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

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

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

Turkish coastguard fires warning shot at Cyprus police ship

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause.

The drone footage from the area was captured on Wednesday (July 14). The footage shows hundreds of flaminglets partly buried in dried parts of Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz is in Turkey's Konya province.

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters that initial analysis showed the Flamingoes were not poisoned.

Environmentalists say that agricultural irrigation practices in the region along with Climate Change and drought caused the deaths.

As per a report published by Turkish environmental foundation TEMA in 2020, the annual water reserve in central province of Konya's close basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, while the consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic metres. Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said the canal that was built to deliver water to Lake Tuz is redirected for agricultural irrigation.

"This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped," Tunc said.

Statistics show that 5000-10,000 flaminglets are born in Lake Tuz every year.

Tunc said, this year, only 5,000 eggs have hatched and most of the birds died while seeking water on the surface of partially dried lake.

President of Doga (Nature) Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths is to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region.

Pakdemirli said the deaths are not related to the irrigation practices in the region.

"I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause.

Thousands of flamingoes were found dead in drone footage captured above the dry bed of Turkey's Lake Tuz. This has alarmed environmentalists and has prompted authorities to investigate the cause. The drone footage from the area was captured on Wednesday (July 14). The footage shows hundreds of flaminglets partly buried in dried parts of Lake Tuz. Lake Tuz is in Turkey's Konya province. Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli told reporters that initial analysis showed the Flamingoes were not poisoned. Environmentalists say that agricultural irrigation practices in the region along with Climate Change and drought caused the deaths. As per a report published by Turkish environmental foundation TEMA in 2020, the annual water reserve in central province of Konya's close basin was 4.5 billion cubic metres, while the consumption reached 6.5 billion cubic metres. Environmentalist and wildlife photographer Fahri Tunc said the canal that was built to deliver water to Lake Tuz is redirected for agricultural irrigation. "This is the irrigation canal that comes from Konya. It needs to deliver water to Lake Tuz. As you can see, the water is not coming through. It stopped," Tunc said. Statistics show that 5000-10,000 flaminglets are born in Lake Tuz every year. Tunc said, this year, only 5,000 eggs have hatched and most of the birds died while seeking water on the surface of partially dried lake. President of Doga (Nature) Association, Dicle Tuba Kilic said the only way to prevent mass flamingo deaths is to change the agricultural irrigation methods in region. Pakdemirli said the deaths are not related to the irrigation practices in the region. "I want to stress that there is no direct or indirect connection between this incident and the wells in the area or the agricultural irrigation," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey: Drone footage shows thousands of dead flamingoes, investigation on

Taliban has warned Turkey of severe "consequences" after Ankara offered to provide troops to guard the Kabul international airport. Taliban has said that the move will be a violation of its deal with the United States.

Taliban warn Of 'consequences' over Turkey's offer to run Kabul airport

A minibus transporting illegal migrants crashed on Sunday in the Muradiye district of Van province in Turkey. The accident has led to the death of at least 12 people and 20 others have been injured.

Within few minutes of the deadly accident, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), firefighters, gendarmerie, and teams of medical experts were rushed to the scene of the crash.

While the exact cause of the accident is not yet clear, local media has reported that the minibus caught fire and the flames took some time to be extinguished.

As of now, all the injured people have been transferred to a nearby hospital. The owner of the bus was detained by the authorities.

Among the 12 dead, 11 were illegal immigrants and one was the person who had helped organise this illegal transporting,&nbsp;the authorities were quoted as saying on Sunday.

A minibus transporting illegal migrants crashed on Sunday in the Muradiye district of Van province in Turkey. The accident has led to the death of at least 12 people and 20 others have been injured.

A minibus transporting illegal migrants crashed on Sunday in the Muradiye district of Van province in Turkey. The accident has led to the death of at least 12 people and 20 others have been injured. Within few minutes of the deadly accident, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), firefighters, gendarmerie, and teams of medical experts were rushed to the scene of the crash. While the exact cause of the accident is not yet clear, local media has reported that the minibus caught fire and the flames took some time to be extinguished. As of now, all the injured people have been transferred to a nearby hospital. The owner of the bus was detained by the authorities. Among the 12 dead, 11 were illegal immigrants and one was the person who had helped organise this illegal transporting, the authorities were quoted as saying on Sunday.

12 dead, 20 injured as minibus carrying illegal migrants crashes in Turkey

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup caused heads to roll but the team looked rejuvenated under new boss Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri qualified with a perfect record in Group J, winning all 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only four. They finished the campaign with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia with seven different goal scorers.

<h3>GROUP STAGE</h3>

TURKEY 0-3 ITALY

Turkey were seen as dark horses at the tournament but after a goalless first half, the floodgates opened when an own goal gave Italy the impetus to pile on the pressure.

Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne also got on the scoresheet while at the back Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were rarely troubled by Turkey's top scorer Burak Yilmaz.

ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND

Italy's strength was in their goals coming from multiple sources but little did Switzerland expect them to come from midfielder Manuel Locatelli who struck twice to add to his previous international tally of one goal.

Immobile scored again late on to give Italy back-to-back 3-0 wins as the Azzurri became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages.

ITALY 1-0 WALES

Mancini made eight changes but still managed to get all three points when midfielder Matteo Pessina scored from a set-piece in the first half in Rome. Italy also kept a clean sheet for an 11th consecutive match.

<h3>LAST 16</h3>

ITALY 2-1 AUSTRIA (AFTER EXTRA TIME)

Underdogs Austria were in the knockout stage for the first time at the Euros and they gave Italy a scare by with an effort that was ruled out by VAR before they forced extra time as the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.

However, it gave Mancini the opportunity to test Plan B, which worked to perfection as substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina struck to book Italy's place in the quarter-finals.

<h3>QUARTER-FINAL</h3>

BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY

Belgium's "Golden Generation" presented Italy with a headache but a tense match against the top-ranked side in the world was settled with first-half goals from Nicolo Barella and a sublime curling effort from Lorenzo Insigne.

Romelu Lukaku's penalty halved the lead but Italy held on in the second half. The Azzurri's night was soured, however, when influential left-back Leonardo Spinazzola was taken off on a stretcher with a torn Achilles tendon that ended his tournament.

<h3>SEMI-FINAL</h3>

ITALY 1-1 SPAIN (ITALY WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES)

A resurgent Spain represented Italy's toughest test at the Euros as Luis Enrique's side dominated the midfield battle in a compelling 1-1 draw in which Spain substitute Alvaro Morata cancelled out Federico Chiesa's superb curling shot.

With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, Italy held their nerve in the penalty shootout. Jorginho converted the winning spot-kick with a cool finish as the Azzurri extended their unbeaten run to 33 matches.

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup caused heads to roll but the team looked rejuvenated under new boss Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri qualified with a perfect record in Group J, winning all 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only four.

Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup caused heads to roll but the team looked rejuvenated under new boss Roberto Mancini. The Azzurri qualified with a perfect record in Group J, winning all 10 matches, scoring 37 goals and conceding only four. They finished the campaign with a 9-1 demolition of Armenia with seven different goal scorers. GROUP STAGE TURKEY 0-3 ITALY Turkey were seen as dark horses at the tournament but after a goalless first half, the floodgates opened when an own goal gave Italy the impetus to pile on the pressure. Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne also got on the scoresheet while at the back Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci were rarely troubled by Turkey's top scorer Burak Yilmaz. ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND Italy's strength was in their goals coming from multiple sources but little did Switzerland expect them to come from midfielder Manuel Locatelli who struck twice to add to his previous international tally of one goal. Immobile scored again late on to give Italy back-to-back 3-0 wins as the Azzurri became the first team to qualify for the knockout stages. ITALY 1-0 WALES Mancini made eight changes but still managed to get all three points when midfielder Matteo Pessina scored from a set-piece in the first half in Rome. Italy also kept a clean sheet for an 11th consecutive match. LAST 16 ITALY 2-1 AUSTRIA (AFTER EXTRA TIME) Underdogs Austria were in the knockout stage for the first time at the Euros and they gave Italy a scare by with an effort that was ruled out by VAR before they forced extra time as the match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes. However, it gave Mancini the opportunity to test Plan B, which worked to perfection as substitutes Federico Chiesa and Matteo Pessina struck to book Italy's place in the quarter-finals. QUARTER-FINAL BELGIUM 1-2 ITALY Belgium's "Golden Generation" presented Italy with a headache but a tense match against the top-ranked side in the world was settled with first-half goals from Nicolo Barella and a sublime curling effort from Lorenzo Insigne. Romelu Lukaku's penalty halved the lead but Italy held on in the second half. The Azzurri's night was soured, however, when influential left-back Leonardo Spinazzola was taken off on a stretcher with a torn Achilles tendon that ended his tournament. SEMI-FINAL ITALY 1-1 SPAIN (ITALY WON 4-2 ON PENALTIES) A resurgent Spain represented Italy's toughest test at the Euros as Luis Enrique's side dominated the midfield battle in a compelling 1-1 draw in which Spain substitute Alvaro Morata cancelled out Federico Chiesa's superb curling shot. With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, Italy held their nerve in the penalty shootout. Jorginho converted the winning spot-kick with a cool finish as the Azzurri extended their unbeaten run to 33 matches.

Football: Italy's road to the Euro 2020 final

Russia, Iran and Turkey will continue to co-operate in Syria against Islamic State (IS) and other militants, said RIA new agency. The new agency cited a joint statement by the nations.

The three powers were at international talks in Kazakhstan's city of Nur-Sultan to discuss the Syria conflict

Meanwhile, AFP cited diplomatic sources who said that a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on extending cross-border aid into war-torn Syria's rebel-held northwest has been postponed to try to soften veto-wielder Russia's stance

"The idea is Friday now," one diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity, with another source saying postponing would allow for "more time to finish the negotiation."&nbsp;

The vote was originally set for Thursday. The vote is to take place on a draft resolution to keep open the only remaining entry point for aid into northwest Syria that bypasses Damascus.&nbsp;

The UN's cross-border aid authorization, in place since 2014 and sharply curtailed last year under pressure from Moscow, expires on Saturday.

Russia, which holds veto power at the council and is a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, may block the renewal, preferring to see aid delivered across front lines from Damascus and arguing the existing crossing is used to supply arms to rebel fighters.

During a meeting on the issue Tuesday, Moscow had "maintained its position, which has been clear for a long time," a Russian diplomat told AFP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Iran and Turkey will continue to co-operate in Syria against Islamic State (IS) and other militants, said RIA new agency. The new agency cited a joint statement by the nations.

Russia, Iran and Turkey will continue to co-operate in Syria against Islamic State (IS) and other militants, said RIA new agency. The new agency cited a joint statement by the nations. The three powers were at international talks in Kazakhstan's city of Nur-Sultan to discuss the Syria conflict Meanwhile, AFP cited diplomatic sources who said that a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) vote on extending cross-border aid into war-torn Syria's rebel-held northwest has been postponed to try to soften veto-wielder Russia's stance "The idea is Friday now," one diplomatic source said on condition of anonymity, with another source saying postponing would allow for "more time to finish the negotiation." The vote was originally set for Thursday. The vote is to take place on a draft resolution to keep open the only remaining entry point for aid into northwest Syria that bypasses Damascus. The UN's cross-border aid authorization, in place since 2014 and sharply curtailed last year under pressure from Moscow, expires on Saturday. Russia, which holds veto power at the council and is a staunch ally of the Syrian regime, may block the renewal, preferring to see aid delivered across front lines from Damascus and arguing the existing crossing is used to supply arms to rebel fighters. During a meeting on the issue Tuesday, Moscow had "maintained its position, which has been clear for a long time," a Russian diplomat told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Syria: Russia, Iran, Turkey to continue cooperation against IS, says report

Pakistan is looking to buy armed drones from Turkey. The same drones that helped Azerbaijan defeat Armenia in November 2020. The two nations will also work on defence projects & collaborate militarily in Afghanistan.

Gravitas: Pakistan & Turkey deepen defence ties

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he would discuss with his US&nbsp;counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday a plan for Turkey to operate and guard Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding there was no final decision yet. 
 
Ankara has offered to run and guard the airport after NATO's withdrawal, and has been in talks with allies, namely the United States, on financial, political and logistical support. Security of the airport is key for the operations of diplomatic missions out of Afghanistan after the withdrawal. 
 
Speaking to a group of reporters after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Akar said talks on the details of the mission were still underway, and that the airport must be operational so the Afghan government is not isolated from the world following the pullout. 
 
"From making certain decisions at the United Nations, NATO, to reaching an agreement with the Afghan government, as well as political, financial, and logistical support, we are in contact with various countries. Meanwhile, our talks with the Americans also continue," Akar said. "No final decision has been made yet, but our talks continue." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he would discuss with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday a plan for Turkey to operate and guard Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding there was no final decision yet.

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said he would discuss with his US counterpart Lloyd Austin on Wednesday a plan for Turkey to operate and guard Kabul's Hamid Karzai airport after the NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan, adding there was no final decision yet. Ankara has offered to run and guard the airport after NATO's withdrawal, and has been in talks with allies, namely the United States, on financial, political and logistical support. Security of the airport is key for the operations of diplomatic missions out of Afghanistan after the withdrawal. Speaking to a group of reporters after a cabinet meeting on Monday, Akar said talks on the details of the mission were still underway, and that the airport must be operational so the Afghan government is not isolated from the world following the pullout. "From making certain decisions at the United Nations, NATO, to reaching an agreement with the Afghan government, as well as political, financial, and logistical support, we are in contact with various countries. Meanwhile, our talks with the Americans also continue," Akar said. "No final decision has been made yet, but our talks continue." (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish, US defence ministers to discuss Kabul airport plan on Wednesday

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty to combat violence against women, a move that has drawn strong criticism from Western allies.

