After four failed bids in the recent past, Turkey is finally set to be awarded the hosting rights for a major international football tournament this week when UEFA decides where Euro 2032 will be staged. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long dreamt of hosting one of the world's most prestigious sporting events.

Now he is set to finally get the chance, despite the country being mired in an economic crisis with the annual inflation rate hovering near 60 percent.

On Tuesday, UEFA's executive committee meets to announce the hosts for the 2028 and 2032 European Championships.

Turkey withdrew its bid to host in 2028 in order to focus all its effort on a united proposal with Italy to stage the tournament four years later.

That bid has no rivals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-gabriel-martinelli-strikes-late-as-arsenal-end-city-curse-644243">Premier League: Gabriel Martinelli strikes late as Arsenal end City curse</a>

Erdogan is not feigning an interest in what is Turkey's most popular sport -- in his younger years he played at semi-professional level and he is an avowed supporter of Fenerbahce, the Istanbul giants who are one of the country's biggest clubs.

Winning the right to host the biggest sporting event in Europe would be one of the crowning moments of his time in power.

It would also be highly symbolic in political terms.

"In modern times, sport has always been perceived as a means for Turkey to forge its own legitimacy and compete equally with the rest of the western world," says Daghan Irak, a lecturer in media communication at the University of Huddersfield in England.

"Erdogan has not diverted from that historic strategy."

Erdogan became prime minister at the end of 2002, at the same time Turkey's joint bid with Greece -- during a period of improving relations between the two countries -- to host Euro 2008 failed.

UEFA awarded that tournament to Austria and Switzerland.

Turkey then went out on its own in a bid to host Euro 2012, only to miss out to a joint Ukraine-Poland candidacy, while in 2016 it lost out to France.

<h2>- Human rights concerns -</h2>

They then missed out to Germany for Euro 2024, with UEFA's evaluation of the bid highlighting concerns about the country's "lack of an action plan in the area of human rights".

After four failed attempts, and having joined forces with Italy, the lack of any rival contenders means Turkey is now sure to get its chance.

That is despite human rights concerns still lingering following Erdogan's re-election as President in May -- he has not shown any clemency towards, or announced an amnesty for, tens of thousands of political opponents who have been imprisoned.

Turkey's Court of Cassation recently upheld a sentence of life imprisonment for Osman Kavala, a benefactor and philanthropist accused of financing anti-government protests in 2013.

Kavala will serve his sentence in isolation and has no possibility of early release.

"Unfortunately, these actions continue to undermine Turkey's prospects of joining the EU," said Nacho Sanchez Amor, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey.

Previous Turkish bids have also fallen down due to questions about stadiums in the country.

However, that is no longer a problem according to Bagis Erten, a contributor to Socrates magazine who teaches sports communication at Kadir Has University in Istanbul.

"If the AKP (the ruling party since 2002) know how to do one thing, it is build," he says.

"They love that! We really have a lot of good stadiums now."

Erten cites examples in medium-sized cities like Trabzon, on the Black Sea, Konya and Eskisehir in Central Anatolia, and Izmir, the country's third-largest city, situated on the Aegean Sea coast.

"Our stadiums are now better prepared than in a lot of other countries," he adds. He believes Turkey could not bid to host a global event like the Olympics, "but it is absolutely in a position to host the Euro, in economic and security terms as well as for it's footballing culture and the crowds that go to matches".

In June it hosted the UEFA Champions League final, when Manchester City beat Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

"Turkey is ready now," Erten insists.

And in terms of integration into Europe, Irak adds, "it is much easier for Erdogan's Turkey to organise an international football tournament than to respect the verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights".

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After four failed bids in the recent past, Turkey is finally set to be awarded the hosting rights for a major international football tournament this week when UEFA decides where Euro 2032 will be staged.

After four failed bids in the recent past, Turkey is finally set to be awarded the hosting rights for a major international football tournament this week when UEFA decides where Euro 2032 will be staged. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has long dreamt of hosting one of the world's most prestigious sporting events. Now he is set to finally get the chance, despite the country being mired in an economic crisis with the annual inflation rate hovering near 60 percent. On Tuesday, UEFA's executive committee meets to announce the hosts for the 2028 and 2032 European Championships. Turkey withdrew its bid to host in 2028 in order to focus all its effort on a united proposal with Italy to stage the tournament four years later. That bid has no rivals. ALSO READ: Premier League: Gabriel Martinelli strikes late as Arsenal end City curse Erdogan is not feigning an interest in what is Turkey's most popular sport -- in his younger years he played at semi-professional level and he is an avowed supporter of Fenerbahce, the Istanbul giants who are one of the country's biggest clubs. Winning the right to host the biggest sporting event in Europe would be one of the crowning moments of his time in power. It would also be highly symbolic in political terms. "In modern times, sport has always been perceived as a means for Turkey to forge its own legitimacy and compete equally with the rest of the western world," says Daghan Irak, a lecturer in media communication at the University of Huddersfield in England. "Erdogan has not diverted from that historic strategy." Erdogan became prime minister at the end of 2002, at the same time Turkey's joint bid with Greece -- during a period of improving relations between the two countries -- to host Euro 2008 failed. UEFA awarded that tournament to Austria and Switzerland. Turkey then went out on its own in a bid to host Euro 2012, only to miss out to a joint Ukraine-Poland candidacy, while in 2016 it lost out to France. - Human rights concerns - They then missed out to Germany for Euro 2024, with UEFA's evaluation of the bid highlighting concerns about the country's "lack of an action plan in the area of human rights". After four failed attempts, and having joined forces with Italy, the lack of any rival contenders means Turkey is now sure to get its chance. That is despite human rights concerns still lingering following Erdogan's re-election as President in May -- he has not shown any clemency towards, or announced an amnesty for, tens of thousands of political opponents who have been imprisoned. Turkey's Court of Cassation recently upheld a sentence of life imprisonment for Osman Kavala, a benefactor and philanthropist accused of financing anti-government protests in 2013. Kavala will serve his sentence in isolation and has no possibility of early release. "Unfortunately, these actions continue to undermine Turkey's prospects of joining the EU," said Nacho Sanchez Amor, the European Parliament's rapporteur on Turkey. Previous Turkish bids have also fallen down due to questions about stadiums in the country. However, that is no longer a problem according to Bagis Erten, a contributor to Socrates magazine who teaches sports communication at Kadir Has University in Istanbul. "If the AKP (the ruling party since 2002) know how to do one thing, it is build," he says. "They love that! We really have a lot of good stadiums now." Erten cites examples in medium-sized cities like Trabzon, on the Black Sea, Konya and Eskisehir in Central Anatolia, and Izmir, the country's third-largest city, situated on the Aegean Sea coast. "Our stadiums are now better prepared than in a lot of other countries," he adds. He believes Turkey could not bid to host a global event like the Olympics, "but it is absolutely in a position to host the Euro, in economic and security terms as well as for it's footballing culture and the crowds that go to matches". In June it hosted the UEFA Champions League final, when Manchester City beat Inter Milan at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. "Turkey is ready now," Erten insists. And in terms of integration into Europe, Irak adds, "it is much easier for Erdogan's Turkey to organise an international football tournament than to respect the verdicts of the European Court of Human Rights". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After four failed attempts Turkey set to realise long-term goal with bid to host Euro 2032

Turkey said that its forces have “neutralised” 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria after overnight attacks on militant targets amid a new wave of airstrikes, in retaliation for a suicide bombing attack in Ankara. This also comes days after Turkey called all targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as “legitimate targets” for its forces.&nbsp;

<h2>Turkish airstrikes in Syria</h2>

The conflict in the region escalated nearly a week after the Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for a bomb attack near the Turkish parliament, which wounded two police officers and killed the two attackers.

