<p>The Turkish government said on Saturday (January 14) that it was ready to push for local ceasefires in Ukraine but said that neither Russia nor Ukraine had the military means to win the war. Ibrahim Kalin, the foreign policy advisor of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters, "Turkey is willing to push for local ceasefires and small localised de-escalations. Neither party is in a position to win the war militarily, on the ground," a report by news agency AFP said. Kalin conceded it seemed unlikely that Moscow and Kyiv were ready to strike an "overarching peace deal" in the coming months.</p>

<p>However, the advisor pointed out that the brutal cost of fighting might soon see the warring sides reconsider and accept localised truces in specific parts of the war zone.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-soledar-city-controlled-by-kyiv-fight-ongoing-says-report-552635">Ukraine war: Soledar city 'controlled' by Kyiv, fighting ongoing, says report</a></strong></p>

<p>Since the beginning of Russia's offensive in Ukraine on February 24 last year, President Erdogan has used his good relations with Moscow and Kyiv to try and mediate an end to the conflict. Erdogan has held repeated telephonic conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky aimed at finding common ground, the report said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey had hosted two early rounds of peace talks and helped strike an UN-backed agreement restoring Ukrainian grain deliveries across the Black Sea. A few weeks back, Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar had said that his government called for at least a humanitarian ceasefire, then a permanent ceasefire and then peace talks. Akar said on December 27 last year that the war will not end easily despite Turkey's efforts to arrange peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war in Ukraine will soon enter its 12th month with President Volodymyr Zelensky wanting to visit the United Nations and address a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia's offensive.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-eve-of-first-anniversary-of-ukraine-war-zelensky-wants-to-visit-un-and-address-general-assembly-552577">Zelensky wants to address UN General Assembly when Russian invasion completes one year</a></strong></p>

<p>On Saturday, key infrastructures in Kharkiv and the capital city of Kyiv were hit by Russian missiles while Ukraine said it is in control of the salt-mining city of Soledar. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to provide Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, making it the first Western country to supply Kyiv with main battle tanks. Last week, France, Germany and the United States pledged to send armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Turkish government said on Saturday (January 14) that it was ready to push for local ceasefires in Ukraine but said that neither Russia nor Ukraine had the military means to win the war.

The Turkish government said on Saturday (January 14) that it was ready to push for local ceasefires in Ukraine but said that neither Russia nor Ukraine had the military means to win the war. Ibrahim Kalin, the foreign policy advisor of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters, "Turkey is willing to push for local ceasefires and small localised de-escalations. Neither party is in a position to win the war militarily, on the ground," a report by news agency AFP said. Kalin conceded it seemed unlikely that Moscow and Kyiv were ready to strike an "overarching peace deal" in the coming months. However, the advisor pointed out that the brutal cost of fighting might soon see the warring sides reconsider and accept localised truces in specific parts of the war zone. ALSO READ | Ukraine war: Soledar city 'controlled' by Kyiv, fighting ongoing, says report Since the beginning of Russia's offensive in Ukraine on February 24 last year, President Erdogan has used his good relations with Moscow and Kyiv to try and mediate an end to the conflict. Erdogan has held repeated telephonic conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky aimed at finding common ground, the report said. Turkey had hosted two early rounds of peace talks and helped strike an UN-backed agreement restoring Ukrainian grain deliveries across the Black Sea. A few weeks back, Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar had said that his government called for at least a humanitarian ceasefire, then a permanent ceasefire and then peace talks. Akar said on December 27 last year that the war will not end easily despite Turkey's efforts to arrange peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The war in Ukraine will soon enter its 12th month with President Volodymyr Zelensky wanting to visit the United Nations and address a high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the eve of the first anniversary of Russia's offensive. ALSO READ | Zelensky wants to address UN General Assembly when Russian invasion completes one year On Saturday, key infrastructures in Kharkiv and the capital city of Kyiv were hit by Russian missiles while Ukraine said it is in control of the salt-mining city of Soledar. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to provide Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine, making it the first Western country to supply Kyiv with main battle tanks. Last week, France, Germany and the United States pledged to send armoured fighting vehicles to Ukraine. (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.

Ready to push for local ceasefires in Ukraine, says Turkey

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid8OloD6HKJ9ke" /><meta charset="utf-8" />Further straining the ties between Türkiye and Sweden, the former on Friday opened up an inquiry into an incident in Stockholm where an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was burnt by Kurdish elements.&nbsp;Trying to pacify Ankara, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson released a statement denouncing the Kurds behind the effigy burning and called it an act of 'sabotage' against Sweden's bid to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“People tried to show their views on the Swedish NATO accession through a disgusting way of portraying president Erdogan in almost something looking like an execution," said Kristersson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sweden-awaits-turkiyes-approval-to-join-nato-550578"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO</strong></a></p>

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<p>The Swedish PM was referring to Ankara once again halting its bid to join the powerful military alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Türkiye holds Sweden's fortunes in its hands. The Nordic country has been seeking a NATO spot since last year.&nbsp;So far, not much progress has been made on the issue as Ankara has refused to ratify Sweden's application.</p>

<p>Erdogan continues to blast Sweden for providing a safe haven to Kurdish 'terrorists'. The Turkish leader is also cross with the Nordic countries for imposing an arms embargo on Ankara after Türkiye's intervention in the Syrian conflict in 2019.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-refuses-to-ratify-sweden-and-finlands-nato-membership-bid-521606" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Turkey refuses to ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid</strong></a></p>

<p>"Until the promises made to our country are kept, we will maintain our principled position. We are closely following whether the promises made by Sweden and Finland are kept or not, and of course, the final decision will be up to our great parliament," Erdogan had said in the country's parliament last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A few days back,&nbsp;Kristersson said Sweden cannot accept some demands of Erdogan for NATO membership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From time to time, Türkiye mentions individuals that they want to see extradited from Sweden. To that I have said that those issues are handled within Swedish law,"&nbsp;Kristersson said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sweden-cannot-accept-some-demands-of-turkiye-for-nato-membership-pm-550526" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM</strong></a></p>

<p>Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all&nbsp;30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document.&nbsp;So far, 28 out of 30 countries have signed the document. Only Türkiye and Hungary are yet to put pen to paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Further straining the ties between Türkiye and Sweden, the former on Friday opened up an inquiry into an incident in Stockholm where an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was burnt by Kurdish elements.

Further straining the ties between Türkiye and Sweden, the former on Friday opened up an inquiry into an incident in Stockholm where an effigy of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was burnt by Kurdish elements. Trying to pacify Ankara, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson released a statement denouncing the Kurds behind the effigy burning and called it an act of 'sabotage' against Sweden's bid to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). “People tried to show their views on the Swedish NATO accession through a disgusting way of portraying president Erdogan in almost something looking like an execution," said Kristersson. WATCH | Sweden awaits Turkiye's approval to join NATO × The Swedish PM was referring to Ankara once again halting its bid to join the powerful military alliance. Türkiye holds Sweden's fortunes in its hands. The Nordic country has been seeking a NATO spot since last year. So far, not much progress has been made on the issue as Ankara has refused to ratify Sweden's application. Erdogan continues to blast Sweden for providing a safe haven to Kurdish 'terrorists'. The Turkish leader is also cross with the Nordic countries for imposing an arms embargo on Ankara after Türkiye's intervention in the Syrian conflict in 2019. Read more: Turkey refuses to ratify Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid "Until the promises made to our country are kept, we will maintain our principled position. We are closely following whether the promises made by Sweden and Finland are kept or not, and of course, the final decision will be up to our great parliament," Erdogan had said in the country's parliament last year. A few days back, Kristersson said Sweden cannot accept some demands of Erdogan for NATO membership. "From time to time, Türkiye mentions individuals that they want to see extradited from Sweden. To that I have said that those issues are handled within Swedish law," Kristersson said. Read more: Sweden cannot accept some demands of Turkiye for NATO membership: PM Notably, Sweden sped up its process to join the nuclear-armed alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, last year. It submitted the official application in May but to become a member, all 30 NATO allies need to sign the ratification document. So far, 28 out of 30 countries have signed the document. Only Türkiye and Hungary are yet to put pen to paper. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Türkiye opens investigation into Erdogan effigy burning incident in Sweden

<p>Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources&nbsp;Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas.&nbsp;"Negotiations with Russia on many issues are in progress. We are negotiating in a way that will be beneficial to us. We are talking about the deferral of payment, and many other issues. At the moment, we have not had a negative experience with Russia," the minister said, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister added, "At the moment, the most important issue for all countries is the security and security of supply."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-dept-agrees-to-officially-change-turkey-to-turkiye-549957">US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’</a></p>

<p>In October, Bloomberg had reported that Turkish oil and gas company Botas had appealed to the Russian government to defer a few pending payments for Russian gas till 2024.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister added that they are ready with the infrastructure for building a gas hub in Turkiye and a trading platform for European nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Donmez said he is confident that Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan will become key players in the gas trading platform being created in Turkiye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that Ankara will be an important player in this market, charging a fee for carrying out the transactions at the gas trading platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He stated that they will adjust the price of gas in accordance with the&nbsp;Western Europe market's price.</p>

<p>The minister said that the two countries are also discussing the second nuclear power plant's construction in Turkiye's&nbsp;Black Sea province of Sinop.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH|&nbsp;Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkiye towards an implosion</strong></p>

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<p>"The project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop is new for us. At first, we talked with Japan, now we are negotiating with Russia. The conditions for building a nuclear power plant in Sinop may be different compared to the Akkuyu NPP currently under construction. Russia has proposals for a nuclear power plant in Sinop. If we do not agree, we will negotiate with another country," the minister stated.</p>

<p>In September last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talked about the nuclear power plant's construction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea province.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas.

Turkiye's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Fatih Donmez on Friday said that the government is holding negotiations with Russian on deferring pending payment for natural gas. "Negotiations with Russia on many issues are in progress. We are negotiating in a way that will be beneficial to us. We are talking about the deferral of payment, and many other issues. At the moment, we have not had a negative experience with Russia," the minister said, as reported by the Russian news agency TASS. The minister added, "At the moment, the most important issue for all countries is the security and security of supply." ALSO READ| US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’ In October, Bloomberg had reported that Turkish oil and gas company Botas had appealed to the Russian government to defer a few pending payments for Russian gas till 2024. The minister added that they are ready with the infrastructure for building a gas hub in Turkiye and a trading platform for European nations. Donmez said he is confident that Iran, Russia and Azerbaijan will become key players in the gas trading platform being created in Turkiye. He added that Ankara will be an important player in this market, charging a fee for carrying out the transactions at the gas trading platform. He stated that they will adjust the price of gas in accordance with the Western Europe market's price. The minister said that the two countries are also discussing the second nuclear power plant's construction in Turkiye's Black Sea province of Sinop. WATCH| Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkiye towards an implosion "The project to build a nuclear power plant in Sinop is new for us. At first, we talked with Japan, now we are negotiating with Russia. The conditions for building a nuclear power plant in Sinop may be different compared to the Akkuyu NPP currently under construction. Russia has proposals for a nuclear power plant in Sinop. If we do not agree, we will negotiate with another country," the minister stated. In September last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had talked about the nuclear power plant's construction with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea province. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkiye, Russia continue discussion on gas payment deferral, says energy minister

<p>Agreeing to the Turkish government's request, the US State Department on Thursday has agreed to stop using the word 'Turkey' and will instead call the Eurasian country "Turkiye".&nbsp;US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "The Turkish embassy did request that we use this spelling in our communications."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "The department will use the spelling that you saw today in most of our formal diplomatic and bilateral contexts, including in public communications."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-russia-defence-ministers-hold-constructive-talks-in-moscow-547648"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow</strong></a></p>

<p>This was followed by an announcement of joint action between the US and Turkiye against the financers of the Islamic Group, the State Department wrote, AFP reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Price said that since "Turkey" is more widely understood by Americans, its use is not prohibited.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The call for changing the name from "Turkey to Turkiye" came in 2021, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the use of the latter in languages even in Latin script.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States has been using the term since August 2022 on a call between the NATO allies' defence chiefs and the State Department has occasionally used social media.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/countries-that-have-changed-their-names-as-turkey-becomes-turkiye-484695"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’</strong></a></p>

<p>Ever since the change in name, people worldwide have created memes, cartoons and jokes referring to the bird. Reacting to these, Turks have been upset believing them to be named because the British thought the species that came from the east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Turkish public broadcaster TRT World recently noted that "Turkey" can also be slang for a "stupid person."</p>

<p>Among other English-speaking countries, embassy websites in Australia, Ankara, India and New Zealand use Turkiye, while the UK, Irish and South African embassies use Turkey. However, as of Thursday, the US embassy website was inconsistent in the use of the country's spelling. and both were spotted.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Agreeing to the Turkish government's request, the US State Department on Thursday has agreed to stop using the word 'Turkey' and will instead call the Eurasian country "Turkiye".