Protests in Turkey as it withdraws from treaty to prevent violence against women

Turkey has officially pulled out of the Istanbul convention on gender violence. The decision has triggered massive protests in major Turkish cities, but President Erdogan remains unmoved.

Gravitas: Turkey pulls out of treaty on gender violence

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies. Erdogan however is stressing that this is not a step backwards.

"Some circles are trying to portray our withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention as a step backwards in our battle with violence against women," he said during a speech in Ankara to present an alternative action plan.

"Our battle did not start with the Istanbul Convention and it will not end with our withdrawal from the treaty," he said.

The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, committed its signatories to prevent and prosecute domestic violence and promote equality. Erdogan announced the withdrawal in March in favour of local laws to protect women's rights.

Thousands were set on Thursday to protest the decision across Turkey, where femicide has surged. A court appeal to halt the withdrawal was rejected this week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies.

Thousands of women protested Turkey's decision of formally withdrawing from the international treaty against domestic violence. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's move has drawn condemnation from Turks and Western allies. Erdogan however is stressing that this is not a step backwards. "Some circles are trying to portray our withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention as a step backwards in our battle with violence against women," he said during a speech in Ankara to present an alternative action plan. "Our battle did not start with the Istanbul Convention and it will not end with our withdrawal from the treaty," he said. The Istanbul Convention, signed in 2011, committed its signatories to prevent and prosecute domestic violence and promote equality. Erdogan announced the withdrawal in March in favour of local laws to protect women's rights. Thousands were set on Thursday to protest the decision across Turkey, where femicide has surged. A court appeal to halt the withdrawal was rejected this week. (With inputs from agencies)

Protests in Turkey as it withdraws from treaty against domestic violence

Turkey&nbsp;on Thursday formally exited a treaty combating femicide and domestic abuse, in a controversial move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was condemned by the West and rights groups.

Erdogan sparked outrage in March by pulling out from the world's first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention.

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The 2011 pact, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation linked to the prosecution of crimes including marital rape and female genital mutilation.

Erdogan's move came as he clings onto support from conservative and nationalist groups to maintain his 18-year rule.

Justifying the decision, Erdogan's top press aide Fahrettin Altun said the treaty's references to gender-based abuses had been "hijacked by people attempting to normalise homosexuality".

The LGBTQ movement is "incompatible" with&nbsp;Turkey's social and family values, Altun said.

Major Turkish cities were convulsed earlier this year by student-led protests supporting broader rights.

Homosexuality has been legal in&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;since the Ottoman Empire. But women's rights groups accuse Ankara of withdrawing from the treaty to appease conservatives at a time when Erdogan's ruling party is recording lower levels of support.

"We will continue our struggle," Canan Gullu, president of the Federation of Turkish Women's Associations, said on Wednesday. "Turkey&nbsp;is shooting itself in the foot with this decision."

She said that since March, women and other vulnerable groups had been more reluctant to ask for help and less likely to receive it, with COVID-19 fuelled economic difficulties causing a dramatic increase in violence against them.

The withdrawal was condemned by the European Union and the United States.

Turkey's highest administrative court on Tuesday rejected an attempt to annul the withdrawal, saying that Erdogan had the "authority" to make the decision.

Rights organisations say Erdogan's decision will put women at greater risk of violence when femicide is already prevalent in&nbsp;Turkey.

Last year, 300 women were murdered in the country, according to the rights group We Will Stop Femicide Platform, while 189 have been killed so far this year.

"The withdrawal sends a reckless and dangerous message to perpetrators who abuse, maim and kill: that they can carry on doing so with impunity," said Amnesty International's secretary-general, Agnes Callamard.

There are protests planned for Thursday evening across&nbsp;Turkey, with a large rally in Istanbul to start at 1600 GMT.

Femicide has surged in&nbsp;Turkey, with one monitoring group logging roughly one per day in the last five years.&nbsp;Proponents of the convention and related legislation say more stringent implementation is needed.

Turkey on Thursday formally exited a treaty combating femicide and domestic abuse, in a controversial move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was condemned by the West and rights groups.

Turkey on Thursday formally exited a treaty combating femicide and domestic abuse, in a controversial move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was condemned by the West and rights groups. Erdogan sparked outrage in March by pulling out from the world's first binding treaty to prevent and combat violence against women, known as the Istanbul Convention. The 2011 pact, signed by 45 countries and the European Union, requires governments to adopt legislation linked to the prosecution of crimes including marital rape and female genital mutilation. Erdogan's move came as he clings onto support from conservative and nationalist groups to maintain his 18-year rule. Justifying the decision, Erdogan's top press aide Fahrettin Altun said the treaty's references to gender-based abuses had been "hijacked by people attempting to normalise homosexuality". The LGBTQ movement is "incompatible" with Turkey's social and family values, Altun said. Major Turkish cities were convulsed earlier this year by student-led protests supporting broader rights. Homosexuality has been legal in Turkey since the Ottoman Empire. But women's rights groups accuse Ankara of withdrawing from the treaty to appease conservatives at a time when Erdogan's ruling party is recording lower levels of support. "We will continue our struggle," Canan Gullu, president of the Federation of Turkish Women's Associations, said on Wednesday. "Turkey is shooting itself in the foot with this decision." She said that since March, women and other vulnerable groups had been more reluctant to ask for help and less likely to receive it, with COVID-19 fuelled economic difficulties causing a dramatic increase in violence against them. The withdrawal was condemned by the European Union and the United States. Turkey's highest administrative court on Tuesday rejected an attempt to annul the withdrawal, saying that Erdogan had the "authority" to make the decision. Rights organisations say Erdogan's decision will put women at greater risk of violence when femicide is already prevalent in Turkey. Last year, 300 women were murdered in the country, according to the rights group We Will Stop Femicide Platform, while 189 have been killed so far this year. "The withdrawal sends a reckless and dangerous message to perpetrators who abuse, maim and kill: that they can carry on doing so with impunity," said Amnesty International's secretary-general, Agnes Callamard. There are protests planned for Thursday evening across Turkey, with a large rally in Istanbul to start at 1600 GMT. Femicide has surged in Turkey, with one monitoring group logging roughly one per day in the last five years. Proponents of the convention and related legislation say more stringent implementation is needed.

Turkey quits treaty to prevent violence against women

Turkey's first indigenously created coronavirus vaccine candidate has been named 'TURKOVAC,' according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Turkey's vaccination campaign is presently using vaccinations from Sinovac Biotech in China and Pfizer-BioNTech in the United States.&nbsp;

"This is the pride of our nation, this pride belongs to our nation," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said about the vaccine candidate.&nbsp;

TURKOVAC is using an “inactivated virus” technology and was developed at Erciyes University. Other vaccine developments continue in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said it is imperative to have a local vaccine that Turkey would use in the country and export to others.&nbsp;

The first dose of the vaccine’s third phase trial was administered to a male volunteer Tuesday in a videoconference by the health minister, professors and Turkey’s president. The health minister said Phase 1 and 2 trials showed the vaccine’s safety and immune response.

