, unanimously revoked a 1934 cabinet decision, which made the Hagia Sophia a museum. Later, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a decree, ordering the conversion of this museum into a mosque. As the news spread, there was condemnation from many parts of the world, with UNESCO, European Union, Russian Orthodox Church marking their protest. UNESCO called this decision "regrettable" and a committee of this UN body said they were not informed about this decision. It now wants Ankara to start a dialogue immediately, otherwise, preservation of this heritage site will be subject to a review. This suggests that Hagia Sophia may lose its status as a World Heritage Site. The European Union has also expressed disappointment with its foreign policy chief saying, "The ruling by the Turkish Council of State to overturn Turkey's landmark decisions and Erdogan's decision to place the monument under the management of the religious affairs presidency is regrettable". Religious bodies are also speaking up like the Russian Orthodox Church, which expressed its "dismay" over Erdogan's decision. "The concern of millions of Christians has not been heard. The court ruling shows that all calls for the need for extreme delicacy in this matter were ignored," it said. Even Pope in his short message expressed his disappointment over the decision. Countries such as the US, France, Russia, Cyprus and Greece have slammed the decision. The list however doesn't include India. On the contrary, The Turkish president has never missed an opportunity to criticise India, questioning its secular credentials. And now when the world is speaking on the undermining of secularism in Turkey, why shouldn't India also join them? Here are some recent examples of Turkey's approach towards India. A few months ago, there were communal riots in New Delhi, where people from both communities were killed. However, for Erdogan, it was the "massacre" of Muslims. "A country which will fail to make global peace a possibility. A country which calls itself strong because of its large population, but is not," were his words on India. Erdogan's activism on Kashmir is much-talked and written about. In the same month of February, the Turkish president travelled to Pakistan and justified Islamabad's cross-border terrorism in Kashmir while addressed a joint session of the Pakistan Parliament. He also said India is making Kashmiris suffer. On both these occasions, the Indian foreign ministry came down heavily on the Turkish president. "These remarks reflect neither an understanding of history nor the conduct of diplomacy...They distort events of the past to advance a narrow-minded view of the present," New Delhi said. The remarks made by Indian foreign ministry are relevant now too in the context of Hagia Sophia controversy. The decision to convert this monument into a mosque is "distorting of the past". Erdogan indeed is advancing a "narrow-minded view of the present". This is a new shift in Turkey's politics from being secular in nature to an authoritarian Islamic region. This leaves Erdogan no moral right to point fingers at others. And India must not remain silent on this issue and a statement or two may go a long way in setting the record straight.

Why India should not remain silent on Hagia Sophia's decision

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had asked President Vladimir Putin for Russia to step aside in Syria and leave Turkey to deal with Syrian government forces alone, after 34 Turkish soldiers were killed this week.

Government forces, backed by Russian airpower, have waged a major assault to capture the northwest province of Idlib, part of the last remaining territory held by rebels backed by Turkey.

Syrian and Russian warplanes on Saturday kept up airstrikes on the Idlib city of Saraqeb, the Syrian Observatory war monitor reported. The strategic city sits on a key international roadway and has been a flashpoint of fighting in recent days.

Turkish strikes using drones and smart missiles late on Friday that hit Hezbollah headquarters near Saraqeb killed nine of its members and wounded 30 in one of the bloodiest attacks on the Iran-backed group in Syria, according to a commander in the regional alliance backing Damascus.

The Syrian Observatory said 48 pro-Damascus troops had been killed by Turkish strikes in the past 24 hours.

With diplomacy sponsored by Ankara and Moscow to ease tensions in tatters, Turkey has come closer than ever to confrontation with Russia on the battlefield.

Speaking in Istanbul, Erdogan said he had told Putin in a phone call to stand aside and let Turkey "do what is necessary" with the Syrian government. He said Turkey does not intend to leave Syria right now.

"We did not go there because we were invited by (Syrian President Bashar al-Assad). We went there because we were invited by the people of Syria. We don't intend to leave before the people of Syria say, 'Okay, this is done,'" Erdogan added.

As tensions rose, Russia and Turkey have held three rounds of talks, the first two of which did not yield a ceasefire.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the two sides agreed in this week's talks to reduce tensions on the ground in Idlib while continuing military action there.

But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Doha that the Idlib issue can only be settled in a meeting between Erdogan and Putin, which he said would take place on March 5 or March 6.

MIgrants

After 33 of its soldiers were killed on Thursday, Turkey said it would allow migrants it hosts to freely pass to Europe. One more Turkish soldier was killed on Friday, raising this month's toll to 55.

Turkey hosts some 3.7 million Syrian refugees, in addition to Afghans, Iranians, and Moroccans among others. It has warned that it cannot take another refugee wave from Idlib.

Violence in the northwestern Syrian province has displaced one million civilians since December inside the country near the Turkish border in desperate winter conditions, in what is perhaps the worst humanitarian crisis of the conflict.

Erdogan said that 18,000 migrants has crossed the border to Europe from Turkey since the gates were opened, without providing evidence, and added that the number could rise to 25,000-30,000 on Saturday.

