Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday kicked off his campaign for a &quot;yes&quot; vote at the April 16 referendum on expanding his powers, predicting Turks will back the changes in a contest that could be tight.

Analysts are predicting that the outcome of the referendum on the new constitution to create an executive presidency is no foregone conclusion and Erdogan will criss-cross Turkey in the next two months to mobilise voters.

He kicked off the campaign -- after returning from a tour of Gulf countries -- in the eastern city of Kahramanmaras, one of the areas that gave him the most votes in the 2014 presidential polls.

&quot;We are on the threshold of a historic decision,&quot; Erdogan told thousands of supporters in Kahramanmaras in a televised speech. &quot;April 16 will be the night of carrying out reform in Turkey,&quot; he added.

Opponents fear that the touted presidential system, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkey&#39;s history, would cement one-man rule in the country under Erdogan.

But Erdogan argued that the new system would clearly delineate between the executive and the legislature, so that &quot;everyone can concentrate on their own business&quot;.

He explained that the new system would mean there would be no return to the &quot;old Turkey&quot; of short-lived coalition governments, which, he said, sometimes lasted just 25 days and had an average survival rate of 16 months.

&quot;My friends, that Turkey is finished,&quot; he said. Relations with the West and have strained in the wake of the July 15 coup aimed at ousting Erdogan from power, which was followed by a crackdown whose magnitude is unprecedented in modern Turkish history.

The president reaffirmed he would approve legislation reimposing the death penalty in Turkey -- if it was approved by parliament after the referendum.

Reimposing the death penalty, abolished in 2004, would spell the end of Turkey&#39;s embattled bid to join the European Union. But Erdogan said he was not bothered by what the EU had to say about the issue.

&quot;I&#39;m not interested in what the European Union, says, in what Hans and George say,&quot; said Erdogan, using two typical European first names.

&quot;What interests me is what Ahmet, Mehmet, Ayse, Fatma say,&quot; he said, using traditional Turkish Muslim names. &quot;I am interested in what Allah (God) says!&quot;

Erdogan is expected over the weekend to visit more cities in the east where he enjoys soaring support including Malatya, Elazig and Gaziantep.

The legislation was pushed through by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) with the help of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Friday the two parties could have joint campaign events.

The AKP is to launch its campaign with a glitzy rally on February 25 in Ankara.

The tone of the campaign will be crucial, amid alarm a demonisation of those planning to vote &quot;no&quot; may have alienated some voters.With the AKP constantly conducting private polling, respected conservative commentator Abdulkadir Selvi wrote in the Hurriyet daily this week that support for a &quot;yes&quot; had slipped in the last days in Istanbul and Ankara.

&quot;The latest negative trend emerged before the referendum campaign started and is seen as an early warning,&quot; he wote.

Analysts are predicting a possibly close race, although the AKP is expected to use its full armoury of resources, including a loyal media, to get the desired result.

&quot;It may well end up with a substantial victory for the &#39;yes&#39;,&quot; said Marc Pierini, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe.

&quot;However, the implications of such a constitutional reform are so momentous that citizens may well think twice,&quot; he told AFP. Asli Aydintasbas, fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), said there was not a fair playing field in the vote.

&quot;The &#39;no&#39; campaign does not have tools, resources or abilities to broadcast its message except through social media,&quot; she said.

(AFP)

Erdogan will criss-cross Turkey in the next two months to mobilise voters in favour of a 'Yes' vote

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday kicked off his campaign for a "yes" vote at the April 16 referendum on expanding his powers, predicting Turks will back the changes in a contest that could be tight. Analysts are predicting that the outcome of the referendum on the new constitution to create an executive presidency is no foregone conclusion and Erdogan will criss-cross Turkey in the next two months to mobilise voters. He kicked off the campaign -- after returning from a tour of Gulf countries -- in the eastern city of Kahramanmaras, one of the areas that gave him the most votes in the 2014 presidential polls. "We are on the threshold of a historic decision," Erdogan told thousands of supporters in Kahramanmaras in a televised speech. "April 16 will be the night of carrying out reform in Turkey," he added. Opponents fear that the touted presidential system, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkey's history, would cement one-man rule in the country under Erdogan. But Erdogan argued that the new system would clearly delineate between the executive and the legislature, so that "everyone can concentrate on their own business". He explained that the new system would mean there would be no return to the "old Turkey" of short-lived coalition governments, which, he said, sometimes lasted just 25 days and had an average survival rate of 16 months. "My friends, that Turkey is finished," he said. Relations with the West and have strained in the wake of the July 15 coup aimed at ousting Erdogan from power, which was followed by a crackdown whose magnitude is unprecedented in modern Turkish history. The president reaffirmed he would approve legislation reimposing the death penalty in Turkey -- if it was approved by parliament after the referendum. Reimposing the death penalty, abolished in 2004, would spell the end of Turkey's embattled bid to join the European Union. But Erdogan said he was not bothered by what the EU had to say about the issue. "I'm not interested in what the European Union, says, in what Hans and George say," said Erdogan, using two typical European first names. "What interests me is what Ahmet, Mehmet, Ayse, Fatma say," he said, using traditional Turkish Muslim names. "I am interested in what Allah (God) says!" Erdogan is expected over the weekend to visit more cities in the east where he enjoys soaring support including Malatya, Elazig and Gaziantep. The legislation was pushed through by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) with the help of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Friday the two parties could have joint campaign events. The AKP is to launch its campaign with a glitzy rally on February 25 in Ankara. The tone of the campaign will be crucial, amid alarm a demonisation of those planning to vote "no" may have alienated some voters.With the AKP constantly conducting private polling, respected conservative commentator Abdulkadir Selvi wrote in the Hurriyet daily this week that support for a "yes" had slipped in the last days in Istanbul and Ankara. "The latest negative trend emerged before the referendum campaign started and is seen as an early warning," he wote. Analysts are predicting a possibly close race, although the AKP is expected to use its full armoury of resources, including a loyal media, to get the desired result. "It may well end up with a substantial victory for the 'yes'," said Marc Pierini, visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe. "However, the implications of such a constitutional reform are so momentous that citizens may well think twice," he told AFP. Asli Aydintasbas, fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), said there was not a fair playing field in the vote. "The 'no' campaign does not have tools, resources or abilities to broadcast its message except through social media," she said. (AFP)

Turkey: President Erdogan kicks off campaign for upcoming presidential referendum

Kazakhstan said on Wednesday a new round of Astana talks on the Syria conflict led by Russia, Turkey and Iran scheduled to begin February 15 would be delayed by a day due to unexplained &quot;technical reasons&quot;.

&quot;The negotiations have been moved to February 16 for technical reasons,&quot; a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP by telephone without elaboration.&nbsp;

A subsequent statement from the foreign ministry said the talks would begin at 0600 GMT on Thursday.&nbsp;

The &quot;closed format&quot; negotiations come after representatives from Damascus and the armed opposition failed to make a breakthrough at indirect talks in the city in January. &nbsp;

The meeting -- pushed by key regime supporter Moscow -- is viewed as a warm-up for UN-led negotiations on the protracted war that are due to begin in Geneva on February 23. &nbsp;

While Kazakh officials said they invited both the Syrian government and rebels for the new talks, several of the regime opponents who took part in the previous Astana talks told AFP that they have not received invitations. &nbsp;

Damascus has confirmed it will be represented again by its ambassador to the UN, Bashar al-Jaafari.&nbsp;

Russia is sending presidential envoy Alexander Lavrentiev while Iran said it is dispatching deputy foreign minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari.

UN envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura said he would not participate personally in the latest Astana meeting but that his office would be represented by a &quot;technical team&quot;.&nbsp;

Jordan will also be represented by a &quot;high-level delegation&quot; government spokesman Mohamed Momani said.

The Astana initiative has left the West on the sidelines of the latest push to end the war in Syria that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011.&nbsp;

Moscow has invited the US to participate as an observer but the State Department has yet to confirm Washington will be involved.&nbsp;

Talks are likely to focus on bolstering a shaky ceasefire on the ground after Moscow, Tehran and Ankara agreed to establish a &quot;mechanism&quot; aimed at ensuring the truce.&nbsp;

The Geneva negotiations are expected to be wide-ranging, focussing on the key issues that divide the government and rebel sides, including the fate of President Bashar al-Assad.&nbsp;

(AFP)

Kazakhstan's foreign ministry said the talks have been moved to Feb 16 and will begin at 0600 GMT

Kazakhstan said on Wednesday a new round of Astana talks on the Syria conflict led by Russia, Turkey and Iran scheduled to begin February 15 would be delayed by a day due to unexplained "technical reasons". "The negotiations have been moved to February 16 for technical reasons," a spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told AFP by telephone without elaboration. A subsequent statement from the foreign ministry said the talks would begin at 0600 GMT on Thursday. The "closed format" negotiations come after representatives from Damascus and the armed opposition failed to make a breakthrough at indirect talks in the city in January. The meeting -- pushed by key regime supporter Moscow -- is viewed as a warm-up for UN-led negotiations on the protracted war that are due to begin in Geneva on February 23. While Kazakh officials said they invited both the Syrian government and rebels for the new talks, several of the regime opponents who took part in the previous Astana talks told AFP that they have not received invitations. Damascus has confirmed it will be represented again by its ambassador to the UN, Bashar al-Jaafari. Russia is sending presidential envoy Alexander Lavrentiev while Iran said it is dispatching deputy foreign minister Hossein Jaberi Ansari. UN envoy on Syria Staffan de Mistura said he would not participate personally in the latest Astana meeting but that his office would be represented by a "technical team". Jordan will also be represented by a "high-level delegation" government spokesman Mohamed Momani said. The Astana initiative has left the West on the sidelines of the latest push to end the war in Syria that has claimed more than 300,000 lives since 2011. Moscow has invited the US to participate as an observer but the State Department has yet to confirm Washington will be involved. Talks are likely to focus on bolstering a shaky ceasefire on the ground after Moscow, Tehran and Ankara agreed to establish a "mechanism" aimed at ensuring the truce. The Geneva negotiations are expected to be wide-ranging, focussing on the key issues that divide the government and rebel sides, including the fate of President Bashar al-Assad. (AFP)

Syria peace talks delayed due to 'technical reasons': Kazakhstan

Turkey has dismissed more than 4,400 civil servants including teachers, police officers and academics over their suspected links with terrorist organisations, a decree showed late on Tuesday, in the latest purge since a failed coup last July.

Ibrahim Kaboglu, a prominent constitution professor who has expressed opposition to planned constitutional changes giving President Tayyip Erdogan greater executive powers, was among those ousted under the decree published in the Official Gazette.

Court clerks, computer experts and librarians were also among 4,464 sacked, part of a crackdown since the July coup bid which Turkey says was carried out by US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies the allegation.

The dismissals drew criticism on social media, with main opposition CHP lawmaker Sezgin Tanrikulu saying on Twitter that Turkey&#39;s long-established universities were being destroyed.

Turkey has already removed or suspended more than 125,000 people and formally arrested 40,000 since the attempted coup during which rogue soldiers tried to overthrow the government and Erdogan, killing more than 240 people, most of them civilians.

The government says the action is justified by the nature of the threat to the state.

The crackdown has covered a wide range of professions from civil servants and soldiers to medics. Dismissals are announced in the Official Gazette with no reasons given beyond &quot;membership of&nbsp;or links to, terrorist organisations or groups deemed to be acting against national security interests&quot;.

Rights groups and some European countries have said Erdogan is using the current state of emergency to quash dissent. Ankara says the measures are necessary to root out supporters of the putsch and other terrorists.

Among the 330 academics dismissed were those who signed a petition last year criticising military action in the restive south-east against Kurdish militants. Erdogan had said the academics would pay a price for their &quot;treachery&quot;.

Hundreds of civilians, members of the security forces and militants have been killed since the conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) reignited in July 2015 in the worst violence Turkey has seen for 20 years. The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.

(Reuters)

Turkey has already fired or suspended more than 125,000 people, and formally arrested 40,000, since a failed coup last July

Turkey has dismissed more than 4,400 civil servants including teachers, police officers and academics over their suspected links with terrorist organisations, a decree showed late on Tuesday, in the latest purge since a failed coup last July. Ibrahim Kaboglu, a prominent constitution professor who has expressed opposition to planned constitutional changes giving President Tayyip Erdogan greater executive powers, was among those ousted under the decree published in the Official Gazette. Court clerks, computer experts and librarians were also among 4,464 sacked, part of a crackdown since the July coup bid which Turkey says was carried out by US-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies the allegation. The dismissals drew criticism on social media, with main opposition CHP lawmaker Sezgin Tanrikulu saying on Twitter that Turkey's long-established universities were being destroyed. Turkey has already removed or suspended more than 125,000 people and formally arrested 40,000 since the attempted coup during which rogue soldiers tried to overthrow the government and Erdogan, killing more than 240 people, most of them civilians. The government says the action is justified by the nature of the threat to the state. The crackdown has covered a wide range of professions from civil servants and soldiers to medics. Dismissals are announced in the Official Gazette with no reasons given beyond "membership of or links to, terrorist organisations or groups deemed to be acting against national security interests". Rights groups and some European countries have said Erdogan is using the current state of emergency to quash dissent. Ankara says the measures are necessary to root out supporters of the putsch and other terrorists. Among the 330 academics dismissed were those who signed a petition last year criticising military action in the restive south-east against Kurdish militants. Erdogan had said the academics would pay a price for their "treachery". Hundreds of civilians, members of the security forces and militants have been killed since the conflict with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) reignited in July 2015 in the worst violence Turkey has seen for 20 years. The PKK is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union. (Reuters)

Turkey purges  4,400 more civil servants, including teachers and police

At least 15 people died in air strikes on the rebel-held Syrian city of Idlib on Tuesday, in some of the heaviest raids there in months, residents and a rescue worker said.