Turkey is currently using vaccines from China’s Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech. Russia’s Sputnik V is also being&nbsp;used.&nbsp;

Since Turkey launched a mass vaccination campaign this January, nearly 43.6 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered.

Over 29 million people have received their first doses, while over 14.57 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry.

Amid a nationwide fall in COVID-19 cases, Turkey is set to end pandemic curfews as of next Thursday, July 1, Erdogan said on Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkey's first indigenously created coronavirus vaccine candidate has been named 'TURKOVAC,' according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's vaccination campaign is presently using vaccinations from Sinovac Biotech in China and Pfizer-BioNTech in the United States.

Turkey's first indigenously created coronavirus vaccine candidate has been named 'TURKOVAC,' according to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkey's vaccination campaign is presently using vaccinations from Sinovac Biotech in China and Pfizer-BioNTech in the United States. "This is the pride of our nation, this pride belongs to our nation," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said about the vaccine candidate. TURKOVAC is using an “inactivated virus” technology and was developed at Erciyes University. Other vaccine developments continue in Turkey. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said it is imperative to have a local vaccine that Turkey would use in the country and export to others. The first dose of the vaccine’s third phase trial was administered to a male volunteer Tuesday in a videoconference by the health minister, professors and Turkey’s president. The health minister said Phase 1 and 2 trials showed the vaccine’s safety and immune response. Turkey is currently using vaccines from China’s Sinovac and Pfizer-BioNTech. Russia’s Sputnik V is also being used. Since Turkey launched a mass vaccination campaign this January, nearly 43.6 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered. Over 29 million people have received their first doses, while over 14.57 million have been fully vaccinated, according to the Health Ministry. Amid a nationwide fall in COVID-19 cases, Turkey is set to end pandemic curfews as of next Thursday, July 1, Erdogan said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

TURKOVAC: Turkey's first indigenously developed COVID-19 vaccine

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

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

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

Turkish women rally in Istanbul to send message to Erdogan

Turkey should withdraw troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord, a Taliban spokesperson said. 'Turkey was a part of NATO forces, so as such, they should withdraw from Afghanistan on the basis of the agreement we signed with US on 29th Feb 2020', he added.

Turkey’s troops should leave Afghanistan under 2020 deal: Taliban

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

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

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

Turkey and USA should keep troubles behind, says Erdogan

Italy kicked off the European Championship in emphatic style on Friday as they delivered a commanding performance to sweep past toothless Turkey 3-0 in the Stadio Olimpico and stamp their early authority on Group A.

After a goalless first half, an own goal and strikes by Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne were just a reward for the home side, who played with relentless positivity from the start.

Their dispiriting failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup looked a distant memory as they stretched their unbeaten run to 28 matches in a buoyant atmosphere.

They were helped by a flat display from Turkey, who lost their fifth consecutive opening match of a European Championship finals and barely mustered a worthwhile attack all night.

"It was important to start well here in Rome and it is a joy for us and for all the Italians," said coach Roberto Mancini.

"We produced a good performance and I think we satisfied everyone, for the fans and all the Italians watching. But there are six games to go and there are a lot of good teams."

Switzerland and Wales, who meet in the group's second game in Baku on Saturday, always knew Italy was the group favorites but the size of their task has suddenly looked somewhat bigger.

STRONG START

After a build-up featuring a spine-tingling rendition of Nessun Dorma by opera singer Andrea Bocelli - channeling thoughts of Italia '90 - a spectacular fireworks display and a typically raucous rendition of Italy's national anthem, the 16,000-strong crowd was in fine voice by kick-off.

They were given plenty to cheer too as Italy made all the early running against a Turkish team happy to sit deep and invite pressure.

However, Mancini’s side was left frustrated in their efforts to break through the wall of red shirts.

Giorgio Chiellini had a header tipped over with a spectacular one-handed save by Ugurcan Cakir and Immobile nodded across wide as Italy went in at the break with 14 attempts to none from Turkey - but without a goal.

They kept probing and their patience was rewarded when Berardi fired a cross into the six-yard box where Demiral chested the ball into the net - the first time in a European Championship that the tournament’s opening goal was an own goal.

The ever-dangerous Leonardo Spinazzola had a shot beaten away and Manuel Locatelli’s low effort was palmed wide before Immobile doubled Italy's lead by pouncing on Cakir’s parry from another Spinazzola effort to neatly knock in the rebound.

The Azzurri’s dominance was rewarded again when Immobile threaded a pass to Insigne, who placed a precise finish into the bottom corner with 11 minutes remaining.

It marked the first time Italy had scored three goals in a match at the Euros at their 39th attempt and capped a perfect start.

Mancini had told his players they should enjoy themselves and seek to entertain and that was exactly what they did for a jubilant home crowd.

There was only gloom in the visiting camp as veteran coach Senol Gunes, who led Turkey to third place at the 2002 World Cup, apologized for the performance.

"I was expecting a better game, and I am disappointed and we are sorry," he said. "Italy totally controlled the game."

On June 16, Italy face Switzerland in Rome and Turkey take on Wales in Baku in the second round of Group A games.

Italy kicked off the European Championship in emphatic style on Friday as they delivered a commanding performance to sweep past toothless Turkey 3-0 in the Stadio Olimpico and stamp their early authority on Group A.

Italy kicked off the European Championship in emphatic style on Friday as they delivered a commanding performance to sweep past toothless Turkey 3-0 in the Stadio Olimpico and stamp their early authority on Group A. After a goalless first half, an own goal and strikes by Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne were just a reward for the home side, who played with relentless positivity from the start. Their dispiriting failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup looked a distant memory as they stretched their unbeaten run to 28 matches in a buoyant atmosphere. They were helped by a flat display from Turkey, who lost their fifth consecutive opening match of a European Championship finals and barely mustered a worthwhile attack all night. "It was important to start well here in Rome and it is a joy for us and for all the Italians," said coach Roberto Mancini. "We produced a good performance and I think we satisfied everyone, for the fans and all the Italians watching. But there are six games to go and there are a lot of good teams." Switzerland and Wales, who meet in the group's second game in Baku on Saturday, always knew Italy was the group favorites but the size of their task has suddenly looked somewhat bigger. STRONG START After a build-up featuring a spine-tingling rendition of Nessun Dorma by opera singer Andrea Bocelli - channeling thoughts of Italia '90 - a spectacular fireworks display and a typically raucous rendition of Italy's national anthem, the 16,000-strong crowd was in fine voice by kick-off. They were given plenty to cheer too as Italy made all the early running against a Turkish team happy to sit deep and invite pressure. However, Mancini’s side was left frustrated in their efforts to break through the wall of red shirts. Giorgio Chiellini had a header tipped over with a spectacular one-handed save by Ugurcan Cakir and Immobile nodded across wide as Italy went in at the break with 14 attempts to none from Turkey - but without a goal. They kept probing and their patience was rewarded when Berardi fired a cross into the six-yard box where Demiral chested the ball into the net - the first time in a European Championship that the tournament’s opening goal was an own goal. The ever-dangerous Leonardo Spinazzola had a shot beaten away and Manuel Locatelli’s low effort was palmed wide before Immobile doubled Italy's lead by pouncing on Cakir’s parry from another Spinazzola effort to neatly knock in the rebound. The Azzurri’s dominance was rewarded again when Immobile threaded a pass to Insigne, who placed a precise finish into the bottom corner with 11 minutes remaining. It marked the first time Italy had scored three goals in a match at the Euros at their 39th attempt and capped a perfect start. Mancini had told his players they should enjoy themselves and seek to entertain and that was exactly what they did for a jubilant home crowd. There was only gloom in the visiting camp as veteran coach Senol Gunes, who led Turkey to third place at the 2002 World Cup, apologized for the performance. "I was expecting a better game, and I am disappointed and we are sorry," he said. "Italy totally controlled the game." On June 16, Italy face Switzerland in Rome and Turkey take on Wales in Baku in the second round of Group A games.