Agreeing to the Turkish government's request, the US State Department on Thursday has agreed to stop using the word 'Turkey' and will instead call the Eurasian country "Turkiye". US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "The Turkish embassy did request that we use this spelling in our communications." He added, "The department will use the spelling that you saw today in most of our formal diplomatic and bilateral contexts, including in public communications." Also read | Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow This was followed by an announcement of joint action between the US and Turkiye against the financers of the Islamic Group, the State Department wrote, AFP reported. Price said that since "Turkey" is more widely understood by Americans, its use is not prohibited. The call for changing the name from "Turkey to Turkiye" came in 2021, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordered the use of the latter in languages even in Latin script. The United States has been using the term since August 2022 on a call between the NATO allies' defence chiefs and the State Department has occasionally used social media. Also read | Countries that have changed their names as Turkey becomes ‘Türkiye’ Ever since the change in name, people worldwide have created memes, cartoons and jokes referring to the bird. Reacting to these, Turks have been upset believing them to be named because the British thought the species that came from the east. A Turkish public broadcaster TRT World recently noted that "Turkey" can also be slang for a "stupid person." Among other English-speaking countries, embassy websites in Australia, Ankara, India and New Zealand use Turkiye, while the UK, Irish and South African embassies use Turkey. However, as of Thursday, the US embassy website was inconsistent in the use of the country's spelling. and both were spotted. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US State Dept agrees to officially change ‘Turkey’ spelling to desired ‘Turkiye’

<p>President Vladimir Putin, in his conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he was willing to hold talks with Ukraine if the latter is ready to accept territories which have been occupied by Russia, said the Kremlin on Thursday.&nbsp;"Putin again confirmed Russia's openness to serious dialogue on the condition of Kyiv authorities fulfilling the well-known and repeatedly voiced requirements of taking into account the new territorial realities," the Kremlin's statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine have been occupied by Russia. The Kremlin claims to have captured the Zaporizhzhia, Lugansk, Donetsk and Kherson regions, although they don't entirely control them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Russian side emphasised the destructive role of Western states, pumping the Kyiv regime with weapons and military equipment, providing it with operational information and targets," the statement read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-in-talks-with-russia-about-using-syrian-airspace-in-potential-operation-546388">Turkey in talks with Russia about using Syrian airspace in potential operation</a></p>

<p>The two leaders also talked about the landmark grain deal's implementation, which was brokered by the UN with Turkey's help, for restoring the delivery of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin stated that the two leaders talked about "the unblocking of food and fertiliser supplies from Russia" and the need for "the removal of all barriers to Russian exports." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Erdogan appealed to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to announce a "unilateral" ceasefire in the war-ravaged Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"President Erdogan said that calls for peace and negotiations should be supported by a unilateral ceasefire and a vision for a fair solution," Erdogan's office quoted the Turkish president as saying during a telephonic conversation with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later on Thursday, the Turkish president was scheduled to hold a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Erdogan has been trying to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv, as he shares good relations with both countries, to end the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Repeated attempts have been made by Erdogan to invite both Zelensky and Putin to Ankara for a peace summit.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move</strong></p>

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<p>The appeal for a 'unilateral' ceasefire was made by Erdogan after Russia's spiritual leader Patriarch Kirill had earlier on Thursday called for an Orthodox Christmas truce.</p>

<p>"I, Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, appeal to all the parties involved in the internecine conflict to cease fire and establish a Christmas truce from 12.00 on January 6 until 24.00 on January 7 so that Orthodox people can attend services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day," he stated.</p>

<p>President Erdogan has maintained good ties with Putin by not joining the West in imposing sanctions on Russia and increasing bilateral trade amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, the two leaders have tentative plans of establishing a natural gas hub in Ankara which can provide an alternate way to Russia for supplying Europe with fuel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The office of President Erdogan stated that Ankara "has strengthened and will continue to strengthen the infrastructure" of the proposed hub. Both the leaders hope to "implement (the project) as soon as possible", stated Erdogan's office.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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President Vladimir Putin, in his conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he was willing to hold talks with Ukraine if the latter is ready to accept territories which have been occupied by Russia, said the Kremlin on Thursday.

President Vladimir Putin, in his conversation with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said he was willing to hold talks with Ukraine if the latter is ready to accept territories which have been occupied by Russia, said the Kremlin on Thursday. "Putin again confirmed Russia's openness to serious dialogue on the condition of Kyiv authorities fulfilling the well-known and repeatedly voiced requirements of taking into account the new territorial realities," the Kremlin's statement read. Large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine have been occupied by Russia. The Kremlin claims to have captured the Zaporizhzhia, Lugansk, Donetsk and Kherson regions, although they don't entirely control them. "The Russian side emphasised the destructive role of Western states, pumping the Kyiv regime with weapons and military equipment, providing it with operational information and targets," the statement read. ALSO READ| Turkey in talks with Russia about using Syrian airspace in potential operation The two leaders also talked about the landmark grain deal's implementation, which was brokered by the UN with Turkey's help, for restoring the delivery of Ukrainian grain across the Black Sea. The Kremlin stated that the two leaders talked about "the unblocking of food and fertiliser supplies from Russia" and the need for "the removal of all barriers to Russian exports." Meanwhile, Erdogan appealed to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to announce a "unilateral" ceasefire in the war-ravaged Ukraine. "President Erdogan said that calls for peace and negotiations should be supported by a unilateral ceasefire and a vision for a fair solution," Erdogan's office quoted the Turkish president as saying during a telephonic conversation with Putin. Later on Thursday, the Turkish president was scheduled to hold a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Erdogan has been trying to mediate between Moscow and Kyiv, as he shares good relations with both countries, to end the war. Repeated attempts have been made by Erdogan to invite both Zelensky and Putin to Ankara for a peace summit. WATCH | Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move The appeal for a 'unilateral' ceasefire was made by Erdogan after Russia's spiritual leader Patriarch Kirill had earlier on Thursday called for an Orthodox Christmas truce. "I, Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, appeal to all the parties involved in the internecine conflict to cease fire and establish a Christmas truce from 12.00 on January 6 until 24.00 on January 7 so that Orthodox people can attend services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day," he stated. President Erdogan has maintained good ties with Putin by not joining the West in imposing sanctions on Russia and increasing bilateral trade amid the ongoing war. Now, the two leaders have tentative plans of establishing a natural gas hub in Ankara which can provide an alternate way to Russia for supplying Europe with fuel. The office of President Erdogan stated that Ankara "has strengthened and will continue to strengthen the infrastructure" of the proposed hub. Both the leaders hope to "implement (the project) as soon as possible", stated Erdogan's office. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says open for dialogue if Ukraine accepts 'new territorial realities'

Turkey is pushing Russia and Ukraine to begin peace talks. This move can hope to build on recent successful diplomatic initiatives. Watch further to know more.

Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks

Previously shadowed by strikingly high inflation rates; Turkey has seen the steepest drop in its inflation rates in the last 28 years. Trade deficit widens by 138.4% from last year.

World Business Watch: Turkey's consumer inflation at its lowest in 28 years

Explosion in Western Turkey killed seven people, including three children. The blast occurred at around 3:30 local time when a gas cannister was being changed at a Turkish Kebab shop. The governor said that five people were injured with one of them in a critical condition.

Explosion at Turkish restaurant kills 7 people, including 3 children; investigation still on

<p>A court in Turkey refused to release a top doctor, who has been facing years of imprisonment after she demanded an investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons by the army against Iraq's Kurdish fighters.&nbsp;Head of Turkish Medical Association Sebnem Korur Fincanci faced detention in October for making claims regarding chemical weapons in the media, which is considered close to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).</p>

<p>The militia had stated that it had lost its 17 fighters in attacks unleashed by the Turkish army using chemical weapons in northern Iraq's mountains and caves.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ|</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-syria-russia-defence-ministers-hold-constructive-talks-in-moscow-547648">Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow</a></p>

<p>Ankara, along with its Western allies, considers PKK a terrorist organisation which has waged a bloody insurgency, claiming thousands of lives since 1984.</p>

<p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had alleged Fincanci of "speaking the language of terrorism" and the defence ministry termed the allegation as "slander".</p>

<p>The forensic medicine expert faces imprisonment of up to 7.5 years if proven guilty of promoting "terror propaganda".</p>

<p>In her trial's second week, the 63-year-old doctor said to the presiding judge that comments of Erdogan have made an impartial hearing impossible.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH| Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkey towards an implosion</strong></p>

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<p>"The president could call me a terrorist," she said while speaking in a packed Istanbul courtroom. She added, "After this statement, how could public institutions and the judiciary make an independent ruling?"</p>

<p>"If I am a terrorist, I wonder what organisation I am a terrorist of. They treat me as if I am the most dangerous suspect in the world in order to influence you," Fincanci said to the presiding judge.</p>

<p>After the hearing ended, the doctor was sent back to jail and the next hearing was scheduled on January 11.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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A court in Turkey refused to release a top doctor, who has been facing years of imprisonment after she demanded an investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons by the army against Iraq's Kurdish fighters.

A court in Turkey refused to release a top doctor, who has been facing years of imprisonment after she demanded an investigation into the alleged use of chemical weapons by the army against Iraq's Kurdish fighters. Head of Turkish Medical Association Sebnem Korur Fincanci faced detention in October for making claims regarding chemical weapons in the media, which is considered close to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The militia had stated that it had lost its 17 fighters in attacks unleashed by the Turkish army using chemical weapons in northern Iraq's mountains and caves. ALSO READ| Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow Ankara, along with its Western allies, considers PKK a terrorist organisation which has waged a bloody insurgency, claiming thousands of lives since 1984. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had alleged Fincanci of "speaking the language of terrorism" and the defence ministry termed the allegation as "slander". The forensic medicine expert faces imprisonment of up to 7.5 years if proven guilty of promoting "terror propaganda". In her trial's second week, the 63-year-old doctor said to the presiding judge that comments of Erdogan have made an impartial hearing impossible. WATCH| Gravitas: How Erdogan is pushing Turkey towards an implosion "The president could call me a terrorist," she said while speaking in a packed Istanbul courtroom. She added, "After this statement, how could public institutions and the judiciary make an independent ruling?" "If I am a terrorist, I wonder what organisation I am a terrorist of. They treat me as if I am the most dangerous suspect in the world in order to influence you," Fincanci said to the presiding judge. After the hearing ended, the doctor was sent back to jail and the next hearing was scheduled on January 11. (With inputs from agencies)

Court refutes Turkish doctor's release plea in chemical arms trial

<p>Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between&nbsp;Turkish and Syrian<br />
ministers&nbsp;since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.&nbsp;Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief.<br />
<br />
The talks assume importance as both&nbsp;Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011</strong></p>

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<p>As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hit-by-massive-russian-strike-involving-more-than-100-missiles-547591">Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv</a></strong></p>

<p>This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria.</p>

<p>As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels.</p>

<p>This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011.