Around eight attacks by what were believed to be Russian jets wounded scores of people and levelled several multi-storey buildings in residential areas of the northwestern city, they added.

&quot;We are still pulling bodies from the rubble,&quot; Issam al Idlibi, a volunteer civil defence worker, said. Most of the casualties were civilians and the death toll would probably rise, he added.

The extent of the damage and the debris bore the hallmarks of a Russian attack, said two witnesses. There was no immediate comment from Moscow.

Russian planes have targeted a number of towns and villages in the area since entering the Syrian conflict in September 2015 to back ally President Bashar al-Assad.&nbsp;But activists and residents said there had been a reduction of Russian strikes in Idlib province since a Turkish-Russian brokered cessation of hostilities late December.

Planes from the US-led coalition have also launched a number of attacks in the rural province, a major stronghold of jihadists, many of them formerly affiliated to al-Qaida.

Idlib&#39;s population has been swollen by thousands of Syrian fighters and their families who were evacuated from villages and towns around Damascus and Aleppo city retaken by the government in recent months.

(Reuters)

Witnesses said Russian jets wounded several people and levelled multi-storey buildings in residential areas of Idlib

At least 15 people died in air strikes on the rebel-held Syrian city of Idlib on Tuesday, in some of the heaviest raids there in months, residents and a rescue worker said. Around eight attacks by what were believed to be Russian jets wounded scores of people and levelled several multi-storey buildings in residential areas of the northwestern city, they added. "We are still pulling bodies from the rubble," Issam al Idlibi, a volunteer civil defence worker, said. Most of the casualties were civilians and the death toll would probably rise, he added. The extent of the damage and the debris bore the hallmarks of a Russian attack, said two witnesses. There was no immediate comment from Moscow. Russian planes have targeted a number of towns and villages in the area since entering the Syrian conflict in September 2015 to back ally President Bashar al-Assad. But activists and residents said there had been a reduction of Russian strikes in Idlib province since a Turkish-Russian brokered cessation of hostilities late December. Planes from the US-led coalition have also launched a number of attacks in the rural province, a major stronghold of jihadists, many of them formerly affiliated to al-Qaida. Idlib's population has been swollen by thousands of Syrian fighters and their families who were evacuated from villages and towns around Damascus and Aleppo city retaken by the government in recent months. (Reuters)

Air strikes hit Syria's Idlib city, 15 dead

Turkish police on Sunday detained almost 450 suspected Islamic State group members in nationwide raids just over a month after an attack on an Istanbul nightclub claimed by the jihadists.

Security forces rounded up 448 suspects, the state-run Anadolu news agency said, in Turkey&#39;s biggest police operation against IS since the New Year attack on the Reina nightclub that killed 39.

Among those detained were foreigners and those suspected of planning attacks in Turkey, the Dogan and Anadolu news agencies reported.

During the operation, 150 suspects, all Syrians, were rounded up in raids on hotels and private homes in Sanliurfa in the southeast, Dogan said.

Another 47 were detained in the nearby city of Gaziantep close to the Syrian border which has a known jihadist presence while 38 were picked up in Hatay, also bordering Syria.

Sixty suspects, mostly foreigners, were detained in four districts in the capital Ankara.

Dozens more arrests were made in provinces ranging from Bursa in the west to Antalya on the Mediterranean and Bingol in the east.

Television footage showed police in body armour battering down a door in a pre-dawn raid. In the usually peaceful Aegean city of Izmir, nine people suspected of travelling to and from Syria and planning attacks in the city were detained, Anadolu said.

One of the suspects detained in Izmir -- a Syrian identified only as E.A. -- is said to have been in touch with people smugglers in a bid to help the IS members escape to Europe, Anadolu said.

Eighteen people were detained in Istanbul and the neighbouring province of Kocaeli on suspicion of planning attacks. Another 14 foreigners were due to be deported, including 10 children.

Meanwhile in Eskisehir east of Istanbul, nine people were detained on suspicion of membership of Fateh al-Sham, Al-Qaeda`s former affiliate in Syria.

Thirty-nine people, mainly foreigners, were killed on New Year&#39;s night when a gunman went on the rampage inside a plush Istanbul night club.

IS claimed the massacre, its first clear claim for a major attack in Turkey although it had been blamed for several bombings in 2016.

Police detained the suspected attacker, Abdulgadir Masharipov, an Uzbek national, on January 16 after more than two weeks on the run and authorities say he has confessed to the massacre.

The Hurriyet daily later reported that IS had also planned a simultaneous New Year`s strike in Ankara but dropped the plot after arrests by the Turkish authorities.An Istanbul court on Friday placed a dozen people under arrest ahead of trial over the nightclub plot, including Masharipov&#39;s wife Zarina Nurullayeva.

In her statement to investigators, excerpts of which were published by the Turkish media, she said she had &quot;no idea&quot; what her husband was planning and &quot;most of the accusations against me are false&quot;.

She was quoted as saying the couple had arrived in Turkey from Iran but her husband had sworn allegiance to IS in Pakistan.

Last year, Turkey was hit by a string of attacks blamed on IS and Kurdish militants that left hundreds dead.

It is also engaged in a battle with IS to take the Syrian town of Al-Bab, in the fiercest fighting yet of the Turkish military&#39;s campaign inside Syria that began in August.

At least 48 Turkish soldiers have been killed in the incursion so far, according to an AFP tally, the vast majority in the battle for Al-Bab since the fight for the town began in December.

Turkey was long accused by its Western allies of not doing enough to stop the flow of jihadists across its borders and emergence of IS cells in its own cities. 
 
Ankara denies the charges, saying it listed IS as a terror group since 2013.&nbsp;

However, observers say Turkey has markedly stepped up its actions against IS in the last months and note that the capture of Masharipov alive may provide it with valuable intelligence.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Those held were mainly foreign nationals, the state-run Anadolu news agency said, without saying if they were linked to any suspected plot

Turkish police on Sunday detained almost 450 suspected Islamic State group members in nationwide raids just over a month after an attack on an Istanbul nightclub claimed by the jihadists. Security forces rounded up 448 suspects, the state-run Anadolu news agency said, in Turkey's biggest police operation against IS since the New Year attack on the Reina nightclub that killed 39. Among those detained were foreigners and those suspected of planning attacks in Turkey, the Dogan and Anadolu news agencies reported. During the operation, 150 suspects, all Syrians, were rounded up in raids on hotels and private homes in Sanliurfa in the southeast, Dogan said. Another 47 were detained in the nearby city of Gaziantep close to the Syrian border which has a known jihadist presence while 38 were picked up in Hatay, also bordering Syria. Sixty suspects, mostly foreigners, were detained in four districts in the capital Ankara. Dozens more arrests were made in provinces ranging from Bursa in the west to Antalya on the Mediterranean and Bingol in the east. Television footage showed police in body armour battering down a door in a pre-dawn raid. In the usually peaceful Aegean city of Izmir, nine people suspected of travelling to and from Syria and planning attacks in the city were detained, Anadolu said. One of the suspects detained in Izmir -- a Syrian identified only as E.A. -- is said to have been in touch with people smugglers in a bid to help the IS members escape to Europe, Anadolu said. Eighteen people were detained in Istanbul and the neighbouring province of Kocaeli on suspicion of planning attacks. Another 14 foreigners were due to be deported, including 10 children. Meanwhile in Eskisehir east of Istanbul, nine people were detained on suspicion of membership of Fateh al-Sham, Al-Qaeda`s former affiliate in Syria. Thirty-nine people, mainly foreigners, were killed on New Year's night when a gunman went on the rampage inside a plush Istanbul night club. IS claimed the massacre, its first clear claim for a major attack in Turkey although it had been blamed for several bombings in 2016. Police detained the suspected attacker, Abdulgadir Masharipov, an Uzbek national, on January 16 after more than two weeks on the run and authorities say he has confessed to the massacre. The Hurriyet daily later reported that IS had also planned a simultaneous New Year`s strike in Ankara but dropped the plot after arrests by the Turkish authorities.An Istanbul court on Friday placed a dozen people under arrest ahead of trial over the nightclub plot, including Masharipov's wife Zarina Nurullayeva. In her statement to investigators, excerpts of which were published by the Turkish media, she said she had "no idea" what her husband was planning and "most of the accusations against me are false". She was quoted as saying the couple had arrived in Turkey from Iran but her husband had sworn allegiance to IS in Pakistan. Last year, Turkey was hit by a string of attacks blamed on IS and Kurdish militants that left hundreds dead. It is also engaged in a battle with IS to take the Syrian town of Al-Bab, in the fiercest fighting yet of the Turkish military's campaign inside Syria that began in August. At least 48 Turkish soldiers have been killed in the incursion so far, according to an AFP tally, the vast majority in the battle for Al-Bab since the fight for the town began in December. Turkey was long accused by its Western allies of not doing enough to stop the flow of jihadists across its borders and emergence of IS cells in its own cities. Ankara denies the charges, saying it listed IS as a terror group since 2013. However, observers say Turkey has markedly stepped up its actions against IS in the last months and note that the capture of Masharipov alive may provide it with valuable intelligence. (AFP)

Turkey detains 450 Islamic State suspects

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure full freedom of expression in Turkey, ahead of a crucial referendum on constitutional change.

Making her first visit to Turkey since July`s failed coup, Merkel held tense talks with Erdogan seeking to repair a key relationship battered by a series of crises over the last months.

But as Turkey prepares for an expected April referendum on constitutional changes that opponents fear will grant Erdogan one-man rule, the splits on key issues between the two NATO allies were still wide.

&quot;I emphasised from my side that in this far-reaching change the separation of powers and freedom of expression must be ensured,&quot; Merkel said after talks with Erdogan at his presidential palace in Ankara.

Merkel added she had also passed on concerns over press freedom and the accreditation of German journalists in Turkey, many of whom have not received approval to work in 2017.

According to the P24 press monitoring group, 94 Turkish journalists are being held behind bars within the state of emergency declared after the coup.

But Turkish presidential sources said after the meeting that on the subject of press freedoms &quot;German authorities sometimes make statements based on wrong, incomplete or biased information&quot;.

Merkel added that the referendum on constitutional change could be monitored by a delegation from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) &quot;so that what the people want is guaranteed&quot;.

But Erdogan immediately countered it was false to maintain there would be any end to the separation of powers under the new system.

&quot;The legislative is still there. So is the executive and the judiciary. Their dissolution... is out of the question,&quot; said the Turkish president.

Further tension came when Merkel spoke of the need to fight &quot;Islamist terrorism&quot;, with Erdogan bridling at the expression which he said upset Muslims and was not correct as Islam is a religion of peace.

&quot;Please let`s not use it. As long as it is used we need to stand against it,&quot; said Erdogan, looking directly at Merkel.

Berlin has repeatedly expressed unease over the extent of the post-coup crackdown that has seen some 43,000 people arrested, under a state of emergency that has now lasted over half a year.

Erdogan, meanwhile, is exasperated that Germany has not responded to requests for the extradition of hundreds of suspects linked to the coup, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers` Party (PKK) and the ultra-left.

Last week it was reported that 40 Turkish soldiers stationed at NATO bases had asked Berlin for asylum, with Turkey pressing for the bids to be rejected.

Merkel emphasised that Germany was Turkey`s partner in the fight against terror but could only act against suspects &quot;when we have evidence and it is examined by the courts&quot;.

After his talks with Merkel, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Ankara wanted to see &quot;more support from Germany&quot; in extraditing alleged PKK militants and supporters of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen whom Ankara blames for the coup bid.&nbsp;

Merkel also wants Turkey to keep implementing a deal that has so far successfully reduced migrant flows to Europe, despite threats by Erdogan to walk away from it due to a failure to fulfil a pledge to grant Turks visa-free travel.

&quot;The refugee issue is very important for Turkey and also the EU and Germany,&quot; she said, adding the deal was in their &quot;mutual interest&quot;.

Opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu had expressed unease at the visit, fearing that Merkel`s presence could buttress Erdogan ahead of the referendum.

But Merkel was also to meet Kilicdaroglu and figures from the pro-Kurdish Peoples` Democratic Party (HDP) whose co-leaders are under arrest.

Merkel said after meeting Erdogan: &quot;Opposition belongs to a democratic state.&quot;&nbsp;

Opposition figures in Germany have also suggested Merkel should not be meeting Erdogan as he is presiding over the crackdown. Turkey policy is set to be a key issue when Merkel faces re-election in September.

Germany is home to some three million people of Turkish origin, the biggest population of Turks in the world outside Turkey.