Football: Italy put on a show with win over Turkey in Euro 2020 opener

Turkey&nbsp;should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of US&nbsp;forces, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday, effectively rejecting Ankara's proposal to guard and run Kabul's airport after US-led NATO forces depart.

The development raises serious questions for the United States, other countries and international organizations with missions in Kabul about how to securely evacuate their personnel from landlocked Afghanistan should fighting threaten the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-pullout-from-afghanistan-half-done-but-questions-remain-390140">US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain</a>

It also appeared to dash Ankara's hopes of using the securing of Kabul airport to help improve ties with Washington,&nbsp;strained by&nbsp;Turkey's purchase of Russian defence systems,&nbsp;in talks set for Monday between President Joe Biden and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan

Asked in a text message whether the Taliban rejected&nbsp;Turkey's proposal to keep forces in Kabul to guard and run the international airport after other foreign troops leave, the Taliban spokesman in Doha responded that they should go as well.

"Turkey&nbsp;was part of NATO forces in the past 20 years, so as such, they should withdraw from Afghanistan on the basis of the Agreement we signed with US on 29th Feb 2020," Suhail Shaheen told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-had-constructive-discussions-with-pak-on-afghanistan-issue-sullivan-390041">US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan</a>

"Otherwise,&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;is a great Islamic country. Afghanistan has had historical relations with it. We hope to have close and good relations with them as a new Islamic government is established in the country in future," he added.

The State Department and the Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Thursday with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar to "discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues," the Pentagon said in a statement, which did not specifically mention Afghanistan.

Under the February 2020 deal secured with the Islamist Taliban under former President Donald Trump, all US&nbsp;forces were to be out of Afghanistan by May 1.

But Biden said in April that the pullout would be completed by the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States that prompted the US-led invasion and ouster of the Taliban government that sheltered the group.

Turkish officials say they made the Kabul airport proposal at a NATO meeting in May when the United States and its partners agreed to a plan to withdraw their forces by Sept. 11 after 20 years of backing the Afghan government in a war against the Taliban.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pentagon-us-troops-pullout-from-afghanistan-is-50-complete-390735/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With violence raging, many US&nbsp;lawmakers and current and former officials fear the departure of the foreign forces and stalled peace talks are pushing Afghanistan into an all-out civil war that could return the Taliban to power.

The Pentagon says the US&nbsp;withdrawal is more than 50 per cent&nbsp;complete.&nbsp;Turkey, with more than 500 soldiers still in Afghanistan training security forces, now has the largest foreign military contingent there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/australia-shutters-embassy-in-afghanistan-sparking-exodus-fears-388056">Australia shutters embassy in Afghanistan, sparking exodus fears</a>

Australia closed its embassy last month because of security concerns. The Taliban's effective rejection of the Turkish plan to secure the airport could prompt other countries to shutter their missions.

The development also poses a quandary for the Biden administration, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowing as recently as this week at a congressional hearing to maintain a US&nbsp;diplomatic presence in Kabul.

Turkey should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of US forces, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday, effectively rejecting Ankara's proposal to guard and run Kabul's airport after US-led NATO forces depart.

Turkey should withdraw its troops from Afghanistan under the 2020 deal for the pullout of US forces, a Taliban spokesman said on Thursday, effectively rejecting Ankara's proposal to guard and run Kabul's airport after US-led NATO forces depart. The development raises serious questions for the United States, other countries and international organizations with missions in Kabul about how to securely evacuate their personnel from landlocked Afghanistan should fighting threaten the capital. Also read | US pullout from Afghanistan half done, but questions remain It also appeared to dash Ankara's hopes of using the securing of Kabul airport to help improve ties with Washington, strained by Turkey's purchase of Russian defence systems, in talks set for Monday between President Joe Biden and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan Asked in a text message whether the Taliban rejected Turkey's proposal to keep forces in Kabul to guard and run the international airport after other foreign troops leave, the Taliban spokesman in Doha responded that they should go as well. "Turkey was part of NATO forces in the past 20 years, so as such, they should withdraw from Afghanistan on the basis of the Agreement we signed with US on 29th Feb 2020," Suhail Shaheen told Reuters. Also read | US had constructive discussions with Pak on Afghanistan issue: Sullivan "Otherwise, Turkey is a great Islamic country. Afghanistan has had historical relations with it. We hope to have close and good relations with them as a new Islamic government is established in the country in future," he added. The State Department and the Turkish Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke on Thursday with Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar to "discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues," the Pentagon said in a statement, which did not specifically mention Afghanistan. Under the February 2020 deal secured with the Islamist Taliban under former President Donald Trump, all US forces were to be out of Afghanistan by May 1. But Biden said in April that the pullout would be completed by the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda attacks on the United States that prompted the US-led invasion and ouster of the Taliban government that sheltered the group. Turkish officials say they made the Kabul airport proposal at a NATO meeting in May when the United States and its partners agreed to a plan to withdraw their forces by Sept. 11 after 20 years of backing the Afghan government in a war against the Taliban. With violence raging, many US lawmakers and current and former officials fear the departure of the foreign forces and stalled peace talks are pushing Afghanistan into an all-out civil war that could return the Taliban to power. The Pentagon says the US withdrawal is more than 50 per cent complete. Turkey, with more than 500 soldiers still in Afghanistan training security forces, now has the largest foreign military contingent there. Also read | Australia shutters embassy in Afghanistan, sparking exodus fears Australia closed its embassy last month because of security concerns. The Taliban's effective rejection of the Turkish plan to secure the airport could prompt other countries to shutter their missions. The development also poses a quandary for the Biden administration, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken vowing as recently as this week at a congressional hearing to maintain a US diplomatic presence in Kabul.