Defence ministers of Syria, Turkiye, and Russia met in Moscow on Wednesday and the Russian defence ministry said it was the first interaction between Turkish and Syrian ministers since the war broke out in Syria in the year 2011. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish and Syrian counterparts, Hulusi Akar and Ali Mahmoud Abbas, discussed "ways to resolve the Syrian crisis, the problem of refugees, and joint efforts to combat extremist groups in Syria", said the Russian defence ministry in a statement. Also present at the meeting was the Syrian spy chief. The talks assume importance as both Russia and Turkey are engaged in Syria, with Moscow supporting Damascus against its opponents, while Ankara has been backing the rebels. Watch | Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011 As per the Russian ministry, the meeting was "constructive", the Turkish defence ministry also echoed the sentiment and said that the meeting was held in a "constructive atmosphere", while the Syrian side said it was "positive". Also read | Russia has attacked Ukraine with over 120 missiles from air and sea, says Kyiv This meeting comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in recent days has repeatedly threatened to launch a military offensive against Kurdish groups in northern Syria. As per AFP, Russia and Turkiye are both parties to the Syrian war, with Moscow supporting the Damascus regime and Ankara backing the rebels. This was the first such formal talk between Turkiye and Syria. Earlier, the foreign ministers of the two nations had a brief informal exchange on the sidelines of a regional summit in 2021. (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.

Türkiye, Syria, Russia defence ministers hold ‘constructive’ talks in Moscow

<p>DJ Ozan Doğulu and his girlfriend Hera Aslan became the talk of the town when they attended a party last night. Both came for the gala night when their height difference was noticed by the people and netizens and soon it became the agenda on social media.</p>

<p>Ozan Doğulu and Hera Aslan have been dating each other for four years now, and they have always caught the eye of the public with their top-notch dressing style. But this time, their height difference at a New Year's Eve event didn't go unnoticed.</p>

<p>Here is the picture that created all the fuss:</p>
<img alt="Ozan and Hera " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8c675e61-4446-4319-a4d0-b26059b98882" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202022-12-28T165230.231.png" />
<p>Netizens all over social media started talking about Hera's dress and her height when both celebrities came together for a picture. Hera was ridiculed for wearing heels when she was already tall enough for Ozan, as heels made her look even taller than Ozan. Not just her height, but her loose-cut black dress also got criticism from people for being too revealing.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Ozan&nbsp;Doğulu?</strong></h2>

<p>Ozan is a Turkish music composer and record producer.&nbsp;He is the elder brother of Turkish singer Kenan&nbsp;Doğulu&nbsp;and the son of composer Yurdaer Doğulu and his wife Serpil Doğulu.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>He was the orchestra conductor of Sezen Aksu&nbsp;for a long time, and for the time being, he also contributed to his brother's albums. In addition, he started conducting his own music and worked as a DJ in various venues and events under the "Ozan Doğulu Live Project" initiative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On 15 June 2010, his first album 130 Bpm<i>&nbsp;</i>was released by DMC, in which several artists including Sesen Aksu, Tarkan,&nbsp;Kenan&nbsp;Doğulu, Ajda Pekkan, Ziynet Sali and Agusev Brass Band performed the songs.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Hera Aslan?</strong></h2>

<p>Hera Aslan is a singer who is now preparing to appear on screen with her long-time boyfriend Ozan's brother, Kenan. Ozan Doğulu's lover, Hera Aslan, was born in Istanbul in 1990.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CX8fSWBD9Ir/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Hera (@heraaslan)</a></p>
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<p>Stating that he was from Malatya, the server said that his paternal side was Iranian. After completing his education at Istanbul University, Department of Business Administration, he worked as a sports announcer for a long time. Kübra Hera Aslan stepped into music life by performing a duet with Ozan Doğulu in the song 'Öle Öle'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Apart from the height difference, there is also a 19-year age difference between the couple who do not plan to marry. However, the couple, says they are very happy together and,&nbsp;"First of all, we are very good friends."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


DJ Ozan Doğulu and his girlfriend Hera Aslan became the talk of the town when they attended a party last night. Both came for the gala night when their height difference was noticed by the people and netizens and soon it became the agenda on social media.

DJ Ozan Doğulu and his girlfriend Hera Aslan became the talk of the town when they attended a party last night. Both came for the gala night when their height difference was noticed by the people and netizens and soon it became the agenda on social media. Ozan Doğulu and Hera Aslan have been dating each other for four years now, and they have always caught the eye of the public with their top-notch dressing style. But this time, their height difference at a New Year's Eve event didn't go unnoticed. Here is the picture that created all the fuss: Netizens all over social media started talking about Hera's dress and her height when both celebrities came together for a picture. Hera was ridiculed for wearing heels when she was already tall enough for Ozan, as heels made her look even taller than Ozan. Not just her height, but her loose-cut black dress also got criticism from people for being too revealing. Who is Ozan Doğulu? Ozan is a Turkish music composer and record producer. He is the elder brother of Turkish singer Kenan Doğulu and the son of composer Yurdaer Doğulu and his wife Serpil Doğulu. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ozan Dogulu (@ozandogulu) × He was the orchestra conductor of Sezen Aksu for a long time, and for the time being, he also contributed to his brother's albums. In addition, he started conducting his own music and worked as a DJ in various venues and events under the "Ozan Doğulu Live Project" initiative. On 15 June 2010, his first album 130 Bpm was released by DMC, in which several artists including Sesen Aksu, Tarkan, Kenan Doğulu, Ajda Pekkan, Ziynet Sali and Agusev Brass Band performed the songs. Who is Hera Aslan? Hera Aslan is a singer who is now preparing to appear on screen with her long-time boyfriend Ozan's brother, Kenan. Ozan Doğulu's lover, Hera Aslan, was born in Istanbul in 1990. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hera (@heraaslan) × Stating that he was from Malatya, the server said that his paternal side was Iranian. After completing his education at Istanbul University, Department of Business Administration, he worked as a sports announcer for a long time. Kübra Hera Aslan stepped into music life by performing a duet with Ozan Doğulu in the song 'Öle Öle'. Apart from the height difference, there is also a 19-year age difference between the couple who do not plan to marry. However, the couple, says they are very happy together and, "First of all, we are very good friends."

Turkish music composer Ozan Doğulu and his girlfriend Hera Alsan mocked by netizens for height difference

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<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given his two cents on Cristiano Ronaldo and the snub that the Portuguese received during the FIFA World Cup. Erdogan said Ronaldo was subjected to a political ban during the tournament because he supported the Palestinian cause.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They have wasted Ronaldo. Unfortunately, they have imposed a political ban on him,” Erdogan was quoted as saying by Al-Jazeera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sending a footballer like Ronaldo to the pitch with just 30 minutes remaining to the match ruined his psychology and took away his energy," said the Turkish leader before adding, Ronaldo is someone who stands for the Palestinian cause."</p>

<p>While Erdogan claimed that Ronaldo supported Palestine, there is no real public evidence that points to the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-cristiano-ronaldos-journey-at-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-542012/#ronaldos-first-goal-at-2022-world-cup-541999"><strong>In pics | Cristiano Ronaldo's journey at the 2022 FIFA World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>Several doctored images and false reports routinely do the rounds of social media, suggesting the same. However, nearly every such post has been fact-checked and proven to be false.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A picture of Ronaldo holding a sign that reads “Together with the Palestinians" in Spanish went viral recently. However, it was found to be morphed as the original photo showed Ronaldo showing solidarity with the survivors of the Lorca earthquake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Portugal crashed out of the World Cup, Ronaldo broke down in tears and cried inconsolably. In a video that went viral on social media platforms, an emotional Ronaldo could be seen walking off the pitch after the final whistle.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-cristiano-ronaldo-moving-to-saudi-arabian-club-al-nassr-547016"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Is Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr?</strong></a></p>

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<p>After starting the initial games, Ronaldo was snubbed from a place in the placing XI by then-manager Fernando Santos. While the ploy worked elegantly against Switzerland in the pre-quarterfinal, Portugal missed Ronaldo's class in the quarterfinal where they lost to Morocco.</p>

<p>Santos at the time said he had no regrets for benching Ronaldo: “No, I don’t think so, no regrets. Cristiano is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary, so no regrets."</p>

<p>The 2022 World Cup was potentially Ronaldo's last dance on the world stage. Currently a free agent, the former Manchester United striker has been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2022-portugal-coach-santos-says-he-has-no-regrets-for-benching-ronaldo-541970" target="_blank"><strong>Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Portugal coach Santos says he has 'no regrets' for benching Ronaldo</strong></a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given his two cents on Cristiano Ronaldo and the snub that the Portuguese received during the FIFA World Cup. Erdogan said Ronaldo was subjected to a political ban during the tournament because he supported the Palestinian cause.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given his two cents on Cristiano Ronaldo and the snub that the Portuguese received during the FIFA World Cup. Erdogan said Ronaldo was subjected to a political ban during the tournament because he supported the Palestinian cause. “They have wasted Ronaldo. Unfortunately, they have imposed a political ban on him,” Erdogan was quoted as saying by Al-Jazeera. “Sending a footballer like Ronaldo to the pitch with just 30 minutes remaining to the match ruined his psychology and took away his energy," said the Turkish leader before adding, Ronaldo is someone who stands for the Palestinian cause." While Erdogan claimed that Ronaldo supported Palestine, there is no real public evidence that points to the same. In pics | Cristiano Ronaldo's journey at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Several doctored images and false reports routinely do the rounds of social media, suggesting the same. However, nearly every such post has been fact-checked and proven to be false. A picture of Ronaldo holding a sign that reads “Together with the Palestinians" in Spanish went viral recently. However, it was found to be morphed as the original photo showed Ronaldo showing solidarity with the survivors of the Lorca earthquake. After Portugal crashed out of the World Cup, Ronaldo broke down in tears and cried inconsolably. In a video that went viral on social media platforms, an emotional Ronaldo could be seen walking off the pitch after the final whistle. WATCH | Is Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr? × After starting the initial games, Ronaldo was snubbed from a place in the placing XI by then-manager Fernando Santos. While the ploy worked elegantly against Switzerland in the pre-quarterfinal, Portugal missed Ronaldo's class in the quarterfinal where they lost to Morocco. Santos at the time said he had no regrets for benching Ronaldo: “No, I don’t think so, no regrets. Cristiano is a great player, he came in when we thought it was necessary, so no regrets." The 2022 World Cup was potentially Ronaldo's last dance on the world stage. Currently a free agent, the former Manchester United striker has been linked to a move to Saudi Arabia. Read more: FIFA World Cup 2022: Portugal coach Santos says he has 'no regrets' for benching Ronaldo (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Cristiano Ronaldo stands for Palestine', claims Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

<p>Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday&nbsp;that Turkey is in talks with Russia to use the airspace above northern Syria. The talks are for a potential cross-border operation against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Turkish President Recep Erdogan said last month that the Turkish military could launch ground operations in northern Syria and Iraq besides the air campaigns. Erdogan also mentioned that nobody should be "disturbed" by the country's military operations in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey has already carried out three raids there and after a bomb attack in Istanbul, that killed six people and left 81 wounded, Istanbul intensified its attacks last month. Ankara blamed the attacks on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).</p>

<p>But PKK militant group and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have denied involvement in the bombing of the busy pedestrian avenue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During his interaction with reporters on Saturday (December 24), Akar said Ankara was in talks with Moscow, which supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, about the operation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said: "We are in talks and discussing with Russia about all issues including opening the airspace."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Erdogan said that Syria's military operations aim to expand its circle of security and peace. He had said Turkey's determination to form a 30-kilometre-long security corridor along the southern border with Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday that Turkey is in talks with Russia to use the airspace above northern Syria. The talks are for a potential cross-border operation against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on Saturday that Turkey is in talks with Russia to use the airspace above northern Syria. The talks are for a potential cross-border operation against the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia. This comes after Turkish President Recep Erdogan said last month that the Turkish military could launch ground operations in northern Syria and Iraq besides the air campaigns. Erdogan also mentioned that nobody should be "disturbed" by the country's military operations in Syria. Turkey has already carried out three raids there and after a bomb attack in Istanbul, that killed six people and left 81 wounded, Istanbul intensified its attacks last month. Ankara blamed the attacks on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). But PKK militant group and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have denied involvement in the bombing of the busy pedestrian avenue. During his interaction with reporters on Saturday (December 24), Akar said Ankara was in talks with Moscow, which supports Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces, about the operation. He said: "We are in talks and discussing with Russia about all issues including opening the airspace." Last month, Erdogan said that Syria's military operations aim to expand its circle of security and peace. He had said Turkey's determination to form a 30-kilometre-long security corridor along the southern border with Syria. 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 in talks with Russia about using Syrian airspace in potential operation

