US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media. This move is sure to create tension between the US and its NATO ally Turkey.

Turkey vehemently rejects such a designation but it has already been adopted by dozens of other countries including France and Russia.

It is expected that Biden will announce the designation on Saturday, as per New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Saturday also marks 106th anniversary of the mass killings that began in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire was battling Tsarist Russia during World War I in the region that is now Armenia.

The move would make Biden the first US president to explicitly call the killings a genocide, and although the historic designation would carry no legal consequences it would infuriate Ankara, which insists there was no genocide and that both sides committed atrocities during the war.

The reports came after more than 100 members of Congress, led by Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president urging him to make good on a campaign promise to recognize the genocide.

The US Congress formally recognized the killings as genocide in December 2019 in a symbolic vote. 
"For decades, while leaders around the world recognize the first genocide of the 20th century, the president of the United States has remained silent," the letter said.

"Mr President, as you said last year in your April 24 statement, 'Silence is complicity.' The shameful silence of the United States government on the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has gone on for too long, and it must end," the letter said.

After the Dutch parliament passed a motion in February urging the government to recognize the genocide, Turkey said the move was "aimed at rewriting history based on political motives."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media.

US President Joe Biden is preparing to recognise the killing of 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Empire in World War I era as genocide, as per reports in US media. This move is sure to create tension between the US and its NATO ally Turkey. Turkey vehemently rejects such a designation but it has already been adopted by dozens of other countries including France and Russia. It is expected that Biden will announce the designation on Saturday, as per New York Times and Wall Street Journal. Saturday also marks 106th anniversary of the mass killings that began in 1915, when the Ottoman Empire was battling Tsarist Russia during World War I in the region that is now Armenia. The move would make Biden the first US president to explicitly call the killings a genocide, and although the historic designation would carry no legal consequences it would infuriate Ankara, which insists there was no genocide and that both sides committed atrocities during the war. The reports came after more than 100 members of Congress, led by Adam Schiff, the Democratic chair of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote to the president urging him to make good on a campaign promise to recognize the genocide. The US Congress formally recognized the killings as genocide in December 2019 in a symbolic vote. "For decades, while leaders around the world recognize the first genocide of the 20th century, the president of the United States has remained silent," the letter said. "Mr President, as you said last year in your April 24 statement, 'Silence is complicity.' The shameful silence of the United States government on the historic fact of the Armenian Genocide has gone on for too long, and it must end," the letter said. After the Dutch parliament passed a motion in February urging the government to recognize the genocide, Turkey said the move was "aimed at rewriting history based on political motives." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to recognise WW-I massacre of Armenians as genocide: Reports

A Washington-backed Afghan peace conference in Turkey has been postponed over non-participation by the Taliban, three sources told Reuters.

The meeting was scheduled for April 24 to fast-track an agreement between the Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government in light of the announcement by Washington that foreign troops would leave Afghanistan by Sept. 11.

"The Istanbul meeting is not happening on the given date because the Taliban refused to attend," a senior Afghan government official told Reuters.

The postponement was confirmed by two other sources, including one official whose country is involved in the planning process. There was no immediate revised date.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price did not confirm the postponement but said broader diplomatic efforts will continue: "We've always been clear, Istanbul was not a replacement for Doha".

An Afghan government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said earlier on Tuesday that he could not confirm if the conference had been postponed.

"The United Nations, along with the co-conveners, Qatar, Turkey, we're continuing to engage with representatives of both the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban on ways to strengthen and add impetus to the intra-Afghan negotiations," Dujarric told reporters.

The U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, was in Doha last week to discuss with Afghan parties "the best way the international community can support them in making progress on their negotiations toward a just and durable political settlement," Dujarric said.

"Our focus will continue to be on progress in intra-Afghan negotiations, which is a critical part of the way forward."

A Washington-backed Afghan peace conference in Turkey has been postponed over non-participation by the Taliban, three sources told Reuters. The meeting was scheduled for April 24 to fast-track an agreement between the Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government in light of the announcement by Washington that foreign troops would leave Afghanistan by Sept.

A Washington-backed Afghan peace conference in Turkey has been postponed over non-participation by the Taliban, three sources told Reuters. The meeting was scheduled for April 24 to fast-track an agreement between the Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government in light of the announcement by Washington that foreign troops would leave Afghanistan by Sept. 11. "The Istanbul meeting is not happening on the given date because the Taliban refused to attend," a senior Afghan government official told Reuters. The postponement was confirmed by two other sources, including one official whose country is involved in the planning process. There was no immediate revised date. U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price did not confirm the postponement but said broader diplomatic efforts will continue: "We've always been clear, Istanbul was not a replacement for Doha". An Afghan government spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said earlier on Tuesday that he could not confirm if the conference had been postponed. "The United Nations, along with the co-conveners, Qatar, Turkey, we're continuing to engage with representatives of both the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban on ways to strengthen and add impetus to the intra-Afghan negotiations," Dujarric told reporters. The U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons, was in Doha last week to discuss with Afghan parties "the best way the international community can support them in making progress on their negotiations toward a just and durable political settlement," Dujarric said. "Our focus will continue to be on progress in intra-Afghan negotiations, which is a critical part of the way forward."

Afghan peace conference in Turkey postponed over Taliban no-show

The foreign ministers of Greece and Turkey traded barbs openly during a joint press conference in Ankara. Both clashed on a wide range of issues that underscored the trouble the two historic rivals will have at mending their broken ties.