Turkey has previously said that the attackers arrived from Syria but the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) denied this. However, this has not stopped Ankara from launching a barrage of air strikes and attacks in northern Syria and Iraq.&nbsp;

“Targets belonging to PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria’s Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring operation areas were hit strongly all night long,” said the Turkish defence ministry, on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-60-people-killed-after-drone-attack-on-syria-military-academy-war-monitor-643007">Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor</a>

The ministry also said that these operations, which have “neutralised” – a term Ankara typically uses to mean killed – 58 militants in the region, are being carried out under self-defence rights.&nbsp;

The announcement comes after the Turkish defence ministry said it had hit 15 Kurdish targets in northern Syria on Friday evening with “with the maximum amount” of ammunition.&nbsp;

<h2>US shoots down Turkish drone</h2>

Notably, Turkey views the People’s Protection Units (YPG) as a terrorist organisation and says that it is indistinguishable from the PKK. “The PKK and the YPG are the same terrorist organisation, they are our legitimate target everywhere,” said the defence ministry official, on Thursday (Oct 5).&nbsp;

While the United States and European Union deem the PKK a terrorist organisation, not the YPG. In fact, the YPG is said to be the spearhead of the main ally of the US-led coalition against the Islamic state, which has soured Washington’s relations with Ankara as well as Paris.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-turkish-drone-in-syria-in-self-defence-643103">US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence'</a>

On Thursday, the US also shot down an armed Turkish drone that was operating near its troops in Syria. This is said to be the first time that Washington has brought down an aircraft of its NATO ally Ankara.&nbsp;

Both countries have reportedly held a series of calls since the incident where Turkey said that while non-conflict mechanisms with the parties on the ground would be improved, they will continue to hit militants in Syria and Iraq.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
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Turkey said that its forces have “neutralised” 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria after overnight attacks on militant targets amid a new wave of airstrikes, in retaliation for a suicide bombing attack in Ankara.

Turkey said that its forces have “neutralised” 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria after overnight attacks on militant targets amid a new wave of airstrikes, in retaliation for a suicide bombing attack in Ankara. This also comes days after Turkey called all targets belonging to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as “legitimate targets” for its forces. Turkish airstrikes in Syria The conflict in the region escalated nearly a week after the Kurdish militants claimed responsibility for a bomb attack near the Turkish parliament, which wounded two police officers and killed the two attackers. Turkey has previously said that the attackers arrived from Syria but the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) denied this. However, this has not stopped Ankara from launching a barrage of air strikes and attacks in northern Syria and Iraq. “Targets belonging to PKK/YPG terrorists in northern Syria’s Euphrates Shield, Olive Branch, and Peace Spring operation areas were hit strongly all night long,” said the Turkish defence ministry, on Saturday. ALSO READ | Death toll after drone attack on Syria military academy rises to 112: War monitor The ministry also said that these operations, which have “neutralised” – a term Ankara typically uses to mean killed – 58 militants in the region, are being carried out under self-defence rights. The announcement comes after the Turkish defence ministry said it had hit 15 Kurdish targets in northern Syria on Friday evening with “with the maximum amount” of ammunition. US shoots down Turkish drone Notably, Turkey views the People’s Protection Units (YPG) as a terrorist organisation and says that it is indistinguishable from the PKK. “The PKK and the YPG are the same terrorist organisation, they are our legitimate target everywhere,” said the defence ministry official, on Thursday (Oct 5). While the United States and European Union deem the PKK a terrorist organisation, not the YPG. In fact, the YPG is said to be the spearhead of the main ally of the US-led coalition against the Islamic state, which has soured Washington’s relations with Ankara as well as Paris. ALSO READ | US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence' On Thursday, the US also shot down an armed Turkish drone that was operating near its troops in Syria. This is said to be the first time that Washington has brought down an aircraft of its NATO ally Ankara. Both countries have reportedly held a series of calls since the incident where Turkey said that while non-conflict mechanisms with the parties on the ground would be improved, they will continue to hit militants in Syria and Iraq. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey claims to have ‘neutralised’ 58 Kurdish militants in northern Syria

The Pentagon said on Thursday (Oct 5) that US warplanes shot down a Turkish drone that was deemed a threat to American forces in Syria. Addressing a press conference, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said that American troops observed drones carrying out strikes early Thursday, some of them inside a "restricted operating zone" (ROZ) near Hasakeh.

The Pentagon said on Thursday (Oct 5) that US warplanes shot down a Turkish drone that was deemed a threat to American forces in Syria. Addressing a press conference, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said that American troops observed drones carrying out strikes early Thursday, some of them inside a "restricted operating zone" (ROZ) near Hasakeh. "US commanders assessed... the UAV, which was now less than a half kilometre from US forces, to be a potential threat," Ryder told reporters. "US F-16 fighters subsequently shot down the UAV in self-defence," he added. The incident came as US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Turkish counterpart Yasar Guler on Thursday, urging "de-escalation in northern Syria and the importance of maintaining strict adherence to de-confliction protocols and communication through established military-to-military channels. Confirming the conversation, Ankara said two officials discussed "the latest developments in Syria." Deaths due to drone attack at Syria military academy climb to 112 Meanwhile, a drone attack on a Syrian military academy has killed 112 people so far, the news agency AFP reported early Friday citing a war monitor. As per the Syrian army, "armed terrorist organisations" targeted "the graduation ceremony for officers of the military academy" in the central city of Homs. The attack was carried out with "explosive-laden drones", according to the military statement, vowing to "respond with full force". The government declared three days of mourning starting Friday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 120 people were injured. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres was "deeply concerned" over the drone attack and the retaliatory shelling, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. In a statement, the UN's special envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen said, "Today's horrific scenes are a reminder of the need to immediately de-escalate violence, towards a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to countering Security Council-listed terrorist groups." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria in 'self defence'

US F-16 warplanes on Thursday shot down a drone belonging to NATO ally Turkey that was deemed a potential threat to American forces in Syria, the Pentagon said.