(AFP)

Merkel held tense talks with Erdogan seeking to repair a key relationship battered by a series of crises over the last months

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday urged Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to ensure full freedom of expression in Turkey, ahead of a crucial referendum on constitutional change. Making her first visit to Turkey since July`s failed coup, Merkel held tense talks with Erdogan seeking to repair a key relationship battered by a series of crises over the last months. But as Turkey prepares for an expected April referendum on constitutional changes that opponents fear will grant Erdogan one-man rule, the splits on key issues between the two NATO allies were still wide. "I emphasised from my side that in this far-reaching change the separation of powers and freedom of expression must be ensured," Merkel said after talks with Erdogan at his presidential palace in Ankara. Merkel added she had also passed on concerns over press freedom and the accreditation of German journalists in Turkey, many of whom have not received approval to work in 2017. According to the P24 press monitoring group, 94 Turkish journalists are being held behind bars within the state of emergency declared after the coup. But Turkish presidential sources said after the meeting that on the subject of press freedoms "German authorities sometimes make statements based on wrong, incomplete or biased information". Merkel added that the referendum on constitutional change could be monitored by a delegation from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) "so that what the people want is guaranteed". But Erdogan immediately countered it was false to maintain there would be any end to the separation of powers under the new system. "The legislative is still there. So is the executive and the judiciary. Their dissolution... is out of the question," said the Turkish president. Further tension came when Merkel spoke of the need to fight "Islamist terrorism", with Erdogan bridling at the expression which he said upset Muslims and was not correct as Islam is a religion of peace. "Please let`s not use it. As long as it is used we need to stand against it," said Erdogan, looking directly at Merkel. Berlin has repeatedly expressed unease over the extent of the post-coup crackdown that has seen some 43,000 people arrested, under a state of emergency that has now lasted over half a year. Erdogan, meanwhile, is exasperated that Germany has not responded to requests for the extradition of hundreds of suspects linked to the coup, the outlawed Kurdistan Workers` Party (PKK) and the ultra-left. Last week it was reported that 40 Turkish soldiers stationed at NATO bases had asked Berlin for asylum, with Turkey pressing for the bids to be rejected. Merkel emphasised that Germany was Turkey`s partner in the fight against terror but could only act against suspects "when we have evidence and it is examined by the courts". After his talks with Merkel, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Ankara wanted to see "more support from Germany" in extraditing alleged PKK militants and supporters of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen whom Ankara blames for the coup bid. Merkel also wants Turkey to keep implementing a deal that has so far successfully reduced migrant flows to Europe, despite threats by Erdogan to walk away from it due to a failure to fulfil a pledge to grant Turks visa-free travel. "The refugee issue is very important for Turkey and also the EU and Germany," she said, adding the deal was in their "mutual interest". Opposition Republican People`s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu had expressed unease at the visit, fearing that Merkel`s presence could buttress Erdogan ahead of the referendum. But Merkel was also to meet Kilicdaroglu and figures from the pro-Kurdish Peoples` Democratic Party (HDP) whose co-leaders are under arrest. Merkel said after meeting Erdogan: "Opposition belongs to a democratic state." Opposition figures in Germany have also suggested Merkel should not be meeting Erdogan as he is presiding over the crackdown. Turkey policy is set to be a key issue when Merkel faces re-election in September. Germany is home to some three million people of Turkish origin, the biggest population of Turks in the world outside Turkey. (AFP)

Germany's Angela Merkel insists on protecting freedom of expression in meeting with Turkish President Erdogan

Greek and Turkish warships were involved today in a brief face off near a group of disputed Greek islets in the Aegean, coinciding with renewed tensions between Athens and Ankara.

The Greek defence ministry said a Turkish navy missile boat, &quot;along with two special forces rafts,&quot; entered Greek territorial waters near the Imia islets.

Located just off the Turkish coast and claimed by Ankara, the unhabited rocky specks are an historic flarepoint in a long-running demarcation dispute.

Greek coastguard vessels and a navy gunboat shadowed the Turkish group, notifying them of the violation, and the Turks left the area after about seven minutes, it said.

In Turkey, the local media initially reported that the Turkish warship -- with Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar onboard -- was blocked by Greece from approaching the islets.

The private Dogan news agency reported that there were &quot;tense moments&quot; for half an hour before the Turkish ship returned to the Turkish peninsula of Bodrum.

But Turkish armed forces, quoted by the state-run news agency Anadolu, denied that the ship had been blocked, and said a small Greek coastguard vessel had watched from afar.

It added that General Akar was onboard the ship to &quot;review and inspect&quot; Turkish vessels in the Aegean.

The Imia islets -- called Kardak in Turkey -- lie just seven kilometres from Bodrum.

A row over their sovereignty islets flared in January 1996, when the two countries sent marines to two neighbouring islands in a sign of an imminent armed confrontation.

They then withdrew their troops after heavy diplomatic pressure by the United States, a fellow member of NATO.

Today&#39;s incident comes amid fresh tension between the two countries, after the Greek Supreme Court on Thursday blocked the extradition of eight former army officers who had fled to Greece after the failed July 15 coup.

Turkey lashed the ruling as &quot;political&quot; and threatened to scrap a &quot;readmission agreement&quot; under which Turkey has been taking in migrants landing illegally in Greece.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The Greek defence ministry said a Turkish navy missile boat 'along with two special forces rafts' entered Greek territorial waters

Greek and Turkish warships were involved today in a brief face off near a group of disputed Greek islets in the Aegean, coinciding with renewed tensions between Athens and Ankara. The Greek defence ministry said a Turkish navy missile boat, "along with two special forces rafts," entered Greek territorial waters near the Imia islets. Located just off the Turkish coast and claimed by Ankara, the unhabited rocky specks are an historic flarepoint in a long-running demarcation dispute. Greek coastguard vessels and a navy gunboat shadowed the Turkish group, notifying them of the violation, and the Turks left the area after about seven minutes, it said. In Turkey, the local media initially reported that the Turkish warship -- with Chief of Staff General Hulusi Akar onboard -- was blocked by Greece from approaching the islets. The private Dogan news agency reported that there were "tense moments" for half an hour before the Turkish ship returned to the Turkish peninsula of Bodrum. But Turkish armed forces, quoted by the state-run news agency Anadolu, denied that the ship had been blocked, and said a small Greek coastguard vessel had watched from afar. It added that General Akar was onboard the ship to "review and inspect" Turkish vessels in the Aegean. The Imia islets -- called Kardak in Turkey -- lie just seven kilometres from Bodrum. A row over their sovereignty islets flared in January 1996, when the two countries sent marines to two neighbouring islands in a sign of an imminent armed confrontation. They then withdrew their troops after heavy diplomatic pressure by the United States, a fellow member of NATO. Today's incident comes amid fresh tension between the two countries, after the Greek Supreme Court on Thursday blocked the extradition of eight former army officers who had fled to Greece after the failed July 15 coup. Turkey lashed the ruling as "political" and threatened to scrap a "readmission agreement" under which Turkey has been taking in migrants landing illegally in Greece. (AFP)

Greek, Turkish warships face off near disputed Greek islets in the Aegean

Fresh from talks with US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet Turkish leaders in Ankara Saturday, hoping to expand ties and seal a new trading relationship before Britain leaves the EU.&nbsp;

On a one-day visit to the Turkish capital, her first since becoming premier, May will hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim.

While some EU states have been wary of sending top officials to Turkey following the July 15 failed coup and ensuing crackdown, May will follow several senior British ministers who have visited Ankara in recent weeks.

And symbolically, her visit to Turkey is the last leg of a trip which took her to the White House as the first foreign leader to be hosted by Trump.

Turkey, which has sought to join the European Union since the 1960s, has long seen Britain as one of the most enthusiastic supporters of its troubled bid.

But following Britain&#39;s June vote to leave the bloc, both sides are now looking to bring a new dynamic to relations, with London seeking to firm up post-Brexit trade deals with non-EU states.

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&#39;Engagement with Turkey&#39;

May&#39;s spokeswoman said increased security cooperation, especially on aviation, and a new trade relationship post-Brexit would top the agenda at the talks.

Following the failed coup, Turkey&#39;s relations with the EU have become strained, with Brussels sharply criticising the extent of the ensuing crackdown, and Ankara deploring Europe&#39;s failure to show solidarity.

The spokeswoman emphasised that there were no issues May would steer away from, including human rights and freedom of the press.

&quot;The Prime Minister&#39;s approach is quite clear - she thinks it&#39;s important, and in the UK&#39;s national interest - to engage with Turkey on a range of issues - from defence and security cooperation to capitalising on trade opportunities,&quot; she said.

She added: &quot;I don&#39;t think there are any issues that the prime minister is afraid to bring up.&quot;

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&#39;Unsavoury rulers&#39;

Ahead of May&#39;s visit, Britain&#39;s trade and investment minister Mark Price held a series of meetings with Turkish ministers in Ankara.

Bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to more than $16 billion (14.9 billion euros) in 2015, Turkish figures show, with Britain the second most important country for exports and 11th in terms of imports.&nbsp;

Three months after the Brexit vote, foreign minister Boris Johnson made a colourful visit to Turkey during which he said Britain was seeking a &quot;jumbo free trade deal&quot; with Ankara.

Noting that trade ties were already significant, Johnson said he was the &quot;proud&quot; owner of a Turkish washing machine and acknowledged that Britain&#39;s iconic Jaffa Cake biscuits were owned by a Turkish confectionary giant.

He also ebulliently brushed off the embarrassment of penning the winning entry in an offensive poetry competition about Erdogan which was published by The Spectator magazine earlier in the year.&nbsp;

Back in the UK, MPs have urged May not to let her eagerness to promote trade overshadow human rights concerns over Turkey&#39;s post-coup crackdown.&nbsp;

&quot;The Conservative Brexit government is so desperate for trade deals with anyone but the mature democracies of the European Union that even the most unsavoury rulers are to be subjected to the prime ministerial charm,&quot; opposition Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney wrote in the Guardian newspaper.

Writers&#39; group PEN International called on May to raise &quot;serious concerns about the grave violations&quot; being committed within the state of emergency imposed in Turkey after the coup.

Regarding the coup and its aftermath, May&#39;s spokeswoman said: &quot;We have already expressed our strong support for Turkey&#39;s democracy and institutions following the coup - but we have also been clear that we urge Turkey to ensure that their response is proportionate, justified and in line with international human rights obligations.&quot;

(AFP)

Both sides are looking to bring a new dynamic to relations, with London seeking to firm up post-Brexit trade deals with non-EU states

Fresh from talks with US President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet Turkish leaders in Ankara Saturday, hoping to expand ties and seal a new trading relationship before Britain leaves the EU. On a one-day visit to the Turkish capital, her first since becoming premier, May will hold talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim. While some EU states have been wary of sending top officials to Turkey following the July 15 failed coup and ensuing crackdown, May will follow several senior British ministers who have visited Ankara in recent weeks. And symbolically, her visit to Turkey is the last leg of a trip which took her to the White House as the first foreign leader to be hosted by Trump. Turkey, which has sought to join the European Union since the 1960s, has long seen Britain as one of the most enthusiastic supporters of its troubled bid. But following Britain's June vote to leave the bloc, both sides are now looking to bring a new dynamic to relations, with London seeking to firm up post-Brexit trade deals with non-EU states. 'Engagement with Turkey' May's spokeswoman said increased security cooperation, especially on aviation, and a new trade relationship post-Brexit would top the agenda at the talks. Following the failed coup, Turkey's relations with the EU have become strained, with Brussels sharply criticising the extent of the ensuing crackdown, and Ankara deploring Europe's failure to show solidarity. The spokeswoman emphasised that there were no issues May would steer away from, including human rights and freedom of the press. "The Prime Minister's approach is quite clear - she thinks it's important, and in the UK's national interest - to engage with Turkey on a range of issues - from defence and security cooperation to capitalising on trade opportunities," she said. She added: "I don't think there are any issues that the prime minister is afraid to bring up." 'Unsavoury rulers' Ahead of May's visit, Britain's trade and investment minister Mark Price held a series of meetings with Turkish ministers in Ankara. Bilateral trade between the two countries amounted to more than $16 billion (14.9 billion euros) in 2015, Turkish figures show, with Britain the second most important country for exports and 11th in terms of imports. Three months after the Brexit vote, foreign minister Boris Johnson made a colourful visit to Turkey during which he said Britain was seeking a "jumbo free trade deal" with Ankara. Noting that trade ties were already significant, Johnson said he was the "proud" owner of a Turkish washing machine and acknowledged that Britain's iconic Jaffa Cake biscuits were owned by a Turkish confectionary giant. He also ebulliently brushed off the embarrassment of penning the winning entry in an offensive poetry competition about Erdogan which was published by The Spectator magazine earlier in the year. Back in the UK, MPs have urged May not to let her eagerness to promote trade overshadow human rights concerns over Turkey's post-coup crackdown. "The Conservative Brexit government is so desperate for trade deals with anyone but the mature democracies of the European Union that even the most unsavoury rulers are to be subjected to the prime ministerial charm," opposition Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Olney wrote in the Guardian newspaper. Writers' group PEN International called on May to raise "serious concerns about the grave violations" being committed within the state of emergency imposed in Turkey after the coup. Regarding the coup and its aftermath, May's spokeswoman said: "We have already expressed our strong support for Turkey's democracy and institutions following the coup - but we have also been clear that we urge Turkey to ensure that their response is proportionate, justified and in line with international human rights obligations." (AFP)

British PM May eyes trade ties with Turkey ahead of Brexit

The first day of the two-day Syrian negotiations in Astana ended on Monday with tensions running high, as the Syrian government delegation and rebels resorted to holding an indirect meeting.

Both delegations were set to meet face-to-face for the first time in the capital of Kazakhstan, the first time in Syria`s nearly six-year conflict, but it was not to be.

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Following the opening speeches, rebel groups refused to sit face-to-face with government representatives, citing the Syrian government&#39;s continued bombardments near Damascus.