Greece and Bulgaria, both European Union member states neighbouring Turkey, vowed not to admit the migrants. Greek police fired teargas toward migrants who were gathered on its border with Turkey and demanding entry on Saturday.

"We will not close these doors in the coming period and this will continue. Why? The European Union needs to keep its promises. We don't have to take care of this many refugees, to feed them," Erdogan said.

He said funds transferred to Turkey from the EU to support refugees were arriving too slowly and that he had asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to send them directly to the Turkish government.

Turkey's borders to Europe were closed to migrants under an accord between Turkey and the EU that halted the 2015-16 migration crisis when more than a million people crossed into Europe by foot.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said he was planning to host a high-level meeting in Bulgaria to seek long-lasting solutions for Syria and migrants and would meet Erdogan on Monday to discuss it.

He said there was currently no migration pressure on the Balkan country's border with Turkey.

"We have to do everything possible next week, very quickly, until Wednesday, Thursday at the latest, to provide Turkey with the necessary means so that it can take the migrants back and take care of them," he told reporters.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had asked President Vladimir Putin for Russia to step aside in Syria and leave Turkey to deal with Syrian government forces alone, after 34 Turkish soldiers were killed this week.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that he had asked President Vladimir Putin for Russia to step aside in Syria and leave Turkey to deal with Syrian government forces alone, after 34 Turkish soldiers were killed this week. Government forces, backed by Russian airpower, have waged a major assault to capture the northwest province of Idlib, part of the last remaining territory held by rebels backed by Turkey. Syrian and Russian warplanes on Saturday kept up airstrikes on the Idlib city of Saraqeb, the Syrian Observatory war monitor reported. The strategic city sits on a key international roadway and has been a flashpoint of fighting in recent days. Turkish strikes using drones and smart missiles late on Friday that hit Hezbollah headquarters near Saraqeb killed nine of its members and wounded 30 in one of the bloodiest attacks on the Iran-backed group in Syria, according to a commander in the regional alliance backing Damascus. The Syrian Observatory said 48 pro-Damascus troops had been killed by Turkish strikes in the past 24 hours. With diplomacy sponsored by Ankara and Moscow to ease tensions in tatters, Turkey has come closer than ever to confrontation with Russia on the battlefield. Speaking in Istanbul, Erdogan said he had told Putin in a phone call to stand aside and let Turkey "do what is necessary" with the Syrian government. He said Turkey does not intend to leave Syria right now. "We did not go there because we were invited by (Syrian President Bashar al-Assad). We went there because we were invited by the people of Syria. We don't intend to leave before the people of Syria say, 'Okay, this is done,'" Erdogan added. As tensions rose, Russia and Turkey have held three rounds of talks, the first two of which did not yield a ceasefire. Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that the two sides agreed in this week's talks to reduce tensions on the ground in Idlib while continuing military action there. But Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told reporters in Doha that the Idlib issue can only be settled in a meeting between Erdogan and Putin, which he said would take place on March 5 or March 6. MIgrants After 33 of its soldiers were killed on Thursday, Turkey said it would allow migrants it hosts to freely pass to Europe. One more Turkish soldier was killed on Friday, raising this month's toll to 55. Turkey hosts some 3.7 million Syrian refugees, in addition to Afghans, Iranians, and Moroccans among others. It has warned that it cannot take another refugee wave from Idlib. Violence in the northwestern Syrian province has displaced one million civilians since December inside the country near the Turkish border in desperate winter conditions, in what is perhaps the worst humanitarian crisis of the conflict. Erdogan said that 18,000 migrants has crossed the border to Europe from Turkey since the gates were opened, without providing evidence, and added that the number could rise to 25,000-30,000 on Saturday. Greece and Bulgaria, both European Union member states neighbouring Turkey, vowed not to admit the migrants. Greek police fired teargas toward migrants who were gathered on its border with Turkey and demanding entry on Saturday. "We will not close these doors in the coming period and this will continue. Why? The European Union needs to keep its promises. We don't have to take care of this many refugees, to feed them," Erdogan said. He said funds transferred to Turkey from the EU to support refugees were arriving too slowly and that he had asked German Chancellor Angela Merkel to send them directly to the Turkish government. Turkey's borders to Europe were closed to migrants under an accord between Turkey and the EU that halted the 2015-16 migration crisis when more than a million people crossed into Europe by foot. Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said he was planning to host a high-level meeting in Bulgaria to seek long-lasting solutions for Syria and migrants and would meet Erdogan on Monday to discuss it. He said there was currently no migration pressure on the Balkan country's border with Turkey. "We have to do everything possible next week, very quickly, until Wednesday, Thursday at the latest, to provide Turkey with the necessary means so that it can take the migrants back and take care of them," he told reporters.