Turkey should pull troops from Afghanistan under 2020 accord: Taliban

A top Turkish prosecutor refiled a case with the constitutional court demanding the closure of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) for alleged ties to militants, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported. 
 
In March, the court sent back a similar indictment on procedural grounds for lack of details. The latest indictment demanded a political ban on some 500 party members and a block on HDP's bank accounts, Anadolu said. 
 
Turkey has a long history of shutting down political parties seen as a threat and has in the past banned a series of other pro-Kurdish parties. 
 
The prosecutor's move in March was the culmination of a years-long crackdown on the HDP, parliament's third-largest party, under which thousands of its members were tried on mainly terrorism charges. 
 
The party denies links to terrorism and called the move a 'political coup'. 
 
In a written statement, the prosecutor said the HDP committed crimes against the independence of the state and its unbreakable unity with its country and people, according to Anadolu. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A top Turkish prosecutor refiled a case with the constitutional court demanding the closure of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) for alleged ties to militants, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported.

A top Turkish prosecutor refiled a case with the constitutional court demanding the closure of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) for alleged ties to militants, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported. In March, the court sent back a similar indictment on procedural grounds for lack of details. The latest indictment demanded a political ban on some 500 party members and a block on HDP's bank accounts, Anadolu said. Turkey has a long history of shutting down political parties seen as a threat and has in the past banned a series of other pro-Kurdish parties. The prosecutor's move in March was the culmination of a years-long crackdown on the HDP, parliament's third-largest party, under which thousands of its members were tried on mainly terrorism charges. The party denies links to terrorism and called the move a 'political coup'. In a written statement, the prosecutor said the HDP committed crimes against the independence of the state and its unbreakable unity with its country and people, according to Anadolu. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish prosecutor refiles case to close pro-Kurdish party: Report

Turkey is battling an outbreak of Sea Snot. A thick layer of slimy sludge has blanketed shorelines & harbours. It's killing marine life & the livelihood of farmers. President Erdogan is facing political heat.

Gravitas: 'Sea Snot' outbreak in Turkey

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

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

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

Top Kurdish official killed in Turkey's Iraq operation

Three civilians were killed in a Turkish drone attack on Iraq refugee camp on Saturday. The refugee camp is in northern Iraq in an area Turkish president recently threatened to "clean up, said a Kurdish lawmaker.

Rashad Galali, a Kurdish MP from Makhmur, told AFP the strike targeted "a kindergarten near a school" in the UN-supported camp that houses Kurdish refugees from Turkey.

"Three civilians were killed and two wounded," he said.

Earlier this week, Turkey President Recep Tayyiop Erdogan compared Makhmur to Mount Qandil region along Iraq's eastern border. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has rear bases in Mount Qandil region. PKK has been outlawed by Turkey.

"The issue of Makhmur is as important to us as Qandil... because Makhmur has become the incubator of Qandil... and if we don't intervene the incubator will continue producing (terrorists)," he said.

"If the United Nations does not clean up this district, we will take care of it in our capacity as a UN member state," Erdogan warned.

Since mid-90s, Turkish troops have maintained network of bases in northern Iraq. The bases have been maintained as per security agreements with now ousted regime of dictator Saddam Hussein.

The PKK has waged a rebellion in the mainly Kurdish southeast of Turkey since 1984 that has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The PKK maintains rear bases in northern Iraq, from where they train their fighters and launch attacks on Turkey which has hit back with air attacks and the occasional ground incursion into Iraq.

Saturday's drone attack came hours after five Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters were killed in a clashes with the PKK in the Mount Matin district of northern Dohuk province, an official said.

Serbast Lazkin, deputy minister for peshmerga affairs in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, said two peshmerga fighters were also wounded in the clash.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three civilians were killed in a Turkish drone attack on Iraq refugee camp on Saturday. The refugee camp is in northern Iraq in an area Turkish president recently threatened to "clean up, said a Kurdish lawmaker.

Three civilians were killed in a Turkish drone attack on Iraq refugee camp on Saturday. The refugee camp is in northern Iraq in an area Turkish president recently threatened to "clean up, said a Kurdish lawmaker. Rashad Galali, a Kurdish MP from Makhmur, told AFP the strike targeted "a kindergarten near a school" in the UN-supported camp that houses Kurdish refugees from Turkey. "Three civilians were killed and two wounded," he said. Earlier this week, Turkey President Recep Tayyiop Erdogan compared Makhmur to Mount Qandil region along Iraq's eastern border. Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has rear bases in Mount Qandil region. PKK has been outlawed by Turkey. "The issue of Makhmur is as important to us as Qandil... because Makhmur has become the incubator of Qandil... and if we don't intervene the incubator will continue producing (terrorists)," he said. "If the United Nations does not clean up this district, we will take care of it in our capacity as a UN member state," Erdogan warned. Since mid-90s, Turkish troops have maintained network of bases in northern Iraq. The bases have been maintained as per security agreements with now ousted regime of dictator Saddam Hussein. The PKK has waged a rebellion in the mainly Kurdish southeast of Turkey since 1984 that has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The PKK maintains rear bases in northern Iraq, from where they train their fighters and launch attacks on Turkey which has hit back with air attacks and the occasional ground incursion into Iraq. Saturday's drone attack came hours after five Iraqi Kurdish peshmerga fighters were killed in a clashes with the PKK in the Mount Matin district of northern Dohuk province, an official said. Serbast Lazkin, deputy minister for peshmerga affairs in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, said two peshmerga fighters were also wounded in the clash. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish drone strike on Iraq refugee camp kills three

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

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

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

Turkish President announces new Black Sea gas find

A thick, slimy layer of so-called "sea snot" is spreading in Turkey's Sea of Marmara to the south of Istanbul at alarming levels, posing a growing threat to marine life and the fishing industry.

'Sea snot' outbreak off Turkish coast rings environmental alarm

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. 
 
The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. 
 
The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. 
 
"We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said,&nbsp;according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. 
 
A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. 
 
"Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. 
 
The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. 
 
They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. 
 
Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights.

Greece reacted angrily on Sunday a statement by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu that described members of a Muslim minority in northern Greece as Turkish and that said they were not accorded full civic rights. The statement by Cavusoglu, during a private visit to the northern Greek region of Thrace on Sunday, came ahead of his official meetings on Monday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens. The two foreign ministers clashed openly last month at a news conference in Ankara following a meeting aimed at easing months of tension between the two historic rivals. "We want Greece to give the same rights as we provide to the Greek Orthodox Church and Greek minority to the Turks in Western Thrace," Cavusoglu said, according to a video provided by the Turkish Foreign Ministry. A century after the two countries fought a war that displaced more than a million people on both sides of the border, Turkey says the roughly 120,000-strong Muslim community in the region is a Turkish minority, a position rejected by Athens, which describes them as Greek Muslims. "Turkey's continuous efforts to distort reality, as well as its claims alleging lack of protection of these citizens' rights or discrimination, are unfounded and are rejected in their entirety," Greek Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexandros Papaioannou said in a news release. The two countries, both members of the NATO alliance, are at odds over issues ranging from competing maritime territorial claims in the eastern Mediterranean to the status of Cyprus and the treatment of migrant boats. They came close to armed conflict last year when naval vessels from each side manoeuvered close to each other in disputed waters during a standoff over energy exploration. Tensions have eased slightly in recent months and officials resumed exploratory talks over their disputes earlier this year following a five-year hiatus. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece rejects Turkish minister's comments on Muslim minority

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece. His visit to the town came ahead of a visit to Athens aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Greece.