Instead, both sides spoke through intermediaries.

The delegations were moved into two separate rooms. One is for the opposition and the Turkish representatives, and the other is for the government and the Russians.&nbsp;

Issues about how to stabilise and uphold the ceasefire through dispatching monitors and surveillance equipment were discussed.

&quot;Some of the participants and namely speaking, the delegation of the terrorist armed groups, gave its own interpretation, or misinterpretation of these agreements, and went beyond the framework of these agreements, and that created a problem for all the participants. Because the delegation of the armed terrorist groups did not respect the provisions of the agreement, on the basis which we came to Astana,&quot; said Bashar al-Jaafari, head of the Syrian government delegation.

The three-week-long ceasefire across Syria has been fragile; brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran, who have paved the way for these talks.

The opposition is demanding the release of detainees from government prisons.

These talks come a month after Syrian forces regained control of Aleppo, Syria&#39;s second-largest city, which had long been a bargaining chip for the rebels.

There is little expectation of a breakthrough heading into day two, yet these negotiations could set the tone for another round of U.N.-mediated talks in Geneva, Switzerland at the beginning of February.

(Reuters)

Rebel groups refuse to sit face-to-face with government representatives, both sides instead speak through intermediaries

The first day of the two-day Syrian negotiations in Astana ended on Monday with tensions running high, as the Syrian government delegation and rebels resorted to holding an indirect meeting. Both delegations were set to meet face-to-face for the first time in the capital of Kazakhstan, the first time in Syria`s nearly six-year conflict, but it was not to be. The delegations were moved into two separate rooms. One is for the opposition and the Turkish representatives, and the other is for the government and the Russians × Following the opening speeches, rebel groups refused to sit face-to-face with government representatives, citing the Syrian government's continued bombardments near Damascus. Instead, both sides spoke through intermediaries. The delegations were moved into two separate rooms. One is for the opposition and the Turkish representatives, and the other is for the government and the Russians. Issues about how to stabilise and uphold the ceasefire through dispatching monitors and surveillance equipment were discussed. "Some of the participants and namely speaking, the delegation of the terrorist armed groups, gave its own interpretation, or misinterpretation of these agreements, and went beyond the framework of these agreements, and that created a problem for all the participants. Because the delegation of the armed terrorist groups did not respect the provisions of the agreement, on the basis which we came to Astana," said Bashar al-Jaafari, head of the Syrian government delegation. The three-week-long ceasefire across Syria has been fragile; brokered by Russia, Turkey and Iran, who have paved the way for these talks. The opposition is demanding the release of detainees from government prisons. These talks come a month after Syrian forces regained control of Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city, which had long been a bargaining chip for the rebels. There is little expectation of a breakthrough heading into day two, yet these negotiations could set the tone for another round of U.N.-mediated talks in Geneva, Switzerland at the beginning of February. (Reuters)

Syria peace talks: Day 1 ends with tensions running high

By Anchal Vohra

Iran, Russia and Turkey, the sponsors of peace talks between Syrian rebels and Damascus, agreed on Tuesday to a fragile three-week cessation of hostilities in Syria. The announcement comes after two days of peace talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana.

In a joint statement, the three countries said there was no military solution to the Syrian conflict.

It was not clear whether the Syrian government or the opposition backed the communique. Earlier, a rebel spokesman said &quot;no agreements&quot; would be signed.

The &quot;trilateral mechanism&quot; was agreed between Russia and Iran, which back Mr Assad&#39;s government, and Turkey, which supports the opposition.

It would &quot;observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire, prevent any provocation and determine all modalities&quot;, the statement said.

Earlier, however, the Guardian reported that rebel officials objected to Iran having a role because of its support of militia groups, which they accuse of repeatedly violating the cessation of hostilities.

Government negotiator Bashar Jaafari had accused rebel groups of violating the truce and defending &quot;war crimes&quot; by the allied jihadist group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which is excluded from the ceasefire along with so-called Islamic State (IS).

The talks in Astana were the first where the opposition delegation was formed exclusively of representatives of armed groups.

Rebel spokesman Yahya al-Aridi had earlier said that his delegation would also push for the lifting of government sieges of opposition-held areas and &quot;goodwill gestures&quot;, including the release of political detainees and aid deliveries.

He added that it was hoped the meeting would &quot;contribute&quot; to the UN-brokered negotiations on a political settlement that are due to resume in Geneva next month.

The negotiations in Geneva broke down last April with little progress having been made.

More than 300,000 people have been killed and 11 million others displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011.

(WION)

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The trilateral mechanism would 'observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire, prevent any provocation and determine all modalities'

By Anchal Vohra Iran, Russia and Turkey, the sponsors of peace talks between Syrian rebels and Damascus, agreed on Tuesday to a fragile three-week cessation of hostilities in Syria. The announcement comes after two days of peace talks in the Kazakh capital, Astana. In a joint statement, the three countries said there was no military solution to the Syrian conflict. It was not clear whether the Syrian government or the opposition backed the communique. Earlier, a rebel spokesman said "no agreements" would be signed. The "trilateral mechanism" was agreed between Russia and Iran, which back Mr Assad's government, and Turkey, which supports the opposition. It would "observe and ensure full compliance with the ceasefire, prevent any provocation and determine all modalities", the statement said. Earlier, however, the Guardian reported that rebel officials objected to Iran having a role because of its support of militia groups, which they accuse of repeatedly violating the cessation of hostilities. Government negotiator Bashar Jaafari had accused rebel groups of violating the truce and defending "war crimes" by the allied jihadist group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, which is excluded from the ceasefire along with so-called Islamic State (IS). The talks in Astana were the first where the opposition delegation was formed exclusively of representatives of armed groups. Rebel spokesman Yahya al-Aridi had earlier said that his delegation would also push for the lifting of government sieges of opposition-held areas and "goodwill gestures", including the release of political detainees and aid deliveries. He added that it was hoped the meeting would "contribute" to the UN-brokered negotiations on a political settlement that are due to resume in Geneva next month. The negotiations in Geneva broke down last April with little progress having been made. More than 300,000 people have been killed and 11 million others displaced since the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad began in March 2011. (WION)

Syria conflict: Iran, Russia and Turkey 'to enforce' truce

Syrian rebels are set to meet their war-torn country&#39;s government on Monday in the Kazakh capital Astana, in the latest push to end the conflict.

It will be the first time a delegation composed exclusively of rebel groups will negotiate with President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s regime since the war erupted in 2011 with protests against his rule.

Set to begin at 0800 GMT, the talks have been welcomed by all parties in the war.&nbsp;

However, delegates from both sides have arrived in Kazakhstan with apparently divergent ideas on the talks&#39; aims.

Rebel groups have said the meeting will focus on bolstering a frail nationwide ceasefire brokered last month by Turkey and Russia.

But Assad has insisted that rebels lay down their arms in exchange for an amnesty deal, and called for a &quot;comprehensive&quot; political solution to a conflict that has killed more than 310,000 and displaced more than half of the country&#39;s population.

Organised by Turkey, Russia and Iran, the talks come a month after the regime recaptured rebel areas of Aleppo, scoring its biggest victory since the war began.

Chief opposition negotiator Mohammad Alloush arrived in Astana on Sunday accompanied by around a dozen rebel figures, including Fares Buyush of the Idlib Army, an AFP correspondent said.

&quot;This is not a replacement for the Geneva process,&quot; Buyush told AFP, referring to the UN-hosted political negotiations set to resume in Geneva next month.

UN envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on Sunday hailed the Astana talks as a &quot;good initiative&quot;, in comments carried by Russian news agencies.

Yehya al-Aridi, a spokesman for the opposition delegation, told AFP there was &quot;no final answer&quot; on whether his team would sit at the same table as the regime.

National reconciliation 
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Russia&#39;s special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, told Russian news agencies Sunday that the format of the talks was still under discussion.

A source close to the opposition&#39;s team told AFP that the delegation had been broadened from eight rebel figures to a total of 14, in addition to 21 legal and political advisors.

The 10-member government delegation, headed by UN ambassador Bashar al-Jaafari, also arrived on Sunday, Syrian state television reported.

Jaafari had initially dismissed the possibility of any government-level meeting with rebel backer Turkey.

But state television later quoted him as saying the regime &quot;will participate in any meeting that serves Syrian national reconciliation.&quot;

The regime&#39;s objectives include reaching &quot;common grounds&quot; with other participants, Syrian state news agency SANA quoted Jaafari as saying.

No shortcut

The talks will be held in Astana&#39;s luxury Rixos President Hotel, where staff members on Sunday were setting up a single large table in a conference room under blue banners bearing the hashtag #AstanaProcess.

Although Ankara and Moscow have backed opposing sides of Syria&#39;s nearly six-year conflict, they have worked hand-in-hand in recent weeks to try to secure an end to the brutal war.

The Astana talks will be a major test of this new partnership.

The rapprochement between Russia and Turkey, which saw them conduct their first joint air strikes against IS targets in Syria last week, has come to fill the vacuum left by Washington&#39;s disengagement from the conflict in recent months.

US President Donald Trump&#39;s administration was invited to participate in the talks but did not send a delegation.

Washington will instead be represented by its ambassador to Kazakhstan, the State Department said.

France and Britain will also be represented at the ambassador level, according to a European diplomatic source.

(AFP)

Delegates from both sides have arrived in Kazakhstan with apparently divergent ideas on the talks' aims

Syrian rebels are set to meet their war-torn country's government on Monday in the Kazakh capital Astana, in the latest push to end the conflict. It will be the first time a delegation composed exclusively of rebel groups will negotiate with President Bashar al-Assad's regime since the war erupted in 2011 with protests against his rule. Set to begin at 0800 GMT, the talks have been welcomed by all parties in the war. However, delegates from both sides have arrived in Kazakhstan with apparently divergent ideas on the talks' aims. Rebel groups have said the meeting will focus on bolstering a frail nationwide ceasefire brokered last month by Turkey and Russia. But Assad has insisted that rebels lay down their arms in exchange for an amnesty deal, and called for a "comprehensive" political solution to a conflict that has killed more than 310,000 and displaced more than half of the country's population. Organised by Turkey, Russia and Iran, the talks come a month after the regime recaptured rebel areas of Aleppo, scoring its biggest victory since the war began. Chief opposition negotiator Mohammad Alloush arrived in Astana on Sunday accompanied by around a dozen rebel figures, including Fares Buyush of the Idlib Army, an AFP correspondent said. "This is not a replacement for the Geneva process," Buyush told AFP, referring to the UN-hosted political negotiations set to resume in Geneva next month. UN envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura on Sunday hailed the Astana talks as a "good initiative", in comments carried by Russian news agencies. Yehya al-Aridi, a spokesman for the opposition delegation, told AFP there was "no final answer" on whether his team would sit at the same table as the regime. National reconciliation Russia's special envoy on Syria, Alexander Lavrentiev, told Russian news agencies Sunday that the format of the talks was still under discussion. A source close to the opposition's team told AFP that the delegation had been broadened from eight rebel figures to a total of 14, in addition to 21 legal and political advisors. The 10-member government delegation, headed by UN ambassador Bashar al-Jaafari, also arrived on Sunday, Syrian state television reported. Jaafari had initially dismissed the possibility of any government-level meeting with rebel backer Turkey. But state television later quoted him as saying the regime "will participate in any meeting that serves Syrian national reconciliation." The regime's objectives include reaching "common grounds" with other participants, Syrian state news agency SANA quoted Jaafari as saying. No shortcut The talks will be held in Astana's luxury Rixos President Hotel, where staff members on Sunday were setting up a single large table in a conference room under blue banners bearing the hashtag #AstanaProcess. Although Ankara and Moscow have backed opposing sides of Syria's nearly six-year conflict, they have worked hand-in-hand in recent weeks to try to secure an end to the brutal war. The Astana talks will be a major test of this new partnership. The rapprochement between Russia and Turkey, which saw them conduct their first joint air strikes against IS targets in Syria last week, has come to fill the vacuum left by Washington's disengagement from the conflict in recent months. US President Donald Trump's administration was invited to participate in the talks but did not send a delegation. Washington will instead be represented by its ambassador to Kazakhstan, the State Department said. France and Britain will also be represented at the ambassador level, according to a European diplomatic source. (AFP)

Syria regime, rebel talks to begin shortly in Astana

In a dramatic move, Turkey&#39;s parliament voted to pass a controversial constitutional reform package which will expand the powers of the presidnet exponentially.

The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) received 339 &quot;yes&quot; votes for the bill which will overhaul the existing power structure in&nbsp;Turkey giving Erdogan a chance to continue as president till 2029.

There were 142 votes against the bill. The constitutional amendment needed a minimum of 330 votes or more, a three-fifths majority, to allow it to be sent for a referendum for final approval.

The public vote is likely to take place in April.&nbsp;

The move will create an executive presidency in Turkey for the first time. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The opponents of the bill said that the expansion of the powers of the president at a time when the country is reeling under emergency points to authoritarian tendencies.

If approved, parliamentary elections and presidential ballots would be held simultaneously, with the draft giving November 3, 2019 as the poll date, AFP reported.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the last decision on the constitutional amendment rests with the people.

&quot;No one should have any doubt of this, on the issue of constitutional change, the most correct decision will certainly be given by the people,&quot; he said.