US shoots down Turkish drone in Syria | New York city subway attack | WION Speed News

Turkish forces have conducted new air strikes in northern Iraq and destroyed 20 targets of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), its Ministry of National Defence says.

Turkey launches new attack on PKK targets in northern Iraq

Turkiye strikes Kurdish militants in northern Iraq

Turkey has carried out a number of airstrikes on Kurdish rebels in Northern Iraq. The attacks came hours after a Kurdish group took responsibility for a suicide bombing outside the Turkish Parliament. The Turkish Government said that 20 targets were destroyed and many from the PKK group have also been neutralized.

Turkey: Ankara targets PKK strongholds after terror attack in the capital

Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation", Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkey's vice president was quoted as saying by Financial Times.&nbsp;

Turkey is combating a resurgence of Kurdish rebels, reflected recently in an attack close to the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), ahead of the opening of a parliament session.&nbsp;

Also watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-parliament-attack-suicide-bomb-attack-reported-just-before-parliament-was-set-to-meet-641442">Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet</a>

<h2>Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events</h2>

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in July that Ankara would no longer resist Sweden's request to join NATO.&nbsp;

But Erdogan's purported commitment to let Sweden enter NATO has to be ratified in the parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday but the agenda was overshadowed by the suicide bombing that occurred close to the parliamentary premise.&nbsp;

During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden within the US-led military alliance, the allies of his Justice and Development party (AKP) in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it has to join NATO.&nbsp;

The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of masterminding a 2016 coup attempt.&nbsp;

Yılmaz further cautioned Sweden saying that since these issues are very crucial to Ankara, the parliament would be under great pressure if significant measures are not taken by Stockholm. Sweden had signed an agreement with Turkey last year in which it vowed to take stern action action extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group.

"Our parliament is very sensitive about these issues because there is a public opinion in Turkey," Yılmaz said.

"If we don’t see enough progress in practice, then the parliament will be under great pressure."

Yılmaz further sharing a clause to the approval from parliament said that it would fairly depend upon if “real concrete steps are taken against the terrorist groups or individuals that work openly against Turkey”.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism — which Ankara claims is supported by Stockholm in the name of free speech — if it is to garner its support to enter the US-led NATO alliance amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine. "We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation", Cevdet Yilmaz, Turkey's vice president was quoted as saying by Financial Times. Turkey is combating a resurgence of Kurdish rebels, reflected recently in an attack close to the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), ahead of the opening of a parliament session. Also watch | Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said in July that Ankara would no longer resist Sweden's request to join NATO. But Erdogan's purported commitment to let Sweden enter NATO has to be ratified in the parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday but the agenda was overshadowed by the suicide bombing that occurred close to the parliamentary premise. During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden within the US-led military alliance, the allies of his Justice and Development party (AKP) in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it has to join NATO. The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of masterminding a 2016 coup attempt. Yılmaz further cautioned Sweden saying that since these issues are very crucial to Ankara, the parliament would be under great pressure if significant measures are not taken by Stockholm. Sweden had signed an agreement with Turkey last year in which it vowed to take stern action action extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group. "Our parliament is very sensitive about these issues because there is a public opinion in Turkey," Yılmaz said. "If we don’t see enough progress in practice, then the parliament will be under great pressure." Yılmaz further sharing a clause to the approval from parliament said that it would fairly depend upon if “real concrete steps are taken against the terrorist groups or individuals that work openly against Turkey”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid

On Sunday, there was a suicide bombing close to Turkey's parliament in Ankara. Around 12 p.m., two assailants "arrived in front of the entrance gate of the General Directorate of Security of our Ministry of the Interior, and carried out a bomb attack," according to the interior ministry. They arrived in a commercial vehicle.

Parliament Attack: Suicide bombing hits Turkish capital Ankara

Two suicide bombers launched an attack near the Turkish Parliament and Ministry of Interior Affairs building on Sunday (Oct 1) in Ankara, the officials said. While one of the terrorists died in the explosion, the other was gunned down by security officers.

Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that&nbsp;two attackers approached the entrance of Turkey's&nbsp;Interior Ministry's General Directorate of Security&nbsp;at about 9.30am local time on Sunday in a commercial vehicle.

"One of the terrorists blew himself up and the other terrorist was neutralised," Yerlikaya said. He added that two police officers were "slightly injured" in the fire caused by the blast.

Turkish media also reported that gunshots were heard in the same area after the blast.

A clip from the CCTV footage that went viral on social media showed the moment the blast took place&nbsp;near Turkey's parliament.&nbsp;

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🚨🇹🇷 New footage of suicide terror attack near Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey. 2 police officers were injured. Christian fundamentalist Armenian militia are still main suspects. <a href="https://t.co/47cJQV1PQU">pic.twitter.com/47cJQV1PQU</a>
— Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) <a href="https://twitter.com/Terror_Alarm/status/1708426807102332929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The attack came hours before the lawmakers were set to return to the parliament scheduled to reopen on Sunday after a three-month-long summer break. The explosion was the first in the Turkish capital since 2016.&nbsp;

Bomb squads were seen working near a parked vehicle in the area on television, with Turkish media saying they were inspecting it.&nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack saying that the "terrorists" will never achieve their aims.

"The villains who threaten the peace and security of citizens have not achieved their objectives and will never achieve them," he said.

Media also reported extensive security measures, including the closure of traffic and dispatching of special operations police, fire department personnel and medical teams.

State-run&nbsp;run Anadolu news agency reported that Turkey’s criminal court of peace in Ankara has restricted media access and publication of the attack in accordance with a new law passed last year that curbs “disinformation”, with those accused of breaching the law threatened with up to three years in prison.&nbsp;

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Two suicide bombers launched an attack near the Turkish Parliament and Ministry of Interior Affairs building on Sunday (Oct 1) in Ankara, the officials said. While one of the terrorists died in the explosion, the other was gunned down by security officers.