Turkey's Erdogan asks Russia's Putin to step aside in Syria

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/our-country-is-at-stake-like-never-before-trump-to-supporters-252638">Donald Trump</a> has called for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia </a>to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US </a>concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Turkey's </a>foreign minister also pressed his Russian counterpart over the attacks by Damascus on the last rebel-held bastion in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims</a>

Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made fresh gains Sunday as he intensified his assault on the holdout northwestern province of Idlib.

In a call with Turkish President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-hits-back-at-moscow-over-idlib-claims-280841">Recep&nbsp;Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan</a>, Trump "expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Syria </a>and... conveyed the United States' desire to see an end to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Russia's </a>support for the Assad regime's atrocities."

Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal reached between Ankara and Moscow to prevent a regime offensive, but Syrian regime forces have pressed ahead regardless.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-us-led-coalition-troops-returned-fire-in-ne-syria-number-of-airstrikes-unconfirmed-280483">US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report</a>

Four of the Turkish posts are believed to be encircled by Syrian forces, and Ankara has threatened to attack Damascus if they do not retreat by the end of February.

"I stressed that the attacks in Idlib must stop and it was necessary to establish a lasting ceasefire that would not be violated," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists at the Munich Security Conference after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Rebel supporter <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Turkey </a>and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Damascus </a>ally Russia have worked closely on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239">Syria </a>in recent years despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict.

A Turkish delegation will head to Moscow on Monday after Russian officials visited Ankara last weekend but failed to reach a concrete deal.

Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-russia-talks-on-syrias-idlib-inconclusive-280239/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday said regime forces "were in control of all the villages and small towns around Aleppo for the first time since 2012."

Regime forces have for weeks been making gains in northwestern Syria and chipping away at territory held by jihadists and allied rebels, focusing their latest operations on the west of Aleppo province.

The Russian-backed offensive has triggered the largest wave of displacement in Syria's civil war, with 800,000 people fleeing since it began in December, the United Nations has said.&nbsp;

Backed by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Assad's forces now control more than 70 per cent of Syria and the president has repeatedly vowed to retake the entire country.

In the Saturday phone call with Erdogan, Trump also "reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation."

Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations vying for power.

States including Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt support strongman Khalifa Haftar, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord is backed by Turkey and Qatar.

President Donald Trump has called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed US concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday.

President Donald Trump has called for Russia to end its support for the Syrian regime's "atrocities" as he expressed US concern over violence in the Idlib region, the White House said Sunday. Turkey's foreign minister also pressed his Russian counterpart over the attacks by Damascus on the last rebel-held bastion in the country. Also read: Turkey hits back at Moscow over Idlib claims Backed by Russian airpower, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made fresh gains Sunday as he intensified his assault on the holdout northwestern province of Idlib. In a call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Trump "expressed concern over the violence in Idlib, Syria and... conveyed the United States' desire to see an end to Russia's support for the Assad regime's atrocities." Turkey has 12 observation posts in Idlib as part of a 2018 deal reached between Ankara and Moscow to prevent a regime offensive, but Syrian regime forces have pressed ahead regardless. Also read: US carries out air strike in Syria’s northeast region: Report Four of the Turkish posts are believed to be encircled by Syrian forces, and Ankara has threatened to attack Damascus if they do not retreat by the end of February. "I stressed that the attacks in Idlib must stop and it was necessary to establish a lasting ceasefire that would not be violated," Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists at the Munich Security Conference after he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Rebel supporter Turkey and Damascus ally Russia have worked closely on Syria in recent years despite being on opposing sides of the nine-year conflict. A Turkish delegation will head to Moscow on Monday after Russian officials visited Ankara last weekend but failed to reach a concrete deal. Watch: Turkey-Russia talks on Syria's Idlib inconclusive War monitor the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Sunday said regime forces "were in control of all the villages and small towns around Aleppo for the first time since 2012." Regime forces have for weeks been making gains in northwestern Syria and chipping away at territory held by jihadists and allied rebels, focusing their latest operations on the west of Aleppo province. The Russian-backed offensive has triggered the largest wave of displacement in Syria's civil war, with 800,000 people fleeing since it began in December, the United Nations has said. Backed by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, Assad's forces now control more than 70 per cent of Syria and the president has repeatedly vowed to retake the entire country. In the Saturday phone call with Erdogan, Trump also "reiterated that continued foreign interference in Libya would only serve to worsen the situation." Libya has been mired in chaos since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations vying for power. States including Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt support strongman Khalifa Haftar, while the UN-recognized Government of National Accord is backed by Turkey and Qatar.

President Trump, Turkey call Russia to stop backing Syrian 'atrocities'

The French government will summon the Turkish envoy in Paris for talks after what it termed "insults" by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who accused Emmanuel Macron of suffering "brain death", the president's office said Friday.

Erdogan repeated an expression Macron had used to describe NATO to hit back at the French leader over his criticism of fellow NATO member Turkey's intervention against Kurdish forces in Syria.

"This is not a statement, these are insults," an Elysee official said, adding: "The ambassador will be summoned to the ministry to explain things."

The official added that France had "no comment to make on these insults."

Macron has been one of the most vocal critics of Ankara's offensive against a Kurdish militia that took the fight to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, with the backing of a US-led anti-IS coalition.