<p>Things have come a long way for the world since 1954 when India and China agreed on the so-called Panchsheel agreement. Newly minted cooperation between developing countries was then fashionable in the shadow of colonialism. Sovereignty of countries with the clause of "mutual non-interference" was in vogue as various nations and half-made countries progressed gingerly towards a dignified world order.</p>

<p>It is now time to re-open the "non-interference" clause because it is pertinent to ask if naked aggression (Russia in Ukraine), terrorism (Pakistan as a base for Islamist radicals), suppression of women (Iran and Afghanistan) and denial of basic human freedoms (China) should be bracketed in the 'non-interference' clause that seems rather absurd in the 21st century when there seems to be a broader, deeper global consensus on human welfare. We already have a track record of a stuttering but successful fight against racism in South Africa, which should serve as a pointer to what things can be.</p>

<p>Things have reached a new point of absurdity with the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-heartbreaking-video-of-wailing-afghan-girls-goes-viral-after-ban-on-female-education-545516">ban&nbsp;on university education for women</a> in Afghanistan ostensibly on the ground that the students do not follow an austere Islamic dress code prescribed by the Taliban regime.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-speak-to-wion-as-taliban-dismantles-their-right-to-education-campus-after-campus-545841">Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantles their Right to Education campus after campus</a></strong></p>

<p>There is good and bad news here.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the bad news is that the United States is now a pale shadow of its superpower self and the European economy is in deep crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the good news (sort of) comes from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, whose governments have stood up to condemn the Taliban. There are, of course, nuances here. Both Riyadh and Ankara have Islamist governments and Saudi Arabia has had its own dismal track record on women's rights.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has only recently allowed women to have passports, travel abroad, and live independently without a male guardian. A male relative is still required to give permission for a woman to marry or start certain types of business enterprises.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey is not doing much better. A UN-appointed special rapporteur said this year that officially, around one in four women in Turkey has suffered physical or sexual abuse by their partners and there are hundreds of femicides reported every year.</p>

<p>In such a context, it is interesting to see Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu describing the Afghan ban on university education for women as “neither Islamic nor humane". You could partially attribute this to diplomatic hypocrisy, but equally to the fact that Turkey and Saudi Arabia have strong links with the West in some way or the other -- links that they cannot afford to ruin. Turkey used to be a regular secular republic before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided to take the Islamist route. The Saudis have been long-time allies of the West, especially the US, thanks to crude oil exports -- much as that shows warts in Washington's foreign policy that talks of human rights everywhere but not in the places that serve its domineering geopolitical goals or business interests.</p>

<p>Now let us look at the US, weakened by its increasing focus on helping Ukraine and limitations of domestic politics in which President Joe Biden faces carping by right-wing activists even as the fear of a return of Trumpism with its brash, inward-looking approach looms large.</p>

<p>The relatively progressive signals from Riyadh and Ankara are best viewed as silver linings in the cloud. Widespread anti-hijab protests in Iran are also a pointer to how the Islamic thought process is undergoing a sea change. Personally I am sure the Afghan protests against the Taliban's education ban have been inspired or emboldened by events in Iran.</p>

<p>Fissures within the Muslim world as a whole suggest that women's rights is an idea whose time has come. Pakistan, with its hiccupping yet surviving democracy, is also relatively progressive if one looks at the emergence of a new middle class that values the emancipation of women.</p>

<p>This is precisely an opportunity for India and the West to co-engage on the issue. The term "constructive engagement" was once used by US President Ronald Reagan's administration to deal with the apartheid regime in South Africa, but his intentions and actions were both suspect. He used the term more to delay the end of racist rule. We don't quite want that in Afghanistan. What India, with its newfound role in the presidency of the Group of 20 elite nations of the world, needs to do is to offer its diplomatic services as a progressive country with its own track record of helping women's rights and equality.</p>

<p>Admittedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's track record and philosophy may be criticised when it comes to religious minorities, but his role in women's rights (whatever the political motives) has been credible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If India aspires to be not just a voice of the "Global South" at the G-20 Presidency but look beyond to seek a higher role in the United Nations, it can craft an engagement matrix on women's rights. The way to do it is to push its own Muslim scholars, intellectuals and thought leaders in the forefront for a new kind of soft diplomacy.</p>

<p>This might enhance Modi's credibility at many levels while giving India a toehold to raise its profile in world affairs. What is clear to me is that the old-world Panchsheel approach of non-interference is passe. Democracy, human freedoms, women's rights, and sustainability must be part of a new order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This means putting one's domestic politics in order so as to not invite accusations of doublespeak or hypocrisy. But there is little doubt that India has an opportunity to engage as a new, credible interlocutor on the world stage. The flip side of this is that Turkey and Pakistan may oppose or frown at India's new role. However, if the cards are played well, at home and abroad, this can dramatically raise India's stature. A perk would be that India would stand out in contrast to China as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Picture it like an Argentina moment for Indian diplomacy, now that we seem to have had big surprises in World Cup football.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

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Things have come a long way for the world since 1954 when India and China agreed on the so-called Panchsheel agreement. Newly minted cooperation between developing countries was then fashionable in the shadow of colonialism.

Things have come a long way for the world since 1954 when India and China agreed on the so-called Panchsheel agreement. Newly minted cooperation between developing countries was then fashionable in the shadow of colonialism. Sovereignty of countries with the clause of "mutual non-interference" was in vogue as various nations and half-made countries progressed gingerly towards a dignified world order. It is now time to re-open the "non-interference" clause because it is pertinent to ask if naked aggression (Russia in Ukraine), terrorism (Pakistan as a base for Islamist radicals), suppression of women (Iran and Afghanistan) and denial of basic human freedoms (China) should be bracketed in the 'non-interference' clause that seems rather absurd in the 21st century when there seems to be a broader, deeper global consensus on human welfare. We already have a track record of a stuttering but successful fight against racism in South Africa, which should serve as a pointer to what things can be. Things have reached a new point of absurdity with the latest ban on university education for women in Afghanistan ostensibly on the ground that the students do not follow an austere Islamic dress code prescribed by the Taliban regime. Also Read | Afghan women speak to WION as Taliban dismantles their Right to Education campus after campus There is good and bad news here. While the bad news is that the United States is now a pale shadow of its superpower self and the European economy is in deep crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the good news (sort of) comes from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, whose governments have stood up to condemn the Taliban. There are, of course, nuances here. Both Riyadh and Ankara have Islamist governments and Saudi Arabia has had its own dismal track record on women's rights. Saudi Arabia has only recently allowed women to have passports, travel abroad, and live independently without a male guardian. A male relative is still required to give permission for a woman to marry or start certain types of business enterprises. Turkey is not doing much better. A UN-appointed special rapporteur said this year that officially, around one in four women in Turkey has suffered physical or sexual abuse by their partners and there are hundreds of femicides reported every year. In such a context, it is interesting to see Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu describing the Afghan ban on university education for women as “neither Islamic nor humane". You could partially attribute this to diplomatic hypocrisy, but equally to the fact that Turkey and Saudi Arabia have strong links with the West in some way or the other -- links that they cannot afford to ruin. Turkey used to be a regular secular republic before President Recep Tayyip Erdogan decided to take the Islamist route. The Saudis have been long-time allies of the West, especially the US, thanks to crude oil exports -- much as that shows warts in Washington's foreign policy that talks of human rights everywhere but not in the places that serve its domineering geopolitical goals or business interests. Now let us look at the US, weakened by its increasing focus on helping Ukraine and limitations of domestic politics in which President Joe Biden faces carping by right-wing activists even as the fear of a return of Trumpism with its brash, inward-looking approach looms large. The relatively progressive signals from Riyadh and Ankara are best viewed as silver linings in the cloud. Widespread anti-hijab protests in Iran are also a pointer to how the Islamic thought process is undergoing a sea change. Personally I am sure the Afghan protests against the Taliban's education ban have been inspired or emboldened by events in Iran. Fissures within the Muslim world as a whole suggest that women's rights is an idea whose time has come. Pakistan, with its hiccupping yet surviving democracy, is also relatively progressive if one looks at the emergence of a new middle class that values the emancipation of women. This is precisely an opportunity for India and the West to co-engage on the issue. The term "constructive engagement" was once used by US President Ronald Reagan's administration to deal with the apartheid regime in South Africa, but his intentions and actions were both suspect. He used the term more to delay the end of racist rule. We don't quite want that in Afghanistan. What India, with its newfound role in the presidency of the Group of 20 elite nations of the world, needs to do is to offer its diplomatic services as a progressive country with its own track record of helping women's rights and equality. Admittedly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's track record and philosophy may be criticised when it comes to religious minorities, but his role in women's rights (whatever the political motives) has been credible. If India aspires to be not just a voice of the "Global South" at the G-20 Presidency but look beyond to seek a higher role in the United Nations, it can craft an engagement matrix on women's rights. The way to do it is to push its own Muslim scholars, intellectuals and thought leaders in the forefront for a new kind of soft diplomacy. This might enhance Modi's credibility at many levels while giving India a toehold to raise its profile in world affairs. What is clear to me is that the old-world Panchsheel approach of non-interference is passe. Democracy, human freedoms, women's rights, and sustainability must be part of a new order. This means putting one's domestic politics in order so as to not invite accusations of doublespeak or hypocrisy. But there is little doubt that India has an opportunity to engage as a new, credible interlocutor on the world stage. The flip side of this is that Turkey and Pakistan may oppose or frown at India's new role. However, if the cards are played well, at home and abroad, this can dramatically raise India's stature. A perk would be that India would stand out in contrast to China as well. Picture it like an Argentina moment for Indian diplomacy, now that we seem to have had big surprises in World Cup football. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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 ×

Talking Turkey with regressive Afghanistan: India can emerge as new-age interlocutor

<p>Turkey on Thursday (December 22) announced third major minimum wage hike in a matter of a year in order to try and cushion against inflation. The move has been taken ahead of crunch elections.</p>

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that the minimum wage would be raised to 8500 liras (USD 455). In December 2021, the minimum wage was 2826 liras.</p>

<p>More than 40 per cent of Turkey's working citizens earn minimum wage. When he rose to power two decades ago, working classes were the main support base of Erdogan.</p>

<p>But Turkey's poor have been hit the hardest by an economic crisis that has seen the official annual inflation rate reach 85 percent.</p>

<p>It was raised to 4,253 liras last January and then to 5,500 in July.</p>

<p>But an accompanying plunge in the lira's value means that the wage has been raised only fractionally in dollar terms in the past year.</p>

<p>Turkey's latest economic crisis started when Erdogan -- a lifelong opponent of high interest rates -- pressured the central bank to bring down chronically high consumer prices by lowering borrowing costs.</p>

<p>Conventional economic theory urges policymakers to fight inflation by curbing demand and raising the price of doing business through higher interest rates.</p>

<p>Erdogan's approach set off a currency crisis that saw the lira lose nearly half its value in a matter of weeks late last year.</p>

<p>The government has responded by spending its reserves on currency support measures and imposing complex economic rules aimed at bringing inflation under control.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkey on Thursday (December 22) announced third major minimum wage hike in a matter of a year in order to try and cushion against inflation. The move has been taken ahead of crunch elections.

Turkey on Thursday (December 22) announced third major minimum wage hike in a matter of a year in order to try and cushion against inflation. The move has been taken ahead of crunch elections. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that the minimum wage would be raised to 8500 liras (USD 455). In December 2021, the minimum wage was 2826 liras. More than 40 per cent of Turkey's working citizens earn minimum wage. When he rose to power two decades ago, working classes were the main support base of Erdogan. But Turkey's poor have been hit the hardest by an economic crisis that has seen the official annual inflation rate reach 85 percent. It was raised to 4,253 liras last January and then to 5,500 in July. But an accompanying plunge in the lira's value means that the wage has been raised only fractionally in dollar terms in the past year. Turkey's latest economic crisis started when Erdogan -- a lifelong opponent of high interest rates -- pressured the central bank to bring down chronically high consumer prices by lowering borrowing costs. Conventional economic theory urges policymakers to fight inflation by curbing demand and raising the price of doing business through higher interest rates. Erdogan's approach set off a currency crisis that saw the lira lose nearly half its value in a matter of weeks late last year. The government has responded by spending its reserves on currency support measures and imposing complex economic rules aimed at bringing inflation under control. (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 looks to fight inflation by raising minimum wage third time

Thousands of people rallied in Turkey on Thursday to oppose the conviction and political ban of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, chanting slogans criticising President Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling AK Party before elections next year.

Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul

<p>Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul. This comes ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Ekrem Imamoglu’s rise to power</strong></p>

<p>Elected in 2019, Imamoglu is a candidate from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The 52-year-old politician’s win marked a historic blow to the president’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party)&nbsp;as it witnessed&nbsp;one of the biggest losses since it first came into power in 2002.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The election in which Imamoglu won was also a turning point because the defeat marked the second loss of the AK Party in three months after they had called for a rerun after citing irregularities, ending the ruling party's and its predecessor Welfare Party’s more than 25-year rule over the city.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-under-erdogan-caught-between-democracy-and-dictatorship-333285">Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship</a></strong><br />
<br />
Notably, Erdogan had also first risen to prominence after becoming the mayor of Istanbul in 1994 after which he continued to remain in power since 2003 first as a prime minister and then as a&nbsp;president in 2014. However, ahead of the upcoming elections, different polls have shown that his approval ratings have plunged, which has been attributed to the economic turmoil, high cost of living and inflation being more than 84 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, reports suggest that the incumbent president’s ratings have somewhat recovered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which could pose a challenge to its six-party alliance opposition.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why was he convicted?</strong></p>

<p>An Istanbul court has sentenced Imamoglu to two years and seven months in prison for insulting the members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. Reportedly, during a speech he gave in&nbsp;2019, he told the media that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. The election in question was the one in which Imamoglu had narrowly defeated AK Party candidate and&nbsp;former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Subsequently, his victory was cancelled following allegations of irregularities by the ruling party, in May, by the Turkish Higher Electoral Board. However, after the rerun in June, later that year, he won in a landslide with more than 800,000 votes. After his win, he had given a speech in which he made the aforementioned remarks and was later tried for defamation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-anti-erdogan-protests-rock-istanbul-373945">Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul</a></strong></p>

<p>However, the incumbent Istanbul mayor has argued that his remarks were made in response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu who had used the same language against him and not as an insult to the country’s electoral council. Soylu while referring to Imamoglu’s visit to European Parliament, had said, “I am saying this to the fool going and complaining about Turkey to the European Parliament.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, neither politician mentioned the other by name and nor did the Istanbul mayor mention the country’s electoral council. During the trial, the court also heard from Imamoglu’s press officer, Murat Ongun, who confirmed that his remarks were in reference to Soylu’s accusation that the mayor had insulted the country in the European parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Either before or after this event, or even on May 6 (2019), when the elections were canceled, I did not hear any negative words from Ekrem Imamoglu concerning the members,” reported the T24 Turkish&nbsp;news website quoting Ongun. However, Soylu has since taken to social media and asserted that was not the case and Imamoglu’s comments were directed toward the members of the Supreme Electoral Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-spotlight-modi-erdogan-meet-lifts-up-india-turkiye-ties-518745">WION Spotlight | Modi-Erdogan meet lifts up India-Turkiye ties</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, Soylu's allegations refer to the speech Imamoglu gave to the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities on October 30, 2019, criticising the government’s decision to cancel elections and not the European Parliament, said a statement by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the Istanbul mayor’s legal team has decided to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, a jail sentence or political ban will need to be upheld in the appeals court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The political ban could also lead the mayor of the most populous city in the country to be ousted from office and even potentially bar him from running in the upcoming elections. Additionally, since the case will go to the appeals court it could extend the outcome of the case until next year’s election.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Imamoglu may not actually go to prison since people who are sentenced to less than four years are rarely put behind bars in Turkey and may also continue his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor while his case is being appealed in the courts. However, media reports suggest that the prosecutor has challenged the verdict and sought a longer sentence for Imamoglu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/inflation-jumps-50-as-turkey-protests-against-hiked-energy-prices-452010">Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Widespread protests in Istanbul&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>So far, thousands of Imamoglu supporters on Wednesday and Thursday gathered outside Istanbul municipal building in protest and denounced the verdict.&nbsp;Leaders of the alliance of six opposition parties and Imamoglu joined the thousands of protesters, as patriotic music was played with many waving the Turkish flag.</p>

<p>The crowd was also reportedly chanting, “Rights, law, justice...The day will come when the AKP is called to account,” while a banner showing a huge portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's founder whose secular principles Erdogan's opponents and critics say are under threat, was unfurled at the municipal building.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/istanbul-mayor-and-erdogan-rival-imamoglu-sentenced-to-jail-543274">Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail</a></strong></p>

<p>“I am absolutely not afraid of their illegitimate verdict…I don’t have judges to protect me, but I have 16 million Istanbulites and our nation behind me,” said the city’s mayor while addressing the crowd gathered. He added, “You beat them two times already and you'll do it again…We will change this order in the election next year.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>A day prior, hundreds had taken to the streets demanding that Erdogan's government resign after the mayor was convicted. Imamoglu reportedly addressed the crowd standing on top of a bus and called the verdict unlawful and proof that “there is no justice in today’s Turkey”. However, the country’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, said that the ruling had nothing to do with politics and asserted the independence of the country’s judiciary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-erdogan-feels-the-heat-of-student-protests-355225">Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests</a></strong></p>

<p>The upcoming elections are crucial since they could prove to be one of the biggest challenges for Erdogan’s over two decades in power, his fall in ratings&nbsp;has predominantly been attributed to the economy. Earlier this week, the lira also fell against the dollar marking a record low. Meanwhile, polls have also indicated that Imamoglu has the potential to unseat Erdogan, in the upcoming election, should he be nominated as a candidate by the opposition alliance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How have other countries reacted to the verdict?</strong></p>

<p>The backlash due to the verdict has not been limited to Turkey’s people as it has also garnered international criticism from several countries and rights organisations. The European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called the sentence “disproportionate” and said that this incident confirms the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary as well as the “undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors” in the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/supporters-of-banned-mayor-imamoglu-rally-in-istanbul-543555">Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that they are “deeply troubled and disappointed” after the verdict and called it “unjust and inconsistent” with human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. In a statement, the New York-based rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict against the mayor is a “travesty of justice”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>They also said that it is an “attack on the democratic process, demonstrating that as the 2023 elections approach the government is prepared to misuse courts to sideline or silence key opposition figures,” which violates not only Imamoglu’s rights but voters in Istanbul by depriving them of their elected representative.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Turkey’s most populous city in protest after its Mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, was convicted on Wednesday. The opposition party candidate was sentenced to two years and seven months in prison by a court in Istanbul. This comes ahead of the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections in June 2023. Ekrem Imamoglu’s rise to power Elected in 2019, Imamoglu is a candidate from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP). The 52-year-old politician’s win marked a historic blow to the president’s Justice and Development Party (AK Party) as it witnessed one of the biggest losses since it first came into power in 2002. The election in which Imamoglu won was also a turning point because the defeat marked the second loss of the AK Party in three months after they had called for a rerun after citing irregularities, ending the ruling party's and its predecessor Welfare Party’s more than 25-year rule over the city. ALSO READ | Turkey under Erdogan: Caught between democracy and dictatorship Notably, Erdogan had also first risen to prominence after becoming the mayor of Istanbul in 1994 after which he continued to remain in power since 2003 first as a prime minister and then as a president in 2014. However, ahead of the upcoming elections, different polls have shown that his approval ratings have plunged, which has been attributed to the economic turmoil, high cost of living and inflation being more than 84 per cent. On the other hand, reports suggest that the incumbent president’s ratings have somewhat recovered after the Russian invasion of Ukraine which could pose a challenge to its six-party alliance opposition. Why was he convicted? An Istanbul court has sentenced Imamoglu to two years and seven months in prison for insulting the members of Turkey’s Supreme Electoral Council. Reportedly, during a speech he gave in 2019, he told the media that “those who cancelled March 31 elections are fools”. The election in question was the one in which Imamoglu had narrowly defeated AK Party candidate and former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. Subsequently, his victory was cancelled following allegations of irregularities by the ruling party, in May, by the Turkish Higher Electoral Board. However, after the rerun in June, later that year, he won in a landslide with more than 800,000 votes. After his win, he had given a speech in which he made the aforementioned remarks and was later tried for defamation. ALSO WATCH | Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul However, the incumbent Istanbul mayor has argued that his remarks were made in response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu who had used the same language against him and not as an insult to the country’s electoral council. Soylu while referring to Imamoglu’s visit to European Parliament, had said, “I am saying this to the fool going and complaining about Turkey to the European Parliament.” Notably, neither politician mentioned the other by name and nor did the Istanbul mayor mention the country’s electoral council. During the trial, the court also heard from Imamoglu’s press officer, Murat Ongun, who confirmed that his remarks were in reference to Soylu’s accusation that the mayor had insulted the country in the European parliament. “Either before or after this event, or even on May 6 (2019), when the elections were canceled, I did not hear any negative words from Ekrem Imamoglu concerning the members,” reported the T24 Turkish news website quoting Ongun. However, Soylu has since taken to social media and asserted that was not the case and Imamoglu’s comments were directed toward the members of the Supreme Electoral Council. ALSO READ | WION Spotlight | Modi-Erdogan meet lifts up India-Turkiye ties Furthermore, Soylu's allegations refer to the speech Imamoglu gave to the Council of Europe Local and Regional Authorities on October 30, 2019, criticising the government’s decision to cancel elections and not the European Parliament, said a statement by Human Rights Watch. Meanwhile, the Istanbul mayor’s legal team has decided to appeal his conviction. Meanwhile, a jail sentence or political ban will need to be upheld in the appeals court. The political ban could also lead the mayor of the most populous city in the country to be ousted from office and even potentially bar him from running in the upcoming elections. Additionally, since the case will go to the appeals court it could extend the outcome of the case until next year’s election. Notably, Imamoglu may not actually go to prison since people who are sentenced to less than four years are rarely put behind bars in Turkey and may also continue his tenure as Istanbul’s mayor while his case is being appealed in the courts. However, media reports suggest that the prosecutor has challenged the verdict and sought a longer sentence for Imamoglu. ALSO WATCH | Inflation jumps 50% as Turkey protests against hiked energy prices Widespread protests in Istanbul So far, thousands of Imamoglu supporters on Wednesday and Thursday gathered outside Istanbul municipal building in protest and denounced the verdict. Leaders of the alliance of six opposition parties and Imamoglu joined the thousands of protesters, as patriotic music was played with many waving the Turkish flag. The crowd was also reportedly chanting, “Rights, law, justice...The day will come when the AKP is called to account,” while a banner showing a huge portrait of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Turkey's founder whose secular principles Erdogan's opponents and critics say are under threat, was unfurled at the municipal building. ALSO WATCH | Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail “I am absolutely not afraid of their illegitimate verdict…I don’t have judges to protect me, but I have 16 million Istanbulites and our nation behind me,” said the city’s mayor while addressing the crowd gathered. He added, “You beat them two times already and you'll do it again…We will change this order in the election next year.” A day prior, hundreds had taken to the streets demanding that Erdogan's government resign after the mayor was convicted. Imamoglu reportedly addressed the crowd standing on top of a bus and called the verdict unlawful and proof that “there is no justice in today’s Turkey”. However, the country’s Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, said that the ruling had nothing to do with politics and asserted the independence of the country’s judiciary. ALSO READ | Turkish President Erdogan feels the heat of student protests The upcoming elections are crucial since they could prove to be one of the biggest challenges for Erdogan’s over two decades in power, his fall in ratings has predominantly been attributed to the economy. Earlier this week, the lira also fell against the dollar marking a record low. Meanwhile, polls have also indicated that Imamoglu has the potential to unseat Erdogan, in the upcoming election, should he be nominated as a candidate by the opposition alliance. How have other countries reacted to the verdict? The backlash due to the verdict has not been limited to Turkey’s people as it has also garnered international criticism from several countries and rights organisations. The European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called the sentence “disproportionate” and said that this incident confirms the systemic lack of independence of the judiciary as well as the “undue political pressure on judges and prosecutors” in the country. ALSO WATCH | Supporters of banned mayor Imamoglu rally in Istanbul Meanwhile, the US State Department spokesperson, Vedant Patel, said that they are “deeply troubled and disappointed” after the verdict and called it “unjust and inconsistent” with human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. In a statement, the New York-based rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch, said that the verdict against the mayor is a “travesty of justice”. They also said that it is an “attack on the democratic process, demonstrating that as the 2023 elections approach the government is prepared to misuse courts to sideline or silence key opposition figures,” which violates not only Imamoglu’s rights but voters in Istanbul by depriving them of their elected representative. (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.