Two suicide bombers launched an attack near the Turkish Parliament and Ministry of Interior Affairs building on Sunday (Oct 1) in Ankara, the officials said. While one of the terrorists died in the explosion, the other was gunned down by security officers. Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that two attackers approached the entrance of Turkey's Interior Ministry's General Directorate of Security at about 9.30am local time on Sunday in a commercial vehicle. "One of the terrorists blew himself up and the other terrorist was neutralised," Yerlikaya said. He added that two police officers were "slightly injured" in the fire caused by the blast. Turkish media also reported that gunshots were heard in the same area after the blast. A clip from the CCTV footage that went viral on social media showed the moment the blast took place near Turkey's parliament. 🚨🇹🇷 New footage of suicide terror attack near Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey. 2 police officers were injured. Christian fundamentalist Armenian militia are still main suspects. pic.twitter.com/47cJQV1PQU — Terror Alarm (@Terror_Alarm) October 1, 2023 × The attack came hours before the lawmakers were set to return to the parliament scheduled to reopen on Sunday after a three-month-long summer break. The explosion was the first in the Turkish capital since 2016. Bomb squads were seen working near a parked vehicle in the area on television, with Turkish media saying they were inspecting it. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack saying that the "terrorists" will never achieve their aims. "The villains who threaten the peace and security of citizens have not achieved their objectives and will never achieve them," he said. Media also reported extensive security measures, including the closure of traffic and dispatching of special operations police, fire department personnel and medical teams. State-run run Anadolu news agency reported that Turkey’s criminal court of peace in Ankara has restricted media access and publication of the attack in accordance with a new law passed last year that curbs “disinformation”, with those accused of breaching the law threatened with up to three years in prison. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Suicide bomber triggers blast near Turkish parliament, another shot; 2 officers injured

Turkey Parliament Attack: Suicide bomb attack reported just before Parliament was set to meet

According to marine traffic monitors, Istanbul received the first grain ship to leave Ukraine since Russia reinstated its Black Sea blockade in July on Thursday. When the Palau-flagged Resilient Africa ship departed Ukraine's Chornomorsk port on Tuesday, according to Ukrainian officials, it was carrying 3,000 tonnes of wheat.

Ship with Ukraine grain back in Turkey under "humanitarian corridor"

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Saturday (September 16), accused the European Union of distancing itself from Turkey and further threatened to part ways with the EU.

The report, which was adopted earlier this week, said that Turkey's acquisition process with the 27-member bloc cannot resume under the current circumstances and also called for the European Union to explore a " parallel and realistic framework" for its ties with Ankara.

"The EU is trying to break away from Turkey," Erdogan told reporters ahead of a trip to the United States. "We will make our evaluations against these developments and if necessary, we can part ways with the EU."

Earlier this week, Turkey's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that the European Parliament report held unsubstantiated accusations and prejudices and took "a shallow and non-visionary" approach to the country's ties with the EU.

The EU's enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi travelled to Turkey earlier this month, where he said that while the membership had "huge potential", the bloc needed to see action on human rights issues before the talks resumed.

Varhelyi said, "There are very clear criteria set out also by the European Council that would need to be addressed".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-to-revisit-kabul-airport-suicide-bombing-that-killed-13-us-servicemen-636446">Pentagon to revisit Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 US servicemen, interview two dozen new witnesses</a>

"And these criteria are related to democracy and the rule of law and, for example, a credible roadmap for moving forward in these reforms," he said.

<h2>Turkeys demand over&nbsp;Sweden's NATO bid</h2>

In July, Erdogan released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. His remarks came at the time of the NATO summit.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had reacted to Erdogan's demand terming it as 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation.

Erdogan asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy.

“I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said.

"Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital.

"First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland."

Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987.

It then converted into an &nbsp;EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005.

The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Saturday (September 16), accused the European Union of distancing itself from Turkey and further threatened to part ways with the EU.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Saturday (September 16), accused the European Union of distancing itself from Turkey and further threatened to part ways with the EU. The report, which was adopted earlier this week, said that Turkey's acquisition process with the 27-member bloc cannot resume under the current circumstances and also called for the European Union to explore a " parallel and realistic framework" for its ties with Ankara. "The EU is trying to break away from Turkey," Erdogan told reporters ahead of a trip to the United States. "We will make our evaluations against these developments and if necessary, we can part ways with the EU." Earlier this week, Turkey's Foreign Ministry released a statement saying that the European Parliament report held unsubstantiated accusations and prejudices and took "a shallow and non-visionary" approach to the country's ties with the EU. The EU's enlargement commissioner Oliver Varhelyi travelled to Turkey earlier this month, where he said that while the membership had "huge potential", the bloc needed to see action on human rights issues before the talks resumed. Varhelyi said, "There are very clear criteria set out also by the European Council that would need to be addressed". Also read: Pentagon to revisit Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 US servicemen, interview two dozen new witnesses "And these criteria are related to democracy and the rule of law and, for example, a credible roadmap for moving forward in these reforms," he said. Turkeys demand over Sweden's NATO bid In July, Erdogan released a statement saying that he would only support Sweden's NATO candidacy if the European Union resumes membership talks with Ankara. His remarks came at the time of the NATO summit. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz had reacted to Erdogan's demand terming it as 'unrelated' to the issue of giving Sweden the security guarantees afforded by the world's most powerful military organisation. Erdogan asserted that many of the same leaders who were blockading Turkey's EU membership now wanted him to support Sweden's candidacy. “I would like to underline one reality. Turkey has been waiting at the EU’s front door for 50 years,” Erdogan said. "Almost all the NATO members are EU members. I now am addressing these countries, which are making Turkey wait for more than 50 years, and I will address them again in Vilnius," Erdogan said moments before boarding his flight for the summit in the Lithuanian capital. "First, open the way to Turkey's membership of the European Union, and then we will open it for Sweden, just as we had opened it for Finland." Turkey first applied to be a member of the European Economic Community in the year 1987. It then converted into an EU candidate country in the year 1999 and formally launched membership negotiations with the bloc in the year 2005. The talks paused over human rights violation concerns from the European countries that surfaced amid a sweeping crackdown launched by Erdogan after surviving a failed 2016 military coup. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey could 'part ways' with European Union if necessary

Turkey has been in “intensive negotiations” to find its alternative to the India-Middle East trade corridor plan which was finalised at the G20 summit this month, as the country aims to bolster its historic role in the transport route for goods sent from Asia to Europe. 
 
Turkey has not supported the proposed India-Middle East route which would transport goods from the subcontinent to European markets, passing through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-tayyip-erdogan-says-turkey-could-part-ways-with-european-union-if-necessary-636623">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey could 'part ways' with European Union if necessary</a>

The trade corridor, which has been supported by the US and EU as they try to counter the growing influence of China, will be completely bypassing Turkey.

<h2>No corridor without Turkey: Erdogan</h2>

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after the G20 Summit that “there can be no corridor without Turkey”, adding that “the most appropriate route for trade from east to west must pass through Turkey”. 
 
Since then, the country's foreign minister Hakan Fidan has doubled down on the scepticism, stating this week that “experts had doubts that the primary goal [of the India-Middle East corridor] was rationality and efficiency” and suggesting “more geostrategic concerns” were at play. 
 
“A trade route does not only mean meeting trade alone. It’s also a reflection of geostrategic competition,” said Fidan, while responding to a question from the Financial Times. 
 
Turkey has now proposed an alternative route called the Iraq Development Road initiative, as Fidan insisted that “intensive negotiations” are underway with Qatar, the UAE and Iraq about a project which would be forged “within the next few months”. 
 
Through the proposed $17 billion route, goods will be taken from the Grand Faw port in southern Iraq, passing through 10 Iraqi provinces, to Turkey, as per the diagrams released by the Baghdad government.

WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq | Latest News | WION

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“Turkey lacks the financing to realise the full scope of the project, and seems to be counting on UAE and Qatari support to build the proposed infrastructure,” stated Emre Peker, Europe director at the Eurasia Group think-tank, while speaking to the Financial Times. 
 
“For that to happen, the Gulf states would need to be convinced of good returns on investment — something that is not imminently evident with the [Development Road] project,” Peker stated. 
 
He stated that there are also “issues around security and stability that threaten both construction and the long-term feasibility of the project”.

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Turkey has been in “intensive negotiations” to find its alternative to the India-Middle East trade corridor plan which was finalised at the G20 summit this month, as the country aims to bolster its historic role in the transport route for goods sent from Asia to Europe.

Turkey has been in “intensive negotiations” to find its alternative to the India-Middle East trade corridor plan which was finalised at the G20 summit this month, as the country aims to bolster its historic role in the transport route for goods sent from Asia to Europe. Turkey has not supported the proposed India-Middle East route which would transport goods from the subcontinent to European markets, passing through the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Israel. ALSO READ | Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey could 'part ways' with European Union if necessary The trade corridor, which has been supported by the US and EU as they try to counter the growing influence of China, will be completely bypassing Turkey. No corridor without Turkey: Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said after the G20 Summit that “there can be no corridor without Turkey”, adding that “the most appropriate route for trade from east to west must pass through Turkey”. Since then, the country's foreign minister Hakan Fidan has doubled down on the scepticism, stating this week that “experts had doubts that the primary goal [of the India-Middle East corridor] was rationality and efficiency” and suggesting “more geostrategic concerns” were at play. “A trade route does not only mean meeting trade alone. It’s also a reflection of geostrategic competition,” said Fidan, while responding to a question from the Financial Times. Turkey has now proposed an alternative route called the Iraq Development Road initiative, as Fidan insisted that “intensive negotiations” are underway with Qatar, the UAE and Iraq about a project which would be forged “within the next few months”. Through the proposed $17 billion route, goods will be taken from the Grand Faw port in southern Iraq, passing through 10 Iraqi provinces, to Turkey, as per the diagrams released by the Baghdad government. WATCH | Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq | Latest News | WION “Turkey lacks the financing to realise the full scope of the project, and seems to be counting on UAE and Qatari support to build the proposed infrastructure,” stated Emre Peker, Europe director at the Eurasia Group think-tank, while speaking to the Financial Times. “For that to happen, the Gulf states would need to be convinced of good returns on investment — something that is not imminently evident with the [Development Road] project,” Peker stated. He stated that there are also “issues around security and stability that threaten both construction and the long-term feasibility of the project”. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Turkey drums up support for alternative to India-Middle East trade corridor

Hundreds of people have been killed after Storm Daniel swept through the Mediterranean over the weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy floods to several countries, including Libya, over the past two days. The death toll was not immediately clear amid conflict reports ranging from hundreds to thousands of people, said a report by Reuters, on Monday (September 11) citing senior officials.&nbsp;

The storm in question also brought torrential rains and wreaked havoc in Turkey, Bulgaria and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-at-least-15-killed-after-storm-daniel-brings-most-intense-rainstorms-since-1930-634668">Greece</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>About the victims</h2>

According to the head of the eastern Libyan government, Osama Hamad, more than 2,000 people have died in the coastal city of Derna and thousands of others were reported to be missing.&nbsp;

However, he did not give a source for his data and the figures could not be verified independently since the country is politically split east and west with two rival administrations in charge and crumbling public services since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising.

Hamad is the head of the government which is not internationally recognised and operates in the eastern regions of the country that are controlled by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA).&nbsp;

The head of the Red Crescent aid group in the region said Derna’s death toll was expected to rise. “We recorded at least 150 deaths (in Derna) after the collapse of buildings. We expect death toll to rise to 250. The situation is very catastrophic,” Red Crescent’s Kais Fhakeri told Reuters.&nbsp;

Mohamed Massoud, a spokesman for the Benghazi-based administration in Libya, said that at least 150 people have been killed due to “flooding and torrential rains left by storm Daniel in Derna, Jabal al-Akhdar region and the suburbs of Al-Marj,” as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

Massoud said that hundreds of residents are said to be trapped and rescuers, backed by the army, are trying to come to their aid. He added that the east Libyan authorities had “lost contact with nine soldiers during rescue operations”.&nbsp;

<h2>What do we know about the damage?</h2>

Reports citing images and videos by residents in the flood-stricken areas said that parts of the country are witnessing swamping roads and some buildings were also destroyed in Derna. The storm also swept through other settlements along the coast, including Libya’s second-biggest city of Benghazi.

Some images also show massive mudslides, collapsed buildings and entire neighbourhoods submerged under muddy water, reported AFP. Images posted by Almostkbal TV show a collapsed road between Sousse and Shahat, home to the Greek-founded and UNESCO-listed archaeological site Cyrene.

“Entire neighbourhoods in Derna have disappeared, along with their residents...swept away by water,” Hamad told al-Masar TV.&nbsp;

Derna resident Saleh al-Obaidi told Reuters how he managed to flee with his family after houses in a valley near the city had collapsed. “People were asleep and woke up and found their homes surrounded by water,” he added.&nbsp;

Reuters citing witnesses said that the water level in Derna had reached three metres (10 feet).&nbsp;

<h2>Officials respond to disaster</h2>

Libya’s eastern-based parliament declared three days of mourning after the disaster. Reuters citing witnesses also said that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing and the authorities have declared a state of extreme emergency, closing schools and stores and imposing a curfew.

The United Nations in Libya said it was following the storm closely and would “provide urgent relief assistance in support of response efforts at local and national levels”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the interim western government in Tripoli, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, announced three days of mourning in affected cities, calling them “disaster cities” and emphasised “the unity of all Libyans” in the face of the disaster.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
 
&nbsp;

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Hundreds of people have been killed after Storm Daniel swept through the Mediterranean over the weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy floods to several countries, including Libya, over the past two days.