Turkey has been under a state of emergency since last year when a coup attempt aimed to overthrow Erdogan did not succeed.&nbsp;

Turkish authorities have cracked down on political opponents, civil servants and renegade military personnel who are expected to be involved in the failed putsch.

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
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The move will overhaul Turkey's political structure creating an executive presidency for the first time

In a dramatic move, Turkey's parliament voted to pass a controversial constitutional reform package which will expand the powers of the presidnet exponentially. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) received 339 "yes" votes for the bill which will overhaul the existing power structure in Turkey giving Erdogan a chance to continue as president till 2029. There were 142 votes against the bill. The constitutional amendment needed a minimum of 330 votes or more, a three-fifths majority, to allow it to be sent for a referendum for final approval. The public vote is likely to take place in April. The move will create an executive presidency in Turkey for the first time. The opponents of the bill said that the expansion of the powers of the president at a time when the country is reeling under emergency points to authoritarian tendencies. If approved, parliamentary elections and presidential ballots would be held simultaneously, with the draft giving November 3, 2019 as the poll date, AFP reported. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said that the last decision on the constitutional amendment rests with the people. "No one should have any doubt of this, on the issue of constitutional change, the most correct decision will certainly be given by the people," he said. Turkey has been under a state of emergency since last year when a coup attempt aimed to overthrow Erdogan did not succeed. Turkish authorities have cracked down on political opponents, civil servants and renegade military personnel who are expected to be involved in the failed putsch. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Turkey: Constitutional reform to boost presidential powers gets assembly nod, faces referendum

The UN Security Council on Friday expressed support for peace talks on Syria hosted by Russia, Turkey and Iran next week, but stressed they must not serve to sideline UN-led negotiations.

During a closed-door meeting, the council discussed the talks opening Monday in the Kazakh capital of Astana after the United Nations decided to send envoy Staffan de Mistura to the meeting.

Sweden&#39;s ambassador and council president Olof Skoog said the Astana talks could help shore up a ceasefire and &quot;represent an important stepping stone coming back to UN-led talks in Geneva thereafter&quot;.

Western powers have for weeks questioned the purpose of the Astana talks and raised concern that they could open up a new track of negotiations to end the nearly six-year war in Syria.

&quot;That concern may have been there,&quot; Skoog said about sidelining the UN-led process, but he added that the council was united in its position that the Kazakh talks must be in sync with the UN-led negotiations.

The United Nations is working to bring the Syrian government and the rebels to the table in Geneva on February 8.

The UN-led talks have broken down over disagreements on ensuring a transition in Damascus that would lead to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s exit from power.

Turkey, which backs rebel forces, for the first time conceded that a peace deal that excludes Assad from power might not be possible.&nbsp;

&quot;Turkey can no longer insist on a settlement without Assad. It is not realistic,&quot; Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek told a panel on Syria at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Assad told Japanese television that he hoped the rebels attending the Astana talks will agree to lay down their arms in exchange for an amnesty deal.

Turkey and Russia, which supports Assad, brokered a ceasefire on December 30, but clashes have continued while deliveries of humanitarian aid remain blocked.

The war in Syria has killed more than 310,000 people and forced millions to flee their homes.

(AFP)

The UN, while supporting Astana talks, said that any efforts made to resolve the long-drawn conflict should not sideline the world body

The UN Security Council on Friday expressed support for peace talks on Syria hosted by Russia, Turkey and Iran next week, but stressed they must not serve to sideline UN-led negotiations. During a closed-door meeting, the council discussed the talks opening Monday in the Kazakh capital of Astana after the United Nations decided to send envoy Staffan de Mistura to the meeting. Sweden's ambassador and council president Olof Skoog said the Astana talks could help shore up a ceasefire and "represent an important stepping stone coming back to UN-led talks in Geneva thereafter". Western powers have for weeks questioned the purpose of the Astana talks and raised concern that they could open up a new track of negotiations to end the nearly six-year war in Syria. "That concern may have been there," Skoog said about sidelining the UN-led process, but he added that the council was united in its position that the Kazakh talks must be in sync with the UN-led negotiations. The United Nations is working to bring the Syrian government and the rebels to the table in Geneva on February 8. The UN-led talks have broken down over disagreements on ensuring a transition in Damascus that would lead to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad`s exit from power. Turkey, which backs rebel forces, for the first time conceded that a peace deal that excludes Assad from power might not be possible. "Turkey can no longer insist on a settlement without Assad. It is not realistic," Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek told a panel on Syria at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Assad told Japanese television that he hoped the rebels attending the Astana talks will agree to lay down their arms in exchange for an amnesty deal. Turkey and Russia, which supports Assad, brokered a ceasefire on December 30, but clashes have continued while deliveries of humanitarian aid remain blocked. The war in Syria has killed more than 310,000 people and forced millions to flee their homes. (AFP)

Syria peace initiative: UN deputes envoy to attend Astana talks

Syrian rebel groups have decided to attend peace talks backed by Russia and Turkey in Kazakhstan to press for full implementation of a ceasefire they say has been widely violated by the government and its Iranian-backed allies.

Russia, President Bashar al-Assad&#39;s most powerful ally, set the new diplomatic effort in motion after Syrian rebels suffered a major defeat last month by losing control of districts of eastern Aleppo they had held for nearly four years. The United States, which led failed efforts to launch peace talks last year, has not been involved in the latest diplomacy.

Assad has already said his government is ready to attend the talks. After winning ground with Russian and Iranian military support, he looks stronger than at any point in the war.

The rebels took the decision at meetings underway in Ankara, and are now working to form a delegation that will be headed by Mohammad Alloush, the head of the political office of Jaish al-Islam rebel group, Alloush said. He said the rebels were going to Astana to &quot;neutralise the criminal role&quot; of Iran.

Analysts believe the rebels have been under pressure from Turkey, one of their main sponsors, to attend. Earlier this month, they called off any talks on their participation in the Astana meeting over what they said were government violations of a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Turkey&#39;s priorities in Syria appear to have shifted away from toppling Assad to combating Kurdish groups and Islamic State in areas of northern Syria near its border. Turkey&#39;s ties with Russia have also improved in recent months.

&quot;The factions will go and the first thing they will discuss will be the matter of the ceasefire and the violations by the regime,&quot; said an official in a Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel group who declined to be identified because the groups had yet to appoint a spokesman. &quot;This will be a test for the Russians as the guarantor,&quot; he said.

A second official, Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim rebel group, said: &quot;The majority of the groups decided to attend. Discussions will be on the ceasefire - the humanitarian issues - aid deliveries, release of detainees.&quot;

The rebel groups would reject any discussion of broader political issues at the Astana talks, the rebel officials said. The talks are scheduled for January 23 in Astana. Turkey&#39;s foreign minister said on Saturday that Ankara and Moscow had decided to invite the United States to attend. A Kremlin spokesman did not confirm it.

On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed preparations for the talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. As with last year&#39;s peace talks, powerful Kurdish groups that control wide areas of northern Syria are being excluded from the talks in line with the wishes of Turkey. Fighting has continued despite the ceasefire, notably near Damascus where government forces backed by Lebanon&#39;s Hezbollah are trying to recapture a rebel-held area where the capital&#39;s main water supply has been bombed out of service.

Separately, Islamic State, excluded from both truce and talks, has launched its fiercest assault in a year against a besieged government enclave in the city of Deir al-Zor. The rebel groups that will attend the talks include FSA factions fighting in northern Syria, some of them the groups defeated in Aleppo. Alloush&#39;s faction, Jaish al-Islam, is one of the bigger rebel groups, with a strong presence in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta area near Damascus.

The delegation will be different to one sent to peace talks in Geneva last year by the main opposition council, the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee. The HNC, which includes political and armed opposition groups, represented the opposition in peace talks last year.

Alloush sits on the HNC, which said on Saturday that it had supported efforts towards the talks in Kazakhstan, and viewed the meeting as a preliminary step for resuming the next round of political negotiations in Geneva. 
Malahifji said the new delegation would be formed in coordination with the HNC, but it would differ from it because &quot;the Russians are focusing very much on the military factions&quot;.

Assad said last week his government was ready to negotiate on &quot;everything&quot; in Kazakhstan, including his own position within the Syrian constitution.

(Reuters)&nbsp;

They will press for full implementation of a ceasefire they say has been widely violated by the government and its Iranian-backed allies

Syrian rebel groups have decided to attend peace talks backed by Russia and Turkey in Kazakhstan to press for full implementation of a ceasefire they say has been widely violated by the government and its Iranian-backed allies. Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, set the new diplomatic effort in motion after Syrian rebels suffered a major defeat last month by losing control of districts of eastern Aleppo they had held for nearly four years. The United States, which led failed efforts to launch peace talks last year, has not been involved in the latest diplomacy. Assad has already said his government is ready to attend the talks. After winning ground with Russian and Iranian military support, he looks stronger than at any point in the war. The rebels took the decision at meetings underway in Ankara, and are now working to form a delegation that will be headed by Mohammad Alloush, the head of the political office of Jaish al-Islam rebel group, Alloush said. He said the rebels were going to Astana to "neutralise the criminal role" of Iran. Analysts believe the rebels have been under pressure from Turkey, one of their main sponsors, to attend. Earlier this month, they called off any talks on their participation in the Astana meeting over what they said were government violations of a ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey. Turkey's priorities in Syria appear to have shifted away from toppling Assad to combating Kurdish groups and Islamic State in areas of northern Syria near its border. Turkey's ties with Russia have also improved in recent months. "The factions will go and the first thing they will discuss will be the matter of the ceasefire and the violations by the regime," said an official in a Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel group who declined to be identified because the groups had yet to appoint a spokesman. "This will be a test for the Russians as the guarantor," he said. A second official, Zakaria Malahifji of the Fastaqim rebel group, said: "The majority of the groups decided to attend. Discussions will be on the ceasefire - the humanitarian issues - aid deliveries, release of detainees." The rebel groups would reject any discussion of broader political issues at the Astana talks, the rebel officials said. The talks are scheduled for January 23 in Astana. Turkey's foreign minister said on Saturday that Ankara and Moscow had decided to invite the United States to attend. A Kremlin spokesman did not confirm it. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed preparations for the talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu and Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif. As with last year's peace talks, powerful Kurdish groups that control wide areas of northern Syria are being excluded from the talks in line with the wishes of Turkey. Fighting has continued despite the ceasefire, notably near Damascus where government forces backed by Lebanon's Hezbollah are trying to recapture a rebel-held area where the capital's main water supply has been bombed out of service. Separately, Islamic State, excluded from both truce and talks, has launched its fiercest assault in a year against a besieged government enclave in the city of Deir al-Zor. The rebel groups that will attend the talks include FSA factions fighting in northern Syria, some of them the groups defeated in Aleppo. Alloush's faction, Jaish al-Islam, is one of the bigger rebel groups, with a strong presence in the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta area near Damascus. The delegation will be different to one sent to peace talks in Geneva last year by the main opposition council, the Saudi-backed High Negotiations Committee. The HNC, which includes political and armed opposition groups, represented the opposition in peace talks last year. Alloush sits on the HNC, which said on Saturday that it had supported efforts towards the talks in Kazakhstan, and viewed the meeting as a preliminary step for resuming the next round of political negotiations in Geneva. Malahifji said the new delegation would be formed in coordination with the HNC, but it would differ from it because "the Russians are focusing very much on the military factions". Assad said last week his government was ready to negotiate on "everything" in Kazakhstan, including his own position within the Syrian constitution. (Reuters)

Syrian rebels agree to attend peace talks in Kazakhstan

Russia has agreed that the United States should be involved in the talks on Syria&#39;s political future planned to take place in Kazakhstan&#39;s capital Astana later this month, Turkey&#39;s top diplomat has said.

&quot;The United States should be definitely invited, and that is what we agreed with Russia,&quot; foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu yesterday told journalists in Geneva after an international conference on Cyprus.

The talks in Astana are expected to take place on January 23.

Russia and Turkey last month brokered a ceasefire in the war-torn country, but without the involvement of the United States, a negotiator in previous ceasefires.

The truce went into effect on December 30 and has brought calm to much of Syria although fighting continues in some areas.

&quot;We need to maintain the ceasefire,&quot; Cavusoglu said in Geneva. &quot;This is essential for the Astana talks,&quot; he said.

The Turkish foreign minister said invitations for the talks were likely to be sent out next week, adding that Washington should be present.

&quot;Nobody can ignore the role of the United States. And this is a principled position of Turkey,&quot; he said. &quot;The ones who did or who could contribute should be there, but not just to be in the family photo. You know what I mean.&quot;

He said the aim of the talks &quot;is to reach the political solution, which is the best solution&quot;.

(AFP)

The talks on Syria's political future is expected to take place in Kazakhstan's capital Astana on January 23

Russia has agreed that the United States should be involved in the talks on Syria's political future planned to take place in Kazakhstan's capital Astana later this month, Turkey's top diplomat has said. "The United States should be definitely invited, and that is what we agreed with Russia," foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu yesterday told journalists in Geneva after an international conference on Cyprus. The talks in Astana are expected to take place on January 23. Russia and Turkey last month brokered a ceasefire in the war-torn country, but without the involvement of the United States, a negotiator in previous ceasefires. The truce went into effect on December 30 and has brought calm to much of Syria although fighting continues in some areas. "We need to maintain the ceasefire," Cavusoglu said in Geneva. "This is essential for the Astana talks," he said. The Turkish foreign minister said invitations for the talks were likely to be sent out next week, adding that Washington should be present. "Nobody can ignore the role of the United States. And this is a principled position of Turkey," he said. "The ones who did or who could contribute should be there, but not just to be in the family photo. You know what I mean." He said the aim of the talks "is to reach the political solution, which is the best solution". (AFP)

Russia agrees US should attend Syria talks: Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope that the dialogue between Turkey and the United States will gain momentum after Presdient-elect Donald Trump takes office, Reuters reported.