During a press conference alongside NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Paris on Thursday, Macron said Ankara had presented its NATO allies with a "fait accompli" by launching a military operation "that endangers the actions of the anti-IS coalition."

The comments drew a stinging rebuke from Erdogan during a televised speech on Friday.

"Have your own brain death checked. These statements are suitable only to people like you who are in a state of brain death," Erdogan said.

"You know how to show off but you cannot even properly pay for NATO. You are a novice," he added.&nbsp;

The war of words set the stage for what is likely to be a fractious NATO summit outside London next week, which will be attended by both Macron and Erdogan as well as US President Donald Trump.

The French government will summon the Turkish envoy in Paris for talks after what it termed "insults" by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who accused Emmanuel Macron of suffering "brain death", the president's office said Friday.

The French government will summon the Turkish envoy in Paris for talks after what it termed "insults" by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who accused Emmanuel Macron of suffering "brain death", the president's office said Friday. Erdogan repeated an expression Macron had used to describe NATO to hit back at the French leader over his criticism of fellow NATO member Turkey's intervention against Kurdish forces in Syria. "This is not a statement, these are insults," an Elysee official said, adding: "The ambassador will be summoned to the ministry to explain things." The official added that France had "no comment to make on these insults." Macron has been one of the most vocal critics of Ankara's offensive against a Kurdish militia that took the fight to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria, with the backing of a US-led anti-IS coalition. During a press conference alongside NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg in Paris on Thursday, Macron said Ankara had presented its NATO allies with a "fait accompli" by launching a military operation "that endangers the actions of the anti-IS coalition." The comments drew a stinging rebuke from Erdogan during a televised speech on Friday. "Have your own brain death checked. These statements are suitable only to people like you who are in a state of brain death," Erdogan said. "You know how to show off but you cannot even properly pay for NATO. You are a novice," he added. The war of words set the stage for what is likely to be a fractious NATO summit outside London next week, which will be attended by both Macron and Erdogan as well as US President Donald Trump.

France to summon Turkish envoy over Erdogan's 'insults'

A Turkish court overturned higher court verdict and re-convicted journalists from Turkey's oldest newspaper.&nbsp;

The rights groups called the judgment against 12 former scribes from Cumhuriyet "scandalous". The verdict also reaffirms the crackdown on media freedom under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.&nbsp;

The journalists were convicted for their support through their work to organisations that Turkey recognize as terrorist groups and their role in the failed coup in 2016. They were given jail term ranging from two and a half years to more than eight years. However, the Supreme Court overturned the decision in September.&nbsp;

"Once again a Turkish court has defied the decision of the higher court. Once again, journalism is the victim in this case," said Emma Sinclair-Webb, of Human Rights Watch, after the verdict.&nbsp;

Turkey's Constitutional Court said in May that the verdict against two former scribes: Gursel and Murat Aksoy, violates the principles of freedom of speech and expression.&nbsp;

Responding on the judgment, Cumhuriyet's former lawyer Bulent Utku said that the case was "political from the beginning, and aimed at revenge."

Over the years, Turkish media was brought under the control of Erdogan's allies. The International Press Institute, a global watchdog, released a report on Tuesday which claimed that over 100 journalists are still being jailed in Turkey following the failed coup. The report also said that the situation of journalists have not improved in Turkey since the two-year emergency that was lifted last year.&nbsp;

Ankara says that the suspensions, detentions and sackings in 2016 were needed to safeguard national security, given that Turkey has faced attacks from Kurdish, Islamist and far-left militants. However, critics believe that Erdogan used failed coup as a pretext to clamp down on dissent and strengthen his authoritarian rule.&nbsp;

Cumhuriyet, founded in 1924, is one of Turkey's rare media organisations that is run by an independent foundation. Most of the media houses in Turkey are run by business tycoons.&nbsp;

In 2016, Cumhuriyet's editor-in-chief Can Dundar fled to Germany after being convicted in 2016 over an article claiming that Turkey had supplied weapons to Islamist groups in Syria.&nbsp;

Turkey is currently ranked 157 out of 180 countries for press freedom by Reporters Without Borders.

(with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

&nbsp;

A Turkish court overturned higher court verdict and re-convicted journalists from Turkey's oldest newspaper. The rights groups called the judgment against 12 former scribes from Cumhuriyet "scandalous".