The Greek town he visited was once part of the Ottoman Empire.

Cavusoglu is scheduled to hold talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday (May 31).

Last year, Turkey-Greece relations were strained over decades-old dispute between the two countries over maritime jurisdiction and rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean.

The two countries have since resumed bilateral talks to address the dispute.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu on Sunday (May 30) visited Muslim community in Greece. He met the community members in Komotini, a town in northern Greece. His visit to the town came ahead of a visit to Athens aimed at improving ties between Turkey and Greece. The Greek town he visited was once part of the Ottoman Empire. Cavusoglu is scheduled to hold talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday (May 31). Last year, Turkey-Greece relations were strained over decades-old dispute between the two countries over maritime jurisdiction and rights to offshore resources in the eastern Mediterranean. The two countries have since resumed bilateral talks to address the dispute. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish foreign minister meets Muslim community in Greece

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'.&nbsp;

The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&amp;K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. &nbsp;

During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial.&nbsp;

The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith".&nbsp;

Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. &nbsp;

Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India. &nbsp;

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan.

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'. The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial. The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith". Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India.

India slams UNGA prez Bozkir's Kashmir remarks; Says comments 'unacceptable' 

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

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

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

Erdogan inaugurates major new mosque in heart of Istanbul

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Midfielder Emin Mahmudov gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 28th minute, running into the penalty area onto a cross from the right wing and firing a shot into the left corner beyond goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Playing in Alanya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Turkey pulled level from a free kick six minutes later thanks to a glancing header from striker Dervisoglu.

Ayhan put the home side ahead from a corner in the 44th minute, tapping the ball in from close range as the ball saved by the Azeri goalkeeper Emil Balayev fell into his path.

Turkey face Italy, Wales and Switzerland in Group A at the June 11-July 11 Euros, led by captain Burak Yilmaz who played a key role in Lille winning their first Ligue 1 title in 10 years this season.

Turkey coach Senol Gunes is looking to repeat the success of his 2002 World Cup campaign, when he led the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament. Midfielder Emin Mahmudov gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 28th minute, running into the penalty area onto a cross from the right wing and firing a shot into the left corner beyond goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Playing in Alanya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Turkey pulled level from a free kick six minutes later thanks to a glancing header from striker Dervisoglu. Ayhan put the home side ahead from a corner in the 44th minute, tapping the ball in from close range as the ball saved by the Azeri goalkeeper Emil Balayev fell into his path. Turkey face Italy, Wales and Switzerland in Group A at the June 11-July 11 Euros, led by captain Burak Yilmaz who played a key role in Lille winning their first Ligue 1 title in 10 years this season. Turkey coach Senol Gunes is looking to repeat the success of his 2002 World Cup campaign, when he led the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

Football: Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 in buildup to Euro 2020

Media rights groups on Sunday urged&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;authorities to investigate explosive allegations by a mafia boss about the high-profile&nbsp;killings&nbsp;of two&nbsp;journalists&nbsp;in the 1990s. &nbsp;

Sedat Peker, an underworld mobster exiled abroad, has accused members of the government and the ruling AKP party of corruption and various crimes in a series of YouTube posts over the past three weeks.

In the latest, released on Sunday, he alleges former interior minister Mehmet Agar was the head of the "deep state" in Turkey, and alleges Agar was involved in the 1993 murder of prominent investigative journalist Ugur Mumcu.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/record-number-of-journalists-jailed-in-2020-china-leads-list-of-offenders-report-349920">Record number of journalists jailed in 2020, China leads list of offenders: Report</a>

Mumcu, who wrote for the Cumhuriyet daily, was killed in the capital Ankara after somebody rigged his car to explode when he switched on the ignition.&nbsp;The perpetrators were never identified.

In his video recording, Peker described Mumcu as a "martyr" and an "honourable man".

The mafia boss also claimed the murder of&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;Cypriot journalist Kutlu Adali had been ordered by a former lieutenant colonel and a senior official of the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Korkut Eken.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/forgive-those-who-killed-our-father-sons-of-killed-saudi-journalist-jamal-khashoggi-300279">'Forgive those who killed our father': Sons of killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a>

Adali, who worked for the left-wing Yeni Duzen newspaper in Nicosia, was shot dead in front of his home in 1996. His killers have never been identified.

Calls to investigate

Erol Onderoglu, Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said Peker's allegations needed to be investigated.&nbsp;

The truth about the&nbsp;killings&nbsp;of&nbsp;journalists&nbsp;in the 1990s had been "swept under the rug", he tweeted.

"Peker's legitimacy or position does not justify silence. #Impunity," he added.

The&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;Journalists' Union called for answers Sunday.

"We want an investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;the #UgurMumcu and #KutluAdali murders," the union tweeted.

"We demand that the suspects be put on trial. We&nbsp;call&nbsp;on prosecutors to do their duty."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🧱 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/U%C4%9FurMumcu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UğurMumcu</a> ve <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KutluAdal%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KutluAdalı</a> cinayetlerine dair iddiaların soruşturulmasını istiyoruz. Şüphelilerin yargılanmasını talep ediyoruz. Savcıları göreve çağırıyoruz. Tuğla çekilsin, duvar yıkılsın! <a href="https://t.co/viPBLSpqyv">pic.twitter.com/viPBLSpqyv</a>
— Gazeteciler Sendikası (@TGS_org_tr) <a href="https://twitter.com/TGS_org_tr/status/1396401949289877508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Peker, 50, who has been jailed several times for a range of offences, from fraud to running a criminal group, fled Turkey in 2020 to avoid prosecution and is thought to be currently living in the United Arab Emirates.

Since then, he has released a spate of videos in which he claims to expose state-media-mafia links after police operations against him and his associates across the country in April.

In one, he accuses Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu of having offered him protection and of having tipped him off about an impending investigation against him last year, which allowed him to flee before being arrested.

Soylu is one of the most powerful figures in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. Despite pressure from the opposition to resign, he has dismissed Peker's allegations.

A journalist for Turkey's state news agency Anadolu was fired Friday after raising Peker's claims against the interior minister at a government press conference with other ministers.

Fahrettin Altun, the&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;presidency's director of communications, wrote on Twitter: "Those who seek to harm the respectability of our state will pay the price."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Yalan, iftira ve yapay krizlerle gündemi kuşatma altına almaya çalışanlar şimdi de 6 ay sonrası için boş vaatler vermeye başladı. 
 