Greece, Turkey Foreign Ministers clash during a joint press conference

The Taliban and Afghanistan's government will attend peace talks in Istanbul from April 24 to May 4 meant to jump-start a peace process and sketch out a possible political settlement, host Turkey said on Tuesday. &nbsp;

The 10-day summit includes the United Nations and Qatar as part of a US-backed push to jump-start talks ahead of a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. &nbsp;

On Monday, the Taliban said it was unwilling, based on timing, to attend talks in Turkey initially scheduled for April 16. &nbsp;

"Participation in the conference and its agenda have been the subject of extensive consultations with the Afghan parties," Turkey's foreign ministry said. &nbsp;

The talks are meant to end the conflict, pave the way to a 'just a durable' political settlement and 'accelerate and complement' ongoing intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha, it said. &nbsp;

It is an "opportunity for all partners to reiterate support for the people of Afghanistan on their path toward inclusive peace, stability, and prosperity," the ministry added in a statement.&nbsp;

Officials worry that violence in the country will surge if an agreement is not reached soon.&nbsp;

The US envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has been travelling the region to drum up support for a ceasefire and peace settlement that could include an interim government ahead of the May 1 deadline.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has said it would be 'hard' to withdraw troops by then, but that it was unlikely they would remain in Afghanistan next year.&nbsp;

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has held a series of calls with counterparts including the United States and some Gulf Arab nations over the past week to invite them to the talks and drum up support. &nbsp;

The Taliban and Afghanistan's government will attend peace talks in Istanbul from April 24 to May 4 meant to jump-start a peace process and sketch out a possible political settlement, host Turkey said on Tuesday.

The Taliban and Afghanistan's government will attend peace talks in Istanbul from April 24 to May 4 meant to jump-start a peace process and sketch out a possible political settlement, host Turkey said on Tuesday. The 10-day summit includes the United Nations and Qatar as part of a US-backed push to jump-start talks ahead of a May 1 deadline for the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan. On Monday, the Taliban said it was unwilling, based on timing, to attend talks in Turkey initially scheduled for April 16. "Participation in the conference and its agenda have been the subject of extensive consultations with the Afghan parties," Turkey's foreign ministry said. The talks are meant to end the conflict, pave the way to a 'just a durable' political settlement and 'accelerate and complement' ongoing intra-Afghan negotiations in Doha, it said. It is an "opportunity for all partners to reiterate support for the people of Afghanistan on their path toward inclusive peace, stability, and prosperity," the ministry added in a statement. Officials worry that violence in the country will surge if an agreement is not reached soon. The US envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has been travelling the region to drum up support for a ceasefire and peace settlement that could include an interim government ahead of the May 1 deadline. US President Joe Biden has said it would be 'hard' to withdraw troops by then, but that it was unlikely they would remain in Afghanistan next year. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has held a series of calls with counterparts including the United States and some Gulf Arab nations over the past week to invite them to the talks and drum up support.

Turkey says Taliban, Afghan govt to attend peace talks on April 24 

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held talk with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin where they discussed a variety of issues. Putin has accused Ukraine Of 'dangerous Provocations'.

Russia-Ukraine Tensions: Turkey calls for peaceful resolution over Donbass

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday met Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia. The long-running conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region is one of the reasons why Ukraine-Russia relations are strained currently.

Bilateral talks between Zelenskiy and Erdogan were to&nbsp;be followed by a cooperation meeting and a joint news conference.

NATO member Turkey has forged close cooperation with Russia over conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as in the defence and energy areas. But it has criticised Crimea's annexation and supported Ukraine's territorial integrity. It has also sold drones to Kyiv in 2019.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-can-be-provoked-due-to-russian-aggression-376675">Ukraine: Can be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with Erdogan on Friday (April 9), accused Ukraine of "dangerous provocative actions" in Donbass.

Ukraine has been raising alarm over buildup of Russian forces near Ukraine-Russia border.

Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'.&nbsp;

The minister, Andrii Taran, said Russian accusations about the rights of Russian speakers being violated could be the reason for the resumption of armed aggression against Ukraine.

"At the same time, it should be noted that the intensification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is possible only if an appropriate political decision is made at the highest level in the Kremlin," he said in a statement.

(With Reuters inputs)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday met Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia. The long-running conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region is one of the reasons why Ukraine-Russia relations are strained currently.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday met Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul amid growing tension between Ukraine and Russia. The long-running conflict in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region is one of the reasons why Ukraine-Russia relations are strained currently. Bilateral talks between Zelenskiy and Erdogan were to be followed by a cooperation meeting and a joint news conference. NATO member Turkey has forged close cooperation with Russia over conflicts in Syria, Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as in the defence and energy areas. But it has criticised Crimea's annexation and supported Ukraine's territorial integrity. It has also sold drones to Kyiv in 2019. Also Read | Ukraine: Can be provoked due to Russian 'aggression' Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a call with Erdogan on Friday (April 9), accused Ukraine of "dangerous provocative actions" in Donbass. Ukraine has been raising alarm over buildup of Russian forces near Ukraine-Russia border. Ukraine's defense minister said on Saturday that his country could be provoked due to Russian 'aggression'. The minister, Andrii Taran, said Russian accusations about the rights of Russian speakers being violated could be the reason for the resumption of armed aggression against Ukraine. "At the same time, it should be noted that the intensification of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is possible only if an appropriate political decision is made at the highest level in the Kremlin," he said in a statement. (With Reuters inputs)

Ukraine-Turkey hold dialogue amid Donbass tension with Russia

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey.&nbsp;

Recently, Turkish politicians criticised China for its treatment of Uighurs. Beijing then created a situation that ultimately led to the cutting of water supply to the Chinese embassy in Ankara. 
 
Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy

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On April 5, Meral Aksener, chairwoman of Turkey's opposition party, put out this tweet.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C4%B1nKatliam%C4%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarınKatliamı</a>’nda Çin esaretine boyun eğmeyen Doğu Türkistanlı soydaşlarımızı, şehadetlerinin yıl dönümünde rahmetle anıyorum… 
 
Esaret altındaki soydaşlarımızı unutmayacak, uğradıkları zulümlere sessiz kalmayacağız. 
 
Doğu Türkistan bir gün mutlaka bağımsız olacak! <a href="https://t.co/VoA7m1suh8">pic.twitter.com/VoA7m1suh8</a>
— Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) <a href="https://twitter.com/meral_aksener/status/1378989779916886022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In her tweet, she said that 'east Turkistan would become independent one day. It is reference to Xinjiang and the Baren revolution.

In the year 1990, thousands of Uighurs and Turkic minorities were killed by Chinese troops. Their fault was that they rebelled against Chinese occupation, genocide, and robbing women of their babies under the one-child policy. The Baren uprising had erupted on the 5th of April, 1990.

And on the 5th of April this year, another Turkish politician tweeted about it. He was Mansur Yavas, Mayor of Ankara.

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Doğu Türkistan'da yaşanan katliamın acısını 31 yıl geçmesine rağmen hâlâ ilk günkü gibi hissediyoruz. 
 
Barın şehitlerini rahmetle anıyorum. <a href="https://t.co/eXJoUL2teC">pic.twitter.com/eXJoUL2teC</a>
— Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansuryavas06/status/1378953364483022849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

'although 31 years have passed, we still feel the pain of the massacre' he said

This did not go down too well with china.

The Chinese embassy in Ankara shot back with a tweet within 24 hours.

'The Xinjiang Uigur autonomous region is an integral part of Chinese territory. This is an internationally accepted and indisputable fact,' said the tweet. The embassy tagged both the Turkish leaders.

Another tweet followed.

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Çin tarafı, herhangi bir kişi veya gücün Çin’in egemenliğine ve toprak bütünlüğüne herhangi bir şekilde meydan okumasına kararlılıkla karşı çıkmakta ve bunu şiddetle kınamaktadır. Çin tarafı, haklı karşılık verme hakkını saklı tutmaktadır.<a href="https://twitter.com/meral_aksener?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@meral_aksener</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/mansuryavas06?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mansuryavas06</a>
— Çin Büyükelçiliği Ankara/中国驻土耳其使馆 (@ChinaEmbTurkey) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaEmbTurkey/status/1379379955042242562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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'China opposes any challenge to its sovereignty and reserves the right to a justified response,' it said. Again, the two leaders were tagged. The Chinese embassy in Ankara was threatening the mayor of the city!

The tweets triggered an outrage on social media. Reports say Turkey summoned the Chinese Ambassador the very same day. The next day- the spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry openly backed the embassy's tweet

'The response of China's embassy in turkey was absolutely appropriate,' said Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson said.

Here's what happened next.

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After the Chinese Embassy targeted the mayor of Ankara, Ankara Municipality cuts water to Chinese Embassy. <a href="https://t.co/wDjjUXCJD5">pic.twitter.com/wDjjUXCJD5</a>
— ibrahim Haskoloğlu (@haskologlu) <a href="https://twitter.com/haskologlu/status/1379797474278305801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The Ankara municipality cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy. Experts say- this is the most public spat between china and turkey in more than a decade.

Turkey is home to one of the world's largest Uighur communities, most of whom have fled the genocide in China.

The people of Turkey share religious and linguistic ties with the Uighurs. While Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been silent on the genocide. The people, of Turkey, it seems, have decided to choose Human Rights.

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey.