Hundreds of people have been killed after Storm Daniel swept through the Mediterranean over the weekend, bringing strong winds and heavy floods to several countries, including Libya, over the past two days. The death toll was not immediately clear amid conflict reports ranging from hundreds to thousands of people, said a report by Reuters, on Monday (September 11) citing senior officials. The storm in question also brought torrential rains and wreaked havoc in Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. About the victims According to the head of the eastern Libyan government, Osama Hamad, more than 2,000 people have died in the coastal city of Derna and thousands of others were reported to be missing. However, he did not give a source for his data and the figures could not be verified independently since the country is politically split east and west with two rival administrations in charge and crumbling public services since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising. Hamad is the head of the government which is not internationally recognised and operates in the eastern regions of the country that are controlled by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). The head of the Red Crescent aid group in the region said Derna’s death toll was expected to rise. “We recorded at least 150 deaths (in Derna) after the collapse of buildings. We expect death toll to rise to 250. The situation is very catastrophic,” Red Crescent’s Kais Fhakeri told Reuters. Mohamed Massoud, a spokesman for the Benghazi-based administration in Libya, said that at least 150 people have been killed due to “flooding and torrential rains left by storm Daniel in Derna, Jabal al-Akhdar region and the suburbs of Al-Marj,” as quoted by AFP. Massoud said that hundreds of residents are said to be trapped and rescuers, backed by the army, are trying to come to their aid. He added that the east Libyan authorities had “lost contact with nine soldiers during rescue operations”. What do we know about the damage? Reports citing images and videos by residents in the flood-stricken areas said that parts of the country are witnessing swamping roads and some buildings were also destroyed in Derna. The storm also swept through other settlements along the coast, including Libya’s second-biggest city of Benghazi. Some images also show massive mudslides, collapsed buildings and entire neighbourhoods submerged under muddy water, reported AFP. Images posted by Almostkbal TV show a collapsed road between Sousse and Shahat, home to the Greek-founded and UNESCO-listed archaeological site Cyrene. “Entire neighbourhoods in Derna have disappeared, along with their residents...swept away by water,” Hamad told al-Masar TV. Derna resident Saleh al-Obaidi told Reuters how he managed to flee with his family after houses in a valley near the city had collapsed. “People were asleep and woke up and found their homes surrounded by water,” he added. Reuters citing witnesses said that the water level in Derna had reached three metres (10 feet). Officials respond to disaster Libya’s eastern-based parliament declared three days of mourning after the disaster. Reuters citing witnesses also said that search-and-rescue operations were ongoing and the authorities have declared a state of extreme emergency, closing schools and stores and imposing a curfew. The United Nations in Libya said it was following the storm closely and would “provide urgent relief assistance in support of response efforts at local and national levels”. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the interim western government in Tripoli, Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah, announced three days of mourning in affected cities, calling them “disaster cities” and emphasised “the unity of all Libyans” in the face of the disaster. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Libya: Hundreds feared dead after Storm Daniel causes ‘catastrophic’ floods

Nine days after being trapped in narrow tunnels of a Turkish cave, an international team of rescuers finally managed to pull out Mark Dickey, a US-based explorer to safety on Tuesday (September 12).

Nine days after being trapped in narrow tunnels of a Turkish cave, an international team of rescuers finally managed to pull out Mark Dickey, a US-based explorer to safety on Tuesday (September 12). Described as one of the largest and most complicated underground rescue operations ever mounted, an international team of 200 rescuers was pressed into service to pull off the miracle. "Mark Dickey was removed from the last exit of the cave," the Turkish Caving Federation said, adding that the "cave rescue part of the operation has ended successfully." The 40-year-old explorer was examining the depths of the Morca Cave, a remote complex of twisting underground passageways in southern Turkey's Taurus Mountains, when he fell ill. Stuck at a depth of 1,120 metres (3,695 feet), Dickney developed stomach problems, leading to internal bleeding. Notably, the Morca Cave is Turkey's third-deepest, its lowest point reaching nearly 1.3 kilometres (0.8 miles) below ground. Watch | Columbia Amazon miracle: Father of two survivors speak on ordeal × The rescue operation Upon understanding his condition, the rescuers started giving him infusions of blood, before undertaking any retrieval work. Afterwards, he was strapped to a stretcher, which was often lifted vertically by rope, through the narrow passageways of the cave. "He is in good health in general. He continues to be fed with liquids. We have resolved his stomach bleeding issues with plasma and serum support," Cenk Yildiz, the head of the local branch of Turkey's emergency response service, said earlier. In a video message, recorded last week, Dickey thanked the Turkish government for its help. "The quick response of the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I needed, in my opinion, saved my life," Dickey said. Also read | Rescue teams race to save sick American stuck in Turkish cave Dickey, who hails from New York, is regarded as a "well-known figure in the international speleological community, a highly trained caver, and a cave rescuer himself", according to the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA). "In addition to his activities as a speleologist, he is also the secretary of the ECRA medical committee and an instructor for cave rescue organisations in the USA," ECRA said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

American explorer stuck 3,700 feet deep in Morca Cave rescued after 9 days

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan has backed India's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, joining US President Joe Biden in doing so. The president of Turkey attended the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023.

Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq | Latest News | WION

Mark Dickey, a 40-year-old caver from the United States, faced a life-threatening situation while exploring the Morco cave, nestled in the Tauras Mountains in southern Turkey.

Mark Dickey, a 40-year-old caver from the United States, faced a life-threatening situation while exploring the Morco cave, nestled in the Tauras Mountains in southern Turkey. As Mark was 3,400 feet below the surface, he suddenly suffered from severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Mark's illness came as a shock to many, considering his extensive experience in such expeditions. His situation also raised questions about the risks associated with caving, which can be unanticipated even for skilled explorers. Here's everything you need to know about Mark Dickey, what happened to him inside the cave and his current situation. Who is Mark Dickey? Mark Dickey, the US researcher rescued from the Turkey cave after being trapped there for 12 days, is a highly skilled cave explorer. He is himself a cave rescuer and a well-known personality in the international speleological community. He is also the secretary of the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA) medical committee, an instructor at the National Cave Rescue Commission and Executive Director of the Cave Academy. What happened to Mark Dickey? Dickey was exploring the Morco cave in Turkey as a part of his expedition mission to map out the subterranean system at least 4,200 feet deep. However, when he reached 3,400 feet deep inside the cave, he experienced gastrointestinal bleeding and vomiting that made him too frail to make his way out. ALSO READ | Egypt bans face veil in schools for upcoming academic year The cave Dickey was trapped in comprises steep vertical shafts, deep pits and narrow passages, Reuters reported. Moreover, the cave is very wet and cold, having a temperature of around four degrees Celsius. Mark's situation sparked an international rescue operation led by at least 200 aid workers from the United States, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. ECRA said they first received the call about Mark's plight on September 2. They divided the rescue effort into seven parts. Despite his illness, he shared videos of his situation deep inside the Morco cave through videos. He remained hopeful even in his precarious situation and displayed immense resilience. On Tuesday, the Turkish Caving Federation confirmed that the rescue team had successfully removed Dickey from the cave. Dramatic stills from the rescue operations show the rescue team pulling Mark out of the cave. When he came out of the cave, smiling, he said, "I don’t quite know what’s happened, but I do know that the quick response by the Turkish government to get the medical supplies that I needed in my opinion saved my life. I was very close to the edge." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

What happened to Mark Dickey? Know about the US explorer who was rescued from a Turkey cave after 12 days

Turkey President Erdogan backs India for permanent UNSC seat

A truck ploughed through a crowd of mourners on Saturday in the southeastern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, killing five people and injuring 25 others, officials said.

