Turkey's opposition has dealt President Tayyip Erdogan a stinging blow by winning control of Istanbul in a re-run mayoral election, breaking his aura of invincibility and delivering a message from voters unhappy over his policies.

Ekrem Imamoglu of the Republican People's Party (CHP) secured 54.21% of votes, according to state-owned Anadolu news agency - a far wider victory margin than his narrow win three months ago.

The previous result was annulled after protests from Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party, which said there had been widespread voting irregularities.&nbsp;

The decision to re-run the vote was criticised by Western allies and caused an uproar among domestic opponents who said Turkey's democracy was under threat.

On Sunday, tens of thousands of Imamoglu supporters celebrated in the streets of Istanbul after the former businessman triumphed over Erdogan's handpicked candidate by almost 800,000 votes.

"In this city today, you have fixed democracy. Thank you Istanbul," Imamoglu told supporters who made heart signs with their hands, in an expression of the inclusive election rhetoric that has been the hallmark of his campaigning.

"We came to embrace everyone," Imamoglu said. "We will build democracy in this city, we will build justice. In this beautiful city, I promise, we will build the future."

The High Electoral Board has yet to announce the formal results, but Erdogan has already congratulated Imamoglu for his victory and Imamoglu's rival, Binali Yildirim, of the ruling AK Party, wished him luck as mayor barely two hours after polls closed.

Waning Support

Erdogan has ruled Turkey since 2003, first as prime minister and then as president, becoming the country's most dominant politician since its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, nearly a century ago.

His AK Party has strong support among pious and conservative Turks and its stewardship of Turkey's economy through a decade and a half of construction-fuelled growth helped Erdogan win more than a dozen national and local elections.

But the economic recession and a financial crisis have eroded that support and Erdogan's ever-tighter control over government has alarmed some voters.

Turkey's lira tumbled after the decision to annul the March vote and is down 8% this year in part on election jitters. It firmed to 5.72 overnight from Friday's close of 5.8140 but eased back to 5.7750 by 0500 GMT.

Imamoglu won support even in the traditionally pious Istanbul districts, once known as AK Party strongholds, ending the 25-year-long Islamist rule in the country's largest city.

"This re-run (election) was one to put an end to the dictatorship," said Gulcan Demirkaya, a 48-year-old housewife in Istanbul's AKP-leaning Kagithane district. "God willing, I would like to see him as the president in five years' time. The one-man rule should come to an end."

The results are likely to trigger a new chapter in Turkish politics, with the country's top three cities now held by the opposition, and could trigger cracks within Erdogan's AK Party, while bringing the economic troubles more to the centre.

"This is definitely going to have an impact on the future of Turkish politics given the margin of victory. It's an alarming sign for the AKP establishment," said Sinan Ulgen, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe in Brussels and former Turkish diplomat.

Analysts say the loss could set off a Cabinet reshuffle in Ankara and adjustments to foreign policy. It could even trigger a national election earlier than 2023 as scheduled, although the leader of the AKP's nationalist ally played down that prospect.

"Turkey should now return to its real agenda, the election process should close," MHP party leader Devlet Bahceli said. "Talking of an early election would be among the worst things that can be done to our country."

The uncertainty over the fate of Istanbul and potential delays in broader economic reforms have kept financial markets on edge. Threats of sanctions by the United States if Erdogan goes ahead with plans to install Russian missile defences have also weighed on the markets.

Turkey's opposition has dealt President Tayyip Erdogan a stinging blow by winning control of Istanbul in a re-run mayoral election, breaking his aura of invincibility and delivering a message from voters unhappy over his policies.

Turkey's opposition has dealt President Tayyip Erdogan a stinging blow by winning control of Istanbul in a re-run mayoral election, breaking his aura of invincibility and delivering a message from voters unhappy over his policies. Ekrem Imamoglu of the Republican People's Party (CHP) secured 54.21% of votes, according to state-owned Anadolu news agency - a far wider victory margin than his narrow win three months ago. The previous result was annulled after protests from Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party, which said there had been widespread voting irregularities. The decision to re-run the vote was criticised by Western allies and caused an uproar among domestic opponents who said Turkey's democracy was under threat. On Sunday, tens of thousands of Imamoglu supporters celebrated in the streets of Istanbul after the former businessman triumphed over Erdogan's handpicked candidate by almost 800,000 votes. "In this city today, you have fixed democracy. Thank you Istanbul," Imamoglu told supporters who made heart signs with their hands, in an expression of the inclusive election rhetoric that has been the hallmark of his campaigning. "We came to embrace everyone," Imamoglu said. "We will build democracy in this city, we will build justice. In this beautiful city, I promise, we will build the future." The High Electoral Board has yet to announce the formal results, but Erdogan has already congratulated Imamoglu for his victory and Imamoglu's rival, Binali Yildirim, of the ruling AK Party, wished him luck as mayor barely two hours after polls closed. Waning Support Erdogan has ruled Turkey since 2003, first as prime minister and then as president, becoming the country's most dominant politician since its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, nearly a century ago. His AK Party has strong support among pious and conservative Turks and its stewardship of Turkey's economy through a decade and a half of construction-fuelled growth helped Erdogan win more than a dozen national and local elections. But the economic recession and a financial crisis have eroded that support and Erdogan's ever-tighter control over government has alarmed some voters. Turkey's lira tumbled after the decision to annul the March vote and is down 8% this year in part on election jitters. It firmed to 5.72 overnight from Friday's close of 5.8140 but eased back to 5.7750 by 0500 GMT. Imamoglu won support even in the traditionally pious Istanbul districts, once known as AK Party strongholds, ending the 25-year-long Islamist rule in the country's largest city. "This re-run (election) was one to put an end to the dictatorship," said Gulcan Demirkaya, a 48-year-old housewife in Istanbul's AKP-leaning Kagithane district. "God willing, I would like to see him as the president in five years' time. The one-man rule should come to an end." The results are likely to trigger a new chapter in Turkish politics, with the country's top three cities now held by the opposition, and could trigger cracks within Erdogan's AK Party, while bringing the economic troubles more to the centre. "This is definitely going to have an impact on the future of Turkish politics given the margin of victory. It's an alarming sign for the AKP establishment," said Sinan Ulgen, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe in Brussels and former Turkish diplomat. Analysts say the loss could set off a Cabinet reshuffle in Ankara and adjustments to foreign policy. It could even trigger a national election earlier than 2023 as scheduled, although the leader of the AKP's nationalist ally played down that prospect. "Turkey should now return to its real agenda, the election process should close," MHP party leader Devlet Bahceli said. "Talking of an early election would be among the worst things that can be done to our country." The uncertainty over the fate of Istanbul and potential delays in broader economic reforms have kept financial markets on edge. Threats of sanctions by the United States if Erdogan goes ahead with plans to install Russian missile defences have also weighed on the markets.

Turkey's opposition strikes blow to Erdogan with Istanbul mayoral win

Millions of Istanbul residents began voting on Sunday in a re-run of a mayoral election that has become a referendum on President Tayyip Erdogan's policies and a test of Turkey's ailing democracy.

In the initial March 31 vote, the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate secured a narrow victory over Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) in Turkey's largest city, a rare electoral defeat for the president amid mounting economic woes.

But after weeks of AKP appeals, Turkey's High Election Board in May annulled the vote citing irregularities. The opposition called the decision a "coup" against democracy, which has raised the stakes for round two.

Polling stations across Istanbul opened at 8:00 a.m. (0500 GMT), with 10.56 million people registered to vote in a city which makes up nearly a fifth of Turkey's 82 million population. Voting ends at 5:00 p.m. Results will be announced in the evening.

Erdogan has repeated his line that "whoever wins Istanbul wins Turkey." A second loss in the city, where in the 1990s he served as mayor, would be embarrassing for Erdogan and could weaken what until recently seemed to be his iron grip on power.

Turkey's economy is in recession and the United States, its NATO ally, has threatened sanctions if Erdogan goes ahead with plans to install Russian missile defences.

A second AKP loss could also shed further light into what CHP mayoral candidate Ekrem Imamoglu said was the misspending of billions of lira at the Istanbul municipality, which has a budget of around $4 billion.

"If Imamoglu wins again, there's going to be a chain of serious changes in Turkish politics," journalist and writer Murat Yetkin said.

"It will be interpreted as the beginning of a decline for AKP and for Erdogan as well," he said, noting that the president himself had called the local elections "a matter of survival".

Another Imamoglu win could eventually trigger a national election earlier than 2023 as scheduled, a cabinet reshuffle, and even a potential adjustment in foreign policy, Yetkin added.

To narrow the roughly 13,000-vote gap in March, the AKP re-calibrated its message recently to court Kurdish voters, who make up about 15% of voters in the city of 15 million.

The campaign received a twist when jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan urged the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) to stay neutral in the vote. The HDP, which backs Imamoglu, accused Erdogan of trying to divide Kurds.

Democracy at stake&nbsp;

Having campaigned hard ahead of the March vote, a strategy that many within AKP believe has backfired, Erdogan initially kept a low-profile this month. But last week he returned to his combative campaigning and targeted Imamoglu directly, including threatening him with legal action, raising questions over whether the AKP would accept a second defeat.

Polls have shown Imamoglu, a former district mayor, retaining a lead over his AKP rival, former prime minister Binali Yildirim. Some polls put him up to 9 percentage points ahead, with his more inclusive message resonating with some voters.

Yusuf Mert, who works at a textile shop in the working class Esenyurt district, complained about a lack of business and rising unemployment. He said he was unconvinced by what he saw as Yildirim's new focus on policies.

"We have seen it all and we've heard it all in the past 20 years. What else is there to do? Imamoglu won and they denied him his mandate," Mert said.

The decision to re-run the vote drew international criticism and accusations from Turkey's opposition of an erosion in the rule of law. Residents in several districts took to the streets banging pots and pans in protest.

Some voters told that an AKP victory on Sunday could lead to bigger protests.

The uncertainty over the fate of Istanbul, Turkey's business hub, and potential delays in broader economic reforms, have kept financial markets on edge. Turkey's lira currency tumbled after the decision to annul the March vote and is down nearly 10% this year in part on election jitters.

Howard Eissenstat, nonresident senior fellow at think-tank POMED, said the AKP's legitimacy had rested on its purported respect for elections expressing the will of the people.

"But these claims have been more myth than reality," he said. "The undoing of the result in Istanbul highlights just how empty these claims are today."

Millions of Istanbul residents began voting on Sunday in a re-run of a mayoral election that has become a referendum on President Tayyip Erdogan's policies and a test of Turkey's ailing democracy.