Turkey has a large Uighur Muslim population. The community has seen widespread persecution in China's Xinjiang region. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has remained silent on the Uighur genocide, China found itself sparring with its ally Turkey. Recently, Turkish politicians criticised China for its treatment of Uighurs. Beijing then created a situation that ultimately led to the cutting of water supply to the Chinese embassy in Ankara. Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy On April 5, Meral Aksener, chairwoman of Turkey's opposition party, put out this tweet. #BarınKatliamı’nda Çin esaretine boyun eğmeyen Doğu Türkistanlı soydaşlarımızı, şehadetlerinin yıl dönümünde rahmetle anıyorum… Esaret altındaki soydaşlarımızı unutmayacak, uğradıkları zulümlere sessiz kalmayacağız. Doğu Türkistan bir gün mutlaka bağımsız olacak! pic.twitter.com/VoA7m1suh8 — Meral Akşener (@meral_aksener) April 5, 2021 × In her tweet, she said that 'east Turkistan would become independent one day. It is reference to Xinjiang and the Baren revolution. In the year 1990, thousands of Uighurs and Turkic minorities were killed by Chinese troops. Their fault was that they rebelled against Chinese occupation, genocide, and robbing women of their babies under the one-child policy. The Baren uprising had erupted on the 5th of April, 1990. And on the 5th of April this year, another Turkish politician tweeted about it. He was Mansur Yavas, Mayor of Ankara. Doğu Türkistan'da yaşanan katliamın acısını 31 yıl geçmesine rağmen hâlâ ilk günkü gibi hissediyoruz. Barın şehitlerini rahmetle anıyorum. pic.twitter.com/eXJoUL2teC — Mansur Yavaş (@mansuryavas06) April 5, 2021 × 'although 31 years have passed, we still feel the pain of the massacre' he said This did not go down too well with china. The Chinese embassy in Ankara shot back with a tweet within 24 hours. 'The Xinjiang Uigur autonomous region is an integral part of Chinese territory. This is an internationally accepted and indisputable fact,' said the tweet. The embassy tagged both the Turkish leaders. Another tweet followed. Çin tarafı, herhangi bir kişi veya gücün Çin’in egemenliğine ve toprak bütünlüğüne herhangi bir şekilde meydan okumasına kararlılıkla karşı çıkmakta ve bunu şiddetle kınamaktadır. Çin tarafı, haklı karşılık verme hakkını saklı tutmaktadır.@meral_aksener @mansuryavas06 — Çin Büyükelçiliği Ankara/中国驻土耳其使馆 (@ChinaEmbTurkey) April 6, 2021 × 'China opposes any challenge to its sovereignty and reserves the right to a justified response,' it said. Again, the two leaders were tagged. The Chinese embassy in Ankara was threatening the mayor of the city! The tweets triggered an outrage on social media. Reports say Turkey summoned the Chinese Ambassador the very same day. The next day- the spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry openly backed the embassy's tweet 'The response of China's embassy in turkey was absolutely appropriate,' said Zhao Lijian, the spokesperson said. Here's what happened next. After the Chinese Embassy targeted the mayor of Ankara, Ankara Municipality cuts water to Chinese Embassy. pic.twitter.com/wDjjUXCJD5 — ibrahim Haskoloğlu (@haskologlu) April 7, 2021 × The Ankara municipality cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy. Experts say- this is the most public spat between china and turkey in more than a decade. Turkey is home to one of the world's largest Uighur communities, most of whom have fled the genocide in China. The people of Turkey share religious and linguistic ties with the Uighurs. While Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been silent on the genocide. The people, of Turkey, it seems, have decided to choose Human Rights.

People of Turkey choose Human Rights as Erdogan prefers silence

Turkey has cut off water supplies to the Chinese embassy in Ankara. The two countries are engaged in their first public spat in a decade.

Gravitas: Turkey cuts off water supplies to Chinese embassy

The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s.

Ursula was left shocked and can also be heard using the expression of “Uhm?” in the videos. As Michel refused to show any evidence of regret, Von der Leyen had to settle at the second-rank seat on the sofa opposite Turkey’s foreign minister.

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"Ehm" is the new term for "that’s not how EU-Turkey relationship should be". <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GiveHerASeat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GiveHerASeat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Turkey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Turkey</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/womensrights?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#womensrights</a> <a href="https://t.co/vGVFutDu0S">pic.twitter.com/vGVFutDu0S</a>
— Sergey Lagodinsky (@SLagodinsky) <a href="https://twitter.com/SLagodinsky/status/1379483767161622535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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An interesting thing is that the discussion was about women’s equal rights as Turkey had withdrawn from a convention on gender-based violence.

Even after such disrespect, the German head did not walk away from the meeting and continued raising her voice for equal rights. “The president’s assertiveness was clearly on display in that she did not walk away from the meeting, she took part in the meeting, and played her full role,” her spokesperson said.

This act has been taken as a breaking of the protocol as the rules for European Council’s President are similar to those of any country’s president.

“The president of the commission was clearly surprised and that is something you can see from the video … The protocol level of our president is exactly the same as that of the president of the European council,” Von der Leyen’s spokesperson said. “The president expects that the institution that she represents to be treated with the required protocol and she has therefore asked her team to take all appropriate contacts in order to ensure that such an incident does not occur in the future.”

Shortly after this, Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi has accused the Turkish leader of humiliating his EU counterpart and has also labelled him a “dictator”.

“I absolutely do not agree with Erdoğan’s behavior towards president Von der Leyen … I think it was not appropriate behavior and I was very sorry for the humiliation Von der Leyen had to suffer,” Draghi said.

“With these, let’s call them what they are – dictators – with whom one nonetheless has to coordinate, one has to be frank when expressing different visions and opinions,” he added.

Soon after his remarks, the Italian ambassador to Ankara was summoned. The foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also struck back at Italy’s remarks.

“We strongly condemn the appointed Italian prime minister Draghi’s unacceptable, populist discourse and his ugly and unrestrained comments about our elected president,” Çavuşoğlu tweeted.

The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s.