A Turkish court overturned higher court verdict and re-convicted journalists from Turkey's oldest newspaper. The rights groups called the judgment against 12 former scribes from Cumhuriyet "scandalous". The verdict also reaffirms the crackdown on media freedom under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The journalists were convicted for their support through their work to organisations that Turkey recognize as terrorist groups and their role in the failed coup in 2016. They were given jail term ranging from two and a half years to more than eight years. However, the Supreme Court overturned the decision in September. "Once again a Turkish court has defied the decision of the higher court. Once again, journalism is the victim in this case," said Emma Sinclair-Webb, of Human Rights Watch, after the verdict. Turkey's Constitutional Court said in May that the verdict against two former scribes: Gursel and Murat Aksoy, violates the principles of freedom of speech and expression. Responding on the judgment, Cumhuriyet's former lawyer Bulent Utku said that the case was "political from the beginning, and aimed at revenge." Over the years, Turkish media was brought under the control of Erdogan's allies. The International Press Institute, a global watchdog, released a report on Tuesday which claimed that over 100 journalists are still being jailed in Turkey following the failed coup. The report also said that the situation of journalists have not improved in Turkey since the two-year emergency that was lifted last year. Ankara says that the suspensions, detentions and sackings in 2016 were needed to safeguard national security, given that Turkey has faced attacks from Kurdish, Islamist and far-left militants. However, critics believe that Erdogan used failed coup as a pretext to clamp down on dissent and strengthen his authoritarian rule. Cumhuriyet, founded in 1924, is one of Turkey's rare media organisations that is run by an independent foundation. Most of the media houses in Turkey are run by business tycoons. In 2016, Cumhuriyet's editor-in-chief Can Dundar fled to Germany after being convicted in 2016 over an article claiming that Turkey had supplied weapons to Islamist groups in Syria. Turkey is currently ranked 157 out of 180 countries for press freedom by Reporters Without Borders. (with inputs from AFP and Reuters)

Turkey: Former journalists re-convicted despite higher court ruling

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday.

Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside. He added that the US and Turkey will hold talks to resolve the issue.

"We have allied relations with Russia and the United States. We have to go on and respect the agreements we signed," he said.

The United States has already suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme over the purchase of s-400s and warned that it will impose sanctions if the deal is not scrapped. Turkey began receiving the s-400 systems from July. Washington said that it will not impose sanctions if Turkey doesn't operate the system.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-wonderful-meeting-trump-and-erdogan-fail-to-resolve-conflicts-262004">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump </a>met in Washington to settle differences which include Syria policy and s-400 purchase. Trump asked Erdogan to drop the deal with Russia but Erdogan later said that the country will purchase <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-out-of-question-to-leave-s-400s-but-would-buy-patriots-too-says-turkish-president-erdogan-262147">US patriot defences </a>in addition to Russia's defence systems.&nbsp;

Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalim said on Friday that both countries are working on a "joint mechanism" to ease off tensions over the F-35 programme and S-400 systems.

US has already removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme under CAATSA that mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchase of weapons from Russia.&nbsp;

"We still believe we can find a middle ground on the S-400 issue, so long as both sides are open," Demir said.&nbsp;

Demir also said that the Turkish personnel will continue to receive training from Russia for s-400s but officials from Russia will not visit Turkey anymore to operate the missile systems.&nbsp;

Russia and Turkey have settled their differences in Syria and working&nbsp;closely to find a solution. Erdogan's spokesperson also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Turkey in the first week of January next year.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday. Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside.

Turkey purchased S-400 missile defence systems to use them, not put them aside, chief of the Turkish Defence Industry Directorate said on Saturday. Ismail Demir in an interview with CNN Turk that it was illogical for any country to purchase such systems only to put them aside. He added that the US and Turkey will hold talks to resolve the issue. "We have allied relations with Russia and the United States. We have to go on and respect the agreements we signed," he said. The United States has already suspended Turkey from the F-35 programme over the purchase of s-400s and warned that it will impose sanctions if the deal is not scrapped. Turkey began receiving the s-400 systems from July. Washington said that it will not impose sanctions if Turkey doesn't operate the system. On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump met in Washington to settle differences which include Syria policy and s-400 purchase. Trump asked Erdogan to drop the deal with Russia but Erdogan later said that the country will purchase US patriot defences in addition to Russia's defence systems. Erdogan's spokesperson Ibrahim Kalim said on Friday that both countries are working on a "joint mechanism" to ease off tensions over the F-35 programme and S-400 systems. US has already removed Turkey from the F-35 jet programme under CAATSA that mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchase of weapons from Russia. "We still believe we can find a middle ground on the S-400 issue, so long as both sides are open," Demir said. Demir also said that the Turkish personnel will continue to receive training from Russia for s-400s but officials from Russia will not visit Turkey anymore to operate the missile systems. Russia and Turkey have settled their differences in Syria and working closely to find a solution. Erdogan's spokesperson also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin planned to visit Turkey in the first week of January next year. (with inputs from agencies)

Turkey bought s-400s from Russia to use them, not to put them aside

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted Ankara would not give up the Russian S-400 missile defence system to purchase the equivalent US Patriot missiles in comments published Thursday.

"It is out of the question to leave the S-400s and go towards the Patriots when we are at this point" of strengthening relations with Russia, Erdogan told Turkish journalists on board his plane after talks with US President Donald Trump Wednesday.

"We said 'But we would buy the Patriots too'. However, we will also have the S-400," he added, quoted by Hurriyet daily.

Erdogan had earlier in the interview spoken about Turkey and Russia's improving bilateral relations, focusing on issues such as natural gas and the rising number of Russian tourists coming to Turkey.