Millions of Istanbul residents began voting on Sunday in a re-run of a mayoral election that has become a referendum on President Tayyip Erdogan's policies and a test of Turkey's ailing democracy. In the initial March 31 vote, the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) candidate secured a narrow victory over Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) in Turkey's largest city, a rare electoral defeat for the president amid mounting economic woes. But after weeks of AKP appeals, Turkey's High Election Board in May annulled the vote citing irregularities. The opposition called the decision a "coup" against democracy, which has raised the stakes for round two. Polling stations across Istanbul opened at 8:00 a.m. (0500 GMT), with 10.56 million people registered to vote in a city which makes up nearly a fifth of Turkey's 82 million population. Voting ends at 5:00 p.m. Results will be announced in the evening. Erdogan has repeated his line that "whoever wins Istanbul wins Turkey." A second loss in the city, where in the 1990s he served as mayor, would be embarrassing for Erdogan and could weaken what until recently seemed to be his iron grip on power. Turkey's economy is in recession and the United States, its NATO ally, has threatened sanctions if Erdogan goes ahead with plans to install Russian missile defences. A second AKP loss could also shed further light into what CHP mayoral candidate Ekrem Imamoglu said was the misspending of billions of lira at the Istanbul municipality, which has a budget of around $4 billion. "If Imamoglu wins again, there's going to be a chain of serious changes in Turkish politics," journalist and writer Murat Yetkin said. "It will be interpreted as the beginning of a decline for AKP and for Erdogan as well," he said, noting that the president himself had called the local elections "a matter of survival". Another Imamoglu win could eventually trigger a national election earlier than 2023 as scheduled, a cabinet reshuffle, and even a potential adjustment in foreign policy, Yetkin added. To narrow the roughly 13,000-vote gap in March, the AKP re-calibrated its message recently to court Kurdish voters, who make up about 15% of voters in the city of 15 million. The campaign received a twist when jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan urged the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) to stay neutral in the vote. The HDP, which backs Imamoglu, accused Erdogan of trying to divide Kurds. Democracy at stake Having campaigned hard ahead of the March vote, a strategy that many within AKP believe has backfired, Erdogan initially kept a low-profile this month. But last week he returned to his combative campaigning and targeted Imamoglu directly, including threatening him with legal action, raising questions over whether the AKP would accept a second defeat. Polls have shown Imamoglu, a former district mayor, retaining a lead over his AKP rival, former prime minister Binali Yildirim. Some polls put him up to 9 percentage points ahead, with his more inclusive message resonating with some voters. Yusuf Mert, who works at a textile shop in the working class Esenyurt district, complained about a lack of business and rising unemployment. He said he was unconvinced by what he saw as Yildirim's new focus on policies. "We have seen it all and we've heard it all in the past 20 years. What else is there to do? Imamoglu won and they denied him his mandate," Mert said. The decision to re-run the vote drew international criticism and accusations from Turkey's opposition of an erosion in the rule of law. Residents in several districts took to the streets banging pots and pans in protest. Some voters told that an AKP victory on Sunday could lead to bigger protests. The uncertainty over the fate of Istanbul, Turkey's business hub, and potential delays in broader economic reforms, have kept financial markets on edge. Turkey's lira currency tumbled after the decision to annul the March vote and is down nearly 10% this year in part on election jitters. Howard Eissenstat, nonresident senior fellow at think-tank POMED, said the AKP's legitimacy had rested on its purported respect for elections expressing the will of the people. "But these claims have been more myth than reality," he said. "The undoing of the result in Istanbul highlights just how empty these claims are today."

Istanbul votes in mayoral re-run, in test for Turkish democracy, Erdogan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-a-done-deal-turkey-199862">Turkey has already purchased</a> S-400 defence systems from Russia and hopes they will be delivered in July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, an announcement likely to ratchet up tensions with NATO ally Washington.

Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with NATO's systems.

"Turkey has already bought S-400 defence systems. It is a done deal. I hope these systems will be delivered to our country next month," Erdogan said.

The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan outlined last week how Turkey would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless Ankara changed course from its plans to purchase the S-400 missile defence system.

Turkey has criticised the letter from Washington and said it did not live up to the spirit of the NATO alliance. It is working on a response to be sent in the coming days, according to Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters and has warned of potential US sanctions if Ankara presses on with the deal.

Speaking at a meeting of his AK Party members, Erdogan said:

"We will call to account in every platform Turkey being excluded from the F-35 programme for reasons without rationale or legitimacy."

He noted that Turkey was also a manufacturing partner in the programme.

Turkey has repeatedly proposed a joint working group to assess the impact of the S-400 surface-to-air defence systems, but Washington has not yet taken up the suggestion.

Erdogan also said he wanted to talk about the issue on the phone with the United States before he meets President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, at the end of this month.

Russia said on Tuesday it planned to deliver its S-400s to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on the US sanctions threat.

Syria

Erdogan also discussed the situation at Turkey's border with Syria, pledging to sweep the YPG Kurdish militia from northern Syria, and east of the Euphrates, revitalising a plan put on hold after the United States said it would pull its troops out of the area.

"We may suddenly come one night," he added referring to previous military operations to Syria.

Turkey considers the YPG an enemy and has already intervened to oust the fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years.

Ankara has been infuriated by US support for the YPG, which it considers a terrorist organisation and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought an insurgency in southeast Turkey for more than three decades.

Turkey has already purchased S-400 defence systems from Russia and hopes they will be delivered in July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, an announcement likely to ratchet up tensions with NATO ally Washington.

Turkey has already purchased S-400 defence systems from Russia and hopes they will be delivered in July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, an announcement likely to ratchet up tensions with NATO ally Washington. Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with NATO's systems. "Turkey has already bought S-400 defence systems. It is a done deal. I hope these systems will be delivered to our country next month," Erdogan said. The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan outlined last week how Turkey would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless Ankara changed course from its plans to purchase the S-400 missile defence system. Turkey has criticised the letter from Washington and said it did not live up to the spirit of the NATO alliance. It is working on a response to be sent in the coming days, according to Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters and has warned of potential US sanctions if Ankara presses on with the deal. Speaking at a meeting of his AK Party members, Erdogan said: "We will call to account in every platform Turkey being excluded from the F-35 programme for reasons without rationale or legitimacy." He noted that Turkey was also a manufacturing partner in the programme. Turkey has repeatedly proposed a joint working group to assess the impact of the S-400 surface-to-air defence systems, but Washington has not yet taken up the suggestion. Erdogan also said he wanted to talk about the issue on the phone with the United States before he meets President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, at the end of this month. Russia said on Tuesday it planned to deliver its S-400s to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on the US sanctions threat. Syria Erdogan also discussed the situation at Turkey's border with Syria, pledging to sweep the YPG Kurdish militia from northern Syria, and east of the Euphrates, revitalising a plan put on hold after the United States said it would pull its troops out of the area. "We may suddenly come one night," he added referring to previous military operations to Syria. Turkey considers the YPG an enemy and has already intervened to oust the fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years. Ankara has been infuriated by US support for the YPG, which it considers a terrorist organisation and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought an insurgency in southeast Turkey for more than three decades.

Turkey says it has already bought Russian S-400 defence systems

The&nbsp;Kremlin&nbsp;said on Friday that it was&nbsp;Turkey's responsibility to stop<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-to-putin-we-need-a-ceasefire-in-syrias-idlib-223237">&nbsp;militants&nbsp;in&nbsp;Syria's&nbsp;Idlib&nbsp;province </a>from firing on civilian and Russian targets.

Kremlin&nbsp;spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about a suggestion from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to implement a ceasefire in&nbsp;Idlib.

A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold.

The Kremlin said on Friday that it was Turkey's responsibility to stop militants in Syria's Idlib province from firing on civilian and Russian targets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about a suggestion from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to implement a ceasefire in Idlib.

The Kremlin said on Friday that it was Turkey's responsibility to stop militants in Syria's Idlib province from firing on civilian and Russian targets. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made the comments when asked about a suggestion from Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan to implement a ceasefire in Idlib. A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold.

Kremlin says onus is on Turkey to rein in militants in Syria's Idlib

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-accuses-syria-regime-of-undermining-turkey-russia-deal-218670">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria`s Idlib must be implemented to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey, Erdogan`s office said in a statement.

Erdogan told Putin over the phone that Syria needed a political solution, the statement said.

The Kremlin, in its own statement on the Putin-Erdogan phone call, which was published on its official website, struck a different tone, however, making it clear it believed some fighting had to continue, underlining tensions between Moscow and Ankara over the issue.&nbsp;

"The importance of intensifying our joint work to stabilise Idlib province was noted, including the taking of effective measures to neutralise terrorist groups," the Kremlin said in the statement.

A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold.

That has strained relations between Russia and Turkey, which borders Idlib and is keen to retain a degree of influence there.&nbsp;

Moscow, one of the Syrian government’s staunchest allies, and Turkey brokered a deal in September to create a demilitarised zone in Idlib that would be free of all heavy weapons and jihadist fighters.

But Moscow, which is keen to help Assad retake Idlib province, has since complained about escalating violence in the area and said that militants who used to belong to the Nusra Front group are in control of large swaths of territory.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria`s Idlib must be implemented to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey, Erdogan`s office said in a statement.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin late on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria`s Idlib must be implemented to prevent more civilian deaths and a refugee influx to Turkey, Erdogan`s office said in a statement. Erdogan told Putin over the phone that Syria needed a political solution, the statement said. The Kremlin, in its own statement on the Putin-Erdogan phone call, which was published on its official website, struck a different tone, however, making it clear it believed some fighting had to continue, underlining tensions between Moscow and Ankara over the issue. "The importance of intensifying our joint work to stabilise Idlib province was noted, including the taking of effective measures to neutralise terrorist groups," the Kremlin said in the statement. A Russian-backed Syrian government offensive in the rebel-held northwest, the most serious escalation of the war between President Bashar al-Assad and his enemies since last summer, has uprooted around 250,000 people in the territory, the last significant rebel stronghold. That has strained relations between Russia and Turkey, which borders Idlib and is keen to retain a degree of influence there. Moscow, one of the Syrian government’s staunchest allies, and Turkey brokered a deal in September to create a demilitarised zone in Idlib that would be free of all heavy weapons and jihadist fighters. But Moscow, which is keen to help Assad retake Idlib province, has since complained about escalating violence in the area and said that militants who used to belong to the Nusra Front group are in control of large swaths of territory.

We need a ceasefire in Syria's Idlib: Turkey's Erdogan to Putin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated Turkey’s largest mosque on Friday. Watch full video to know more.

Erdogan opens Turkey's largest Mosque

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/president-tayyip-erdogan-inaugrates-turkeys-largest-mosque-condemns-deadly-attacks-215844&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUsKbK_oHiAhUv7HMBHQEtDlgQFjAEegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1CiKMofDRvmIkfj0Zx4-5k">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> signalled on Saturday he favours a re-run of a mayoral election in Istanbul which resulted in a victory for the candidate of the main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP).

Erdogan's ruling AK Party, which also lost control of the capital Ankara in the March 31 mayoral elections, has already filed an appeal to Turkey`s High Election Board to annul the election in Istanbul due to what it says were irregularities and hold a fresh poll.

"There is a controversy here, it`s clear. There is an irregularity here, that`s clear too. Let`s go to the people and see what they say and whatever the outcome, we will accept it," Erdogan told Turkish businesspeople in Istanbul.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan signalled on Saturday he favours a re-run of a mayoral election in Istanbul which resulted in a victory for the candidate of the main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP).

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan signalled on Saturday he favours a re-run of a mayoral election in Istanbul which resulted in a victory for the candidate of the main opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP). Erdogan's ruling AK Party, which also lost control of the capital Ankara in the March 31 mayoral elections, has already filed an appeal to Turkey`s High Election Board to annul the election in Istanbul due to what it says were irregularities and hold a fresh poll. "There is a controversy here, it`s clear. There is an irregularity here, that`s clear too. Let`s go to the people and see what they say and whatever the outcome, we will accept it," Erdogan told Turkish businesspeople in Istanbul.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan signals he backs re-run of contested Istanbul vote

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday&nbsp;condemned deadly attacks in places of worship as he inaugurated the country's largest mosque, Camlica in Istanbul.

Erdogan said people behind bombings that targeted mosques and churches were the "common enemies of all humanity."

Over 250 people were killed in Sri Lanka on April 21 in bombings at churches and hotels as worshippers marked Easter.

Sri Lankan police suspect members of two previously little-known Islamist militant groups based in Sri Lanka - National Thawheedh Jamaath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the attacks.

Erdogan said attackers shared a "dark mentality" as he cut the ribbon to open the new mosque to worshippers.

Construction on Camlica Mosque started in 2013, with plans to open in 2018, but delays in construction postponed the opening.