The European Union’s first female chief, Ursula von der Leyen, was left speechless after the president of the European Council, Charles Michel, the former Belgian prime minister and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took the chairs, one of which was supposed to be Ursula’s. Ursula was left shocked and can also be heard using the expression of “Uhm?” in the videos. As Michel refused to show any evidence of regret, Von der Leyen had to settle at the second-rank seat on the sofa opposite Turkey’s foreign minister. "Ehm" is the new term for "that’s not how EU-Turkey relationship should be". #GiveHerASeat #EU #Turkey #womensrights pic.twitter.com/vGVFutDu0S — Sergey Lagodinsky (@SLagodinsky) April 6, 2021 × An interesting thing is that the discussion was about women’s equal rights as Turkey had withdrawn from a convention on gender-based violence. Even after such disrespect, the German head did not walk away from the meeting and continued raising her voice for equal rights. “The president’s assertiveness was clearly on display in that she did not walk away from the meeting, she took part in the meeting, and played her full role,” her spokesperson said. This act has been taken as a breaking of the protocol as the rules for European Council’s President are similar to those of any country’s president. “The president of the commission was clearly surprised and that is something you can see from the video … The protocol level of our president is exactly the same as that of the president of the European council,” Von der Leyen’s spokesperson said. “The president expects that the institution that she represents to be treated with the required protocol and she has therefore asked her team to take all appropriate contacts in order to ensure that such an incident does not occur in the future.” Shortly after this, Italy’s Prime Minister Mario Draghi has accused the Turkish leader of humiliating his EU counterpart and has also labelled him a “dictator”. “I absolutely do not agree with Erdoğan’s behavior towards president Von der Leyen … I think it was not appropriate behavior and I was very sorry for the humiliation Von der Leyen had to suffer,” Draghi said. “With these, let’s call them what they are – dictators – with whom one nonetheless has to coordinate, one has to be frank when expressing different visions and opinions,” he added. Soon after his remarks, the Italian ambassador to Ankara was summoned. The foreign minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also struck back at Italy’s remarks. “We strongly condemn the appointed Italian prime minister Draghi’s unacceptable, populist discourse and his ugly and unrestrained comments about our elected president,” Çavuşoğlu tweeted.

'Dictator': Turkey and Italy get into spat after EU chief left without chair during equal rights talk

EU Commission chief Ursula Von Der leyen left without a seat as Turkey President Erdogan & EU Council head Charles Michel snap up the only 2 chairs during Ankara meet. Confusion or Sexism?

'SofaGate': Turkish Sofa arrangement hits European Union

A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced dozens of people, including ex-servicemen, to life imprisonment for involvement in a 2016 failed coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.

Turkey: Court sentence 32 for life over involvement in failed coup attempt in 2016

The top European Union officials have raised “deep worries” over Turkey's decision to pull out of a convention to combat violence against women and the launch of a formal attempt to shut down the country’s main pro-Kurdish party.

EU Chiefs raise 'deep worries' over rights in Turkey with President Erdogan

Top European leaders held talks with Turkey's President Erdogan. Despite strong words on rights abuses, the EU has failed to bring sanctions on Turkey. Has Europe sacrificed human rights over peace?

Gravitas: Erdogan hosts EU leaders, signals thaw

Treaties and conventions are like ground rules that ensure fair play. But if you're a rogue leader like Turkish President Erdogan, then treaties are nothing but chains. They dent your global ambitions.

Last month Erdogan abandoned a treaty on gender violence. Apparently, women's safety is a distraction in power plays. But he isn't done yet.

Erdogan is planning to violate another treaty. This one was signed in 1936 during the World War. Under this agreement the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits were given to Turkey.

Turkey had control. But with a caveat. Only civilian ships would sail through these waters. The Bosporus would not be militarised. That was the rule.

But rules have seldom stopped Erdogan. He has devised a workaround. Since he can't militarise the Bosporus, he is planning to create a completely new waterway.

In effect a second Bosporus. It is expected to be a 45 kilometre-long canal to the west of the natural route.

But why is Erdogan building it? The canal is one of the president's grand projects. A re-imagination of 21st century Turkey.

It has already bankrupted the economy. And made a laughing stock of the national currency the Lira. But the president will do anything for a return to the glory days.

Turkish officials say the new canal will reduce traffic on the Bosporus. They also say that the old convention will not apply. But Turkey's battle-hardened veterans disagree.

104 former navy officers signed an open letter against President Erdogan. They say the canal project is a violation of the treaty. And that it will harm regional security.

But all the president heard was the warning bell of a coup. The response was swift. Ten retired admirals have been arrested.

The charges? Conspiring against state security and constitutional order.

This is how Erdogan's spokesman defended the arrest.

"A group of retired soldiers are putting themselves into a laughable and miserable position with their statement that echoes military coup times."

Sums up what's happening in Turkey. Free speech is laughable. And dissent equals attempted coup.

Since 2016, Erdogan sees a hostile takeover everywhere. It's the classic sign of a leader insecure about public support.

The new canal project is a destabilising act.

For instance, The Black Sea has been historically dominated by Russia. But what if American warships enter the waters? Erdogan loves playing allies and rivals.

It's something he has perfected in his dealings with the European Union.

We could get a glimpse of it on Tuesday. Top officials of the EU Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel are due in Ankara.

They are hoping to find a solution to the Turkish problem.

Here's the issue, Turkey is a candidate for EU membership. But it has disputes with existing members like Greece. And an abhorrent record on human rights to boot.

So what are the EU officials hoping to achieve? Brussels is ready to engage. But only if Erdogan takes positive steps.

So let's recount what the president has done in the last few weeks. He abandoned a treaty on gender violence. He detained dozens of university students for protesting. He approved a plan that violates an 85-year old treaty. And he arrested retired officers who opposed the move. If this is Erdogan's idea of wooing Brussels there is no hope.

