Seven members of a Kurdish family were killed Friday in central&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;by armed assailants who tried to burn their house in what rights activists said was a racist attack.

The Dedeoglu family had been seriously injured in another attack in the middle of May by neighbours who warned them that they "will not let Kurds live here" in the region of Konya.

One of the deceased had complained in mid-July that the police and judges had been partial towards the May attackers who had been freed, and said the family feared for their lives.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-iran-protesters-torch-kurd-party-offices-in-baghdad-336093">Pro-Iran protesters torch Kurd party offices in Baghdad</a>

Abdurrahman Karabulut, their lawyer, said the liberation of the perpetrators of the first attack signalled impunity.

"This was an entirely racist attack ... the judiciary and the authorities are responsible for what has happened," Karabulut told Arti TV.

"This was a case we were following. The youngest family member told me 'We are very scared'," tweeted Eren Keskin, the vice president of the Human Rights Association.

According to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, a years-long feud between two families was behind the tragedy.

He said describing the attack as a racist crime was "a provocation."

"This attack is not connected to the Turkish-Kurdish issue. Making a link to this is as dangerous as the attack," he said on television.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-moves-to-ban-pro-kurdish-hdp-party-371303">Turkey moves to ban pro-Kurdish HDP party</a>

But the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said there had been several attacks on Kurds over the years.

"The hate speech and provocation of the authorities is the main cause of this massacre," said Mithat Sancar, HDP's co-president.

It was the second deadly attack on Kurds in Konya in a month.

On July 21, a Kurdish farmer was killed in a village in Konya by attackers who shouted "We don't want Kurds here".

Local authorities however said it was a result of a fight over grazing rights.

Seven members of a Kurdish family were killed Friday in central Turkey by armed assailants who tried to burn their house in what rights activists said was a racist attack.

Seven members of a Kurdish family were killed Friday in central Turkey by armed assailants who tried to burn their house in what rights activists said was a racist attack. The Dedeoglu family had been seriously injured in another attack in the middle of May by neighbours who warned them that they "will not let Kurds live here" in the region of Konya. One of the deceased had complained in mid-July that the police and judges had been partial towards the May attackers who had been freed, and said the family feared for their lives. Also read | Pro-Iran protesters torch Kurd party offices in Baghdad Abdurrahman Karabulut, their lawyer, said the liberation of the perpetrators of the first attack signalled impunity. "This was an entirely racist attack ... the judiciary and the authorities are responsible for what has happened," Karabulut told Arti TV. "This was a case we were following. The youngest family member told me 'We are very scared'," tweeted Eren Keskin, the vice president of the Human Rights Association. According to Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu, a years-long feud between two families was behind the tragedy. He said describing the attack as a racist crime was "a provocation." "This attack is not connected to the Turkish-Kurdish issue. Making a link to this is as dangerous as the attack," he said on television. Also read | Turkey moves to ban pro-Kurdish HDP party But the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) said there had been several attacks on Kurds over the years. "The hate speech and provocation of the authorities is the main cause of this massacre," said Mithat Sancar, HDP's co-president. It was the second deadly attack on Kurds in Konya in a month. On July 21, a Kurdish farmer was killed in a village in Konya by attackers who shouted "We don't want Kurds here". Local authorities however said it was a result of a fight over grazing rights.

Seven dead in a 'racist' attack on a Kurdish family in Turkey

At least four people were killed in the wildfires that erupted in Turkey for the third straight day. Many people have been evacuated after the eruption of wildfires in Turkey.

At least four people killed in wildfires in Turkey

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast.

Officials also launched an investigation into suspicions the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations to the east of the tourist hotspot Antalya were the result of arson.

Turkey's disaster and emergencies office said three people were killed -- including an 82-year-old who lived alone.

The NTV channel later said a 25-year-old man died in Marmaris while trying to bring aid.

The fires first emerged across a sparsely populated region about 75 kilometres (45 miles) east of Antalya -- a resort especially popular with Russian and other eastern European tourists.