Explained: Thousands protest in Turkey over Istanbul mayor's conviction, political ban

A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced Istanbul’s popular opposition mayor to over two years jail in a politically charged defamation trial that effectively bars him from standing in next June’s presidential election.

Istanbul mayor gets over two years in prison and barred from politics

Istanbul mayor and Erdogan rival Imamoglu sentenced to jail

<p>The mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, was handed a two-year and seven-month prison term by a Turkish court on Wednesday for insulting the country's Supreme Electoral Council.</p>

<p>In addition to finding Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu guilty, the court also placed him under a political gag order that could result in his resignation. Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People's Party, the main opposition party, is anticipated to challenge the judgement.</p>

<p>The mayor's trial was allegedly intended to get rid of a significant opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to critics. A presidential election is anticipated in Turkey the following year.</p>

<p>Imamoglu was chosen to serve as Istanbul's mayor in March 2019. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party, which had ruled Istanbul for 25 years, suffered a historic defeat as a result of his victory. Due to alleged anomalies, the 16 million-person city's municipal election results were challenged by the party.</p>

<p>A few months later, the election was redone as a result of the challenge, and Imamoglu again prevailed.</p>

<p>After calling the cancellation of valid elections an act of "foolishness" on November 4, 2019, Imamoglu was charged with insulting senior public officials.</p>

<p>The mayor insisted that his statements were a response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu labelling him "a fool" and accused Imamoglu of disparaging Turkey during a visit to the European Parliament. He denied insulting the members of the electoral council.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, was handed a two-year and seven-month prison term by a Turkish court on Wednesday for insulting the country's Supreme Electoral Council.

The mayor of Istanbul, Turkey's most populous city, was handed a two-year and seven-month prison term by a Turkish court on Wednesday for insulting the country's Supreme Electoral Council. In addition to finding Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu guilty, the court also placed him under a political gag order that could result in his resignation. Imamoglu, a member of the Republican People's Party, the main opposition party, is anticipated to challenge the judgement. The mayor's trial was allegedly intended to get rid of a significant opponent of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to critics. A presidential election is anticipated in Turkey the following year. Imamoglu was chosen to serve as Istanbul's mayor in March 2019. Erdogan's Justice and Development Party, which had ruled Istanbul for 25 years, suffered a historic defeat as a result of his victory. Due to alleged anomalies, the 16 million-person city's municipal election results were challenged by the party. A few months later, the election was redone as a result of the challenge, and Imamoglu again prevailed. After calling the cancellation of valid elections an act of "foolishness" on November 4, 2019, Imamoglu was charged with insulting senior public officials. The mayor insisted that his statements were a response to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu labelling him "a fool" and accused Imamoglu of disparaging Turkey during a visit to the European Parliament. He denied insulting the members of the electoral council. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Istanbul mayor sentenced, barred from politics for insulting Turkish authorities

According to Turkiye's provincial government, flash flooding has damaged at least 500 vehicles and around 100 houses. Watch this video to know more.

WION Climate Tracker: At least 500 cars, 100 houses damaged due to flash floods in Turkiye

As Turkey is inching closer to its Presidential Elections, the headscarf debate in the country has heated up. The ruling party has now submitted a constitutional amendment that seeks to protect women's rights to wear the headscarves at work and also in daily life.

Turkey: Headscarf debate reaches Parliament; Turkish feminists condemn Erdogan's move

After relentless airstrikes against Kurdish groups, Turkiye is soon going to launch a ground offensive in Syria. Ghadi Francis tells us more.

The West Asia Post: Turkiye intensifies attacks on Kurdish groups

The UK could be facing a shortage of turkeys ahead of the festive season. According to Industry leaders half of the free-range turkeys that were reared for Christmas have either died or been slaughtered because of the ongoing bird flu epidemic that means that 600,000 birds have been lost to the highly infectious bird flu.

UK: Christmas Turkey shortage looms as worst bird flu epidemic hits the country

<p>Turkish President Recep Erdogan said on Monday (November 28) that nobody should be "disturbed" by the country's military operations into Syria, which are aimed at expanding its circle of security and peace. He reiterated the nation's determination to form a 30-kilometre-long security corridor along the southern border with Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Erdogan recently said that the Turkish military could launch ground operations in northern Syria and Iraq besides the air campaigns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Russia urged Turkey to exercise "restraint" and warned against "destabilising" Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that Moscow understands Turkey's concerns regarding its security, but also called on all parties to refrain from steps that could lead to "seriously destabilising the situation".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-calls-on-chinese-government-to-respect-right-to-peaceful-protests-538311">United Nations calls on Chinese government to respect right to peaceful protests</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Erdogan said, "Nobody should be disturbed by Turkey's military operations aimed at expanding its circle of security and peace. Because in the history of this country, there is no colonisation, no brutality, no selfishness, and there is no cruelty."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey also carried out strategic air strikes against the bases of Kurdish militants across northern Syria and Iraq. Erdogan's administration claimed that those bases were used to launch "terrorist" attacks on Turkish soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strikes came a week after a bomb attack in Istanbul killed six people and left 81 wounded, which Ankara blamed on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). But the Kurdish groups and authorities have denied the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Iranian regime won't spare its own kin?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>While speaking after a cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara, the Turkish president further said: "The due date of these terrorists has now passed as their concrete tunnels in which they take refuge today, will soon become their graves."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Neither the countries they trust so much, nor the terror barons who put their lives on the market will be able to save them from the tragic fate that awaits at the end," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkish officials said that the army just needs a few days to prepare for a ground incursion into northern Syria. A concrete decision regarding this was expected to come at a cabinet meeting on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But, Erdogan did not directly address it. But it is said that a formal decision might be anounced after the cabinet meeting.&nbsp;</p>

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Turkish President Recep Erdogan said on Monday (November 28) that nobody should be "disturbed" by the country's military operations into Syria, which are aimed at expanding its circle of security and peace.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan said on Monday (November 28) that nobody should be "disturbed" by the country's military operations into Syria, which are aimed at expanding its circle of security and peace. He reiterated the nation's determination to form a 30-kilometre-long security corridor along the southern border with Syria. Erdogan recently said that the Turkish military could launch ground operations in northern Syria and Iraq besides the air campaigns. But Russia urged Turkey to exercise "restraint" and warned against "destabilising" Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov had said that Moscow understands Turkey's concerns regarding its security, but also called on all parties to refrain from steps that could lead to "seriously destabilising the situation". ALSO READ | United Nations calls on Chinese government to respect right to peaceful protests Erdogan said, "Nobody should be disturbed by Turkey's military operations aimed at expanding its circle of security and peace. Because in the history of this country, there is no colonisation, no brutality, no selfishness, and there is no cruelty." Turkey also carried out strategic air strikes against the bases of Kurdish militants across northern Syria and Iraq. Erdogan's administration claimed that those bases were used to launch "terrorist" attacks on Turkish soil. The strikes came a week after a bomb attack in Istanbul killed six people and left 81 wounded, which Ankara blamed on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). But the Kurdish groups and authorities have denied the allegations. WATCH | Gravitas: Iranian regime won't spare its own kin? × While speaking after a cabinet meeting in the capital Ankara, the Turkish president further said: "The due date of these terrorists has now passed as their concrete tunnels in which they take refuge today, will soon become their graves." "Neither the countries they trust so much, nor the terror barons who put their lives on the market will be able to save them from the tragic fate that awaits at the end," he added. Turkish officials said that the army just needs a few days to prepare for a ground incursion into northern Syria. A concrete decision regarding this was expected to come at a cabinet meeting on Monday. But, Erdogan did not directly address it. But it is said that a formal decision might be anounced after the cabinet meeting. 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.

Erdogan says that nobody should be 'disturbed' by Turkey's military operations

<p>As tens of thousands of refugees shiver in the cold on Turkey’s borders with Europe and a new phase of the brutal Syrian war erupts - Russia, Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the international community are being presented with the bill for a flawed, short-term approach to the nine-year-old conflict that largely lacked empathy for millions of victims and was likely to magnify rather than resolve problems.</p>

<p>The failure of Western policymakers to adopt an approach that would have served Europe’s longer-term security interests and sought to end Syria’s suffering in ways that may have held out the promise of a sustainable resolution of the conflict is compounded by the failure to exploit what was always a fragile alliance between Russia and NATO-member Turkey.</p>

<p>With that alliance under strain, both in Syria, where Russia has warned that it cannot guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft in Syrian airspace, and in Libya, where the two allies support opposing sides, multiple regional conflicts have begun to mesh.</p>

<p>Some analysts have suggested that Russia was seeking to enlist the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Syria so that it could dump Turkey with which it is on the brink of military blows. The two Gulf states oppose Turkish ambitions in the Middle East and beyond.</p>

<p>The analysts point to recent contacts between Emirati, Russian and Syrian officials and the establishment of relations between Syria and Libya’s UAE and Russian-backed rebel force led by renegade commander Khalifa Haftar.</p>

<p>The various manoeuvres constitute variations on a theme.</p>

<p>The international community, including Russia, did little in the early years of the war to stop militant groups and regional powers from contributing to the violence by exploiting Syria’s power vacuum to their immediate advantage. That changed selectively when the Islamic State gained a territorial foothold in Syria and Iraq.</p>

<p>Similarly, much of the international community falsely assumed that a Syrian victory in Idlib, Syria’s last rebel stronghold, would create a fait accompli that Turkey would accept and that would pave the way to an end to the war and reconstruction.</p>

<p>Like in much of the Middle East where a failure to put one’s ears to the ground and hear the widespread discontent simmering at the surface that produced a decade of revolution and brutal counterrevolution, neither Russia nor its detractors read the writing on Syria’s walls.</p>

<p>If militants and external powers turned what started in 2011 as peaceful protests demanding reform rather than the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the international community failed to recognise that nine years later criticism of the regime is widespread among an impoverished population traumatised by war.</p>

<p>Rather than creating an environment for reconciliation and reconstruction, Russian-supported Syrian military successes in retaking territory from rebels by force or in negotiated handovers have not been accompanied by a relieving of economic and social hardship, sparking intermittent anti-government protests and stepped up repression.</p>

<p>Much of the criticism focuses on the government’s failure to improve economic and living conditions, but like in the early days of the popular revolt, shies away from calls for regime change.</p>

<p>The improbability of a Russian-Syrian military victory putting Syria on a road towards peaceful resolution and recovery is highlighted by the fact that snap polling suggests that less than ten per cent of the millions of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons would be willing to return to or remain in a country that continues to be ruled by Al-Assad and his regime.</p>

<p>As a result, Russia and Al-Assad appear to have adopted the kind of scorched earth policy that Israel’s military rejected in the late 1980s during the first Palestinian intifada or uprising.</p>

<p>In contrast to the military that told then Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin that the resolution needed to be political because the cost of a military solution would be too high, Russia and Al-Assad have concluded that no cost is too high. It is an approach that emulates Russia’s brutal crushing of rebellions in Chechnya in the 1990s.</p>

<p>“Russia realised that it cannot cement its military victories into permanent political gains through diplomacy within the projected remaining lifetime of the regime. Instead, it decided to employ the ‘Grozny doctrine’ of complete annihilation of all those who stand in the way of its strategic goals and bring the conflict to an end before the regime collapses,” said Syrian activist Labib al-Nahhas De La Ossa, referring to the Chechen capital that was virtually destroyed by Russian forces.</p>

<p>It's an approach that in violation of international law takes no heed of the consequences for innocent millions in Idlib or the fact that many, rather than supporting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an erstwhile Al-Qaeda affiliate that controls part of the province, have repeatedly protested against it.</p>