Seçimlerin tarihi bellidir. 
 
6 ay sonra ne olacak ki böylesine cüretkâr sözler söyleyebiliyorsunuz? 
 
Hayırdır! 
 
Yine kimlerin dolduruşuna geldiniz?
— Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) <a href="https://twitter.com/fahrettinaltun/status/1396196179264823305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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There was no immediate reaction to the latest claims.&nbsp;

Some commentators refer to what they&nbsp;call&nbsp;the workings of the "deep state" — derin devlet in&nbsp;Turkish&nbsp;— to talk about a shadowy structure alleged to exist with links between politicians, secret services, mafia and extremist groups.

Media rights groups on Sunday urged Turkish authorities to investigate explosive allegations by a mafia boss about the high-profile killings of two journalists in the 1990s.

Media rights groups on Sunday urged Turkish authorities to investigate explosive allegations by a mafia boss about the high-profile killings of two journalists in the 1990s. Sedat Peker, an underworld mobster exiled abroad, has accused members of the government and the ruling AKP party of corruption and various crimes in a series of YouTube posts over the past three weeks. In the latest, released on Sunday, he alleges former interior minister Mehmet Agar was the head of the "deep state" in Turkey, and alleges Agar was involved in the 1993 murder of prominent investigative journalist Ugur Mumcu. Also Read | Record number of journalists jailed in 2020, China leads list of offenders: Report Mumcu, who wrote for the Cumhuriyet daily, was killed in the capital Ankara after somebody rigged his car to explode when he switched on the ignition. The perpetrators were never identified. In his video recording, Peker described Mumcu as a "martyr" and an "honourable man". The mafia boss also claimed the murder of Turkish Cypriot journalist Kutlu Adali had been ordered by a former lieutenant colonel and a senior official of the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Korkut Eken. Also Read | 'Forgive those who killed our father': Sons of killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi Adali, who worked for the left-wing Yeni Duzen newspaper in Nicosia, was shot dead in front of his home in 1996. His killers have never been identified. Calls to investigate Erol Onderoglu, Turkey representative for Reporters Without Borders (RSF), said Peker's allegations needed to be investigated. The truth about the killings of journalists in the 1990s had been "swept under the rug", he tweeted. "Peker's legitimacy or position does not justify silence. #Impunity," he added. The Turkish Journalists' Union called for answers Sunday. "We want an investigation into the #UgurMumcu and #KutluAdali murders," the union tweeted. "We demand that the suspects be put on trial. We call on prosecutors to do their duty." 🧱 #UğurMumcu ve #KutluAdalı cinayetlerine dair iddiaların soruşturulmasını istiyoruz. Şüphelilerin yargılanmasını talep ediyoruz. Savcıları göreve çağırıyoruz. Tuğla çekilsin, duvar yıkılsın! pic.twitter.com/viPBLSpqyv — Gazeteciler Sendikası (@TGS_org_tr) May 23, 2021 × Peker, 50, who has been jailed several times for a range of offences, from fraud to running a criminal group, fled Turkey in 2020 to avoid prosecution and is thought to be currently living in the United Arab Emirates. Since then, he has released a spate of videos in which he claims to expose state-media-mafia links after police operations against him and his associates across the country in April. In one, he accuses Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu of having offered him protection and of having tipped him off about an impending investigation against him last year, which allowed him to flee before being arrested. Soylu is one of the most powerful figures in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government. Despite pressure from the opposition to resign, he has dismissed Peker's allegations. A journalist for Turkey's state news agency Anadolu was fired Friday after raising Peker's claims against the interior minister at a government press conference with other ministers. Fahrettin Altun, the Turkish presidency's director of communications, wrote on Twitter: "Those who seek to harm the respectability of our state will pay the price." Yalan, iftira ve yapay krizlerle gündemi kuşatma altına almaya çalışanlar şimdi de 6 ay sonrası için boş vaatler vermeye başladı. Seçimlerin tarihi bellidir. 6 ay sonra ne olacak ki böylesine cüretkâr sözler söyleyebiliyorsunuz? Hayırdır! Yine kimlerin dolduruşuna geldiniz? — Fahrettin Altun (@fahrettinaltun) May 22, 2021 × There was no immediate reaction to the latest claims. Some commentators refer to what they call the workings of the "deep state" — derin devlet in Turkish — to talk about a shadowy structure alleged to exist with links between politicians, secret services, mafia and extremist groups.

Activists call for fresh probe into killings of Turkish journalists

Poland will buy 24 armed drones from Turkey, the Polish defence minister said on Saturday, becoming the first NATO member to buy Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).&nbsp;

The Bayraktar TB2 drones, the first of which are due to be delivered next year, will be armed with anti-tank projectiles. Poland will also buy a logistics and training package, said Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.&nbsp;

Blaszczak told state radio the Bayraktar TB2 drones 'have proven themselves in wars' and added that the UAVs would be serviced by a military company, without giving further details.&nbsp;

The contract, which will be concluded without a procurement process, will be signed next week during a visit by Polish President Andrzej Duda to Turkey.&nbsp;

Authorities in fellow NATO member Turkey say the country has become the world's fourth-largest drone producer since President Tayyip Erdogan increased domestic production to reduce reliance on Western arms.&nbsp;

Turkish defence technology company Baykar has sold its Bayraktar TB2 armed drone to Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Qatar and Libya. Erdogan said in March that Saudi Arabia was also interested in buying Turkish drones.&nbsp;

Canada scrapped export permits for drone technology to Turkey in April, after concluding that the equipment was used by Azeri forces fighting Armenia in the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The parts under embargo included camera systems for Baykar armed drones.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Poland will buy 24 armed drones from Turkey, the Polish defence minister said on Saturday, becoming the first NATO member to buy Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Poland will buy 24 armed drones from Turkey, the Polish defence minister said on Saturday, becoming the first NATO member to buy Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Bayraktar TB2 drones, the first of which are due to be delivered next year, will be armed with anti-tank projectiles. Poland will also buy a logistics and training package, said Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak. Blaszczak told state radio the Bayraktar TB2 drones 'have proven themselves in wars' and added that the UAVs would be serviced by a military company, without giving further details. The contract, which will be concluded without a procurement process, will be signed next week during a visit by Polish President Andrzej Duda to Turkey. Authorities in fellow NATO member Turkey say the country has become the world's fourth-largest drone producer since President Tayyip Erdogan increased domestic production to reduce reliance on Western arms. Turkish defence technology company Baykar has sold its Bayraktar TB2 armed drone to Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Qatar and Libya. Erdogan said in March that Saudi Arabia was also interested in buying Turkish drones. Canada scrapped export permits for drone technology to Turkey in April, after concluding that the equipment was used by Azeri forces fighting Armenia in the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. The parts under embargo included camera systems for Baykar armed drones. (With inputs from agencies)

Poland to become first NATO country to buy Turkish drones 

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