But they were creeping closer Thursday to sandy beaches dotted with hotels and resorts.

Images on social media and Turkish TV showed residents jumping out of their cars and running for their lives through smoke-filled streets lit up by orange flames.

The heavy clouds of smoke turned the sky dark orange over a beachfront hotel complex in the town of Manavgat.

At least 183 people were hospitalised.

Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a hotel was also being evacuated near the tourist city of Bodrum -- some 300 kilometres west of Antalya -- as new fires broke out across the southern coast.

Full mobilisation

The fires were raging with temperatures approaching 40 degrees&nbsp;Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and wind gusts of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour.

But Antalya mayor Muhittin Bocek said he suspected foul play because the fires started in four locations at once.

"This suggests an arson attack, but we do not have clear information about that at this stage," Bocek said.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an investigation had already been launched.

The Russian embassy said Moscow had sent three giant firefighting aircraft to dump fire retardant on the burning forests to contain the flames.

Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias told his Turkish counterpart that Greece, whose ties with its neighbour are tense, was "ready to help if needed," the Turkish ministry said.

Azerbaijan also offered help.

More than 4,000 Turkish firefighters had been dispatched across the region to help contain the damage and search for people needing help.

They rescued 10 people on Thursday who were stranded on a boat in a lake that was surrounded by burning forest.

"All of the state's means have been mobilised," Environment Minister Murat Kurum said. "All our teams are in the field."

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast.

Four people were reported dead Thursday and more than 180 injured as thousands of firefighters battled huge blazes spreading across the Mediterranean resort regions of Turkey's southern coast. Officials also launched an investigation into suspicions the fires that broke out Wednesday in four locations to the east of the tourist hotspot Antalya were the result of arson. Turkey's disaster and emergencies office said three people were killed -- including an 82-year-old who lived alone. The NTV channel later said a 25-year-old man died in Marmaris while trying to bring aid. The fires first emerged across a sparsely populated region about 75 kilometres (45 miles) east of Antalya -- a resort especially popular with Russian and other eastern European tourists. But they were creeping closer Thursday to sandy beaches dotted with hotels and resorts. Images on social media and Turkish TV showed residents jumping out of their cars and running for their lives through smoke-filled streets lit up by orange flames. The heavy clouds of smoke turned the sky dark orange over a beachfront hotel complex in the town of Manavgat. At least 183 people were hospitalised. Agriculture Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said a hotel was also being evacuated near the tourist city of Bodrum -- some 300 kilometres west of Antalya -- as new fires broke out across the southern coast. Full mobilisation The fires were raging with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) and wind gusts of 50 kilometres (30 miles) an hour. But Antalya mayor Muhittin Bocek said he suspected foul play because the fires started in four locations at once. "This suggests an arson attack, but we do not have clear information about that at this stage," Bocek said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said an investigation had already been launched. The Russian embassy said Moscow had sent three giant firefighting aircraft to dump fire retardant on the burning forests to contain the flames. Greece's foreign minister Nikos Dendias told his Turkish counterpart that Greece, whose ties with its neighbour are tense, was "ready to help if needed," the Turkish ministry said. Azerbaijan also offered help. More than 4,000 Turkish firefighters had been dispatched across the region to help contain the damage and search for people needing help. They rescued 10 people on Thursday who were stranded on a boat in a lake that was surrounded by burning forest. "All of the state's means have been mobilised," Environment Minister Murat Kurum said. "All our teams are in the field."