He hoped of reaching a consensus on regional issues after Trump takes over as the president.

&quot;I believe we will accelerate dialogue when Mr Trump takes office. I believe we will reach a consensus with Mr Trump, particularly on regional issues,&quot; Erdogan told Turkish ambassadors gathered in Ankara for an annual conference, Reuters reported.

Turkey is a key NATO ally crucial to the US-led campaign against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. 
&nbsp; 
Relations between the US and the Turkey have been strained after a failed coup attempt last year sought to overthrow the Turkish president.&nbsp;

Erdogan blames the failed coup attempt on Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania in US.

Turkey wants US to extradite Gulen.

Another important issue that has created a rift between the two allies is US support for the YPG militia, a Syrian Kurdish group that is fighting the Islamic State.

Turkey sees the group as an extension of the PKK, which is behind a string of terror attacks in Turkey and seeks to achieve its goal of Kurdish autonomy.

Turkey&#39;s foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey expects Washington to extradite Gulen and end its cooperation with the Syrian YPG militia, Reuters reported.

The US on its part has skirted the issue of extradition by passing the responsibilty of extradition to the courts.

Trump&#39;s policy on the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia is unclear.&nbsp;

Trump, however, has clearly outlined that his priority is to fight the Islamic State and not to force Assad out of power, something that Turkey has long desired.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Turkey hopes of reaching a consensus on regional issues after Trump takes over as the president

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed hope that the dialogue between Turkey and the United States will gain momentum after Presdient-elect Donald Trump takes office, Reuters reported. He hoped of reaching a consensus on regional issues after Trump takes over as the president. "I believe we will accelerate dialogue when Mr Trump takes office. I believe we will reach a consensus with Mr Trump, particularly on regional issues," Erdogan told Turkish ambassadors gathered in Ankara for an annual conference, Reuters reported. Turkey is a key NATO ally crucial to the US-led campaign against Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. Relations between the US and the Turkey have been strained after a failed coup attempt last year sought to overthrow the Turkish president. Erdogan blames the failed coup attempt on Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania in US. Turkey wants US to extradite Gulen. Another important issue that has created a rift between the two allies is US support for the YPG militia, a Syrian Kurdish group that is fighting the Islamic State. Turkey sees the group as an extension of the PKK, which is behind a string of terror attacks in Turkey and seeks to achieve its goal of Kurdish autonomy. Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Turkey expects Washington to extradite Gulen and end its cooperation with the Syrian YPG militia, Reuters reported. The US on its part has skirted the issue of extradition by passing the responsibilty of extradition to the courts. Trump's policy on the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia is unclear. Trump, however, has clearly outlined that his priority is to fight the Islamic State and not to force Assad out of power, something that Turkey has long desired. (With inputs from Reuters)

Turkey looks forward to improving ties with US during Trump presidency

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim paid a two-day&nbsp;visit to his Iraqi counterpart Haider Al-Abadi over the weekend in the attempt to restart a dialogue after relations between the two countries worsened&nbsp;in the last few months.&nbsp;

In a joint press statement, Al-Abadi requested Turkey to gradually withdraw his troops and Yildirim confirmed the commitment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After a round of talks, the two countries have agreed to: boost their mutual effort to fight terrorism, respect&nbsp;each side&#39;s sovereignty, join efforts in post-war reconstruction, and&nbsp;resume all the investments they stopped due to the conflict. They also signed common water management projects. &nbsp;

The two heads of state also discussed the presence of a 500-soldier&nbsp;Turkish contingent on Iraqi&nbsp;soil, which was at the root&nbsp;of the diplomatic standstill.&nbsp;

In October 2016, Turkey repeatedly insisted on deploying its soldiers for the Mosul offensive, in Iraq, claiming it was their right to fight terrorists. The Iraqi prime minister denied authorisation, pointing out that their presence on its&nbsp;soil was a violation of Iraq&#39;s sovereignty. Ankara replied to the accusation,&nbsp;saying their troops entered the country on the Kurdistan Regional Government&#39;s invitation. &nbsp;

After a tough blame game, the two countries recalled their ambassadors and relations have been frozen ever since. &nbsp;

Yildrim&#39;s visit is not only about the two countries, it is part of a larger effort his country is taking to regain its powe&nbsp;in West Asia in a moment when it risks&nbsp;becoming&nbsp;isolated and vulnerable. &nbsp;

The massive purge and the round of arrests after the failed coup d&#39;&eacute;tat in July 2016 cost&nbsp;the country much of its international support. Several terror attacks have hit&nbsp;Turkey since, killing tens of citizens. The Russian ambassador was murdered in cold blood in front of the world&#39;s eyes. Kurdish autonomist organisations resumed the fight in the southeastern provinces after a fragile ceasefire broke. Iran and Lebanon are using all their influence to send money and weapons to Shia militias fighting terrorist organisations in both Iraq and Syria, a strategic move which indirectly expands their sphere of influence. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, heavily backed by Russia, is regaining momentum and he is a man Turkey has never perceived as a plausible ally. The US is providing air support to the Kurdish People&#39;s Protection Units (YPG), an organisation Ankara&nbsp;labels&nbsp;terrorists. &nbsp;

The fear of isolation is probably&nbsp;the main reason behind Turkey&#39;s decision to send troops directly within Syrian borders to attack the Islamic State.&nbsp;

Turkey-backed militias and the country&#39;s regular troops are now fighting in the vicinity of the Syrian town of Al Bab, some 40 kilometres&nbsp;from Aleppo. &nbsp;

The country had not played an active role in Syria until&nbsp;late August 2016, when they launched operation Euphrates Shield with the aim to close and secure the last 95 kilometres&nbsp;of border still under terrorist control. Many have accused&nbsp;Turkey of not&nbsp;having&nbsp;done enough to retake such a minor part of its border, through&nbsp;which IS terrorists, weapons and oil passed for five years.

Fighting the Islamic State is not&nbsp;Turkey&#39;s only aim&nbsp;in Syria though. President Erdogan has repeatedly declared his intention to stop the activities of the US-backed Kurdish and Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who are fighting boots-on-the-ground against the IS in northern Syria. The Kurdish People Protection Units (YPG) are the backbone of the SDF forces, and Turkey is staunchly opposed&nbsp;to&nbsp;any&nbsp;semi-autonomous Kurdish region in Syria, whatever the cost.&nbsp;

This last intention will probably involve directly the Kurdistan Workers party (PKK), an organisation fighting a three-decade war against Turkey,&nbsp;now&nbsp;headquartered&nbsp;on the Qandil mountains in Iraqi Kurdistan.&nbsp;

Recovering diplomatic and economic relations with Iraq could turn out to be vital for Turkey&nbsp;to get back on track in West Asia, where Iran is currently becoming the strongest regional actor.&nbsp;

(WION)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Binali Yildirim's visit is part of a larger effort Turkey is taking to avoid isolation in West Asia

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim paid a two-day visit to his Iraqi counterpart Haider Al-Abadi over the weekend in the attempt to restart a dialogue after relations between the two countries worsened in the last few months. In a joint press statement, Al-Abadi requested Turkey to gradually withdraw his troops and Yildirim confirmed the commitment. After a round of talks, the two countries have agreed to: boost their mutual effort to fight terrorism, respect each side's sovereignty, join efforts in post-war reconstruction, and resume all the investments they stopped due to the conflict. They also signed common water management projects. The two heads of state also discussed the presence of a 500-soldier Turkish contingent on Iraqi soil, which was at the root of the diplomatic standstill. In October 2016, Turkey repeatedly insisted on deploying its soldiers for the Mosul offensive, in Iraq, claiming it was their right to fight terrorists. The Iraqi prime minister denied authorisation, pointing out that their presence on its soil was a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. Ankara replied to the accusation, saying their troops entered the country on the Kurdistan Regional Government's invitation. After a tough blame game, the two countries recalled their ambassadors and relations have been frozen ever since. Yildrim's visit is not only about the two countries, it is part of a larger effort his country is taking to regain its powe in West Asia in a moment when it risks becoming isolated and vulnerable. The massive purge and the round of arrests after the failed coup d'état in July 2016 cost the country much of its international support. Several terror attacks have hit Turkey since, killing tens of citizens. The Russian ambassador was murdered in cold blood in front of the world's eyes. Kurdish autonomist organisations resumed the fight in the southeastern provinces after a fragile ceasefire broke. Iran and Lebanon are using all their influence to send money and weapons to Shia militias fighting terrorist organisations in both Iraq and Syria, a strategic move which indirectly expands their sphere of influence. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, heavily backed by Russia, is regaining momentum and he is a man Turkey has never perceived as a plausible ally. The US is providing air support to the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), an organisation Ankara labels terrorists. The fear of isolation is probably the main reason behind Turkey's decision to send troops directly within Syrian borders to attack the Islamic State. Turkey-backed militias and the country's regular troops are now fighting in the vicinity of the Syrian town of Al Bab, some 40 kilometres from Aleppo. The country had not played an active role in Syria until late August 2016, when they launched operation Euphrates Shield with the aim to close and secure the last 95 kilometres of border still under terrorist control. Many have accused Turkey of not having done enough to retake such a minor part of its border, through which IS terrorists, weapons and oil passed for five years. Fighting the Islamic State is not Turkey's only aim in Syria though. President Erdogan has repeatedly declared his intention to stop the activities of the US-backed Kurdish and Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who are fighting boots-on-the-ground against the IS in northern Syria. The Kurdish People Protection Units (YPG) are the backbone of the SDF forces, and Turkey is staunchly opposed to any semi-autonomous Kurdish region in Syria, whatever the cost. This last intention will probably involve directly the Kurdistan Workers party (PKK), an organisation fighting a three-decade war against Turkey, now headquartered on the Qandil mountains in Iraqi Kurdistan. Recovering diplomatic and economic relations with Iraq could turn out to be vital for Turkey to get back on track in West Asia, where Iran is currently becoming the strongest regional actor. (WION)

Turkey Prime Minister travels to Iraq to mend relations

The US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the United States is encouraging Syria peace talks being prepared by Russia later this month in the Kazakhstan capital Astana.

The US hopes that the talks succeed in building peace in Syria, he said.

&quot;We&#39;re encouraging a meeting in Astana. We hope that could produce a step forward,&quot; Kerry told reporters during his final news conference at the State Department.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on December 26 that Russia, Iran, Turkey and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had all agreed to hold the talks in Astana although no date has been set.

Kerry said he had talked to UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and the objective remained &quot;to get to Geneva where the real meat of the talks is going to take place.&quot;

But Kerry said a December 30 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey had run into difficulties with numerous violations.

&quot;The fighting is continuing, it`s difficult and the Assad regime seems to be playing the same card that it was playing previously,&quot; he said.

After several failed ceasefire attempts brokered by Kerry and Lavrov, the United States remained out of the latest Syrian talks. It is unclear whether the United States will attend the Astana talks.

Russia and Iran both back Assad, but Turkey, a NATO member, has long made clear it would prefer that Assad step down.&nbsp;

Ankara, however, has moderated its rhetoric on Assad in recent months and Lavrov said all three countries agreed the priority was to fight terrorism rather than to remove the Syrian leader.

(Reuters)

Russian President Putin had said that Russia, Iran, Turkey and the Syrian President Assad had all agreed to hold talks in Astana

The US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the United States is encouraging Syria peace talks being prepared by Russia later this month in the Kazakhstan capital Astana. The US hopes that the talks succeed in building peace in Syria, he said. "We're encouraging a meeting in Astana. We hope that could produce a step forward," Kerry told reporters during his final news conference at the State Department. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on December 26 that Russia, Iran, Turkey and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had all agreed to hold the talks in Astana although no date has been set. Kerry said he had talked to UN Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and the objective remained "to get to Geneva where the real meat of the talks is going to take place." But Kerry said a December 30 ceasefire brokered by Russia and Turkey had run into difficulties with numerous violations. "The fighting is continuing, it`s difficult and the Assad regime seems to be playing the same card that it was playing previously," he said. After several failed ceasefire attempts brokered by Kerry and Lavrov, the United States remained out of the latest Syrian talks. It is unclear whether the United States will attend the Astana talks. Russia and Iran both back Assad, but Turkey, a NATO member, has long made clear it would prefer that Assad step down. Ankara, however, has moderated its rhetoric on Assad in recent months and Lavrov said all three countries agreed the priority was to fight terrorism rather than to remove the Syrian leader. (Reuters)

Secretary of State Kerry: US encouraging Russia-sponsored Astana peace talks

Turkish police shot dead two attackers and were searching for a third after a car bomb exploded outside a courthouse in the Aegean coastal city of Izmir on Thursday, state media and local officials said.

The bomb&nbsp;killed a police officer and a courthouse employee, according to a police source. At least 10 others were wounded.&nbsp;

The blast was caused by a car bomb, Izmir municipality secretary general Bugra Gokce told broadcaster, CNN Turk.

&nbsp;

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Ambulances arrive at the scene after the explosion. (Reuters)
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A security source told Reuters police had shot dead two attackers following the blast, and the state-run Anadolu news agency said they were searching for a third. Hospital sources said ten people had been brought in wounded.