<p>It's also an approach that potentially could spark a renewed refugee crisis in Europe with Turkey, already home to some four million refugees, no longer stopping fleeing Syrians and others from trying to cross its Greek and Bulgarian borders with the European Union.</p>

<p>Russia, in a cynical twist of irony, would likely be happy to see a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis that fuelled support for far-right, anti-immigration and nativist forces in Europe who are empathetic to Moscow’s effort to weaken the trans-Atlantic alliance as well as the European Union with its adherence to Western values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.</p>

<p>Even with that being the case, Russian policy towards Idlib and the rest of Syria is likely to only produce problematic outcomes: ensuring total victory for Al-Assad risks a break-up with Turkey, a key regional player, and forecloses chances for a sustainable resolution of the Syrian conflict that would allow for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons.</p>

<p>Continued Russian and Iranian-backed support for Al-Assad’s brutal regime will at best temporarily stabilise Syria and potentially open the door to a forced return of some refugees and displaced persons while setting the stage for another round of conflict.</p>

<p>An equally unsustainable alternative scenario, envisioned by De La Ossa, would involve a Russian-Turkish agreement to cram three million refugees into a tiny slice of Idlib in what would amount to sub-human conditions.</p>

<p>Said De La Ossa: “The humanitarian catastrophe that is Idlib has shown that the lessons from the beginning of World War II still apply: Appeasing dictators who are willing to kill massive numbers of people to realise their delusions of grandeur never works. But if the US, Europe, and the international community at large fail to heed these lessons, it will not only be Syrians who pay the price. “<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;</em></p>


As tens of thousands of refugees shiver in the cold on Turkey’s borders with Europe and a new phase of the brutal Syrian war erupts - Russia, Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the international community are being presented with the bill for a flawed, short-term approach to the nine-year-old conflict that largely lacked empathy for millions of victims and was likely to magnify rather than resolve problems.

As tens of thousands of refugees shiver in the cold on Turkey’s borders with Europe and a new phase of the brutal Syrian war erupts - Russia, Turkey, the European Union (EU) and the international community are being presented with the bill for a flawed, short-term approach to the nine-year-old conflict that largely lacked empathy for millions of victims and was likely to magnify rather than resolve problems. The failure of Western policymakers to adopt an approach that would have served Europe’s longer-term security interests and sought to end Syria’s suffering in ways that may have held out the promise of a sustainable resolution of the conflict is compounded by the failure to exploit what was always a fragile alliance between Russia and NATO-member Turkey. With that alliance under strain, both in Syria, where Russia has warned that it cannot guarantee the safety of Turkish aircraft in Syrian airspace, and in Libya, where the two allies support opposing sides, multiple regional conflicts have begun to mesh. Some analysts have suggested that Russia was seeking to enlist the support of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in Syria so that it could dump Turkey with which it is on the brink of military blows. The two Gulf states oppose Turkish ambitions in the Middle East and beyond. The analysts point to recent contacts between Emirati, Russian and Syrian officials and the establishment of relations between Syria and Libya’s UAE and Russian-backed rebel force led by renegade commander Khalifa Haftar. The various manoeuvres constitute variations on a theme. The international community, including Russia, did little in the early years of the war to stop militant groups and regional powers from contributing to the violence by exploiting Syria’s power vacuum to their immediate advantage. That changed selectively when the Islamic State gained a territorial foothold in Syria and Iraq. Similarly, much of the international community falsely assumed that a Syrian victory in Idlib, Syria’s last rebel stronghold, would create a fait accompli that Turkey would accept and that would pave the way to an end to the war and reconstruction. Like in much of the Middle East where a failure to put one’s ears to the ground and hear the widespread discontent simmering at the surface that produced a decade of revolution and brutal counterrevolution, neither Russia nor its detractors read the writing on Syria’s walls. If militants and external powers turned what started in 2011 as peaceful protests demanding reform rather than the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, the international community failed to recognise that nine years later criticism of the regime is widespread among an impoverished population traumatised by war. Rather than creating an environment for reconciliation and reconstruction, Russian-supported Syrian military successes in retaking territory from rebels by force or in negotiated handovers have not been accompanied by a relieving of economic and social hardship, sparking intermittent anti-government protests and stepped up repression. Much of the criticism focuses on the government’s failure to improve economic and living conditions, but like in the early days of the popular revolt, shies away from calls for regime change. The improbability of a Russian-Syrian military victory putting Syria on a road towards peaceful resolution and recovery is highlighted by the fact that snap polling suggests that less than ten per cent of the millions of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons would be willing to return to or remain in a country that continues to be ruled by Al-Assad and his regime. As a result, Russia and Al-Assad appear to have adopted the kind of scorched earth policy that Israel’s military rejected in the late 1980s during the first Palestinian intifada or uprising. In contrast to the military that told then Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin that the resolution needed to be political because the cost of a military solution would be too high, Russia and Al-Assad have concluded that no cost is too high. It is an approach that emulates Russia’s brutal crushing of rebellions in Chechnya in the 1990s. “Russia realised that it cannot cement its military victories into permanent political gains through diplomacy within the projected remaining lifetime of the regime. Instead, it decided to employ the ‘Grozny doctrine’ of complete annihilation of all those who stand in the way of its strategic goals and bring the conflict to an end before the regime collapses,” said Syrian activist Labib al-Nahhas De La Ossa, referring to the Chechen capital that was virtually destroyed by Russian forces. It's an approach that in violation of international law takes no heed of the consequences for innocent millions in Idlib or the fact that many, rather than supporting Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an erstwhile Al-Qaeda affiliate that controls part of the province, have repeatedly protested against it. It's also an approach that potentially could spark a renewed refugee crisis in Europe with Turkey, already home to some four million refugees, no longer stopping fleeing Syrians and others from trying to cross its Greek and Bulgarian borders with the European Union. Russia, in a cynical twist of irony, would likely be happy to see a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis that fuelled support for far-right, anti-immigration and nativist forces in Europe who are empathetic to Moscow’s effort to weaken the trans-Atlantic alliance as well as the European Union with its adherence to Western values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Even with that being the case, Russian policy towards Idlib and the rest of Syria is likely to only produce problematic outcomes: ensuring total victory for Al-Assad risks a break-up with Turkey, a key regional player, and forecloses chances for a sustainable resolution of the Syrian conflict that would allow for the voluntary return of refugees and displaced persons. Continued Russian and Iranian-backed support for Al-Assad’s brutal regime will at best temporarily stabilise Syria and potentially open the door to a forced return of some refugees and displaced persons while setting the stage for another round of conflict. An equally unsustainable alternative scenario, envisioned by De La Ossa, would involve a Russian-Turkish agreement to cram three million refugees into a tiny slice of Idlib in what would amount to sub-human conditions. Said De La Ossa: “The humanitarian catastrophe that is Idlib has shown that the lessons from the beginning of World War II still apply: Appeasing dictators who are willing to kill massive numbers of people to realise their delusions of grandeur never works. But if the US, Europe, and the international community at large fail to heed these lessons, it will not only be Syrians who pay the price. “ (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

War threatens to spill beyond Syria’s borders

<p>A United States patrol base was attacked by two rockets targeted at the coalition forces in Syria, said a statement by the US central command (CENTCOM), on Friday. The base was located in Al-Shaddadi and the attack took place at approximately 10:31 pm (local time in Syria), it added. This comes amid the recent escalation and a wave of rocket attacks along the Syria-Turkiye border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The attack resulted in no injuries or damage to the base or coalition property,” said the statement by CENTCOM. The Kurdish People’s Protection Units or the YPG-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been Washington’s key ally in the fight against ISIL (ISIS) group in the region. The SDF, after the rocket attacks, visited the origin site and found a third unfired rocket, said the officials, without disclosing who was behind the firing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-people-killed-several-wounded-after-rocket-strikes-by-kurdish-militants-in-syria-turkiye-536157">At least two people killed, several wounded after rocket strikes by Kurdish militants in Syria: Turkiye</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the recent escalation in the region is marked by an increase in the number of air raids and rocket attacks between Syria-Turkiye following the bombing in Istanbul on November 13. The bombing had reportedly killed six people and injured 80, for which Ankara blames the Kurdish groups in Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-launches-airstrikes-over-northern-syria-535708">Turkey launches airstrikes over northern Syria</a></strong></p>

<p>Subsequently, Turkiye said that it had launched airstrikes on&nbsp;nearly 90 targets which were destroyed by its warplanes. According to authorities in Ankara, they killed several people who they refer to as “terrorists”. At least 31 people were killed in these strikes, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ankara-launches-bomb-strikes-over-northern-syria-after-istanbul-bomb-blast-535695">Türkiye launches air raids against Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq, 31 dead</a></strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, suspected Kurdish militants in Syria fired rockets across the border killing at least two people and injuring approximately 10 people, said officials in Turkiye&nbsp;last week. “Attacks of this kind place coalition forces and the civilian populace at risk and undermine the hard-earned stability and security of Syria and the region,” said CENTCOM spokesman, Colonel Joe Buccino in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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A United States patrol base was attacked by two rockets targeted at the coalition forces in Syria, said a statement by the US central command (CENTCOM), on Friday.

A United States patrol base was attacked by two rockets targeted at the coalition forces in Syria, said a statement by the US central command (CENTCOM), on Friday. The base was located in Al-Shaddadi and the attack took place at approximately 10:31 pm (local time in Syria), it added. This comes amid the recent escalation and a wave of rocket attacks along the Syria-Turkiye border. “The attack resulted in no injuries or damage to the base or coalition property,” said the statement by CENTCOM. The Kurdish People’s Protection Units or the YPG-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been Washington’s key ally in the fight against ISIL (ISIS) group in the region. The SDF, after the rocket attacks, visited the origin site and found a third unfired rocket, said the officials, without disclosing who was behind the firing. ALSO READ | At least two people killed, several wounded after rocket strikes by Kurdish militants in Syria: Turkiye Meanwhile, the recent escalation in the region is marked by an increase in the number of air raids and rocket attacks between Syria-Turkiye following the bombing in Istanbul on November 13. The bombing had reportedly killed six people and injured 80, for which Ankara blames the Kurdish groups in Syria. ALSO WATCH | Turkey launches airstrikes over northern Syria Subsequently, Turkiye said that it had launched airstrikes on nearly 90 targets which were destroyed by its warplanes. According to authorities in Ankara, they killed several people who they refer to as “terrorists”. At least 31 people were killed in these strikes, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group. ALSO READ | Türkiye launches air raids against Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq, 31 dead On the other hand, suspected Kurdish militants in Syria fired rockets across the border killing at least two people and injuring approximately 10 people, said officials in Turkiye last week. “Attacks of this kind place coalition forces and the civilian populace at risk and undermine the hard-earned stability and security of Syria and the region,” said CENTCOM spokesman, Colonel Joe Buccino in a statement. (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.

‘No injures or damage’: US military after rocket attack on patrol base in Syria

Turkey has hit Syria with a barrage of retaliatory shelling - the aftermath of Istanbul bombing - in the form of airstrikes which targeted Kurdish forces controlling the northern Syrian Al-Hol detention camp. According to a British-based war monitoring body, the Turkish planes launched the airstrike on the exterior of the camp.