Forest fires rage near Turkish resorts, killing four

India has condemned Turkey's move to reopen Varosha, an abandoned city in Cyprus. A 1984 UN resolution prohibits any resettlement of Varosha by outsiders. So why is Erdogan pushing ahead with his plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India rejects Turkish designs on Cyprus ghost city

Turkey&nbsp;and&nbsp;Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island,&nbsp;which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern&nbsp;Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)&nbsp;recognised&nbsp;only by Ankara.&nbsp;

The statement by the president of UNSC that was adopted by the council said, "The security council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July&nbsp;20&nbsp;on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of&nbsp;Varosha. The security council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements".&nbsp;

The statement further explained," the security council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions including transfer of&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;to UN Administration."&nbsp;

At the high table, India worked closely with other delegations like the US and others to ensure that the Security Council speaks in one voice and expressed its collective concerns on the recent escalation. Remember India is a non-permanent member of UNSC for a period of&nbsp;two&nbsp;years starting January&nbsp;1,&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;

Earlier in the week, India's envoy to United Nations TS&nbsp;Tirumurti&nbsp;expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to United Nations Security Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;Tirumurti, in a tweet, pointed out that at the UNSC meeting on the issue India expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> today on Cyprus &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_CYPRUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN_CYPRUS</a>, I said: 
🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UNSC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UNSC</a> resolutions 
🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 
🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis
— PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) <a href="https://twitter.com/ambtstirumurti/status/1417891713310396418?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Not only in New York, but the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi also commented on the matter. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question at a weekly virtual presser on Thursday said, "This is an issue that the UNSC seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of&nbsp;Varosha."&nbsp;

Adding, "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of October&nbsp;9,&nbsp;2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus."&nbsp;

Globally, India joins the US,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UK, Russia, France,&nbsp;the&nbsp;UN,&nbsp;the&nbsp;EU, Norway, Israel, Greece&nbsp;and&nbsp;Germany in expressing concern over the issue. The move to reopen&nbsp;Varosha&nbsp;was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades.&nbsp;

Curiously,&nbsp;Pakistan has been silent on Turkey violating UNSC resolutions on Cyprus. In fact, Pak's all-weather friend China condemned Turkey over the issue. Pakistan and China had gone to UNSC after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status, which has been one of the main reasons for the deterioration of ties between the&nbsp;two&nbsp;countries in the last&nbsp;two&nbsp;years.&nbsp;

Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of Varosha issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognised only by Ankara.

Turkey and Turkish Cypriot leaders on Friday were slammed by United Nations security council over plans to open abandoned ghost town of Varosha issue. The town has been abandoned since 1974 when Turkey invaded the island, which led to its division into the Republic of Cyprus and the northern Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) recognised only by Ankara. The statement by the president of UNSC that was adopted by the council said, "The security council condemns the announcement in Cyprus by Turkish and Turkish Cypriot leaders on July 20 on the further reopening of a part of the fenced-off area of Varosha. The security council expresses its deep regret regarding these unilateral actions that run contrary to its previous resolutions and statements". The statement further explained," the security council stresses the importance of full respect and implementation of its resolutions including transfer of Varosha to UN Administration." At the high table, India worked closely with other delegations like the US and others to ensure that the Security Council speaks in one voice and expressed its collective concerns on the recent escalation. Remember India is a non-permanent member of UNSC for a period of two years starting January 1, 2021. Earlier in the week, India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti expressed deep concern on the issue when the matter came to United Nations Security Council. Tirumurti, in a tweet, pointed out that at the UNSC meeting on the issue India expressed "deep concern" on the "unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to UNSC resolutions" and said that "Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be the basis." In #UNSC today on Cyprus & @UN_CYPRUS, I said: 🔆Deeply concerned on unilateral steps on Varosha contrary to #UNSC resolutions 🔆 Council’s Presidential Statement of Oct 2020 not adhered to 🔆 Cypriot-led, Cypriot-owned process on ‘bi-zonal bi-communal federation’ should be basis — PR/Amb T S Tirumurti (@ambtstirumurti) July 21, 2021 × Not only in New York, but the ministry of external affairs in New Delhi also commented on the matter. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question at a weekly virtual presser on Thursday said, "This is an issue that the UNSC seized off. We are deeply concerned at the recent unilateral announcements with regard to the status of Varosha." Adding, "We have always advocated peaceful resolution of this issue in accordance with the UN resolution. Unfortunately, the voice of the UNSC as reflected in its presidential statement of October 9, 2020 has not been adhered to. We have consistently supported the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity of the Republic of Cyprus." Globally, India joins the US, the UK, Russia, France, the UN, the EU, Norway, Israel, Greece and Germany in expressing concern over the issue. The move to reopen Varosha was announced by Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and was strongly criticised by the Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. Curiously, Pakistan has been silent on Turkey violating UNSC resolutions on Cyprus. In fact, Pak's all-weather friend China condemned Turkey over the issue. Pakistan and China had gone to UNSC after India removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had commented in the backdrop of India removing special status, which has been one of the main reasons for the deterioration of ties between the two countries in the last two years.