The bombing comes less than a week after a gunman shot dead 39 people at a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year&#39;s Day in an attack claimed by Islamic State. The gunman is still at large.

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Turkey faces multiple security threats. It has been hit by a series of bombings over the past 18 months. (Reuters)
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Police detained 20 suspected Islamic State militants thought to be of Central Asian and North African origin in Izmir on Wednesday, in raids Turkish media said were linked to the Istanbul nightclub attack.

Turkey faces multiple security threats. It has been hit by a series of bombings over the past 18 months, some of them blamed on Islamic State, others on Kurdish militants.

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Police forensic experts examine the scene following the blast. (Reuters)
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&nbsp;

Indeed, AFP reported that&nbsp;Turkish authorities suspect Kurdish militants were behind the car bombing, the provincial governor said.

&quot;Initial evidence suggests the PKK was behind the attack,&quot; Erol Ayyildiz said, referring to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party waging an insurgency inside Turkey.

The PKK has&nbsp;not&nbsp;responded to WION for comment.

(With inputs from agencies)

The bomb killed two. This attack comes after police arrested 20 in Izmir Sunday, in relation to the New Year shooting in Istanbul

Turkish police shot dead two attackers and were searching for a third after a car bomb exploded outside a courthouse in the Aegean coastal city of Izmir on Thursday, state media and local officials said. The bomb killed a police officer and a courthouse employee, according to a police source. At least 10 others were wounded. The blast was caused by a car bomb, Izmir municipality secretary general Bugra Gokce told broadcaster, CNN Turk. Ambulances arrive at the scene after the explosion. (Reuters) × A security source told Reuters police had shot dead two attackers following the blast, and the state-run Anadolu news agency said they were searching for a third. Hospital sources said ten people had been brought in wounded. The bombing comes less than a week after a gunman shot dead 39 people at a nightclub in Istanbul on New Year's Day in an attack claimed by Islamic State. The gunman is still at large. Turkey faces multiple security threats. It has been hit by a series of bombings over the past 18 months. (Reuters) × Police detained 20 suspected Islamic State militants thought to be of Central Asian and North African origin in Izmir on Wednesday, in raids Turkish media said were linked to the Istanbul nightclub attack. Turkey faces multiple security threats. It has been hit by a series of bombings over the past 18 months, some of them blamed on Islamic State, others on Kurdish militants. Police forensic experts examine the scene following the blast. (Reuters) × Indeed, AFP reported that Turkish authorities suspect Kurdish militants were behind the car bombing, the provincial governor said. "Initial evidence suggests the PKK was behind the attack," Erol Ayyildiz said, referring to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party waging an insurgency inside Turkey. The PKK has not responded to WION for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish police kill two suspected attackers after car bomb in Izmir

Turkey will press on with its military operation in Syria despite the deadly attack on an Istanbul nightclub that was a &quot;message&quot; against the campaign, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday.

&quot;This was a message for our cross-border operations, above all the Euphrates Shield,&quot; he said, using the mission name of Turkey&#39;s campaign inside Syria.&nbsp;

&quot;We will carry on our cross-border operations and Euphrates Shield and with determination.&quot;

Thirty-nine people were killed and dozens wounded on Sunday when a gunman stormed a popular Istanbul nightclub and sprayed bullets at revellers celebrating the New Year.

The shooting was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, which said it was in response to Turkey&#39;s intervention in Syria. Kurtulmus made no comment on the claim.

Turkish troops entered northern Syria on August 24 in support of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels, with the aim of ousting IS jihadists as well as Kurdish militia from the border area.

After a lightning successful start to the operation recapturing towns from IS including Jarabulus, the Turkish military has taken dozens of casualties as it tries to capture Al Bab where IS has put up a stronger fight to remain in control.&nbsp;

After Al Bab, the military intends to head west to Manbij.

&quot;In Jarabulus, Al Bab, Manbij or wherever it needs to go, we will continue these operations until these terror organisations no longer remain a threat to Turkey,&quot; Kurtulmus said during a televised press conference in Ankara.

He said the attack was also because of Turkey&#39;s attempts to create peace in the region, after Ankara teamed up with Moscow to agree a ceasefire for Syria.

But he vowed: &quot;Our initiatives for new peace in the Middle East will be realised.&quot;

(AFP)

Turkish troops entered northern Syria in support of pro-Ankara rebels, with the aim of ousting IS jihadists as well as Kurdish militia

Turkey will press on with its military operation in Syria despite the deadly attack on an Istanbul nightclub that was a "message" against the campaign, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday. "This was a message for our cross-border operations, above all the Euphrates Shield," he said, using the mission name of Turkey's campaign inside Syria. "We will carry on our cross-border operations and Euphrates Shield and with determination." Thirty-nine people were killed and dozens wounded on Sunday when a gunman stormed a popular Istanbul nightclub and sprayed bullets at revellers celebrating the New Year. The shooting was claimed by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, which said it was in response to Turkey's intervention in Syria. Kurtulmus made no comment on the claim. Turkish troops entered northern Syria on August 24 in support of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels, with the aim of ousting IS jihadists as well as Kurdish militia from the border area. After a lightning successful start to the operation recapturing towns from IS including Jarabulus, the Turkish military has taken dozens of casualties as it tries to capture Al Bab where IS has put up a stronger fight to remain in control. After Al Bab, the military intends to head west to Manbij. "In Jarabulus, Al Bab, Manbij or wherever it needs to go, we will continue these operations until these terror organisations no longer remain a threat to Turkey," Kurtulmus said during a televised press conference in Ankara. He said the attack was also because of Turkey's attempts to create peace in the region, after Ankara teamed up with Moscow to agree a ceasefire for Syria. But he vowed: "Our initiatives for new peace in the Middle East will be realised." (AFP)

Turkey: Military campaign in Syria to continue

At least 39 people were killed and 69 wounded when one gunman shot his way into an Istanbul nightclub packed with scores of New Year revellers on Sunday. 
 
At least 16 foreigners were among the&nbsp;people killed, Turkish interior minister Suleyman Soylu said, AFP reported. Soylu said in televised comments that of 21 victims who have been identified so far, 16 are foreigners and five are Turks.&nbsp;

Another 69 people are being treated in hospital for their wounds. The provincial governor has called it a terrorist attack.

Reuters reported Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin saying that the assailant shot a police officer and a civilian before entering the Reina nightclub and opened fire inside

&quot;A terrorist with a long-range weapon ... brutally and savagely carried out this attack by firing bullets on innocent people who were there solely to celebrate the New Year and have fun,&quot; Sahin told reporters.

Indicating that the attacker was still at large, Soylu said: &quot;The search for the terrorist continues... I hope (the assailant) will be captured quickly, God willing.&quot;

Some local media reports suggested there were multiple attackers. Dogan news agency said there were two gunmen dressed in Santa Claus outfits.

The Hurriyet newspaper cited witnesses as saying there were multiple attackers and that they shouted in Arabic.

&quot;We were having fun. All of a sudden people started to run. My husband said don&#39;t be afraid, and he jumped on me. People ran over me. My husband was hit in three places,&quot; one club-goer, Sinem Uyanik, told the newspaper.

&quot;I managed to push through and get out, it was terrible,&quot; she said, describing seeing people soaked in blood and adding that there appeared to have been at least two gunmen.

People jumped into waters of Bosphorous to save themselves

The nightclub in Ortakoy, known to be popular with both the locals and foreigners, overlooks the Bosphorus Strait. According to CNN Turk, about 500 to 600 people were attending the New Year celebrations at the nightclub when the gunman fired at around 1.15 am. Some jumped into the Bosphorous to save themselves and were later rescued by the police.

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A woman stands near an ambulance after fleeing from the club. (Reuters)
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People seen running out of the nightclub. (Reuters)
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An ambulance arrives at the nightclub. (Reuters)
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Television pictures showed men in suits and women in cocktail dresses,emerging out of the nightclub in a state of shock.

Dozens of ambulances and police vehicles were rushed to the club.

&quot;I didn&#39;t see who was shooting but heard the gunshots and people fled. Police moved in quickly,&quot; Sefa Boydas, a Turkish soccer player, wrote on Twitter.

&quot;My girlfriend was wearing high heels. I lifted her and carried her out on my back,&quot; he said.

Reina&#39;s owner, Mehmet Kocarslan told Hurriyet that security measures had been taken over the past 10 days after US intelligence reports suggested a possible attack.

The New Year&#39;s Eve attack comes at a time when Turkey is still recovering from the failed military coup in July, that left more than 240 people dead.

Istanbul has seen several attacks in 2016, the latest on December 10, when two bombs claimed by Kurdish militants exploded outside a soccer stadium, killing 44 people and wounding more than 150.

In June, around 45 people were killed and hundreds wounded as three suspected Islamic State militants carried out a gun and bomb attack on Istanbul&#39;s main Ataturk airport.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Two Indian nationals were among those killed in the attack. The assailant is still at large

At least 39 people were killed and 69 wounded when one gunman shot his way into an Istanbul nightclub packed with scores of New Year revellers on Sunday. At least 16 foreigners were among the people killed, Turkish interior minister Suleyman Soylu said, AFP reported. Soylu said in televised comments that of 21 victims who have been identified so far, 16 are foreigners and five are Turks. Another 69 people are being treated in hospital for their wounds. The provincial governor has called it a terrorist attack. Reuters reported Istanbul Governor Vasip Sahin saying that the assailant shot a police officer and a civilian before entering the Reina nightclub and opened fire inside "A terrorist with a long-range weapon ... brutally and savagely carried out this attack by firing bullets on innocent people who were there solely to celebrate the New Year and have fun," Sahin told reporters. Indicating that the attacker was still at large, Soylu said: "The search for the terrorist continues... I hope (the assailant) will be captured quickly, God willing." Some local media reports suggested there were multiple attackers. Dogan news agency said there were two gunmen dressed in Santa Claus outfits. The Hurriyet newspaper cited witnesses as saying there were multiple attackers and that they shouted in Arabic. "We were having fun. All of a sudden people started to run. My husband said don't be afraid, and he jumped on me. People ran over me. My husband was hit in three places," one club-goer, Sinem Uyanik, told the newspaper. "I managed to push through and get out, it was terrible," she said, describing seeing people soaked in blood and adding that there appeared to have been at least two gunmen. People jumped into waters of Bosphorous to save themselves The nightclub in Ortakoy, known to be popular with both the locals and foreigners, overlooks the Bosphorus Strait. According to CNN Turk, about 500 to 600 people were attending the New Year celebrations at the nightclub when the gunman fired at around 1.15 am. Some jumped into the Bosphorous to save themselves and were later rescued by the police. A woman stands near an ambulance after fleeing from the club. (Reuters) × People seen running out of the nightclub. (Reuters) × An ambulance arrives at the nightclub. (Reuters) × Television pictures showed men in suits and women in cocktail dresses,emerging out of the nightclub in a state of shock. Dozens of ambulances and police vehicles were rushed to the club. "I didn't see who was shooting but heard the gunshots and people fled. Police moved in quickly," Sefa Boydas, a Turkish soccer player, wrote on Twitter. "My girlfriend was wearing high heels. I lifted her and carried her out on my back," he said. Reina's owner, Mehmet Kocarslan told Hurriyet that security measures had been taken over the past 10 days after US intelligence reports suggested a possible attack. The New Year's Eve attack comes at a time when Turkey is still recovering from the failed military coup in July, that left more than 240 people dead. Istanbul has seen several attacks in 2016, the latest on December 10, when two bombs claimed by Kurdish militants exploded outside a soccer stadium, killing 44 people and wounding more than 150. In June, around 45 people were killed and hundreds wounded as three suspected Islamic State militants carried out a gun and bomb attack on Istanbul's main Ataturk airport. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Istanbul: 39 killed, 69 wounded in New Year gun assault on nightclub

Turkish police launched a massive manhunt Sunday for a gunman who killed 39 people, including several foreigners, in a rampage at an upmarket nightclub in Istanbul where revellers were celebrating New Year.

After the latest in a string of deadly attacks to hit the country, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the carnage sought to sow chaos, but vowed Turkey would never bow to the threat.

The shooting spree at the waterside Reina nightclub erupted when 2017 in Turkey was just 75 minutes old, as people were seeing out a year of unprecedented bloodshed that saw hundreds die in strikes blamed on jihadists and Kurdish militants and a failed coup.

The assailant shot dead a policeman and a civilian at the club entrance and then turned his gun on partygoers inside where up to 700 people were ringing in the New Year.

NTV broadcaster said the gunman fired between 120 and 180 rounds in the seven-minute attack, during which many revellers threw themselves into the freezing waters of the Bosphorus to escape death.&nbsp;

&#39;Our heart is bleeding&#39;

One witness spoke of the panic and carnage at the venue, considered one of Istanbul&#39;s swankiest.

&quot;Just as we were settling down, by the door there was a lot of dust and smoke. Gunshots rang out,&quot; professional footballer Sefa Boydas told AFP.

&quot;People were walking on top of people.&quot;

Italian tourist Maximilien said: &quot;We came here to have a good time today but everything was suddenly transformed into chaos and a night of horror.&quot;

Television pictures showed party-goers dressed to the nines -- men in suits and women in cocktail dresses -- emerging from the exclusive club in a state of shock.

Albert Farhat recounted to Lebanese TV station LBCI the moment the club came under attack.