Worshippers at Friday's ceremony included visitors from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Senegal and Guinea. 
&nbsp;

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday condemned deadly attacks in places of worship as he inaugurated the country's largest mosque, Camlica in Istanbul. Erdogan said people behind bombings that targeted mosques and churches were the "common enemies of all humanity.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday condemned deadly attacks in places of worship as he inaugurated the country's largest mosque, Camlica in Istanbul. Erdogan said people behind bombings that targeted mosques and churches were the "common enemies of all humanity." Over 250 people were killed in Sri Lanka on April 21 in bombings at churches and hotels as worshippers marked Easter. Sri Lankan police suspect members of two previously little-known Islamist militant groups based in Sri Lanka - National Thawheedh Jamaath and Jammiyathul Millathu Ibrahim - of carrying out the attacks. Erdogan said attackers shared a "dark mentality" as he cut the ribbon to open the new mosque to worshippers. Construction on Camlica Mosque started in 2013, with plans to open in 2018, but delays in construction postponed the opening. Worshippers at Friday's ceremony included visitors from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Senegal and Guinea.

President Tayyip Erdogan inaugrates Turkey's largest mosque, condemns deadly attacks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party said Tuesday it wants the Istanbul mayoral election to be repeated after the Supreme Electoral Council rejected a demand for a recount of all ballots cast in the city.

The AKP had appealed after results showed its Istanbul candidate narrowly lost in last week's local election in what would be a major setback for the party after a decade and a half in power.&nbsp;

"We will take the path of extraordinary appeal... We will say that we want the election in Istanbul to be repeated," the AKP's deputy chairman Ali Ihsan Yavuz told reporters in Ankara.

Electoral authorities would have to decide whether the AKP has a case for a rerun of the Istanbul ballot after a very tight race for the city's mayor.

Former prime minister Binali Yildirim was the AKP's candidate against the main opposition CHP's Ekrem Imamoglu, an ex-mayor of one of Istanbul's districts.

Imamoglu beat Yildirim by around 28,000 votes according to the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) last week but after a recount of nulled votes, the difference between them narrowed.

The AKP earlier Tuesday said the difference between Imamoglu and Yildirim was now 14,604 ballots, while the latest number from the CHP was at 14,463.

The AKP had appealed to the YSK for another recount of all Istanbul votes but this was rejected. The council ruled for only a partial recount of 51 ballot boxes in 21 districts.

"Everyone has to abide by the YSK decisions but we have the right to criticise these decisions. Really, I don't understand the decision to recount 51 ballot boxes," Yavuz said.

The YSK had delayed a decision on one Istanbul district, Buyukcekmece, because of an investigation into fraud claims.

Yavuz said the AKP was making an extraordinary appeal regarding Buyukcekmece "because there are different kinds of irregularities there".

Istanbul police were investigating claims 11,186 people changed their addresses to Buyukcekmece before the local elections, DHA news agency reported earlier on Tuesday.

"There has been some kind of organised goings-on everywhere in Istanbul," Yavuz added without giving further details.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party said Tuesday it wants the Istanbul mayoral election to be repeated after the Supreme Electoral Council rejected a demand for a recount of all ballots cast in the city.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party said Tuesday it wants the Istanbul mayoral election to be repeated after the Supreme Electoral Council rejected a demand for a recount of all ballots cast in the city. The AKP had appealed after results showed its Istanbul candidate narrowly lost in last week's local election in what would be a major setback for the party after a decade and a half in power. "We will take the path of extraordinary appeal... We will say that we want the election in Istanbul to be repeated," the AKP's deputy chairman Ali Ihsan Yavuz told reporters in Ankara. Electoral authorities would have to decide whether the AKP has a case for a rerun of the Istanbul ballot after a very tight race for the city's mayor. Former prime minister Binali Yildirim was the AKP's candidate against the main opposition CHP's Ekrem Imamoglu, an ex-mayor of one of Istanbul's districts. Imamoglu beat Yildirim by around 28,000 votes according to the Supreme Electoral Council (YSK) last week but after a recount of nulled votes, the difference between them narrowed. The AKP earlier Tuesday said the difference between Imamoglu and Yildirim was now 14,604 ballots, while the latest number from the CHP was at 14,463. The AKP had appealed to the YSK for another recount of all Istanbul votes but this was rejected. The council ruled for only a partial recount of 51 ballot boxes in 21 districts. "Everyone has to abide by the YSK decisions but we have the right to criticise these decisions. Really, I don't understand the decision to recount 51 ballot boxes," Yavuz said. The YSK had delayed a decision on one Istanbul district, Buyukcekmece, because of an investigation into fraud claims. Yavuz said the AKP was making an extraordinary appeal regarding Buyukcekmece "because there are different kinds of irregularities there". Istanbul police were investigating claims 11,186 people changed their addresses to Buyukcekmece before the local elections, DHA news agency reported earlier on Tuesday. "There has been some kind of organised goings-on everywhere in Istanbul," Yavuz added without giving further details.

Erdogan's party wants rerun of Istanbul election: Official

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to&nbsp;in Moscow on Monday.

Erdogan mentioned earlier that during his visit he would discuss a Turkish military operation in Syria with Putin.

''Another part of our cooperation is that we are continuing our joint fight against terrorist groups that pose a threat to our region. This especially concerns the steps we already took and will be taking in Syrian direction," Erdogan said.

Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-says-margin-too-small-for-opposition-to-claim-istanbul-win-208771">Erdogan said that the margin of votes</a> between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime."

Last week's initial results showed a narrow mayoral victory for Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the March 31 municipal elections.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to in Moscow on Monday. Erdogan mentioned earlier that during his visit he would discuss a Turkish military operation in Syria with Putin.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to in Moscow on Monday. Erdogan mentioned earlier that during his visit he would discuss a Turkish military operation in Syria with Putin. ''Another part of our cooperation is that we are continuing our joint fight against terrorist groups that pose a threat to our region. This especially concerns the steps we already took and will be taking in Syrian direction," Erdogan said. Meanwhile, Erdogan said that the margin of votes between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime." Last week's initial results showed a narrow mayoral victory for Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the March 31 municipal elections.

Erdogan, Putin to discuss Syria in Moscow

Turkish President<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/recep-tayyip-erdogan-loses-control-of-ankara-in-turkish-elections-207267&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizivzSpsDhAhWljuYKHZ8SD9AQFggEMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2FYtZFxCwF-3kjZGMIp-q6"> Tayyip Erdogan</a> said on Monday the margin of votes between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime."

Last week's initial results showed a narrow mayoral victory for Turkey's main opposition <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-leadership-series-recep-tayyip-erdogans-full-interview-with-wion-3178&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizivzSpsDhAhWljuYKHZ8SD9AQFggGMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0qp_iUD4H4sm-9ALfvzByg">Republican People's Party</a> (CHP) in the March 31 municipal elections.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-says-his-party-may-have-lost-istanbul-mayorship-207065&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwizivzSpsDhAhWljuYKHZ8SD9AQFggJMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1SboyiEh0aEx_Zn3cPpn17">Erdogan's AK Party</a> (AKP) had appealed the initial results in all 39 districts of Istanbul, leading to partial or full recounts across Turkey's largest city, which has some 10 million voters. On Sunday AKP said it sought a full recount.

"The citizens are telling us to protect their rights, they are complaining of organised crimes. And we, as political parties, have determined such organised crimes," Erdogan told a press conference in Istanbul.

Erdogan's AKP is reeling from its apparent loss of Istanbul and the capital Ankara, both cities which the party and its Islamist predecessors have dominated for a quarter of a century. Erdogan himself rose to prominence as Istanbul's mayor in the 1990s before emerging as a national leader.

Erdogan said he would only accept the result when the High Electoral Board (YSK) has processed all the appeals.

"Nobody has the right to get in an election victory mood in a city of 10 million voters with a margin of 13,000-14,000," he said. "When the appeals have been completed, we will accept the result."

So far the initial lead held by Ekrem Imamoglu, mayoral candidate for the secularist CHP, has narrowed from 25,000 immediately after the vote to a little less than 16,000 after more than 90 per cent of the recounts were completed.

Main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu warned of election security and called on the YSK to be impartial, saying that Erdogan's request for a full recount lacked a reasonable justification.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the margin of votes between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the margin of votes between Istanbul's top two candidates was too small for the opposition to have claimed victory, as his ruling party seeks a full recount to deal with what he called "organised crime." Last week's initial results showed a narrow mayoral victory for Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) in the March 31 municipal elections. Erdogan's AK Party (AKP) had appealed the initial results in all 39 districts of Istanbul, leading to partial or full recounts across Turkey's largest city, which has some 10 million voters. On Sunday AKP said it sought a full recount. "The citizens are telling us to protect their rights, they are complaining of organised crimes. And we, as political parties, have determined such organised crimes," Erdogan told a press conference in Istanbul. Erdogan's AKP is reeling from its apparent loss of Istanbul and the capital Ankara, both cities which the party and its Islamist predecessors have dominated for a quarter of a century. Erdogan himself rose to prominence as Istanbul's mayor in the 1990s before emerging as a national leader. Erdogan said he would only accept the result when the High Electoral Board (YSK) has processed all the appeals. "Nobody has the right to get in an election victory mood in a city of 10 million voters with a margin of 13,000-14,000," he said. "When the appeals have been completed, we will accept the result." So far the initial lead held by Ekrem Imamoglu, mayoral candidate for the secularist CHP, has narrowed from 25,000 immediately after the vote to a little less than 16,000 after more than 90 per cent of the recounts were completed. Main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu warned of election security and called on the YSK to be impartial, saying that Erdogan's request for a full recount lacked a reasonable justification.

Erdogan says margin too small for opposition to claim Istanbul win

Turkish electoral authorities on Wednesday began a vote recount of Istanbul districts after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP challenged tallies showing an opposition candidate won a weekend local election.

The AKP won most votes nationwide in Sunday's ballot but results also showed the party lost the capital Ankara and the country's economic hub Istanbul.

AKP officials on Tuesday filed a challenge with electoral authorities saying they had found irregularities and falsifications in ballots in Ankara and Istanbul.

"The district branches of the electoral board in Istanbul decided to recount the ballots in eight districts after the appeals yesterday," Supreme Election Board chief Sadi Guven told reporters.

He said some of the district branches had already started rechecking ballots, most of which were votes that had been rejected as invalid.

AKP officials had said there was a huge discrepancy between ballots cast at polling stations and data sent to election authorities.

Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, was a key prize for Erdogan and he had former premier and loyalist Binali Yildirim run as the party candidate for mayor.

Erdogan, himself a former Istanbul mayor, had campaigned hard in the city. But the ruling party was stung by the economy with Turkey in recession for the first time in a decade and inflation in double digits.

Istanbul was a tight race and both Yildirim and the opposition CHP candidate Ekrem Imamoglu declared victory when tallies showed them in a dead heat.

Electoral authorities on Monday said Imamoglu was ahead by 28,000 votes with nearly all ballot boxes tallied, prompting AKP officials to challenge to the result.

AKP deputy chairman Ali Ihsan Yavuz on Tuesday claimed the difference had dipped to 20,509 between Imamoglu and Yildirim.

Imamoglu had 48.79 per cent of the votes while Yildirim had 48.52 per cent, Anadolu reported on Tuesday, citing preliminary results.

The agency reported close to 300,000 votes had been annulled in Istanbul voting.

A loss in Istanbul would be especially sensitive for Erdogan, who grew up in the city's working-class Kasimpasa neighbourhood and liked to tell AKP rank-and-file that victory in the city was like winning Turkey.

Turkish electoral authorities on Wednesday began a vote recount of Istanbul districts after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP challenged tallies showing an opposition candidate won a weekend local election.