There is a wide chasm between what the Turkish president says and what he does. Last year, he talked about Turkey's European destiny.

But he continues to alienate the EU with aggressive posturing. Many say Turkey's future is linked to Europe's. That's what the country's founder Kemal Ataturk believed.

But Kemal Ataturk was a statesman. He believed in International Law.

Erdogan on the other hand is what many call self-styled. His style being disruptive, intolerant and ruthless. So if geopolitics were a sport Erdogan would never qualify as a sportsman. 
&nbsp;

Treaties and conventions are like ground rules that ensure fair play. But if you're a rogue leader like Turkish President Erdogan, then treaties are nothing but chains.

Treaties and conventions are like ground rules that ensure fair play. But if you're a rogue leader like Turkish President Erdogan, then treaties are nothing but chains. They dent your global ambitions. Last month Erdogan abandoned a treaty on gender violence. Apparently, women's safety is a distraction in power plays. But he isn't done yet. Erdogan is planning to violate another treaty. This one was signed in 1936 during the World War. Under this agreement the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits were given to Turkey. Turkey had control. But with a caveat. Only civilian ships would sail through these waters. The Bosporus would not be militarised. That was the rule. But rules have seldom stopped Erdogan. He has devised a workaround. Since he can't militarise the Bosporus, he is planning to create a completely new waterway. In effect a second Bosporus. It is expected to be a 45 kilometre-long canal to the west of the natural route. But why is Erdogan building it? The canal is one of the president's grand projects. A re-imagination of 21st century Turkey. It has already bankrupted the economy. And made a laughing stock of the national currency the Lira. But the president will do anything for a return to the glory days. Turkish officials say the new canal will reduce traffic on the Bosporus. They also say that the old convention will not apply. But Turkey's battle-hardened veterans disagree. 104 former navy officers signed an open letter against President Erdogan. They say the canal project is a violation of the treaty. And that it will harm regional security. But all the president heard was the warning bell of a coup. The response was swift. Ten retired admirals have been arrested. The charges? Conspiring against state security and constitutional order. This is how Erdogan's spokesman defended the arrest. "A group of retired soldiers are putting themselves into a laughable and miserable position with their statement that echoes military coup times." Sums up what's happening in Turkey. Free speech is laughable. And dissent equals attempted coup. Since 2016, Erdogan sees a hostile takeover everywhere. It's the classic sign of a leader insecure about public support. The new canal project is a destabilising act. For instance, The Black Sea has been historically dominated by Russia. But what if American warships enter the waters? Erdogan loves playing allies and rivals. It's something he has perfected in his dealings with the European Union. We could get a glimpse of it on Tuesday. Top officials of the EU Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel are due in Ankara. They are hoping to find a solution to the Turkish problem. Here's the issue, Turkey is a candidate for EU membership. But it has disputes with existing members like Greece. And an abhorrent record on human rights to boot. So what are the EU officials hoping to achieve? Brussels is ready to engage. But only if Erdogan takes positive steps. So let's recount what the president has done in the last few weeks. He abandoned a treaty on gender violence. He detained dozens of university students for protesting. He approved a plan that violates an 85-year old treaty. And he arrested retired officers who opposed the move. If this is Erdogan's idea of wooing Brussels there is no hope. There is a wide chasm between what the Turkish president says and what he does. Last year, he talked about Turkey's European destiny. But he continues to alienate the EU with aggressive posturing. Many say Turkey's future is linked to Europe's. That's what the country's founder Kemal Ataturk believed. But Kemal Ataturk was a statesman. He believed in International Law. Erdogan on the other hand is what many call self-styled. His style being disruptive, intolerant and ruthless. So if geopolitics were a sport Erdogan would never qualify as a sportsman.

Turkey detains former navy commanders. What's Erdogan's plan exactly?

Turkey arrested 10 retired admirals over their criticism of Erdogan's proposed Istanbul Canal Project. The president has accused the veterans of trying to topple his government. WION's Palki tells you what explains Erdogan's 'coup paranoia'.'

Gravitas: Erdogan cries coup, arrests retired admirals

Ankara on Monday detained 10 retired admirals after a letter signed by more than 100 of them warned against a possible threat to a treaty governing the use of Turkey's key waterways.

The Ankara chief public prosecutor's office said arrest warrants have been issued for the ten. Prosecutors also ordered four other suspects to report to Ankara police within three days, opting not to detain them because of their age.

Turkey's approval last month of plans to develop a shipping canal in Istanbul comparable to the Panama or Suez canals has opened up debate about the 1936 Montreux Convention.

Canal Istanbul is the most ambitious of what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan terms his "crazy projects".

The proposed 75-billion-lira ($9.8-billion) alternative would run to the west of the Bosphorus along a 45-kilometre (28-mile) route.

Turkish officials argue that the new canal is vital to take the pressure off Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait -- a key route for world trade which saw more than 38,000 vessels pass through last year.

But opponents say the new canal venture could undermine the Montreux accord.

The convention guarantees the free passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits of civilian vessels in times of both peace and war. It also regulates the use of the strait by military vessels from non-Black Sea states.

The new canal would allow ships to transit between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea without passing through part of the straits that are covered by the treaty.

If the new canal is covered by Montreux treaty, Turkey could not demand fees from commercial vessels.