Erdogan said the proposal to buy Patriots in lieu of S-400s was an "affront" to Turkey's sovereign rights. "We absolutely do not think this is right," he said.

Turkey-US ties are strained over multiple issues including Syria but they are especially tense after Ankara's purchase of the S-400 system from Moscow.

Despite repeated warnings and the risk of US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, Turkey has not rowed back from the move.

The act, known as CAATSA, was passed by Congress in 2017 and mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchases of weapons from Russia.

Following talks at the White House, Erdogan and Trump held a press conference Wednesday in which the US leader said Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 "creates some very serious challenges for us, and we are talking about it constantly."

He said the two countries' foreign ministers and national security advisers would "immediately work on resolving the S-400 issue".

The system was in fact delivered to an airbase in Ankara this summer. A direct consequence of the purchase was Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme.

Washington had repeatedly said it would not sell US-made F-35 warplanes to countries which operate the S-400 over concerns information about the extent of the stealth capabilities of the fighters getting back to Moscow.

Turkey had planned to purchase over 100 of the advanced fighters.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted Ankara would not give up the Russian S-400 missile defence system to purchase the equivalent US Patriot missiles in comments published Thursday.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan insisted Ankara would not give up the Russian S-400 missile defence system to purchase the equivalent US Patriot missiles in comments published Thursday. "It is out of the question to leave the S-400s and go towards the Patriots when we are at this point" of strengthening relations with Russia, Erdogan told Turkish journalists on board his plane after talks with US President Donald Trump Wednesday. "We said 'But we would buy the Patriots too'. However, we will also have the S-400," he added, quoted by Hurriyet daily. Erdogan had earlier in the interview spoken about Turkey and Russia's improving bilateral relations, focusing on issues such as natural gas and the rising number of Russian tourists coming to Turkey. Erdogan said the proposal to buy Patriots in lieu of S-400s was an "affront" to Turkey's sovereign rights. "We absolutely do not think this is right," he said. Turkey-US ties are strained over multiple issues including Syria but they are especially tense after Ankara's purchase of the S-400 system from Moscow. Despite repeated warnings and the risk of US sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, Turkey has not rowed back from the move. The act, known as CAATSA, was passed by Congress in 2017 and mandates sanctions for any "significant" purchases of weapons from Russia. Following talks at the White House, Erdogan and Trump held a press conference Wednesday in which the US leader said Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 "creates some very serious challenges for us, and we are talking about it constantly." He said the two countries' foreign ministers and national security advisers would "immediately work on resolving the S-400 issue". The system was in fact delivered to an airbase in Ankara this summer. A direct consequence of the purchase was Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet programme. Washington had repeatedly said it would not sell US-made F-35 warplanes to countries which operate the S-400 over concerns information about the extent of the stealth capabilities of the fighters getting back to Moscow. Turkey had planned to purchase over 100 of the advanced fighters.

'It's out of question to leave S-400s' but 'would buy Patriots too,' says Turkish President Erdogan

Turkey's purchase of a major Russian missile defence system is "a problem", US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart in a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 on Saturday.

Washington has made clear it opposes the purchase of the Russian S-400 system, giving Turkey until July 31 to give up the deal, which it considers incompatible with Ankara's participation in the F-35 fighter jet programme.

And Trump reiterated the position in talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Japan's Osaka where the G20 summit is being held.

"It's a problem, there's no question about it," Trump said.

"It's not good. It's not good."

But he added that Turkey "has been a friend of ours... We're a big trading partner. We're going to be much bigger."

Washington has said that if by July 31 Turkey does not give up on the S-400 system, Ankara would be blocked from purchasing F-35 fighter jets and Turkish pilots currently training in the US would be expelled.

The purchase has raised eyebrows among Turkey's NATO allies and provoked anger in Washington, which expected Ankara to opt for the American Patriot air defence system instead.&nbsp;

But Turkey has remained committed to the purchase, with Erdogan saying earlier this month: "We have completed the business. God willing, the system will be delivered to our country next month."

Meeting President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan said the deal with Russia was "of prime importance" to Turkey, showing no signs of backtracking on the deal.

Turkey's purchase of a major Russian missile defence system is "a problem", US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart in a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 on Saturday.

Turkey's purchase of a major Russian missile defence system is "a problem", US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart in a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 on Saturday. Washington has made clear it opposes the purchase of the Russian S-400 system, giving Turkey until July 31 to give up the deal, which it considers incompatible with Ankara's participation in the F-35 fighter jet programme. And Trump reiterated the position in talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Japan's Osaka where the G20 summit is being held. "It's a problem, there's no question about it," Trump said. "It's not good. It's not good." But he added that Turkey "has been a friend of ours... We're a big trading partner. We're going to be much bigger." Washington has said that if by July 31 Turkey does not give up on the S-400 system, Ankara would be blocked from purchasing F-35 fighter jets and Turkish pilots currently training in the US would be expelled. The purchase has raised eyebrows among Turkey's NATO allies and provoked anger in Washington, which expected Ankara to opt for the American Patriot air defence system instead. But Turkey has remained committed to the purchase, with Erdogan saying earlier this month: "We have completed the business. God willing, the system will be delivered to our country next month." Meeting President Vladimir Putin, Erdogan said the deal with Russia was "of prime importance" to Turkey, showing no signs of backtracking on the deal.