Turkish electoral authorities on Wednesday began a vote recount of Istanbul districts after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AKP challenged tallies showing an opposition candidate won a weekend local election. The AKP won most votes nationwide in Sunday's ballot but results also showed the party lost the capital Ankara and the country's economic hub Istanbul. AKP officials on Tuesday filed a challenge with electoral authorities saying they had found irregularities and falsifications in ballots in Ankara and Istanbul. "The district branches of the electoral board in Istanbul decided to recount the ballots in eight districts after the appeals yesterday," Supreme Election Board chief Sadi Guven told reporters. He said some of the district branches had already started rechecking ballots, most of which were votes that had been rejected as invalid. AKP officials had said there was a huge discrepancy between ballots cast at polling stations and data sent to election authorities. Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, was a key prize for Erdogan and he had former premier and loyalist Binali Yildirim run as the party candidate for mayor. Erdogan, himself a former Istanbul mayor, had campaigned hard in the city. But the ruling party was stung by the economy with Turkey in recession for the first time in a decade and inflation in double digits. Istanbul was a tight race and both Yildirim and the opposition CHP candidate Ekrem Imamoglu declared victory when tallies showed them in a dead heat. Electoral authorities on Monday said Imamoglu was ahead by 28,000 votes with nearly all ballot boxes tallied, prompting AKP officials to challenge to the result. AKP deputy chairman Ali Ihsan Yavuz on Tuesday claimed the difference had dipped to 20,509 between Imamoglu and Yildirim. Imamoglu had 48.79 per cent of the votes while Yildirim had 48.52 per cent, Anadolu reported on Tuesday, citing preliminary results. The agency reported close to 300,000 votes had been annulled in Istanbul voting. A loss in Istanbul would be especially sensitive for Erdogan, who grew up in the city's working-class Kasimpasa neighbourhood and liked to tell AKP rank-and-file that victory in the city was like winning Turkey.

Turkey election council orders Istanbul recount after ruling party appeal

Turkish Presdent losing litmus test ?

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP suffered a major blow in Sunday's local election with the ruling party set to lose the capital Ankara and risking defeat in the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turks-vote-in-test-for-erdogan-as-recession-hits-home-207064"> country's economic hub Istanbul</a>.

Losing Turkey's two major cities would be a clear setback for Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) who won every vote in a decade and a half in power thanks in part to economic growth.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader campaigned hard portraying the vote for mayors and district councils as a fight for survival, but the election became a test of AKP's support as an economic slowdown took hold after a collapse of the lira currency.&nbsp;

With 99 per cent of the ballot boxes counted, the joint opposition candidate for Ankara mayor, Mansur Yavas was winning with 50.89 per cent of votes and the AKP on 47.06 per cent, Anadolu state agency reported citing preliminary results.

In Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, the race for mayor was deadlocked with the AKP candidate claiming victory with 48.70 per cent of votes, but his opponent on 48.65 per cent also saying he had won after almost all ballot boxes were counted there.&nbsp;

Speaking to thousands of supporters in Ankara, Erdogan portrayed the election as a victory for AKP, which along with coalition partner, the rightwing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), won more than 50 per cent of the votes nationwide. But he did not refer directly to the loss of Ankara.

"If there are any shortcomings, it is our duty to correct them," Erdogan told supporters. "Starting tomorrow morning, we will begin our work to identify our shortcomings and make up for them."

He said suggested if his party lost in Istanbul, they would still control district councils even if the opposition held the mayor's office.

Sunday's poll was the first municipal ballot since Turks approved constitutional reforms in 2017 to create an executive presidency that gave Erdogan wider powers after 16 years in office.

But Erdogan, whose ability to win continuously at the polls is unparalleled in Turkish history thanks to support among more pious, conservative Turks, was more vulnerable with the economy in recession, unemployment higher and inflation in double digits.

Ankara fireworks

Much of the AKP's success has been down to Erdogan's perceived economic prowess, but days before the vote, the Turkish lira was sliding again, provoking memories of the 2018 currency crisis that badly hurt Turkish households.

In Ankara, Yavas -- the candidate for both the opposition Republican People's Party or CHP and the nationalist Good Party -- claimed victory in a large rally full of supporters waving red Turkish flags and setting off fireworks.

"No one has lost. Ankara has won. All of Ankara has won, hand in hand," he told supporters.

Yavas had been slightly ahead in some recent opinion polls before the election.

"Erdogan is known with his success in the local elections and his model of government is highly based on his local experience," Emre Erdogan, a professor at Istanbul Bilgi University and no relation to the president.&nbsp;

"These losses will harm his reputation as a good local politician."

Istanbul dead heat

In Istanbul, a city where Erdogan had sometimes described victory as like winning Turkey itself, the race had been very tight. Erdogan fielded one of his loyalists, former prime minister Binali Yildirim, in a push to win the city.

Erdogan, who began his own political career as Istanbul mayor, personally campaigned hard across Turkey, often with several rallies a day, even though he was not on the ballot. He was often rallying in Istanbul's districts.

"We have won the election in Istanbul. We thank Istanbul's residents for the mandate they have given us," Yildirim told supporters as final tallies were arriving.

But his opponent Ekrem Imamoglu dismissed Yildirim's claim as an attempt to manipulate opinion.

"I would like to announce to Istanbul's residents and all of Turkey that our numbers show that it is clear we won Istanbul," Imamoglu said in a speech in the early hours of Monday.

Looking to galvanise his base among conservative Turks, the president cast the election as a matter of survival, attacking opposition candidates by branding them as linked to PKK Kurdish militants.

For his supporters, Erdogan remains the strong leader they believe Turkey needs and they tout the country's economic development over the years he and the AKP have been in power.&nbsp;

But rights activists and even Turkey's Western allies say that under Erdogan's leadership, democracy has been eroded, particularly after a failed 2016 coup that led to tens of thousands of people being arrested.

Observers say that with most media pro-government, opposition parties campaigned at a disadvantage because Erdogan's daily rallies dominated TV coverage.

The opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has refused to field candidates in several cities, saying the elections are unfair. Some of its leaders have been jailed on terror charges, accusations they reject.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP suffered a major blow in Sunday's local election with the ruling party set to lose the capital Ankara and risking defeat in the country's economic hub Istanbul.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's AKP suffered a major blow in Sunday's local election with the ruling party set to lose the capital Ankara and risking defeat in the country's economic hub Istanbul. Losing Turkey's two major cities would be a clear setback for Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) who won every vote in a decade and a half in power thanks in part to economic growth. The Turkish leader campaigned hard portraying the vote for mayors and district councils as a fight for survival, but the election became a test of AKP's support as an economic slowdown took hold after a collapse of the lira currency. With 99 per cent of the ballot boxes counted, the joint opposition candidate for Ankara mayor, Mansur Yavas was winning with 50.89 per cent of votes and the AKP on 47.06 per cent, Anadolu state agency reported citing preliminary results. In Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, the race for mayor was deadlocked with the AKP candidate claiming victory with 48.70 per cent of votes, but his opponent on 48.65 per cent also saying he had won after almost all ballot boxes were counted there. Speaking to thousands of supporters in Ankara, Erdogan portrayed the election as a victory for AKP, which along with coalition partner, the rightwing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), won more than 50 per cent of the votes nationwide. But he did not refer directly to the loss of Ankara. "If there are any shortcomings, it is our duty to correct them," Erdogan told supporters. "Starting tomorrow morning, we will begin our work to identify our shortcomings and make up for them." He said suggested if his party lost in Istanbul, they would still control district councils even if the opposition held the mayor's office. Sunday's poll was the first municipal ballot since Turks approved constitutional reforms in 2017 to create an executive presidency that gave Erdogan wider powers after 16 years in office. But Erdogan, whose ability to win continuously at the polls is unparalleled in Turkish history thanks to support among more pious, conservative Turks, was more vulnerable with the economy in recession, unemployment higher and inflation in double digits. Ankara fireworks Much of the AKP's success has been down to Erdogan's perceived economic prowess, but days before the vote, the Turkish lira was sliding again, provoking memories of the 2018 currency crisis that badly hurt Turkish households. In Ankara, Yavas -- the candidate for both the opposition Republican People's Party or CHP and the nationalist Good Party -- claimed victory in a large rally full of supporters waving red Turkish flags and setting off fireworks. "No one has lost. Ankara has won. All of Ankara has won, hand in hand," he told supporters. Yavas had been slightly ahead in some recent opinion polls before the election. "Erdogan is known with his success in the local elections and his model of government is highly based on his local experience," Emre Erdogan, a professor at Istanbul Bilgi University and no relation to the president. "These losses will harm his reputation as a good local politician." Istanbul dead heat In Istanbul, a city where Erdogan had sometimes described victory as like winning Turkey itself, the race had been very tight. Erdogan fielded one of his loyalists, former prime minister Binali Yildirim, in a push to win the city. Erdogan, who began his own political career as Istanbul mayor, personally campaigned hard across Turkey, often with several rallies a day, even though he was not on the ballot. He was often rallying in Istanbul's districts. "We have won the election in Istanbul. We thank Istanbul's residents for the mandate they have given us," Yildirim told supporters as final tallies were arriving. But his opponent Ekrem Imamoglu dismissed Yildirim's claim as an attempt to manipulate opinion. "I would like to announce to Istanbul's residents and all of Turkey that our numbers show that it is clear we won Istanbul," Imamoglu said in a speech in the early hours of Monday. Looking to galvanise his base among conservative Turks, the president cast the election as a matter of survival, attacking opposition candidates by branding them as linked to PKK Kurdish militants. For his supporters, Erdogan remains the strong leader they believe Turkey needs and they tout the country's economic development over the years he and the AKP have been in power. But rights activists and even Turkey's Western allies say that under Erdogan's leadership, democracy has been eroded, particularly after a failed 2016 coup that led to tens of thousands of people being arrested. Observers say that with most media pro-government, opposition parties campaigned at a disadvantage because Erdogan's daily rallies dominated TV coverage. The opposition pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has refused to field candidates in several cities, saying the elections are unfair. Some of its leaders have been jailed on terror charges, accusations they reject.

Turkish President Erdogan's ruling AKP suffers setback in Ankara's local election

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that his AK Party appeared to have lost Sunday's mayoral elections in Istanbul, but added that they remained "the number one party" in Turkey.

Erdogan also said his party would appeal results wherever needed, and added that he would take the necessary measures at ministries and institutions to make the system of governance more dynamic. He said there would not be other elections for four and a half years.

AKP candidate and fomer prime minister Binali Yildirim had declared victory in Istanbul earlier, in a move his opposition rival called "manipulation."

Turkey's main opposition party said it won control of Ankara in local elections, defeating President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party in the capital for the first time, and challenged his party's claim to have held Istanbul by the narrowest margin.

Defeat for Erdogan's party in Ankara would be a significant setback for the president, who campaigned relentlessly for two months ahead of a vote he described as a "matter of survival" for Turkey. Losing Istanbul, Turkey's largest city and a platform for his own political career, would be a greater blow.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that his AK Party appeared to have lost Sunday's mayoral elections in Istanbul, but added that they remained "the number one party" in Turkey.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that his AK Party appeared to have lost Sunday's mayoral elections in Istanbul, but added that they remained "the number one party" in Turkey. Erdogan also said his party would appeal results wherever needed, and added that he would take the necessary measures at ministries and institutions to make the system of governance more dynamic. He said there would not be other elections for four and a half years. AKP candidate and fomer prime minister Binali Yildirim had declared victory in Istanbul earlier, in a move his opposition rival called "manipulation." Turkey's main opposition party said it won control of Ankara in local elections, defeating President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party in the capital for the first time, and challenged his party's claim to have held Istanbul by the narrowest margin. Defeat for Erdogan's party in Ankara would be a significant setback for the president, who campaigned relentlessly for two months ahead of a vote he described as a "matter of survival" for Turkey. Losing Istanbul, Turkey's largest city and a platform for his own political career, would be a greater blow.