To this end, in their letter, 103 retired admirals said it was "worrying" to open the Montreux treaty up to debate, calling it an agreement that "best protects Turkish interests".

"We are of the opinion to refrain from any kind of rhetoric or action that could make the Montreux Convention... a matter of controversy," they said.

The letter drew a strong riposte from top government officials, while prosecutors in Ankara have also launched an investigation.

Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the declaration was "reminiscent of coup times".

"They should know that our esteemed nation and its representatives will never allow this mentality," he tweeted.

The Turkish military, which has long seen itself as the guarantor of the country's secular constitution, staged three coups between 1960 and 1980.

Erdogan's government also survived an attempted coup in July 2016 which it blamed on followers of US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Ankara on Monday detained 10 retired admirals after a letter signed by more than 100 of them warned against a possible threat to a treaty governing the use of Turkey's key waterways.

Ankara on Monday detained 10 retired admirals after a letter signed by more than 100 of them warned against a possible threat to a treaty governing the use of Turkey's key waterways. The Ankara chief public prosecutor's office said arrest warrants have been issued for the ten. Prosecutors also ordered four other suspects to report to Ankara police within three days, opting not to detain them because of their age. Turkey's approval last month of plans to develop a shipping canal in Istanbul comparable to the Panama or Suez canals has opened up debate about the 1936 Montreux Convention. Canal Istanbul is the most ambitious of what President Recep Tayyip Erdogan terms his "crazy projects". The proposed 75-billion-lira ($9.8-billion) alternative would run to the west of the Bosphorus along a 45-kilometre (28-mile) route. Turkish officials argue that the new canal is vital to take the pressure off Istanbul's Bosphorus Strait -- a key route for world trade which saw more than 38,000 vessels pass through last year. But opponents say the new canal venture could undermine the Montreux accord. The convention guarantees the free passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits of civilian vessels in times of both peace and war. It also regulates the use of the strait by military vessels from non-Black Sea states. The new canal would allow ships to transit between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea without passing through part of the straits that are covered by the treaty. If the new canal is covered by Montreux treaty, Turkey could not demand fees from commercial vessels. To this end, in their letter, 103 retired admirals said it was "worrying" to open the Montreux treaty up to debate, calling it an agreement that "best protects Turkish interests". "We are of the opinion to refrain from any kind of rhetoric or action that could make the Montreux Convention... a matter of controversy," they said. The letter drew a strong riposte from top government officials, while prosecutors in Ankara have also launched an investigation. Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the declaration was "reminiscent of coup times". "They should know that our esteemed nation and its representatives will never allow this mentality," he tweeted. The Turkish military, which has long seen itself as the guarantor of the country's secular constitution, staged three coups between 1960 and 1980. Erdogan's government also survived an attempted coup in July 2016 which it blamed on followers of US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey detains ten retired admirals over open letter

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused dozens of retired admirals of eyeing a ‘political coup’ by attacking his plans for a canal linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

Police have detained 10 of the former navy commanders and ordered four others to turn themselves in after they published an open letter critical of the proposed Canal Istanbul over the weekend.

Turkey's post-Ottoman history is littered with putsches by a military that views itself as the last guarantor of secularism in the mostly Muslim country.

Erdogan's fury was directed at a letter published by 104 former admirals over the weekend urging him to abide by the terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention.

The treaty is aimed at demilitarising the Black Sea by setting strict rules on warships' passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits.

But Erdogan's plan to build a new 45-kilometre (28-mile) shipping lane running to the west of the Bosphorus leaves open the question of whether the old treaty will apply to the proposed canal.

The retired admirals said the 1936 treaty ‘best protects Turkish interests’.

Erdogan told them on Monday that ‘the duty of retired admirals, 104 of whom come together, is not to publish declarations that hint at a political coup’.

"In a country whose past is filled with coups, (another) attempt by a group of retired admirals can never be accepted," he said after chairing a meeting with his top aides.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused dozens of retired admirals of eyeing a ‘political coup’ by attacking his plans for a canal linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday accused dozens of retired admirals of eyeing a ‘political coup’ by attacking his plans for a canal linking the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Police have detained 10 of the former navy commanders and ordered four others to turn themselves in after they published an open letter critical of the proposed Canal Istanbul over the weekend. Turkey's post-Ottoman history is littered with putsches by a military that views itself as the last guarantor of secularism in the mostly Muslim country. Erdogan's fury was directed at a letter published by 104 former admirals over the weekend urging him to abide by the terms of the 1936 Montreux Convention. The treaty is aimed at demilitarising the Black Sea by setting strict rules on warships' passage through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. But Erdogan's plan to build a new 45-kilometre (28-mile) shipping lane running to the west of the Bosphorus leaves open the question of whether the old treaty will apply to the proposed canal. The retired admirals said the 1936 treaty ‘best protects Turkish interests’. Erdogan told them on Monday that ‘the duty of retired admirals, 104 of whom come together, is not to publish declarations that hint at a political coup’. "In a country whose past is filled with coups, (another) attempt by a group of retired admirals can never be accepted," he said after chairing a meeting with his top aides. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President accuses former admirals of 'political coup'

Greece in Friday accused Turkey of trying to "provoke an escalation" in the Aegean. It alleged that Turkey was trying "dangerous" manoeuvres and assistance to migrants that was illegal.