According to local press reports, the brakes of the truck failed, sending it hurtling down a road overlooking a cemetery where dozens of people had gathered for a burial.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-delegates-reach-compromise-on-language-to-describe-war-in-ukraine-says-report-634076">G20 Summit: Delegates reach compromise on language to describe war in Ukraine, says report</a>

"At this stage, there are five dead and 25 injured. Some of the injuries are life-threatening," said provincial governor Mukerrem Unluer, according to Turkish media.

Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Macron to hold working lunch meeting with India's Modi 

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Images shown by Turkey's DHA agency showed a truck lying upside down next to a white car that was crushed.

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A truck ploughed through a crowd of mourners on Saturday in the southeastern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, killing five people and injuring 25 others, officials said.

A truck ploughed through a crowd of mourners on Saturday in the southeastern Turkish province of Kahramanmaras, killing five people and injuring 25 others, officials said. According to local press reports, the brakes of the truck failed, sending it hurtling down a road overlooking a cemetery where dozens of people had gathered for a burial. Also Read | G20 Summit: Delegates reach compromise on language to describe war in Ukraine, says report "At this stage, there are five dead and 25 injured. Some of the injuries are life-threatening," said provincial governor Mukerrem Unluer, according to Turkish media. Watch | G20 Summit 2023: Macron to hold working lunch meeting with India's Modi × Images shown by Turkey's DHA agency showed a truck lying upside down next to a white car that was crushed. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

5 dead, 25 injured as truck ploughs through mourners at funeral in Turkey

Turkey takes center stage on the global economic front as finance minister Mehmet Simsek embarks on a mission to drum up support for his bold rescue plan. His primary objective at the G20 is garnering support for his comprehensive rescue plan aimed at revitalising Turkey’s struggling emerging economy. Foreign investors have been retreating from the Turkish market, holding less than 1% of the country's bonds, down from approximately 20% in 2015.

Turkey’s investment roadshow at G20 summit

Turkey takes center stage on the global economic front as finance minister Mehmet Simsek embarks on a mission to drum up support for his bold rescue plan. His primary objective at the G20: was garnering support for his comprehensive rescue plan aimed at revitalizing Turkey’s struggling emerging economy. Foreign investors have been retreating from the Turkish market, holding less than 1% of the country's bonds, down from approximately 20% in 2015.

Turkeys' investment roadshow at G20 summit

Russia announced on Wednesday that Turkey has made a preliminary agreement to handle the one million metric tonnes of grain that Russia intends to ship at a reduced cost to Africa with assistance from Qatar.

Moscow put forth the plan after pulling out of a one-year agreement in July that had allowed Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports securely in an effort to contain a rise in food prices that had been worsened by Russia’s invasion.

Russia has made offers of free or heavily discounted grain, though much less than Ukraine had been shipping, to African nations, some of which have been experiencing food shortages.

According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters that he anticipated working with all parties in the near future to iron out all the technical details of the delivery plan.

The Russian grain would be exported by Turkey, although it was unclear exactly what its involvement would entail.

Moscow claims it left the previous agreement because the West did not eliminate sanctions-related barriers to its own exports of grains and fertilisers. However, Moscow also complained that not enough of the food made available under the Black Sea Agreement was reaching the world's poorest nations.

Since breaking out of the agreement, Russia has assaulted Ukrainian grain storage facilities, seaports, and rivers on several occasions, leading the West and Ukraine to accuse Moscow of using food as a weapon of war. Russia refers to its action in Ukraine as a “special military operation.”

(With inputs from Reuters)

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Russia announced on Wednesday that Turkey has made a preliminary agreement to handle the one million metric tonnes of grain that Russia intends to ship at a reduced cost to Africa with assistance from Qatar.

Russia announced on Wednesday that Turkey has made a preliminary agreement to handle the one million metric tonnes of grain that Russia intends to ship at a reduced cost to Africa with assistance from Qatar. Moscow put forth the plan after pulling out of a one-year agreement in July that had allowed Ukraine to ship grain from its Black Sea ports securely in an effort to contain a rise in food prices that had been worsened by Russia’s invasion. Russia has made offers of free or heavily discounted grain, though much less than Ukraine had been shipping, to African nations, some of which have been experiencing food shortages. According to the Russian news agency Interfax, Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters that he anticipated working with all parties in the near future to iron out all the technical details of the delivery plan. The Russian grain would be exported by Turkey, although it was unclear exactly what its involvement would entail. Moscow claims it left the previous agreement because the West did not eliminate sanctions-related barriers to its own exports of grains and fertilisers. However, Moscow also complained that not enough of the food made available under the Black Sea Agreement was reaching the world's poorest nations. Since breaking out of the agreement, Russia has assaulted Ukrainian grain storage facilities, seaports, and rivers on several occasions, leading the West and Ukraine to accuse Moscow of using food as a weapon of war. Russia refers to its action in Ukraine as a “special military operation.” (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia: Turkey to handle 1 million tonnes of grain for Africa

Fierce rainstorms wreak havoc across Bulgaria, Turkiye and Greece, triggering severe floods, claiming at least 5 lives.

At least 5 dead as severe rainstorms floods hit Bulgaria, Turkey & Greece | WION Climate Tracker

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey, tried to persuade Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, on Monday to renew a deal that allowed Ukraine to export grain and other goods from three Black Sea ports while being at war with Russia.

Turkish President Erdogan holds three-hour long discussion with the Russian President

The central bank in Turkiye has a difficult situation as it hikes interest rates to attempt to address a cost-of-living problem since inflation has escalated far quicker than projected, with the biggest increase since the beginning of 2022.

Turkey's central bank battles inflation

Black Sea Grain Deal: Turkey's Erdogan fails to convince Putin

A video captured by a passerby of a moment when a meteor flew across and lit up the night sky in the Turkish city of Erzurum and Gumushane Province in the east of the country is gaining traction on social media.&nbsp;

<h2>About the video</h2>

Onur Kacmaz who posted the video on X (formerly Twitter), on Saturday (September 2) was said to be in a children’s park in the evening when a meteor flew across the night sky briefly lighting up the clouds in a somewhat green and then red colour.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Gökyüzüne dikkat 👁️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/erzurum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#erzurum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/meteor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#meteor</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/g%C3%B6ky%C3%BCz%C3%BC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gökyüzü</a> <a href="https://t.co/mKkLIv9LGv">pic.twitter.com/mKkLIv9LGv</a>
— onurkacmaz (@onurkacmaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/onurkacmaz/status/1698023673678971175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The video of the dramatic view which is said to have been caused by the meteoroid entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere and heating up, has since garnered nearly 65,000 views and over 230 likes with it being widely shared on social media.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rare-astronomical-accident-meteorite-hits-woman-sipping-coffee-with-a-friend-616184">Rare astronomical accident: Meteorite hits woman sipping coffee with a friend</a>

<h2>Different angle</h2>

Another video which is said to be of the same meteor was posted by another X user with the caption “Another great angle of the green meteor spotted in Turkey about an hour ago.”&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Another great angle of the green meteor spotted in Turkey about an hour ago. <a href="https://t.co/JXx5hBNJcU">pic.twitter.com/JXx5hBNJcU</a>
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) <a href="https://twitter.com/WxNB_/status/1698041924928598349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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A report by the Abu Dhabi-based daily newspaper, The National, said that the meteor was also visible in the coastal city of Antalya and that it surprised some drivers along a rural road.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/meteor-remnants-found-on-pacific-not-part-of-solar-system-could-be-alien-technology-harvard-scientist-630303">Meteor remnants found in Pacific not part of solar system, could be 'alien technology': Harvard scientist</a>

<h2>What is a meteor?</h2>

According to the American space agency, NASA, meteoroids or “space rocks,” are objects in space that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids but when they enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burn up, the fireballs or “shooting stars” are called meteors.