Turkish President Erdogan says his party may have lost Istanbul mayorship

Turks voted on Sunday in local elections which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-fights-to-hold-turkeys-cities-in-bitter-election-battle-206553">President Tayyip Erdogan</a> has described as a matter of survival for Turkey and which were marred by violence that left two party members dead in the country's southeast.

Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for more than 16 years thanks in part to strong economic growth, has become the country's most popular, yet also most divisive, leader in modern history.

However, he could be dealt an electoral blow with polls indicating his ruling AK Party (AKP) may lose control of the capital Ankara, and even Istanbul, the country's largest city.

With the economy contracting following a currency crisis last year in which the lira lost more than 30 per cent of its value, some voters appeared ready to punish Erdogan, who has ruled with an increasingly uncompromising stance.

"I was actually not going to vote today, but when I saw how much they (AKP) were flailing, I thought this might be time to land them a blow. Everyone is unhappy. Everyone is struggling," said 47-year-old Hakan after voting in Ankara.

Voting started at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) in eastern Turkey and an hour later in the rest of the country. Polling stations close at 4 p.m. in the east and 5 p.m. in the west.

Just over 57 million people are eligible to vote. A clear picture of the winners will probably emerge around midnight.

This week, as authorities again scrambled to shore up the lira, Erdogan cast the country's economic woes as resulting from attacks by the West, saying Turkey would overcome its troubles following Sunday's vote and adding he was "the boss" of the economy.

"The aim behind the increasing attacks towards our country ahead of the elections is to block the road of the big, strong Turkey," Erdogan said at a rally in Istanbul on Saturday.

Sunday's elections, in which Turks vote for mayors and other local officials across the country, are the first since Erdogan assumed sweeping presidential powers last year and will be a reckoning for his government, which has come under fire for its economic policies and record on human rights.

Symbolic blow

Defeat in Ankara or Istanbul would end nearly a quarter of a century of rule by Erdogan's AKP or its predecessors in those cities and deal a symbolic blow to Turkey's leader.

Ahead of the vote, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party formed an electoral alliance to rival that of the AKP and its nationalist MHP partners.

The pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), which Erdogan has accused of links to Kurdish militants, has not made an official alliance and is not fielding candidates for mayor in Istanbul or Ankara, which is likely to benefit the CHP.

The HDP denies links to the outlawed militant Kurdistan Workers' Party. Two years ago, the state took control of about 100 municipalities from an HDP-affiliated party and some voters in the main southeastern city of Diyarbakir said services there had improved as a result.

"Before, this city did not have the services I have now seen. I gave my vote to the AK Party for services to continue," said tradesman Haci Ahmet Beyaz, 43.

The election was marred by violence in the southeast.

Two members of the small Islamist Felicity Party, a polling station official and an election observer, were shot dead in Malatya province, a party spokesman said. Media reports said one person had been detained.

In Diyarbakir, two people were wounded and one of them was in critical condition after being stabbed in a dispute between candidates, a hospital source said.

The government took extensive security measures, with 553,000 police and other security forces on duty for the vote.

In the days leading up to the vote, Erdogan held around 100 rallies across the country, speaking 14 times in different districts of Istanbul over the past two days alone and more than four times in Ankara throughout his campaign.

He has described the elections as an existential choice for Turkey, blasting his rivals as terrorist supporters aiming to topple the country. He has warned that if the opposition candidate wins in Ankara, residents would "pay a price".

His opponents have denied the accusations and challenged his characterisation of the elections as a matter of survival, saying Erdogan had led the country to its current state.

"What matter of survival? We're electing mayors. What does this have to do with the country's survival?" Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the CHP, told a rally in Eskisehir.

With reference to Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu said: "If there is a survival issue in Turkey, it's because of you."

Turks voted on Sunday in local elections which President Tayyip Erdogan has described as a matter of survival for Turkey and which were marred by violence that left two party members dead in the country's southeast.

Turks voted on Sunday in local elections which President Tayyip Erdogan has described as a matter of survival for Turkey and which were marred by violence that left two party members dead in the country's southeast. Erdogan, who has dominated Turkish politics for more than 16 years thanks in part to strong economic growth, has become the country's most popular, yet also most divisive, leader in modern history. However, he could be dealt an electoral blow with polls indicating his ruling AK Party (AKP) may lose control of the capital Ankara, and even Istanbul, the country's largest city. With the economy contracting following a currency crisis last year in which the lira lost more than 30 per cent of its value, some voters appeared ready to punish Erdogan, who has ruled with an increasingly uncompromising stance. "I was actually not going to vote today, but when I saw how much they (AKP) were flailing, I thought this might be time to land them a blow. Everyone is unhappy. Everyone is struggling," said 47-year-old Hakan after voting in Ankara. Voting started at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) in eastern Turkey and an hour later in the rest of the country. Polling stations close at 4 p.m. in the east and 5 p.m. in the west. Just over 57 million people are eligible to vote. A clear picture of the winners will probably emerge around midnight. This week, as authorities again scrambled to shore up the lira, Erdogan cast the country's economic woes as resulting from attacks by the West, saying Turkey would overcome its troubles following Sunday's vote and adding he was "the boss" of the economy. "The aim behind the increasing attacks towards our country ahead of the elections is to block the road of the big, strong Turkey," Erdogan said at a rally in Istanbul on Saturday. Sunday's elections, in which Turks vote for mayors and other local officials across the country, are the first since Erdogan assumed sweeping presidential powers last year and will be a reckoning for his government, which has come under fire for its economic policies and record on human rights. Symbolic blow Defeat in Ankara or Istanbul would end nearly a quarter of a century of rule by Erdogan's AKP or its predecessors in those cities and deal a symbolic blow to Turkey's leader. Ahead of the vote, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party formed an electoral alliance to rival that of the AKP and its nationalist MHP partners. The pro-Kurdish opposition Peoples Democratic Party (HDP), which Erdogan has accused of links to Kurdish militants, has not made an official alliance and is not fielding candidates for mayor in Istanbul or Ankara, which is likely to benefit the CHP. The HDP denies links to the outlawed militant Kurdistan Workers' Party. Two years ago, the state took control of about 100 municipalities from an HDP-affiliated party and some voters in the main southeastern city of Diyarbakir said services there had improved as a result. "Before, this city did not have the services I have now seen. I gave my vote to the AK Party for services to continue," said tradesman Haci Ahmet Beyaz, 43. The election was marred by violence in the southeast. Two members of the small Islamist Felicity Party, a polling station official and an election observer, were shot dead in Malatya province, a party spokesman said. Media reports said one person had been detained. In Diyarbakir, two people were wounded and one of them was in critical condition after being stabbed in a dispute between candidates, a hospital source said. The government took extensive security measures, with 553,000 police and other security forces on duty for the vote. In the days leading up to the vote, Erdogan held around 100 rallies across the country, speaking 14 times in different districts of Istanbul over the past two days alone and more than four times in Ankara throughout his campaign. He has described the elections as an existential choice for Turkey, blasting his rivals as terrorist supporters aiming to topple the country. He has warned that if the opposition candidate wins in Ankara, residents would "pay a price". His opponents have denied the accusations and challenged his characterisation of the elections as a matter of survival, saying Erdogan had led the country to its current state. "What matter of survival? We're electing mayors. What does this have to do with the country's survival?" Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of the CHP, told a rally in Eskisehir. With reference to Erdogan, Kilicdaroglu said: "If there is a survival issue in Turkey, it's because of you."

Turks vote in local polls, Erdogan's party could lose in big cities

Turkey will solve the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-ally-declares-islamic-state-defeated-caliphate-eliminated-205019">Syria</a> issue "on the field" after Sunday's local elections, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, as he sought to drum up support for his AK Party in the vote.

Turkey has carried out two cross-border operations against Kurdish militants in northern Syria and has warned that it will launch further incursions if the threats along its borders are not eliminated.

"First thing after the elections, we will solve the Syria issue on the field if possible, not at the table," Erdogan told supporters in the first of his six rallies in Istanbul.

Less than a year after Tayyip Erdogan celebrated election triumph with fireworks in Ankara, Turkey's all-powerful leader faces the embarrassment of losing his capital in local polls marred by bitter campaign rhetoric and economic storm clouds.

Erdogan has ruled Turkey for 16 years with an ever-tightening grip and his June 2018 national election victory vastly expanded his presidential powers, alarming Western allies who fear Turkey is drifting deeper into authoritarianism.

But the 65-year-old president could be brought down to earth on Sunday when Turks vote in municipal elections which threaten to inflict the first defeat for his Islamist-rooted AK Party in Ankara or the country's biggest city and business hub, Istanbul.

Erdogan has portrayed the vote as an existential choice for Turkey, blasting his domestic opponents as terrorist supporters and even invoking the New Zealand mosque killings as examples of the broader threats he says Turkey faces.

Turkey will solve the Syria issue "on the field" after Sunday's local elections, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, as he sought to drum up support for his AK Party in the vote.

Turkey will solve the Syria issue "on the field" after Sunday's local elections, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday, as he sought to drum up support for his AK Party in the vote. Turkey has carried out two cross-border operations against Kurdish militants in northern Syria and has warned that it will launch further incursions if the threats along its borders are not eliminated. "First thing after the elections, we will solve the Syria issue on the field if possible, not at the table," Erdogan told supporters in the first of his six rallies in Istanbul. Less than a year after Tayyip Erdogan celebrated election triumph with fireworks in Ankara, Turkey's all-powerful leader faces the embarrassment of losing his capital in local polls marred by bitter campaign rhetoric and economic storm clouds. Erdogan has ruled Turkey for 16 years with an ever-tightening grip and his June 2018 national election victory vastly expanded his presidential powers, alarming Western allies who fear Turkey is drifting deeper into authoritarianism. But the 65-year-old president could be brought down to earth on Sunday when Turks vote in municipal elections which threaten to inflict the first defeat for his Islamist-rooted AK Party in Ankara or the country's biggest city and business hub, Istanbul. Erdogan has portrayed the vote as an existential choice for Turkey, blasting his domestic opponents as terrorist supporters and even invoking the New Zealand mosque killings as examples of the broader threats he says Turkey faces.

Turkey will solve Syria issue 'on field, not at table': Erdogan

Any safe zone along Turkey's border with Syria must be under Turkish control, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday in an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk.

He was speaking after a senior US administration official said on Friday Washington would leave about 400 US troops in Syria, a reversal by President Donald Trump that could pave the way for US allies to keep troops there.

"If there is to be a safe zone along our border then it must be under our control. Because that is my border," Erdogan said.

Trump ordered the withdrawal of all 2,000 US troops from Syria in December after saying they had defeated Islamic State, a decision criticised by allies and US lawmakers.

He was persuaded on Thursday that about 200 US troops should join what is expected to be a total commitment of some 800 to 1,500 troops from European allies to set up a safe zone in northeastern Syria, a US administration official said.

Ankara regards the Kurdish YPG militia, which controls that region and has been a key US ally against Islamic State, as a terrorist group. Turkey has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily against the YPG east of the Euphrates river where the safe zone is planned.

Any safe zone along Turkey's border with Syria must be under Turkish control, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday in an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk.

Any safe zone along Turkey's border with Syria must be under Turkish control, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday in an interview with broadcaster CNN Turk. He was speaking after a senior US administration official said on Friday Washington would leave about 400 US troops in Syria, a reversal by President Donald Trump that could pave the way for US allies to keep troops there. "If there is to be a safe zone along our border then it must be under our control. Because that is my border," Erdogan said. Trump ordered the withdrawal of all 2,000 US troops from Syria in December after saying they had defeated Islamic State, a decision criticised by allies and US lawmakers. He was persuaded on Thursday that about 200 US troops should join what is expected to be a total commitment of some 800 to 1,500 troops from European allies to set up a safe zone in northeastern Syria, a US administration official said. Ankara regards the Kurdish YPG militia, which controls that region and has been a key US ally against Islamic State, as a terrorist group. Turkey has repeatedly threatened to intervene militarily against the YPG east of the Euphrates river where the safe zone is planned.