'It's a problem': Donald Trump tells Turkey's Erdogan on Russia S-400 missile deal

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday showed again a gruesome video shot by the Christchurch mosque gunman as an election campaign prop despite criticism from New Zealand authorities.

On election trail for a March 31 local vote, Erdogan has projected the video and repeatedly referenced the attack that killed 50 people, saying it targeted Islam and Turkey.

The gunman's so-called "manifesto" mentions Turkey and the minarets of Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia, now a museum, that was once a church before becoming a mosque during the Ottoman empire.

New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters protested on Monday that politicisation of the massacre "imperils the future and safety of the New Zealand people and our people abroad, and it's totally unfair".

At a rally in the northwestern city of Eskisehir, Erdogan again showed both the video and the so-called manifesto in order to attack the main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu who had warned against "terrorism rooted in the Islamic world."

Erdogan compared Kilicdaroglu to far-right Australian senator Fraser Anning, who drew ire for blaming the New Zealand attacks on Muslim immigration.&nbsp;

New Zealand authorities moved quickly to try and stop the spread of the shooter's video, warning that anyone sharing the footage faced prosecution, and Facebook removed the images from hundreds of thousands of pages.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday showed again a gruesome video shot by the Christchurch mosque gunman as an election campaign prop despite criticism from New Zealand authorities.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday showed again a gruesome video shot by the Christchurch mosque gunman as an election campaign prop despite criticism from New Zealand authorities. On election trail for a March 31 local vote, Erdogan has projected the video and repeatedly referenced the attack that killed 50 people, saying it targeted Islam and Turkey. The gunman's so-called "manifesto" mentions Turkey and the minarets of Istanbul's landmark Hagia Sophia, now a museum, that was once a church before becoming a mosque during the Ottoman empire. New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters protested on Monday that politicisation of the massacre "imperils the future and safety of the New Zealand people and our people abroad, and it's totally unfair". At a rally in the northwestern city of Eskisehir, Erdogan again showed both the video and the so-called manifesto in order to attack the main opposition party leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu who had warned against "terrorism rooted in the Islamic world." Erdogan compared Kilicdaroglu to far-right Australian senator Fraser Anning, who drew ire for blaming the New Zealand attacks on Muslim immigration. New Zealand authorities moved quickly to try and stop the spread of the shooter's video, warning that anyone sharing the footage faced prosecution, and Facebook removed the images from hundreds of thousands of pages.

Turkey's Erdogan again shows mosque attack video despite New Zealand outrage

A key US senator on Saturday said the Saudi crown prince was responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder and must be "dealt with", as he threatened new sanctions.

Republican Lindsey Graham, an influential ally of President Donald Trump, has previously said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the grisly killing of Washington Post contributor Khashoggi in October.

"I have concluded that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States cannot move forward until MBS has been dealt with," Graham said, using the initials for the crown prince.

Graham also threatened new sanctions against those suspected of involvement in the murder during a press conference in Ankara.

Western countries including the US, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals as the case has tarnished Riyadh's international reputation.

"We will start sanctioning those involved in the killing of Mr Khashoggi. We'll make a definitive statement that MBS knew about it and is responsible for it and come up with a series of sanctions," the South Carolina lawmaker said.

Turkey says Khashoggi was killed by a team of 15 Saudis who strangled him during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork ahead of his upcoming marriage.&nbsp;

The remains of the insider turned critic of the kingdom have yet to be found, three months after this murder.

Riyadh has denied any claims of the crown prince's involvement but the case has caused strains with Washington.

Earlier this month the trial of 11 accused opened in Saudi Arabia with the attorney general seeking the death penalty for five defendants.

Graham acknowledged that he had been "enthusiastic" in his support of Prince Mohammed but accepted he had been "wrong".

"What has transpired in the last couple of years is unnerving to say the least," he said.

Graham said the sanctions were intended to send the message that the murder was "not what you do if you're an ally of the United States".

A key US senator on Saturday said the Saudi crown prince was responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder and must be "dealt with", as he threatened new sanctions. Republican Lindsey Graham, an influential ally of President Donald Trump, has previously said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the grisly killing of Washington Post contributor Khashoggi in October.