Additionally, meteors, which are made of metals like iron and nickel, emit a green colour when they burn through the atmosphere.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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A video captured by a passerby of a moment when a meteor flew across and lit up the night sky in the Turkish city of Erzurum and Gumushane Province in the east of the country is gaining traction on social media.

A video captured by a passerby of a moment when a meteor flew across and lit up the night sky in the Turkish city of Erzurum and Gumushane Province in the east of the country is gaining traction on social media. About the video Onur Kacmaz who posted the video on X (formerly Twitter), on Saturday (September 2) was said to be in a children’s park in the evening when a meteor flew across the night sky briefly lighting up the clouds in a somewhat green and then red colour. Gökyüzüne dikkat 👁️ #erzurum #meteor #gökyüzü pic.twitter.com/mKkLIv9LGv — onurkacmaz (@onurkacmaz) September 2, 2023 × The video of the dramatic view which is said to have been caused by the meteoroid entering the Earth’s upper atmosphere and heating up, has since garnered nearly 65,000 views and over 230 likes with it being widely shared on social media. ALSO READ | Rare astronomical accident: Meteorite hits woman sipping coffee with a friend Different angle Another video which is said to be of the same meteor was posted by another X user with the caption “Another great angle of the green meteor spotted in Turkey about an hour ago.” Another great angle of the green meteor spotted in Turkey about an hour ago. pic.twitter.com/JXx5hBNJcU — Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) September 2, 2023 × A report by the Abu Dhabi-based daily newspaper, The National, said that the meteor was also visible in the coastal city of Antalya and that it surprised some drivers along a rural road. ALSO READ | Meteor remnants found in Pacific not part of solar system, could be 'alien technology': Harvard scientist What is a meteor? According to the American space agency, NASA, meteoroids or “space rocks,” are objects in space that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids but when they enter Earth’s atmosphere at high speed and burn up, the fireballs or “shooting stars” are called meteors. Additionally, meteors, which are made of metals like iron and nickel, emit a green colour when they burn through the atmosphere. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Meteor 'lights up' night sky in Turkish city of Erzurum

During talks with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan on Thursday in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov covered bilateral relations, the prospective reactivation of the Black Sea grain accord, and Moscow's alternative to the pact. According to the Russian foreign minister, they talked about the difficulties that have arisen since the Black Sea grain export agreement was terminated.

Russian, Turkish FMs discuss future of grain deal, bilateral relations

Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday (August 31) that reviving Ukrainian grain deal was 'critical' for food security. Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister was in Moscow.

"We underlined its critical role for global food security and stability in the Black Sea," he said during joint media appearance with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Fidan was in Moscow for preparations for an informal summit between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Turkey had helped broker the pre-existing grain deal between Ukraine and Russia that created safe passage for Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Russia pulled out of the deal last month.

Since then, both Russia and Ukraine have planned to begin shipping grain outside the framework of the deal.

Watch | Russia-Ukraine War | Late Wagner Chief Prigozhin spoke about his security in newly surfaced video

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Turkey wants the warring sides to return to the agreement and use it as a basis for broader peace talks.&nbsp;

"I reiterated our belief that revitalising the initiative will restore stability," Fidan said.&nbsp;

Russia maintains that the previous deal imposed indirect restrictions on its exports of grain and fertiliser by limiting Russia's access to international payment systems and insurance.

Lavrov on Thursday, repeated Russian stand that the country will rejoin the deal once its demands are met.

Turkey wanted to begin a "process focussed on understanding and answering Russia's demands".&nbsp;

The previous grain deal helped Ukraine export more than 30 million tonnes of grain and foodstuffs during the period it remained in effect.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/russias-earning-from-oil-stays-low-as-war-expenses-mount-report-630735">Russia’s earning from oil stays low as war expenses mount: Report &nbsp;</a>

This in turn, helped lower global food prices that had increased after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The cessation of &nbsp;grain exports in the immediate aftermath of the invasion had raised the spectre of global food crisis.

Putin and Erdogan are expected to meet each other in Russian resort city of Sochi on September 4. They will primarily discuss grain exports, reported Reuters citing two Turkish sources.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday (August 31) that reviving Ukrainian grain deal was 'critical' for food security. Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister was in Moscow.

Turkey's foreign minister said on Thursday (August 31) that reviving Ukrainian grain deal was 'critical' for food security. Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister was in Moscow. "We underlined its critical role for global food security and stability in the Black Sea," he said during joint media appearance with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Fidan was in Moscow for preparations for an informal summit between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Turkey had helped broker the pre-existing grain deal between Ukraine and Russia that created safe passage for Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Russia pulled out of the deal last month. Since then, both Russia and Ukraine have planned to begin shipping grain outside the framework of the deal. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War | Late Wagner Chief Prigozhin spoke about his security in newly surfaced video × Turkey wants the warring sides to return to the agreement and use it as a basis for broader peace talks. "I reiterated our belief that revitalising the initiative will restore stability," Fidan said. Russia maintains that the previous deal imposed indirect restrictions on its exports of grain and fertiliser by limiting Russia's access to international payment systems and insurance. Lavrov on Thursday, repeated Russian stand that the country will rejoin the deal once its demands are met. Turkey wanted to begin a "process focussed on understanding and answering Russia's demands". The previous grain deal helped Ukraine export more than 30 million tonnes of grain and foodstuffs during the period it remained in effect. Also Read | Russia’s earning from oil stays low as war expenses mount: Report This in turn, helped lower global food prices that had increased after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The cessation of grain exports in the immediate aftermath of the invasion had raised the spectre of global food crisis. Putin and Erdogan are expected to meet each other in Russian resort city of Sochi on September 4. They will primarily discuss grain exports, reported Reuters citing two Turkish sources. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Turkey underlines 'critical' need to revive Ukraine grain deal

Protesters chanted anti-govt. slogans in the Syrian city of Sweida. The protesters demand the end to authoritarian rule. Protesters call for the downfall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Protesters take to the city in Druze city as anti-government protests rock Syria

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