Erdogan says safe zone on Syria border must be under Turkey's control

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday&nbsp;he had not yet seen an acceptable plan for the creation of a safe zone in northeastern Syria, three weeks after US President Donald Trump suggested establishing the zone.

"There is no satisfactory plan that is put before us concretely yet," Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his AK Party.

"Of course we are loyal to our agreements, our promise is a promise. But our patience is not limitless," he added.

Turkey wants to set up the safe zone with logistical support from allies and says it should be cleared of the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia which Ankara considers a terrorist group.

Erdogan also said that if terrorists are not removed from the northern town of Manbij in a few weeks, Turkey's waiting time will end.

The safe zone will be an issue at a meeting on Wednesday in the United States of ministers from a coalition of countries fighting the Islamic State militant group. Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend those talks.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he had not yet seen an acceptable plan for the creation of a safe zone in northeastern Syria, three weeks after US President Donald Trump suggested establishing the zone.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday he had not yet seen an acceptable plan for the creation of a safe zone in northeastern Syria, three weeks after US President Donald Trump suggested establishing the zone. "There is no satisfactory plan that is put before us concretely yet," Erdogan told a parliamentary meeting of his AK Party. "Of course we are loyal to our agreements, our promise is a promise. But our patience is not limitless," he added. Turkey wants to set up the safe zone with logistical support from allies and says it should be cleared of the US-backed Kurdish YPG militia which Ankara considers a terrorist group. Erdogan also said that if terrorists are not removed from the northern town of Manbij in a few weeks, Turkey's waiting time will end. The safe zone will be an issue at a meeting on Wednesday in the United States of ministers from a coalition of countries fighting the Islamic State militant group. Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will attend those talks.

Turkey's Erdogan says no satisfactory plan with US on north Syria safe zone

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/venezuela-as-thousands-of-guaido-supporters-hit-streets-nicolas-maduro-calls-for-early-parliamentary-elections-194664">Venezuela's troubles</a> and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey has backed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maduro-vs-guaido-who-is-backing-whom-193331">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself an interim leader.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments".

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis.

"There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul.

"But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue."

Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system.

On Friday Marshall Billingslea, US assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran.

A senior US official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions".

Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations.

In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago.

"Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh.

"They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Sunday countries which have recognised Venezuela's self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido were fueling Venezuela's troubles and punishing millions of its people. Turkey has backed Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in contrast with NATO allies the United States and Canada, and several right-leaning Latin American countries which have recognised Guaido's move to declare himself an interim leader. Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, who has strengthened economic and political ties with Caracas, called Maduro last month to urge him to stand tall against what he described as "anti-democratic developments". Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday the countries which were supporting Guaido should instead have worked for negotiations to resolve Venezuela's crisis. "There is a problem in a country, there is a spark that can turn into a fire at any moment. In this case, they should have contributed to the solution of the problem through dialogue," Cavusoglu told reporters in Istanbul. "But is that how they handled things? No. On the contrary, the event was fueled from the outside. The people of Venezuela are being punished by such approach," he said. Cavusoglu said Turkey had tried to initiate talks on Venezuela last year between Washington and Latin American countries. "But today, none of the countries that have taken these steps against Venezuela has sought dialogue." Disagreement over Venezuela could become another serious point of friction between Washington and Ankara, which are also divided over policy in Syria, Iran sanctions and Turkey's plans to buy Russian missile defence system. On Friday Marshall Billingslea, US assistant secretary for terrorist financing at the Treasury held talks with Turkish officials about sanctions on Venezuela and Iran. A senior US official said last week Washington was looking at Turkey's commercial activities with Venezuela and would take action "if we assess a violation of our sanctions". Turkish officials say Ankara's trade is in accordance with international laws and regulations. In his remarks on Sunday Cavusoglu also reiterated Turkish criticism of what Ankara sees as a weak international response to the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul four months ago. "Recently Western countries - you know they are very sensitive about human rights, trying to teach everyone about human rights - are silent," he said suggesting they were more interested in protecting commercial ties with Riyadh. "They are making deals and selling arms," Cavusoglu said.

Turkey says countries supporting Guaido fuel Venezuela crisis

There’s one thing Turkey and the US can definitely agree on these days: Unreliability is now the bedrock of their relationship. It’s perhaps not surprising when the two powers are led by notably unpredictable men — US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In the latest antagonism, Erdogan’s close adviser, Yasin Aktay, has spoken of the US as a “highly unreliable partner” due to its efforts to safeguard the Syrian Kurdish forces who have partnered with the US in defeating the Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

The criticism is a further illustration of the echo chambers in which diplomacy is being conducted at the moment. Far from seeking to reduce friction (the usual role of diplomacy), such statements are part of the new prickly nationalism that is everywhere in the ascendant.

The most glaring dimension of Aktay’s statement is its subjectivity. Trump’s announcement in December 2018 of the US troop withdrawal from Syria really did put America’s Syrian Kurdish allies in potential harm’s way, at the hands of the Turkish army. The recent move to safeguard that ally could be viewed, in fact, as reliability.

But of course, Atkay is speaking from within the echo chamber of Turkish politics. Within that chamber, the US has deserted its NATO ally in favour of a Syrian Kurdish militia with strong ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — a movement within Turkey designated a terrorist organisation.

His assessment discounts the fact that the threat from IS was very real. The US needed local allies on the ground in order to counter it. Indeed, it was a long time before the Turkish government decided to give the fight against the Islamic State the same priority that it gave the fight against Kurdish groups.

Yet the Turkish displeasure with its NATO ally is not all paranoia and blinkered Turkish nationalism. President Trump has been cavalier in his diplomacy within the international body. He has also been transparently shortsighted in his engagement with the Middle East.

In line with his “America First” policies, Trump was quick to single out IS as a grave threat to be addressed, largely because it had the capacity to impact America itself and American lives. Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama, have been far less eager to address Syria’s civil war.

From the Turkish viewpoint, this looks a lot like abandonment. The war on its southern frontier has been highly porous. It has deeply impacted Turkey in terms of terrorist atrocities, refugee flows, political destabilisation, economic impact and the very real threat of escalation from the Assad regime’s allies, Russia and Iran. None of this seems to have moved the US greatly.

Every man for himself

The result is a zero-sum environment in which all the key actors have gradually amassed leaders who see the best strategy as entrenchment and national defence. This may have been led by Russian President Vladimir Putin — the past master of such tactics — but it has been a domino effect.

President Erdogan has veered sharply in the same direction ever since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. With the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency in November 2016, the world’s key superpower has followed suit. In the current dispute, the only real losers are likely to be the Kurds.

The Turkish government position has ossified. It cannot easily roll back on its war with the Syrian Kurdish militia now. The US position is more fluid. As President Trump as demonstrated, Washington is quite capable of dropping the Syrian Kurdish militia.

The reason the US government has so far stepped back from leaving the Syrian Kurds at the full mercy of other powers in Syria is not altruism. The Syrian Kurds merely offered the right guns for hire at the right time. But to drop them would hand valuable power to US adversaries.

In the cases of Russia and Iran, that would stick in the craw of the US administration. The irony is, as things stand, the other “adversary” who would clearly benefit is a country — Turkey — that is supposed to be an erstwhile NATO ally and a bulwark in the Middle East.

(Nathaniel Handy is a writer and academic)

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/turkey-us-relations-syrian-kurds-syria-civil-war-islamic-state-world-news-57293/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There’s one thing Turkey and the US can definitely agree on these days: Unreliability is now the bedrock of their relationship. It’s perhaps not surprising when the two powers are led by notably unpredictable men — US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

There’s one thing Turkey and the US can definitely agree on these days: Unreliability is now the bedrock of their relationship. It’s perhaps not surprising when the two powers are led by notably unpredictable men — US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the latest antagonism, Erdogan’s close adviser, Yasin Aktay, has spoken of the US as a “highly unreliable partner” due to its efforts to safeguard the Syrian Kurdish forces who have partnered with the US in defeating the Islamic State (IS) in Syria. The criticism is a further illustration of the echo chambers in which diplomacy is being conducted at the moment. Far from seeking to reduce friction (the usual role of diplomacy), such statements are part of the new prickly nationalism that is everywhere in the ascendant. The most glaring dimension of Aktay’s statement is its subjectivity. Trump’s announcement in December 2018 of the US troop withdrawal from Syria really did put America’s Syrian Kurdish allies in potential harm’s way, at the hands of the Turkish army. The recent move to safeguard that ally could be viewed, in fact, as reliability. But of course, Atkay is speaking from within the echo chamber of Turkish politics. Within that chamber, the US has deserted its NATO ally in favour of a Syrian Kurdish militia with strong ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) — a movement within Turkey designated a terrorist organisation. His assessment discounts the fact that the threat from IS was very real. The US needed local allies on the ground in order to counter it. Indeed, it was a long time before the Turkish government decided to give the fight against the Islamic State the same priority that it gave the fight against Kurdish groups. Yet the Turkish displeasure with its NATO ally is not all paranoia and blinkered Turkish nationalism. President Trump has been cavalier in his diplomacy within the international body. He has also been transparently shortsighted in his engagement with the Middle East. In line with his “America First” policies, Trump was quick to single out IS as a grave threat to be addressed, largely because it had the capacity to impact America itself and American lives. Trump and his predecessor, Barack Obama, have been far less eager to address Syria’s civil war. From the Turkish viewpoint, this looks a lot like abandonment. The war on its southern frontier has been highly porous. It has deeply impacted Turkey in terms of terrorist atrocities, refugee flows, political destabilisation, economic impact and the very real threat of escalation from the Assad regime’s allies, Russia and Iran. None of this seems to have moved the US greatly. Every man for himself The result is a zero-sum environment in which all the key actors have gradually amassed leaders who see the best strategy as entrenchment and national defence. This may have been led by Russian President Vladimir Putin — the past master of such tactics — but it has been a domino effect. President Erdogan has veered sharply in the same direction ever since the start of the Syrian conflict in 2011. With the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency in November 2016, the world’s key superpower has followed suit. In the current dispute, the only real losers are likely to be the Kurds. The Turkish government position has ossified. It cannot easily roll back on its war with the Syrian Kurdish militia now. The US position is more fluid. As President Trump as demonstrated, Washington is quite capable of dropping the Syrian Kurdish militia. The reason the US government has so far stepped back from leaving the Syrian Kurds at the full mercy of other powers in Syria is not altruism. The Syrian Kurds merely offered the right guns for hire at the right time. But to drop them would hand valuable power to US adversaries. In the cases of Russia and Iran, that would stick in the craw of the US administration. The irony is, as things stand, the other “adversary” who would clearly benefit is a country — Turkey — that is supposed to be an erstwhile NATO ally and a bulwark in the Middle East. (Nathaniel Handy is a writer and academic) (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why the US is still losing Turkey

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter says he will not go to London for a game with his NBA team because he fears he could be assassinated for criticizing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

Kanter, who is Turkish, expressed his fear after the Knicks' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. A video of his remarks was posted on Twitter.

The Knicks are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards in London on Jan. 17.

“There is a chance I could get killed out there,” Kanter, a longtime critic of Erdogan, told reporters.

“It’s pretty sad that all the stuff affects my career and basketball because I want to be out there and help my team win."

A Knicks official later said that Kanter was not traveling to London because of a visa issue, the New York Times reported.

Turkey has revoked Kanter's passport, and a Turkish court has declared him a fugitive for his support of U.S-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating an attempted coup in July 2016 - an accusation Gulen denies.