"This morning the Hellenic Coastguard reported multiple incidents of the Turkish Coastguard and Navy accompanying flimsy migrant boats to the border of Europe in an effort to provoke an escalation with Greece," the migration ministry said in a statement.

Earlier, Greek coastguard announced that its patrol boat near Lesbos island had been "harassed" by a Turkish vessels with "dangerous manoeuvres".

It released a video allegedly showing a Turkish coastguard vessel speeding closely past the Greek vessel and rocking it with waves.

The Greek coastguard added that in two incidents, Turkish patrol boats had allegedly tried to assist migrant dinghies in entering Greek waters.

In one of the alleged incidents, two Turkish patrol boats "tried to push" a migrant dinghy into Greek waters, the Greek coastguard said.&nbsp;

Athens wants Ankara to better police migration routes and take back hundreds of asylum seekers found ineligible for refugee protection.

It has repeatedly asked Turkey to take back nearly 1,500 migrants whose asylum requests have been rejected.

(With agency inputs)

Greece in Friday accused Turkey of trying to "provoke an escalation" in the Aegean. It alleged that Turkey was trying "dangerous" manoeuvres and assistance to migrants that was illegal.

Greece in Friday accused Turkey of trying to "provoke an escalation" in the Aegean. It alleged that Turkey was trying "dangerous" manoeuvres and assistance to migrants that was illegal. "This morning the Hellenic Coastguard reported multiple incidents of the Turkish Coastguard and Navy accompanying flimsy migrant boats to the border of Europe in an effort to provoke an escalation with Greece," the migration ministry said in a statement. Earlier, Greek coastguard announced that its patrol boat near Lesbos island had been "harassed" by a Turkish vessels with "dangerous manoeuvres". It released a video allegedly showing a Turkish coastguard vessel speeding closely past the Greek vessel and rocking it with waves. The Greek coastguard added that in two incidents, Turkish patrol boats had allegedly tried to assist migrant dinghies in entering Greek waters. In one of the alleged incidents, two Turkish patrol boats "tried to push" a migrant dinghy into Greek waters, the Greek coastguard said. Athens wants Ankara to better police migration routes and take back hundreds of asylum seekers found ineligible for refugee protection. It has repeatedly asked Turkey to take back nearly 1,500 migrants whose asylum requests have been rejected. (With agency inputs)

Greece accuses Turkey of 'provocations' in the Aegean

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has reached Dushanbe, Tajikistan to attend the Heart of Asia Summit. He met with Iranian & Turkish Foreign Ministers and discussed bilateral cooperation.

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar meets Foreign Ministers of Iran and Turkey

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Iranian and Turkish Foreign Ministers ahead of the Heart of Asia summit and discussed bilateral cooperation. He also visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site and lauded the good work done by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).

Heart of Asia Summit: Jaishankar visited Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site

Anti-Erdogan protests by women, students and LGBT community rock Turkey's Istanbul.

Turkey: Anti-Erdogan protests rock Istanbul

Several thousand women took to the streets in Istanbul on Saturday to demand Turkey reverses its decision to withdraw from an international treaty against domestic abuse which it once championed.

Turkey was one of the first signatories of the treaty, and women say their safety has been jeopardised by the president’s surprising move.

President Tayyip Erdogan stunned European allies with last week’s announcement that Turkey was pulling out of the Istanbul Convention, named after the Turkish city where it was drafted in 2011.

On Saturday, amid a heavy police presence, protesters gathered in an Istanbul seafront square waving purple flags and chanting slogans including “Murders of women are political”. One placard read, “Protect women, not the perpetrators of violence.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows 38 per cent of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared with 25 per cent in Europe.

Estimates of femicide rates in Turkey, for which there are no official figures, have roughly tripled over the last 10 years, according to a monitoring group. So far this year 87 women have been murdered by men or died under suspicious circumstances.

Conservatives in Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted AK Party say the convention, which stresses gender equality and forbids discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, undermines family structures and encourages violence. 
&nbsp;

Several thousand women took to the streets in Istanbul on Saturday to demand Turkey reverses its decision to withdraw from an international treaty against domestic abuse which it once championed.

Several thousand women took to the streets in Istanbul on Saturday to demand Turkey reverses its decision to withdraw from an international treaty against domestic abuse which it once championed. Turkey was one of the first signatories of the treaty, and women say their safety has been jeopardised by the president’s surprising move. President Tayyip Erdogan stunned European allies with last week’s announcement that Turkey was pulling out of the Istanbul Convention, named after the Turkish city where it was drafted in 2011. On Saturday, amid a heavy police presence, protesters gathered in an Istanbul seafront square waving purple flags and chanting slogans including “Murders of women are political”. One placard read, “Protect women, not the perpetrators of violence.” The World Health Organisation (WHO) data shows 38 per cent of women in Turkey are subject to violence from a partner in their lifetime, compared with 25 per cent in Europe. Estimates of femicide rates in Turkey, for which there are no official figures, have roughly tripled over the last 10 years, according to a monitoring group. So far this year 87 women have been murdered by men or died under suspicious circumstances. Conservatives in Erdogan’s Islamist-rooted AK Party say the convention, which stresses gender equality and forbids discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation, undermines family structures and encourages violence.

Women in Turkey protest over Erdogan’s decision to exit domestic violence treaty

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