Turkiye launches fresh airstrikes in Syria's detention camp, targets Kurdish groups

<p>Turkey was rattled by a 6.1&nbsp;magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake on Wednesday near the eastern town of Düzce, about 210km (130 miles) east of Istanbul city. At least 35 people are reported to be injured.</p>

<p>Country's health minister Fahrettin Koca said in a tweet that among the 35 injured, 32 are from Duzce, one from Istanbul, and the other two in the nearby provinces of Bolu and Zonguldak.</p>

<p>The tremors were so strong that it was felt in Istanbul and the capital Ankara. So far, no reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure have emerged. Tukey is oe of the most active earthquake regions in the world.</p>

<p>According to the US Geological Survey, the quake's depth was 3.9km. The Turkish authorities said the quake was at a magnitude of 5.9 —lower than the 6.1 given by the US agency.</p>

<p>A second quake with a 3.9 magnitude quake also struck later, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said.</p>

<h2><strong>Indonesia Earthquake: At least 268 dead, over 151 still missing two days after disaster</strong></h2>

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<p>Local media reports stated that some areas witnessed power disruption, while some people got out of their buildings for safety.</p>

<p>Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that there had been no information about casualties.&nbsp;Authorities announced that schools would be closed on Wednesday in Duzce and Sakarya provinces.</p>

<p>It comes 10 days after the country marked the 23rd anniversary of the 1999 earthquake in the same province that killed 710 people. Nationwide earthquake drills were conducted.</p>

<p>Around 80 per cent of Duzce's infrastructure has been rebuilt since the 1999 earthquakes, the city's mayor told local media.</p>

<p>Dunce’s 1999 earthquake followed an even larger one that took place months earlier in Izmit city which killed more than 17,000 and left buildings in the region in a weakened state.</p>

<p>Duzce was hit by a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 1999 which left at least 845 people dead.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE: </strong></p>

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Turkey was rattled by a 6.1 magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake on Wednesday near the eastern town of Düzce, about 210km (130 miles) east of Istanbul city.

Turkey was rattled by a 6.1 magnitude on the Richter scale earthquake on Wednesday near the eastern town of Düzce, about 210km (130 miles) east of Istanbul city. At least 35 people are reported to be injured. Country's health minister Fahrettin Koca said in a tweet that among the 35 injured, 32 are from Duzce, one from Istanbul, and the other two in the nearby provinces of Bolu and Zonguldak. The tremors were so strong that it was felt in Istanbul and the capital Ankara. So far, no reports of casualties or damage to infrastructure have emerged. Tukey is oe of the most active earthquake regions in the world. According to the US Geological Survey, the quake's depth was 3.9km. The Turkish authorities said the quake was at a magnitude of 5.9 —lower than the 6.1 given by the US agency. A second quake with a 3.9 magnitude quake also struck later, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre said. Indonesia Earthquake: At least 268 dead, over 151 still missing two days after disaster Local media reports stated that some areas witnessed power disruption, while some people got out of their buildings for safety. Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said that there had been no information about casualties. Authorities announced that schools would be closed on Wednesday in Duzce and Sakarya provinces. It comes 10 days after the country marked the 23rd anniversary of the 1999 earthquake in the same province that killed 710 people. Nationwide earthquake drills were conducted. Around 80 per cent of Duzce's infrastructure has been rebuilt since the 1999 earthquakes, the city's mayor told local media. Dunce’s 1999 earthquake followed an even larger one that took place months earlier in Izmit city which killed more than 17,000 and left buildings in the region in a weakened state. Duzce was hit by a major 7.2 magnitude earthquake in 1999 which left at least 845 people dead. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

6.1 magnitude earthquake rattles Turkey, injuring 35

<p>Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Wednesday that Turkey's military had hit nearly 500 Kurdish targets across Iraq and Syria as part of an air strikes’ campaign.&nbsp;“So far, 471 targets have been struck and 254 terrorists were neutralised in the operation,” Akar was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency.</p>

<p>Ankara began the series of air strikes as part of Operation Claw-Sword on Sunday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/operation-claw-sword-strikes-syria-ahead-of-turkiyes-general-elections-535913"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Operation-claw-sword strikes Syria ahead of Turkiye's general elections</strong></a></p>

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<p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday threatened to launch a ground&nbsp;operation&nbsp; in&nbsp;Syria "with tanks and soldiers" in defiance of international pressure not to do so.</p>

<p>Turkey's air raids followed a bombing in Istanbul on November 13 that killed six people and wounded 81.</p>

<p>Turkey blamed the attack on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is blacklisted as a terror group by the European Union and the United States.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ankara-launches-bomb-strikes-over-northern-syria-after-istanbul-bomb-blast-535695"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Türkiye launches air raids against Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq, 31 dead</strong></a></p>

<p>The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, denied any role in the bombing -- the deadliest in five years after a spate of attacks in Turkey between 2015 and 2017.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Wednesday that Turkey's military had hit nearly 500 Kurdish targets across Iraq and Syria as part of an air strikes’ campaign.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said Wednesday that Turkey's military had hit nearly 500 Kurdish targets across Iraq and Syria as part of an air strikes’ campaign. “So far, 471 targets have been struck and 254 terrorists were neutralised in the operation,” Akar was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency. Ankara began the series of air strikes as part of Operation Claw-Sword on Sunday. WATCH | Operation-claw-sword strikes Syria ahead of Turkiye's general elections × President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday threatened to launch a ground operation in Syria "with tanks and soldiers" in defiance of international pressure not to do so. Turkey's air raids followed a bombing in Istanbul on November 13 that killed six people and wounded 81. Turkey blamed the attack on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is blacklisted as a terror group by the European Union and the United States. Read more: Türkiye launches air raids against Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq, 31 dead The PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984, denied any role in the bombing -- the deadliest in five years after a spate of attacks in Turkey between 2015 and 2017. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Nearly 500 Kurdish targets hit in Iraq and Syria, 254 terrorists killed, claims Turkey's defence minister

<p>Thanksgiving is less than a week away and as the festival nears people are creating holiday menu for their guests and searching for some recipes to celebrate the fourth Thursday of November. Friends and families will catch up with each other and come together to enjoy themselves. People celebrate Thanksgiving Day to expresses their gratitude for whatever they have in their lives and whatever they have attained. On this very special occasion, people come together, have fun and eat dinner. Different sorts of Thanksgiving dishes are served by the hosts. Some of the most served dishes are Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, various fall vegetables, squash, and pumpkin pie. However, whether you are hosting your friends or your family members, we have you covered with these yummy and timeless recipes for this holiday season.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>1. Away from classic Oven-roasted Turkey&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey is one dish you will find served in every home on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving festivities are incomplete without this delicacy. Usually, Turkey is served oven-roasted. Though it is always classic, the excitement can only double with a twist on Turkey. Stuffed turkey roulade is a way to go and is suitable for large gatherings. The stuffed Turkey roulade recipe is not only impressive but is also much more flavorful than the roasted turkey. Though everyone likes to stick to the roasted Turkey tradition it is always good to get creative and give your Turkey a new uplift, a much niecer one. Jalapenos hidden in the stuffing will give you the just about right heat. You can glaze your Turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry barbecue sauce.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Turkey roulade recipe " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="63b2b9b0-536f-4b65-9bfe-a4c57a33d743" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_15.png" /></p>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2><strong>2. Colonial cranberry dessert&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Quite an interesting bit of sweetening to cranberry can work wonders. In the eighteenth century, cranberries were most often preserved or stewed to sweeten them for use in pies. But now we can craft a heartening desert from these cranberries. Together with traditional Turkey, the cranberry dessert will complete your Thanksgiving feast. You can add apples and the oat topping to your cranberries to add sweetness and create a light dessert that is pleasantly tart.</p>

<p><img alt="Cranberry " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09bcca1c-ea71-40e0-a361-6e9abbbd6f92" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%289%29_11.png" /></p>

<h2><strong>3. The greens&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without greens. There are many different Mediterranean-inspired salads which one can try. A salad recipe filled with ingredients, like Brussels sprouts, squash, apples, and pears can add different flavords in your salad. It will also pop a lot of color to your recipe. One has a plenty of options like like nuts, cheese, or crunchy bacon to spice up the salad game. You can even try crisp and cheesy salad and finish it up with a delicious buttermilk dressing. Sprouts salad that is filled with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy toasted almonds is also an amazing idea to definitely try out.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Greens" data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="789eded9-0340-4afe-ac51-5e9360f35123" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2810%29_10.png" /></p>

<h2><strong>4. Mashed potato casserole side dish&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It is the ultimate holiday side dish that we all want to try on the Holiday season. It's creamy, fluffy, and cheesy, all that a holiday dinner table dish should have. Infused with milk and butter and fresh thyme and bay leaves, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors. Just mash potatoes and smashed garlic cloves. Do not forget to add herb-infused milk and some cream cheese. And the magic ingredient-- Eggs. To make the dish crunchy, add some panko bread crumbs and toss it with Parmesan cheese and nutty brown butter before baking.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Mashed Potatoes " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b57bdfb2-1876-417a-80a2-a96039b2366c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_8.png" /></p>

<h2><strong>5. All time favourite condiment -- THE GRAVY !</strong></h2>

<p>Gravy is a thickened sauce made of meat drippings, stock and seasonings. It is a go to staple that you can very well drizzle on almost every single dish of your holiday dinner -- be it meats, veggies, and all of the classic sides. You can start off by cooking butter and flour in a skillet until it becomes golden and bubbly, the base for your sauce’s texture. Save the drippings from your turkey as it bakes. Those drippings are packed with flavor. Uplift the flovor of your gravy by adding some garlic and fresh herbs.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Gravy " data-align="left" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0aa7998-a335-48b4-ad2f-b0801ffb3456" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_4.png" /></p>


Thanksgiving is less than a week away and as the festival nears people are creating holiday menu for their guests and searching for some recipes to celebrate the fourth Thursday of November.

Thanksgiving is less than a week away and as the festival nears people are creating holiday menu for their guests and searching for some recipes to celebrate the fourth Thursday of November. Friends and families will catch up with each other and come together to enjoy themselves. People celebrate Thanksgiving Day to expresses their gratitude for whatever they have in their lives and whatever they have attained. On this very special occasion, people come together, have fun and eat dinner. Different sorts of Thanksgiving dishes are served by the hosts. Some of the most served dishes are Turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, various fall vegetables, squash, and pumpkin pie. However, whether you are hosting your friends or your family members, we have you covered with these yummy and timeless recipes for this holiday season. 1. Away from classic Oven-roasted Turkey Turkey is one dish you will find served in every home on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving festivities are incomplete without this delicacy. Usually, Turkey is served oven-roasted. Though it is always classic, the excitement can only double with a twist on Turkey. Stuffed turkey roulade is a way to go and is suitable for large gatherings. The stuffed Turkey roulade recipe is not only impressive but is also much more flavorful than the roasted turkey. Though everyone likes to stick to the roasted Turkey tradition it is always good to get creative and give your Turkey a new uplift, a much niecer one. Jalapenos hidden in the stuffing will give you the just about right heat. You can glaze your Turkey with a sweet and tangy cranberry barbecue sauce. 2. Colonial cranberry dessert Quite an interesting bit of sweetening to cranberry can work wonders. In the eighteenth century, cranberries were most often preserved or stewed to sweeten them for use in pies. But now we can craft a heartening desert from these cranberries. Together with traditional Turkey, the cranberry dessert will complete your Thanksgiving feast. You can add apples and the oat topping to your cranberries to add sweetness and create a light dessert that is pleasantly tart. 3. The greens The Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without greens. There are many different Mediterranean-inspired salads which one can try. A salad recipe filled with ingredients, like Brussels sprouts, squash, apples, and pears can add different flavords in your salad. It will also pop a lot of color to your recipe. One has a plenty of options like like nuts, cheese, or crunchy bacon to spice up the salad game. You can even try crisp and cheesy salad and finish it up with a delicious buttermilk dressing. Sprouts salad that is filled with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy toasted almonds is also an amazing idea to definitely try out. 4. Mashed potato casserole side dish It is the ultimate holiday side dish that we all want to try on the Holiday season. It's creamy, fluffy, and cheesy, all that a holiday dinner table dish should have. Infused with milk and butter and fresh thyme and bay leaves, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors. Just mash potatoes and smashed garlic cloves. Do not forget to add herb-infused milk and some cream cheese. And the magic ingredient-- Eggs. To make the dish crunchy, add some panko bread crumbs and toss it with Parmesan cheese and nutty brown butter before baking. 5. All time favourite condiment -- THE GRAVY ! Gravy is a thickened sauce made of meat drippings, stock and seasonings. It is a go to staple that you can very well drizzle on almost every single dish of your holiday dinner -- be it meats, veggies, and all of the classic sides. You can start off by cooking butter and flour in a skillet until it becomes golden and bubbly, the base for your sauce’s texture. Save the drippings from your turkey as it bakes. Those drippings are packed with flavor. Uplift the flovor of your gravy by adding some garlic and fresh herbs.

Try these 5 recipes this Thanksgiving 2022 holiday season

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