Since the putsch attempt, more than 50,000 people have been jailed in Turkey pending trial and 150,000 state workers including teachers, judges and soldiers have been suspended or dismissed in a crackdown on alleged supporters of Gulen.

The Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported in December 2017 that a Turkish prosecutor had asked for Kanter to be jailed for up to four years for insulting Erdogan.

Kanter holds a U.S. green card that allows him to live and work in the country on a permanent basis.

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter says he will not go to London for a game with his NBA team because he fears he could be assassinated for criticizing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.

New York Knicks center Enes Kanter says he will not go to London for a game with his NBA team because he fears he could be assassinated for criticizing Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. Kanter, who is Turkish, expressed his fear after the Knicks' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. A video of his remarks was posted on Twitter. The Knicks are scheduled to play the Washington Wizards in London on Jan. 17. “There is a chance I could get killed out there,” Kanter, a longtime critic of Erdogan, told reporters. “It’s pretty sad that all the stuff affects my career and basketball because I want to be out there and help my team win." A Knicks official later said that Kanter was not traveling to London because of a visa issue, the New York Times reported. Turkey has revoked Kanter's passport, and a Turkish court has declared him a fugitive for his support of U.S-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, whom Ankara accuses of orchestrating an attempted coup in July 2016 - an accusation Gulen denies. Since the putsch attempt, more than 50,000 people have been jailed in Turkey pending trial and 150,000 state workers including teachers, judges and soldiers have been suspended or dismissed in a crackdown on alleged supporters of Gulen. The Turkish state-run Anadolu news agency reported in December 2017 that a Turkish prosecutor had asked for Kanter to be jailed for up to four years for insulting Erdogan. Kanter holds a U.S. green card that allows him to live and work in the country on a permanent basis.

NBA: Knicks' Kanter to miss London game, says he fears for his life

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-trump-says-us-pulling-out-turkey-sends-troops-into-northern-syria-war-monitor-185910">Turkey has sent reinforcements to the border with Syria</a>, Turkish media reported on Monday after Washington <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/order-for-troop-pullout-from-syria-signed-us-military-186082">ordered the withdrawal of its ground forces</a> from the war-ravaged nation.

A Turkish military convoy with howitzers and artillery batteries as well as different units of the armed forces were deployed to the border district of Elbeyli in Kilis province, state news agency Anadolu reported.

The military reinforcements would take place "gradually", the private IHA news agency reported, adding that parts of the convoy had entered Syria.

The deployment began over the weekend with around 100 vehicles, Hurriyet daily said, which had crossed into the Al-Bab region of northern Syria.

They were headed towards Jarabulus and Manbij which is held by a US-backed Kurdish YPG militia viewed by Ankara as "terrorists" linked to Kurdish insurgents inside Turkey.

Turkey was a rare ally that lauded Trump's decision on Syria since it will now have a freer rein to target Kurdish fighters in the country's north who were armed and trained by the US and played a major role in the war against Islamic State (IS) group.

Jarabulus and Al-Bab were areas captured from IS during Ankara's first military operation in August 2016 which lasted until March 2017.

Military reinforcements had also been sent to the Akcakale border town and Ceylanpinar district, both in the southeastern Sanliurfa province.

US President Donald Trump stunned the US political establishment and allies last week when he decided to pull 2,000 troops from Syria just days after his Turkish counterpart warned Ankara would soon launch a new operation in the country's north.

Turkey conducted a second offensive with Syrian rebels against the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in its northwestern enclave of Afrin in January this year.

The operation ended in March with the capture of the city.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Ankara would launch a third operation against the YPG and the last remaining elements of IS in Syria in the coming months.

Prior to Trump's announcement, Erdogan had said the operation would be in the "next few days" but on Friday Turkey said this would be delayed to avoid "friendly fire".

American support to the YPG, under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, has long been a source of tensions between NATO allies the US and Turkey.

With Trump's move to withdraw troops and trust that Turkey will handle the remnants of IS, the Turkish and American leaders appear to have improved relations substantially since a crisis in the summer over the detention of a US pastor, subsequently released.

Turkey has sent reinforcements to the border with Syria, Turkish media reported on Monday after Washington ordered the withdrawal of its ground forces from the war-ravaged nation.

Turkey has sent reinforcements to the border with Syria, Turkish media reported on Monday after Washington ordered the withdrawal of its ground forces from the war-ravaged nation. A Turkish military convoy with howitzers and artillery batteries as well as different units of the armed forces were deployed to the border district of Elbeyli in Kilis province, state news agency Anadolu reported. The military reinforcements would take place "gradually", the private IHA news agency reported, adding that parts of the convoy had entered Syria. The deployment began over the weekend with around 100 vehicles, Hurriyet daily said, which had crossed into the Al-Bab region of northern Syria. They were headed towards Jarabulus and Manbij which is held by a US-backed Kurdish YPG militia viewed by Ankara as "terrorists" linked to Kurdish insurgents inside Turkey. Turkey was a rare ally that lauded Trump's decision on Syria since it will now have a freer rein to target Kurdish fighters in the country's north who were armed and trained by the US and played a major role in the war against Islamic State (IS) group. Jarabulus and Al-Bab were areas captured from IS during Ankara's first military operation in August 2016 which lasted until March 2017. Military reinforcements had also been sent to the Akcakale border town and Ceylanpinar district, both in the southeastern Sanliurfa province. US President Donald Trump stunned the US political establishment and allies last week when he decided to pull 2,000 troops from Syria just days after his Turkish counterpart warned Ankara would soon launch a new operation in the country's north. Turkey conducted a second offensive with Syrian rebels against the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in its northwestern enclave of Afrin in January this year. The operation ended in March with the capture of the city. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Ankara would launch a third operation against the YPG and the last remaining elements of IS in Syria in the coming months. Prior to Trump's announcement, Erdogan had said the operation would be in the "next few days" but on Friday Turkey said this would be delayed to avoid "friendly fire". American support to the YPG, under the banner of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance, has long been a source of tensions between NATO allies the US and Turkey. With Trump's move to withdraw troops and trust that Turkey will handle the remnants of IS, the Turkish and American leaders appear to have improved relations substantially since a crisis in the summer over the detention of a US pastor, subsequently released.

Turkey has sent military reinforcements to Syria border: Reports

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusgolu on Friday welcomed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troops-withdrawal-will-not-have-security-impact-on-afghanistan-presidential-spokesman-185677">United States' decision to withdraw its troops from Syria</a> and said Washington should coordinate with Ankara on the pull-out.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-concerned-about-being-impeached-report-183111">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a>'s announcement that the United States would withdraw its 2,000 troops has upended a pillar of American policy in the Middle East. Critics say it will make it harder to find a diplomatic solution to Syria's seven-year-old civil war.

But for&nbsp;Turkey, Trump's abrupt move marks the removal of a major source of friction with the United States. The two NATO allies have long been at odds over Syria, where Washington has backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters.&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;considers the YPG a terrorist organisation.

"With regards to the withdrawal, the decision of the United States to withdraw from Syria, we welcome that decision and&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;fully support the territorial integrity of (Syria)," Cavusoglu told reporters in Malta, during an official visit.

"We need to coordinate this withdrawal with the United States and we are already in touch at different levels."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/one-of-khashoggi-killers-said-i-know-how-to-cut-on-audio-president-tayyip-erdogan-184113">President Tayyip Erdogan</a> said this week&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;might start a new military operation in Syria at any moment. Its forces have intervened to sweep YPG and Islamic State fighters from territory west of the Euphrates over the past two years. It has not gone east of the river, partly to avoid direct confrontation with US&nbsp;forces.

Turkey&nbsp;has repeatedly voiced frustration over what it says is the slow implementation of a deal with Washington to pull YPG fighters out of Manbij, a town in mainly Arab territory west of the Euphrates.

"We have the Manbij roadmap, we discussed whether we can implement this by the time that they (US&nbsp;forces) withdraw," Cavusoglu said, referring to the Manbij deal.

"So many issues that&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;and the United States should coordinate (on) and there shouldn't be any vacuum in the country that terrorist groups might also fill."

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusgolu on Friday welcomed the United States' decision to withdraw its troops from Syria and said Washington should coordinate with Ankara on the pull-out.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusgolu on Friday welcomed the United States' decision to withdraw its troops from Syria and said Washington should coordinate with Ankara on the pull-out. US President Donald Trump's announcement that the United States would withdraw its 2,000 troops has upended a pillar of American policy in the Middle East. Critics say it will make it harder to find a diplomatic solution to Syria's seven-year-old civil war. But for Turkey, Trump's abrupt move marks the removal of a major source of friction with the United States. The two NATO allies have long been at odds over Syria, where Washington has backed Syrian Kurdish YPG fighters. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist organisation. "With regards to the withdrawal, the decision of the United States to withdraw from Syria, we welcome that decision and Turkey fully support the territorial integrity of (Syria)," Cavusoglu told reporters in Malta, during an official visit. "We need to coordinate this withdrawal with the United States and we are already in touch at different levels." President Tayyip Erdogan said this week Turkey might start a new military operation in Syria at any moment. Its forces have intervened to sweep YPG and Islamic State fighters from territory west of the Euphrates over the past two years. It has not gone east of the river, partly to avoid direct confrontation with US forces. Turkey has repeatedly voiced frustration over what it says is the slow implementation of a deal with Washington to pull YPG fighters out of Manbij, a town in mainly Arab territory west of the Euphrates. "We have the Manbij roadmap, we discussed whether we can implement this by the time that they (US forces) withdraw," Cavusoglu said, referring to the Manbij deal. "So many issues that Turkey and the United States should coordinate (on) and there shouldn't be any vacuum in the country that terrorist groups might also fill."

Turkey welcomes US decision to withdraw from Syria

US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Erdogan, that Washington was working on extraditing a US-based Muslim cleric accused of orchestrating a failed Turkish coup in 2016, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday.

"In Argentina, Trump told Erdogan they were working on extraditing Gulen and other people," Cavusoglu said at a conference in Doha, referring to the G20 summit in Argentina from November 30 to December 1.

US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Erdogan, that Washington was working on extraditing a US-based Muslim cleric accused of orchestrating a failed Turkish coup in 2016, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday.

US President Donald Trump told his Turkish counterpart, Tayyip Erdogan, that Washington was working on extraditing a US-based Muslim cleric accused of orchestrating a failed Turkish coup in 2016, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Sunday. "In Argentina, Trump told Erdogan they were working on extraditing Gulen and other people," Cavusoglu said at a conference in Doha, referring to the G20 summit in Argentina from November 30 to December 1.

Trump working on extraditing Gulen: Turkish foreign minister

Turkey will keep striking Kurdish PKK fighters in northern Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Saturday, a day after Baghdad formally complained that repeated Turkish air strikes violated its sovereignty and endangered civilians.

The Turkish military said on Friday it killed eight Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, prompting Iraqi authorities to summon the Turkish ambassador in Baghdad.

Turkey regularly hits PKK bases across its southern border, saying the militants use the remote and mountainous northern Iraqi region as a base for deadly attacks inside Turkey, where the outlawed group has waged an insurgency since the 1980s.

President Tayyip Erdogan threatened to launch a ground offensive in northern Iraq earlier this year. This week he also announced an imminent operation against a Kurdish militia in neighbouring Syria.

The U.S.-backed YPG militia, which has been fighting Islamic State in Syria, controls Syria's northeastern border with Turkey. Ankara says it is an extension of the PKK and poses a direct threat to Turkey.

"The activities of the PKK terrorist organisation in the territory of Iraq and Syria have become a national security issue for Turkey," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said.

He said the government in Baghdad had a duty to prevent Iraqi land being used as a base for attacks on neighbours, and described Friday's air strikes as an act of self-defence which Turkey carried out because Iraq would not act.