India worked closely with partners as UNSC condemns Turkey on Varosha issue

Turkey has decided to partially reopen a town for resettlement of the separate ghost town of Varosha. The move has sparked outrage amongst western powers. Varosha is a town that was abandoned by Greek Cypriots in 1974.

Turkey to partially reopen Cyprus ghost town of Varosha

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

"God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport.

Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June.

Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces".

Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said.

Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible".

"We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said.&nbsp;

Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach"

"In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation.&nbsp;

"We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan."

Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport

 
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

"God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul.&nbsp;

Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport.

Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June.

Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces".

Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said.

Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible".

"We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said.&nbsp;

Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach"

"In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation.&nbsp;

"We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan."

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw. "God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul. Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June. Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces". Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said. Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible". "We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said. Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach" "In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation. "We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan." Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that Turkey was planning talks with Taliban about Kabul airport. The hardline group has refused to let Ankara run the airport after US troops withdraw. "God willing, we will see what kind of talks we will have with the Taliban and see where these talks take us," Erdogan told journalists in Istanbul. Kabul airport is key to allowing countries to retain diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after US troop withdrawal. Turkey has been negotiating with US defence officials over its offer to help secure and run the airport. Erdogan and US President Joe Biden discussed the issue in their first face-to-face meeting on the margins of a NATO summit in June. Turkey maintains hundreds of troops in Afghanistan, but a Turkish official told AFP that they were "not combat forces". Ankara and Washington have been discussing issues such as financial and logistical support for Turkey's mission from the United States and NATO, officials said. Last week, the Taliban said that Turkey's offer "reprehensible". "We consider the stay of foreign forces in our homeland by any country under whatever pretext as occupation," the group said. Erdogan opined that the Taliban was not adopting "the right approach" "In our view, the Taliban's approach right now is not how a Muslim behaves to another Muslim," he said, urging the insurgent group to stop its occupation. "We call on the Taliban... to show the world as soon as possible that peace prevails in Afghanistan." (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey plans to talk with Taliban over Kabul airport

Something is brewing in West Asia. With secret meetings and landmark deals, Israel is ringing in a new political era. From Jordan to Turkey - there has been a thaw in ties. On The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you what this means for the region.

The West Asia Post: Change in ties or economic interests?

Turkey on Sunday slammed a ruling by a top European Union court allowing the banning of headscarves under certain conditions as a "clear violation of religious freedoms", adding the move would exacerbate prejudices against Muslim women in Europe.

The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled on Thursday that companies in the bloc can ban employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions if they need to do so to project an image of neutrality to customers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hijab-can-be-banned-at-work-under-certain-conditions-rules-eu-court-398237">Hijab can be banned at work under certain conditions, rules EU court</a>

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement the ruling was a sign of rising Islamophobia at a time when it said Muslim women in Europe are being subjected to increasing discrimination for their religious beliefs.

"The CJEU decision, at a time when the Islamophobia, racism and hatred that have taken Europe hostage are rising, disregards religious freedom and creates a basis and legal cover for discrimination," the ministry said.

On Saturday, the Turkish presidency's communication director Fahrettin Altun condemned the move, saying "this wrong decision is an attempt to grant legitimacy to racism."