A key US senator on Saturday said the Saudi crown prince was responsible for Jamal Khashoggi's murder and must be "dealt with", as he threatened new sanctions. Republican Lindsey Graham, an influential ally of President Donald Trump, has previously said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was complicit in the grisly killing of Washington Post contributor Khashoggi in October. "I have concluded that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States cannot move forward until MBS has been dealt with," Graham said, using the initials for the crown prince. Graham also threatened new sanctions against those suspected of involvement in the murder during a press conference in Ankara. Western countries including the US, France and Canada have placed sanctions on nearly 20 Saudi nationals as the case has tarnished Riyadh's international reputation. "We will start sanctioning those involved in the killing of Mr Khashoggi. We'll make a definitive statement that MBS knew about it and is responsible for it and come up with a series of sanctions," the South Carolina lawmaker said. Turkey says Khashoggi was killed by a team of 15 Saudis who strangled him during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain paperwork ahead of his upcoming marriage. The remains of the insider turned critic of the kingdom have yet to be found, three months after this murder. Riyadh has denied any claims of the crown prince's involvement but the case has caused strains with Washington. Earlier this month the trial of 11 accused opened in Saudi Arabia with the attorney general seeking the death penalty for five defendants. Graham acknowledged that he had been "enthusiastic" in his support of Prince Mohammed but accepted he had been "wrong". "What has transpired in the last couple of years is unnerving to say the least," he said. Graham said the sanctions were intended to send the message that the murder was "not what you do if you're an ally of the United States".

US senator says Saudi crown prince must be 'dealt with' over Khashoggi murder

A senior Republican senator on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to slow down the withdrawal of US ground troops from Syria until jihadists were defeated to avoid a "nightmare" for Washington's allies.

"I would hope that President Trump would slow the withdrawal until we truly destroy ISIS," <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/republican-senator-graham-says-us-saudi-cannot-move-on-until-prince-is-dealt-with-191389">Lindsey Graham</a> told a press conference in Ankara, using an acronym for the Islamic State extremist group.

He warned any hasty pullout could lead to a "nightmare" scenario for Israel because of increasing Iranian influence in the war-torn country and for Turkey because of its national security concerns.

The South Carolina lawmaker was in Turkey from Friday for a two-day visit during which he met Turkish officials including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

His talks with Erdogan lasted for over two hours after which he was invited by the Turkish leader to a concert on Friday night by pianist Fazil Say.

Ankara welcomed Trump's announcement last month that the US would pull out its 2,000 military personnel from Syria but American officials and security experts have been more cautious, worried about withdrawing too early.

Graham, who as a member of the Senate Armed Services committee has frequently visited US troops in combat zones, said he believed the "goal of destroying ISIS is not yet accomplished".

Their defeat had been "accomplished territorially" but there were "thousands of ISIS fighters that lurk in Syria", Graham warned.

Four Americans, including two service personnel, were among those killed in a suicide attack this week claimed by the group in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north.

Washington has also expressed concern over Turkey's plans to launch a cross-border military operation against the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. Trump last weekend warned of devastating economic consequences for Turkey over any attack on Kurdish forces.

US support for the YPG has caused tension with Ankara which views the militia as a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The PKK, which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the US and the European Union.

Graham previously warned that "Kurds will get slaughtered" if the US withdrew immediately.

But on Saturday, the senator said the YPG's political branch, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), "is interlinked with the PKK" as he acknowledged Turkey's concerns over the militia.

A senior Republican senator on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to slow down the withdrawal of US ground troops from Syria until jihadists were defeated to avoid a "nightmare" for Washington's allies.

A senior Republican senator on Saturday urged President Donald Trump to slow down the withdrawal of US ground troops from Syria until jihadists were defeated to avoid a "nightmare" for Washington's allies. "I would hope that President Trump would slow the withdrawal until we truly destroy ISIS," Lindsey Graham told a press conference in Ankara, using an acronym for the Islamic State extremist group. He warned any hasty pullout could lead to a "nightmare" scenario for Israel because of increasing Iranian influence in the war-torn country and for Turkey because of its national security concerns. The South Carolina lawmaker was in Turkey from Friday for a two-day visit during which he met Turkish officials including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. His talks with Erdogan lasted for over two hours after which he was invited by the Turkish leader to a concert on Friday night by pianist Fazil Say. Ankara welcomed Trump's announcement last month that the US would pull out its 2,000 military personnel from Syria but American officials and security experts have been more cautious, worried about withdrawing too early. Graham, who as a member of the Senate Armed Services committee has frequently visited US troops in combat zones, said he believed the "goal of destroying ISIS is not yet accomplished". Their defeat had been "accomplished territorially" but there were "thousands of ISIS fighters that lurk in Syria", Graham warned. Four Americans, including two service personnel, were among those killed in a suicide attack this week claimed by the group in the key city of Manbij in Syria's north. Washington has also expressed concern over Turkey's plans to launch a cross-border military operation against the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. Trump last weekend warned of devastating economic consequences for Turkey over any attack on Kurdish forces. US support for the YPG has caused tension with Ankara which views the militia as a "terrorist offshoot" of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, which has waged an insurgency inside Turkey since 1984, is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the US and the European Union. Graham previously warned that "Kurds will get slaughtered" if the US withdrew immediately. But on Saturday, the senator said the YPG's political branch, the Democratic Union Party (PYD), "is interlinked with the PKK" as he acknowledged Turkey's concerns over the militia.

Republican senator Lindsey Graham urges slow US pullout until IS 'truly defeated'