"These operations in the fight against terrorism will continue as long as terror organisations nest on Iraqi soil and as long as Turkey’s security needs require it to," Aksoy said.

The PKK is designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. It has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast that has killed about 40,000 people.

Turkey will keep striking Kurdish PKK fighters in northern Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Saturday, a day after Baghdad formally complained that repeated Turkish air strikes violated its sovereignty and endangered civilians.

Turkey will keep striking Kurdish PKK fighters in northern Iraq, the foreign ministry said on Saturday, a day after Baghdad formally complained that repeated Turkish air strikes violated its sovereignty and endangered civilians. The Turkish military said on Friday it killed eight Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, prompting Iraqi authorities to summon the Turkish ambassador in Baghdad. Turkey regularly hits PKK bases across its southern border, saying the militants use the remote and mountainous northern Iraqi region as a base for deadly attacks inside Turkey, where the outlawed group has waged an insurgency since the 1980s. President Tayyip Erdogan threatened to launch a ground offensive in northern Iraq earlier this year. This week he also announced an imminent operation against a Kurdish militia in neighbouring Syria. The U.S.-backed YPG militia, which has been fighting Islamic State in Syria, controls Syria's northeastern border with Turkey. Ankara says it is an extension of the PKK and poses a direct threat to Turkey. "The activities of the PKK terrorist organisation in the territory of Iraq and Syria have become a national security issue for Turkey," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said. He said the government in Baghdad had a duty to prevent Iraqi land being used as a base for attacks on neighbours, and described Friday's air strikes as an act of self-defence which Turkey carried out because Iraq would not act. "These operations in the fight against terrorism will continue as long as terror organisations nest on Iraqi soil and as long as Turkey’s security needs require it to," Aksoy said. The PKK is designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. It has waged a three-decade insurgency in Turkey's largely Kurdish southeast that has killed about 40,000 people.

Turkey will keep attacking PKK in Iraq: Foreign ministry

Breaking News: Tayyip Erdogan speaks out on Paris protest

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded Saturday that Saudi Arabia extradite suspects in the killing in Istanbul of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, taking to task the kingdom's crown prince who was basking in his quick return to the world stage at the G20.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's presence at the summit of the Group of 20 powers in Buenos Aires demonstrated he was firmly in control, as he met with Western leaders and sealed an oil pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But the Turkish leader, also attending the G20, was visibly cooler toward the 33-year-old prince and on Saturday directly criticized him for the first time over the killing of Khashoggi, a royal confidant turned critic.

Saudi Arabia has said that 21 people are in custody and vowed to keep probing the killing of Khashoggi, who was killed and dismembered after visiting the kingdom's Istanbul consulate to handle paperwork for his planned wedding.&nbsp;

"It's essential that these people are tried in Turkey in order to eliminate any question marks that the international community may have," Erdogan told reporters in Buenos Aires.

"Whoever has ordered and implemented this violent crime should be found out at once. Unless the perpetrators are found out, the whole world and the Islamic community shall not be satisfied."

Erdogan said the Saudis have refused to help Turkish prosecutors with information on the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body and the identities of accomplices said to have supported the visiting Saudi hit squad.

The Islamist-oriented Turkish leader, who has been vying for influence in the region with Saudi Arabia, said he did "not wish to cause any damage" to the royal family.

But he criticized Prince Mohammed, saying that during the summit the Saudi heir apparent gave an "unbelievable explanation" on Khashoggi's killing.

The prince told world leaders that "unless the crime is proven, you cannot blame Saudi Arabia," Erdogan quoted him as saying.

"Of course, that might be valid from a legal point of view," Erdogan said. "But his own officials have admitted that this was a planned operation."

Only Canada raises case

Erdogan said that only one G20 leader -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- raised the journalist's killing in the full summit.

Erdogan said that he himself did not bring up the case as time ran out in the session.

Both French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May said they raised the Khashoggi case during private meetings with the crown prince, with Macron overheard on an open microphone telling him, "You never listen to me."

Canada has been outspoken on human rights in Saudi Arabia, which has retaliated by breaking off diplomatic relations and vowing to end trade.

But US President Donald Trump has said that it does not matter if the crown prince ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived near Washington because the kingdom is a major buyer of arms, supplier of oil and opponent of Iran.

In a nod to growing criticism at home on Saudi Arabia, Trump only exchanged "pleasantries" with the crown prince, according to the White House.

But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with his Saudi counterpart in Buenos Aires, and again defended the US embrace of the crown prince.

"There's no direct evidence linking him to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi," Pompeo told CNN.&nbsp;

Reports implicate prince

Several US news reports say that the CIA has concluded that the crown prince ordered the killing, even if there is no "smoking gun" evidence.

The Wall Street Journal, quoting the CIA assessment, said Saturday that Prince Mohammed sent at least 11 messages in the hours before the killing to a close adviser charged with overseeing the murder.

The crown prince enjoyed a buoyant welcome at the G20 on Friday from Putin, the two exchanging a high-five and grinning broadly as if they were long-lost friends.

Putin said he had agreed with Prince Mohammed to renew a pact on cutting oil production by their two nations, the world's leading exporters of crude.

Analysts had been touting a Russia-Saudi deal ahead of talks next week in Vienna of the OPEC oil cartel, as global crude prices have been slumping.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded Saturday that Saudi Arabia extradite suspects in the killing in Istanbul of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, taking to task the kingdom's crown prince who was basking in his quick return to the world stage at the G20.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan demanded Saturday that Saudi Arabia extradite suspects in the killing in Istanbul of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, taking to task the kingdom's crown prince who was basking in his quick return to the world stage at the G20. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's presence at the summit of the Group of 20 powers in Buenos Aires demonstrated he was firmly in control, as he met with Western leaders and sealed an oil pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. But the Turkish leader, also attending the G20, was visibly cooler toward the 33-year-old prince and on Saturday directly criticized him for the first time over the killing of Khashoggi, a royal confidant turned critic. Saudi Arabia has said that 21 people are in custody and vowed to keep probing the killing of Khashoggi, who was killed and dismembered after visiting the kingdom's Istanbul consulate to handle paperwork for his planned wedding. "It's essential that these people are tried in Turkey in order to eliminate any question marks that the international community may have," Erdogan told reporters in Buenos Aires. "Whoever has ordered and implemented this violent crime should be found out at once. Unless the perpetrators are found out, the whole world and the Islamic community shall not be satisfied." Erdogan said the Saudis have refused to help Turkish prosecutors with information on the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body and the identities of accomplices said to have supported the visiting Saudi hit squad. The Islamist-oriented Turkish leader, who has been vying for influence in the region with Saudi Arabia, said he did "not wish to cause any damage" to the royal family. But he criticized Prince Mohammed, saying that during the summit the Saudi heir apparent gave an "unbelievable explanation" on Khashoggi's killing. The prince told world leaders that "unless the crime is proven, you cannot blame Saudi Arabia," Erdogan quoted him as saying. "Of course, that might be valid from a legal point of view," Erdogan said. "But his own officials have admitted that this was a planned operation." Only Canada raises case Erdogan said that only one G20 leader -- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau -- raised the journalist's killing in the full summit. Erdogan said that he himself did not bring up the case as time ran out in the session. Both French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May said they raised the Khashoggi case during private meetings with the crown prince, with Macron overheard on an open microphone telling him, "You never listen to me." Canada has been outspoken on human rights in Saudi Arabia, which has retaliated by breaking off diplomatic relations and vowing to end trade. But US President Donald Trump has said that it does not matter if the crown prince ordered the killing of Khashoggi, who lived near Washington because the kingdom is a major buyer of arms, supplier of oil and opponent of Iran. In a nod to growing criticism at home on Saudi Arabia, Trump only exchanged "pleasantries" with the crown prince, according to the White House. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with his Saudi counterpart in Buenos Aires, and again defended the US embrace of the crown prince. "There's no direct evidence linking him to the murder of Jamal Khashoggi," Pompeo told CNN. Reports implicate prince Several US news reports say that the CIA has concluded that the crown prince ordered the killing, even if there is no "smoking gun" evidence. The Wall Street Journal, quoting the CIA assessment, said Saturday that Prince Mohammed sent at least 11 messages in the hours before the killing to a close adviser charged with overseeing the murder. The crown prince enjoyed a buoyant welcome at the G20 on Friday from Putin, the two exchanging a high-five and grinning broadly as if they were long-lost friends. Putin said he had agreed with Prince Mohammed to renew a pact on cutting oil production by their two nations, the world's leading exporters of crude. Analysts had been touting a Russia-Saudi deal ahead of talks next week in Vienna of the OPEC oil cartel, as global crude prices have been slumping.

Khashoggi killing: Turkey's Erdogan demands suspects be handed over

Turkey's nationalist MHP will support President Tayyip Erdogan`s AK Party candidates in local elections in three key cities next year, the MHP leader said on Saturday, in a boost to the AKP`s election prospects.

The AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) formed an alliance before presidential elections last June but were subsequently at loggerheads over a disagreement about the MHP`s call for an amnesty for some jailed criminals.

A month ago MHP leader Devlet Bahceli said his party would not seek an alliance with the AK Party in the March 2019 municipal elections which are being held across Turkey.

At the time his comments triggered a weakening of the lira over concerns that it would lead to political instability.

However, Bahceli announced a change of position on Saturday saying the MHP would not put forward city mayoral candidates for Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, Turkey`s three biggest cities.

"Whoever the Justice and Development Party`s (AKP) candidates are in these three big cities our support will be total," Bahceli told officials from his party in a speech in Antalya.&nbsp;

The MHP`s candidates in other municipalities across Turkey would continue to stand, he said, adding there was no "secret agreement" behind his party`s decision.

It was not clear what prompted the change in Bahceli's position.&nbsp;

Bahceli and his MHP party had been staunch critics of Erdogan`s AK Party before they reached agreement on their election alliance this year. Their alliance had been expected to continue despite last month`s decision not to cooperate in the local elections.

The local elections themselves will have little impact on the balance of power in Turkey generally.

Under the presidential system ushered in by the June elections, Erdogan already wields extensive power. However, his AK Party requires the support of MHP lawmakers to achieve a majority and push through legislation in parliament.

Turkey's nationalist MHP will support President Tayyip Erdogan`s AK Party candidates in local elections in three key cities next year, the MHP leader said on Saturday, in a boost to the AKP`s election prospects.

Turkey's nationalist MHP will support President Tayyip Erdogan`s AK Party candidates in local elections in three key cities next year, the MHP leader said on Saturday, in a boost to the AKP`s election prospects. The AK Party and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) formed an alliance before presidential elections last June but were subsequently at loggerheads over a disagreement about the MHP`s call for an amnesty for some jailed criminals. A month ago MHP leader Devlet Bahceli said his party would not seek an alliance with the AK Party in the March 2019 municipal elections which are being held across Turkey. At the time his comments triggered a weakening of the lira over concerns that it would lead to political instability. However, Bahceli announced a change of position on Saturday saying the MHP would not put forward city mayoral candidates for Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, Turkey`s three biggest cities. "Whoever the Justice and Development Party`s (AKP) candidates are in these three big cities our support will be total," Bahceli told officials from his party in a speech in Antalya. The MHP`s candidates in other municipalities across Turkey would continue to stand, he said, adding there was no "secret agreement" behind his party`s decision. It was not clear what prompted the change in Bahceli's position. Bahceli and his MHP party had been staunch critics of Erdogan`s AK Party before they reached agreement on their election alliance this year. Their alliance had been expected to continue despite last month`s decision not to cooperate in the local elections. The local elections themselves will have little impact on the balance of power in Turkey generally. Under the presidential system ushered in by the June elections, Erdogan already wields extensive power. However, his AK Party requires the support of MHP lawmakers to achieve a majority and push through legislation in parliament.

Turkey President Erdogan's AKP gets local election boost from nationalists

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