The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has been divisive across Europe for years, underlining sharp differences over integrating Muslims.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/austrian-coalition-deal-includes-headscarf-ban-preventive-custody-report-271718">Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report</a>

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party, which came to power in 2002 blending a pro-Western, democratic market approach, has been criticised by Western allies in recent years for increasing authoritarianism and religious intolerance. The United States, Greece, Russia and church leaders expressed concern last year over his government's move to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a mosque last year.

Ankara has repeatedly accused European nations of not doing enough to prevent discrimination against Muslims, saying it will start publishing an annual report on what it calls examples of Islamophobia around the world.

In response to whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion, the CJEU said such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/politics-of-hijab-new-zealand-vs-the-world-343974">Politics of Hijab: New Zealand vs the world</a>

Ties between Ankara and the bloc have been strained over a host of issues, namely over a dispute between EU member Greece and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction and energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey on Sunday slammed a ruling by a top European Union court allowing the banning of headscarves under certain conditions as a "clear violation of religious freedoms", adding the move would exacerbate prejudices against Muslim women in Europe.

Turkey on Sunday slammed a ruling by a top European Union court allowing the banning of headscarves under certain conditions as a "clear violation of religious freedoms", adding the move would exacerbate prejudices against Muslim women in Europe. The Luxembourg-based EU Court of Justice (CJEU) ruled on Thursday that companies in the bloc can ban employees from wearing a headscarf under certain conditions if they need to do so to project an image of neutrality to customers. Also read | Hijab can be banned at work under certain conditions, rules EU court The Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement the ruling was a sign of rising Islamophobia at a time when it said Muslim women in Europe are being subjected to increasing discrimination for their religious beliefs. "The CJEU decision, at a time when the Islamophobia, racism and hatred that have taken Europe hostage are rising, disregards religious freedom and creates a basis and legal cover for discrimination," the ministry said. On Saturday, the Turkish presidency's communication director Fahrettin Altun condemned the move, saying "this wrong decision is an attempt to grant legitimacy to racism." The issue of the hijab, the traditional headscarf worn around the head and shoulders, has been divisive across Europe for years, underlining sharp differences over integrating Muslims. Also read | Austrian coalition deal includes headscarf ban, preventive custody: Report Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party, which came to power in 2002 blending a pro-Western, democratic market approach, has been criticised by Western allies in recent years for increasing authoritarianism and religious intolerance. The United States, Greece, Russia and church leaders expressed concern last year over his government's move to convert Istanbul's Hagia Sophia into a mosque last year. Ankara has repeatedly accused European nations of not doing enough to prevent discrimination against Muslims, saying it will start publishing an annual report on what it calls examples of Islamophobia around the world. In response to whether headscarf bans at work represented a violation of the freedom of religion, the CJEU said such bans were possible if justified by an employer's need to present a neutral image. Also read | Politics of Hijab: New Zealand vs the world Ties between Ankara and the bloc have been strained over a host of issues, namely over a dispute between EU member Greece and Turkey over maritime jurisdiction and energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Turkey condemns EU court ruling on headscarf ban as violation of freedoms

Libya's unity government Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Friday, he was unaware of any understanding between Russia and Turkey on a withdrawal of their foreign fighters, but that such a move would be welcomed. 
 
Speaking to Reuters in New York, Dbeibah also said he was committed to holding elections on December&nbsp;24, but warned that some lawmakers may be reluctant to give up power. Dbeibah, a businessman appointed interim prime minister in February, said he has not yet decided whether to run for office. 
 
Libya has had little stability since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, then head of state. A UN-led peace process brought a ceasefire last summer, after fighting between rival factions paused, and then a unity government. 
 
Following a UN-backed conference in Berlin last month, German and US&nbsp;officials said Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in Libya, reached an initial understanding on a step-by-step withdrawal of their foreign fighters. 
 
"I have not heard of this agreement regarding the withdrawal of fighters. But we welcome any agreement ... and we welcome the exit of any forces, fighters or mercenaries with any support from any party," Dbeibah said. "We are talking with all parties regarding the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya." 
 
UN&nbsp;sanctions monitors have reported that thousands of Syrians had been fighting in Libya either alongside unity government troops, who were also advised by Turkish troops, or with Russia's Wagner group in support of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). 
 
Under the ceasefire reached last October, all foreign fighters were supposed to have left Libya by January. 
 
Russia's deputy UN&nbsp;Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the Security Council on Thursday that Moscow supported a "step-by-step phased withdrawal of all foreign forces and contingents." 
 
"At the same time, we need to make sure that the current balance of forces on the ground not be disrupted, because it is thanks to this balance that the situation in Libya remains calm and no threats of armed escalation emerge," Polyanskiy added. 
 
Addressing the Security Council, Dbeibah said the continued presence of foreign fighters poses "a real and serious risk to the current political process and it also threatens the efforts to continue the ceasefire" and to uniting the army in Libya. 
 
Dbeibah told Reuters it would be "very difficult" to unify Libya's military. UN&nbsp;special envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis, said on Thursday that the LNA has not allowed Dbeibah`s unity government to take control of the area it commands. 
 
"Of course, communicating with Haftar, he is a difficult military person, but we communicate with him. But things are not easy," Dbeibah said during an interview at Libya's UN&nbsp;mission.

Libya's unity government Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Friday, he was unaware of any understanding between Russia and Turkey on a withdrawal of their foreign fighters, but that such a move would be welcomed.

Libya's unity government Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Friday, he was unaware of any understanding between Russia and Turkey on a withdrawal of their foreign fighters, but that such a move would be welcomed. Speaking to Reuters in New York, Dbeibah also said he was committed to holding elections on December 24, but warned that some lawmakers may be reluctant to give up power. Dbeibah, a businessman appointed interim prime minister in February, said he has not yet decided whether to run for office. Libya has had little stability since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising against Muammar Gaddafi, then head of state. A UN-led peace process brought a ceasefire last summer, after fighting between rival factions paused, and then a unity government. Following a UN-backed conference in Berlin last month, German and US officials said Turkey and Russia, which back opposing sides in Libya, reached an initial understanding on a step-by-step withdrawal of their foreign fighters. "I have not heard of this agreement regarding the withdrawal of fighters. But we welcome any agreement ... and we welcome the exit of any forces, fighters or mercenaries with any support from any party," Dbeibah said. "We are talking with all parties regarding the withdrawal of foreign forces from Libya." UN sanctions monitors have reported that thousands of Syrians had been fighting in Libya either alongside unity government troops, who were also advised by Turkish troops, or with Russia's Wagner group in support of eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA). Under the ceasefire reached last October, all foreign fighters were supposed to have left Libya by January. Russia's deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy told the Security Council on Thursday that Moscow supported a "step-by-step phased withdrawal of all foreign forces and contingents." "At the same time, we need to make sure that the current balance of forces on the ground not be disrupted, because it is thanks to this balance that the situation in Libya remains calm and no threats of armed escalation emerge," Polyanskiy added. Addressing the Security Council, Dbeibah said the continued presence of foreign fighters poses "a real and serious risk to the current political process and it also threatens the efforts to continue the ceasefire" and to uniting the army in Libya. Dbeibah told Reuters it would be "very difficult" to unify Libya's military. UN special envoy for Libya, Jan Kubis, said on Thursday that the LNA has not allowed Dbeibah`s unity government to take control of the area it commands. "Of course, communicating with Haftar, he is a difficult military person, but we communicate with him. But things are not easy," Dbeibah said during an interview at Libya's UN mission.

Libya PM unaware of Russia, Turkey deal on foreign fighters

1,000 flamingoes were found dead in Turkey's Lake Tuz. Authorities blame climate change, activists blame Turkey's agricultural policies. What is the real reason?

Gravitas: Blamegame over death of Flamingoes in Turkey

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.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/lgbtq-groups-face-rising-hate-in-turkey-365841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

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