&quot;Around 1.15, we heard Kalashnikov fire. We thought it might be people who had drunk too much and were fighting but then people started throwing themselves to the ground,&quot; said Farhat.

Candles and flowers piled up outside the club in tribute to the victims and its Facebook page has been changed to a black square of mourning.

&quot;Our heart is bleeding,&quot; wrote the club&#39;s owner Mehmet Kocarslan.

The attack evoked memories of the November 2015 carnage in Paris when Islamic State jihadists unleashed a gun and bombing rampage on nightspots in the French capital, killing 130 people including 90 at the Bataclan concert hall.

&nbsp;&#39;Details emerging&#39;

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the gunman was still at large after slipping away unnoticed after the attack, denying earlier reports a Santa Claus costume had been used as a disguise.

The assailant &quot;left the gun and went away from the scene of the incident,&quot; he told reporters in Istanbul. &quot;It was an armed terrorist.&quot;

Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the gunman had arrived with a gun concealed underneath an overcoat but subsequently exited the venue wearing a different garment.

Police and intelligence services were beginning to piece together clues about the attack and the public would be informed soon, Yildirim said.

However, he did not pin the blame on any particular group and no-one has yet claimed responsibility for the bloodshed.

The Firat news agency, seen as close to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK), quoted PKK leader Murat Karayilan as saying no Kurdish force was involved in the attack.

Last year, multiple attacks were blamed on the PKK or claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), a radical offshoot of the group proscribed by Turkey&#39;s Western allies.

According to Dogan news agency, 35 of the victims had been identified -- 24 foreigners and 11 Turks.

Another 65 people were being treated in hospital.

One survivor, Francois al-Asmar, from Lebanon, told of his lucky escape.

&quot;I was saved by my passport which I was carrying right near my heart,&quot; he told Lebanese television.

&#39;Sneaky&#39; attack&nbsp;

The Reina club is a magnet for wealthy foreigners and there were a number of Arabs among the dead and wounded, including Saudis, Jordanians, Iraqis and Tunisians.

France said a dual-national Tunisian-French woman had died along with her Tunisian husband, while India said it had lost two nationals.

A young Arab Israeli woman, 18-year-old Lian Nasser, was killed, according to Israel&#39;s foreign ministry.

Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said the attacker &quot;targeted innocent people who had only come here to celebrate the New Year and have fun&quot;.

The attack crystallised fears New Year celebrations could present a tempting target for extremists.&nbsp;

From Sydney to Paris, Rio to London, security had been boosted over such fears and at least 17,000 police officers were deployed in Istanbul, some dressed themselves as Santa Claus as cover, according to television reports.

World leaders rushed to condemn the attacks, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying it was &quot;hard to imagine a crime more cynical than the killing of civilians during a New Year&#39;s celebration&quot;.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel denounced &quot;an inhumane, sneaky attack on people who wanted to celebrate&quot; while Pope Francis condemned the shooting in his New Year message.

(AFP)

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the gunman was still at large after slipping away unnoticed after the attack

Turkish police launched a massive manhunt Sunday for a gunman who killed 39 people, including several foreigners, in a rampage at an upmarket nightclub in Istanbul where revellers were celebrating New Year. After the latest in a string of deadly attacks to hit the country, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the carnage sought to sow chaos, but vowed Turkey would never bow to the threat. The shooting spree at the waterside Reina nightclub erupted when 2017 in Turkey was just 75 minutes old, as people were seeing out a year of unprecedented bloodshed that saw hundreds die in strikes blamed on jihadists and Kurdish militants and a failed coup. The assailant shot dead a policeman and a civilian at the club entrance and then turned his gun on partygoers inside where up to 700 people were ringing in the New Year. NTV broadcaster said the gunman fired between 120 and 180 rounds in the seven-minute attack, during which many revellers threw themselves into the freezing waters of the Bosphorus to escape death. 'Our heart is bleeding' One witness spoke of the panic and carnage at the venue, considered one of Istanbul's swankiest. "Just as we were settling down, by the door there was a lot of dust and smoke. Gunshots rang out," professional footballer Sefa Boydas told AFP. "People were walking on top of people." Italian tourist Maximilien said: "We came here to have a good time today but everything was suddenly transformed into chaos and a night of horror." Television pictures showed party-goers dressed to the nines -- men in suits and women in cocktail dresses -- emerging from the exclusive club in a state of shock. Albert Farhat recounted to Lebanese TV station LBCI the moment the club came under attack. "Around 1.15, we heard Kalashnikov fire. We thought it might be people who had drunk too much and were fighting but then people started throwing themselves to the ground," said Farhat. Candles and flowers piled up outside the club in tribute to the victims and its Facebook page has been changed to a black square of mourning. "Our heart is bleeding," wrote the club's owner Mehmet Kocarslan. The attack evoked memories of the November 2015 carnage in Paris when Islamic State jihadists unleashed a gun and bombing rampage on nightspots in the French capital, killing 130 people including 90 at the Bataclan concert hall. 'Details emerging' Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said the gunman was still at large after slipping away unnoticed after the attack, denying earlier reports a Santa Claus costume had been used as a disguise. The assailant "left the gun and went away from the scene of the incident," he told reporters in Istanbul. "It was an armed terrorist." Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the gunman had arrived with a gun concealed underneath an overcoat but subsequently exited the venue wearing a different garment. Police and intelligence services were beginning to piece together clues about the attack and the public would be informed soon, Yildirim said. However, he did not pin the blame on any particular group and no-one has yet claimed responsibility for the bloodshed. The Firat news agency, seen as close to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), quoted PKK leader Murat Karayilan as saying no Kurdish force was involved in the attack. Last year, multiple attacks were blamed on the PKK or claimed by the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK), a radical offshoot of the group proscribed by Turkey's Western allies. According to Dogan news agency, 35 of the victims had been identified -- 24 foreigners and 11 Turks. Another 65 people were being treated in hospital. One survivor, Francois al-Asmar, from Lebanon, told of his lucky escape. "I was saved by my passport which I was carrying right near my heart," he told Lebanese television. 'Sneaky' attack The Reina club is a magnet for wealthy foreigners and there were a number of Arabs among the dead and wounded, including Saudis, Jordanians, Iraqis and Tunisians. France said a dual-national Tunisian-French woman had died along with her Tunisian husband, while India said it had lost two nationals. A young Arab Israeli woman, 18-year-old Lian Nasser, was killed, according to Israel's foreign ministry. Istanbul governor Vasip Sahin said the attacker "targeted innocent people who had only come here to celebrate the New Year and have fun". The attack crystallised fears New Year celebrations could present a tempting target for extremists. From Sydney to Paris, Rio to London, security had been boosted over such fears and at least 17,000 police officers were deployed in Istanbul, some dressed themselves as Santa Claus as cover, according to television reports. World leaders rushed to condemn the attacks, with Russian President Vladimir Putin saying it was "hard to imagine a crime more cynical than the killing of civilians during a New Year's celebration". German Chancellor Angela Merkel denounced "an inhumane, sneaky attack on people who wanted to celebrate" while Pope Francis condemned the shooting in his New Year message. (AFP)

Manhunt continues for Istanbul nightclub attacker

Syrian warplanes resumed their bombardment of the rebel-held Wadi Barada valley northwest of Damascus on Sunday after nearly 24 hours with no air raids, a rebel official and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

Rebels threatened on Saturday to abandon a Russian- and Turkish-backed ceasefire deal, which took effect on Friday, if the Syrian government and its allies continued to violate it.

The Observatory and a military news outlet run by Lebanese Hezbollah, a Damascus ally, said hundreds of civilians had left Wadi Barada in the last day for government-controlled areas nearby.

(Reuters)

Rebels had threatened to abandon a Russian-Turkish backed ceasefire deal if the Syrian government violated it

Syrian warplanes resumed their bombardment of the rebel-held Wadi Barada valley northwest of Damascus on Sunday after nearly 24 hours with no air raids, a rebel official and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. Rebels threatened on Saturday to abandon a Russian- and Turkish-backed ceasefire deal, which took effect on Friday, if the Syrian government and its allies continued to violate it. The Observatory and a military news outlet run by Lebanese Hezbollah, a Damascus ally, said hundreds of civilians had left Wadi Barada in the last day for government-controlled areas nearby. (Reuters)

Syrian warplanes strike rebel-held areas near Damascus, say rebels, monitors

A ceasefire held across most of Syria on Saturday as Russia and Turkey secured unanimous passage of a UN resolution backing their efforts to &quot;jumpstart&quot; talks aimed at ending the nearly six-year conflict.

The Security Council resolution aims to pave the way for talks next month in Kazakhstan&#39;s capital Astana, under the aegis of Russia and Iran, both Syrian government supporters,&nbsp;and of rebel backer Turkey.

Turkey and Russia say the talks will supplement, not replace, UN-backed peace efforts, including negotiations set to resume February 8 in Geneva.

The text of the UN measure &quot;welcomes and supports the efforts by Russia and Turkey to end violence in Syria and jumpstart a political process&quot;. It hails the Astana talks as &quot;an important step&quot;.

The measure also calls for the &quot;rapid, safe and unhindered&quot; delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria.

Russia and Turkey brokered the current ceasefire and, while backing opposing forces in the conflict, have been working increasingly closely on Syria, including to allow evacuations from the besieged city of Aleppo.

The Syrian conflict has occasionally spilled over into neighbouring Turkey, with several attacks blamed on Islamic State jihadists or Kurdish militants.

In the latest bloodshed, at least 35 people were killed and 40 wounded when gunmen reportedly dressed as Santa stormed an Istanbul nightclub where partygoers were celebrating the New Year.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Turkey has launched an incursion into Syria to oust IS and Kurdish militants from the border area.

Washington has been conspicuously absent from the new process to end the Syrian conflict but has called the truce &quot;positive.&quot; Moscow has said it hoped to bring US President-elect Donald Trump&#39;s administration on board once he takes office in January.

Russia&#39;s UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin had earlier voiced hope the Security Council would endorse the planned talks in Kazakhstan and back the resolution unanimously.

But several council members had demanded clarifications over the reach of the resolution, what it would mean for the UN talks, how it might affect rebels recently ousted from Aleppo, and what it would mean for humanitarian aid.

The French foreign ministry expressed hope the ceasefire would be &quot;fully respected,&quot; calling for a prompt resumption of political negotiations brokered by the UN.

&quot;The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2336 demonstrates how important implementing a ceasefire in Syria truly is for the international community,&quot; the statement added.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the war, said most of Syria remained calm, despite limited clashes.

Two children were killed in the evening by regime artillery fire targeting rebel territory near Aleppo, the observatory said. 
Separately, in the coastal town of Tartus two suicide bombers who were trying to join New Year festivities blew themselves up at a security roadblock, killing two members of the regime forces, it said.

The government in Damascus called the ceasefire a &quot;real opportunity&quot; to find a political solution to a war that has claimed more than 310,000 lives and displaced millions since it began in March 2011 with protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

Clashes were reported around Wadi Barada near Damascus, and the southern city of Daraa, where one opposition fighter was killed.

The fighting in Wadi Barada has led to water shortages that have affected four million people in the capital.

Five rebel fighters and two civilians have been killed in Wadi Barada and the rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus since the truce started on Friday, said Syrian Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman.

The Observatory said a total of 60,000 people were killed in violence across Syria in 2016, more than 13,000 of them civilians.

The forces in Wadi Barada include Fateh al-Sham Front, previously known as Al-Nusra Front. That group and the Islamic State group are excluded from the truce.Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem held talks in key ally Iran with President Hassan Rouhani and the Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani.

Rouhani said &quot;vigilance&quot; was needed to ensure the rebels did not reorganise.

The official IRNA news agency also quoted Shamkhani as warning that any political solution to the Syrian conflict must not lead to &quot;the weakening&quot; of the Damascus government.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would reduce Moscow&#39;s military contingent in Syria, which has been fighting to bolster the government since last year.

But he added Russia would continue to fight &quot;terrorism&quot; and maintain its support for Assad&#39;s government.

(AFP)

Turkey and Russia say the talks will supplement, not replace, UN-backed peace efforts

A ceasefire held across most of Syria on Saturday as Russia and Turkey secured unanimous passage of a UN resolution backing their efforts to "jumpstart" talks aimed at ending the nearly six-year conflict. The Security Council resolution aims to pave the way for talks next month in Kazakhstan's capital Astana, under the aegis of Russia and Iran, both Syrian government supporters, and of rebel backer Turkey. Turkey and Russia say the talks will supplement, not replace, UN-backed peace efforts, including negotiations set to resume February 8 in Geneva. The text of the UN measure "welcomes and supports the efforts by Russia and Turkey to end violence in Syria and jumpstart a political process". It hails the Astana talks as "an important step". The measure also calls for the "rapid, safe and unhindered" delivery of humanitarian aid in Syria. Russia and Turkey brokered the current ceasefire and, while backing opposing forces in the conflict, have been working increasingly closely on Syria, including to allow evacuations from the besieged city of Aleppo. The Syrian conflict has occasionally spilled over into neighbouring Turkey, with several attacks blamed on Islamic State jihadists or Kurdish militants. In the latest bloodshed, at least 35 people were killed and 40 wounded when gunmen reportedly dressed as Santa stormed an Istanbul nightclub where partygoers were celebrating the New Year. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack. Turkey has launched an incursion into Syria to oust IS and Kurdish militants from the border area. Washington has been conspicuously absent from the new process to end the Syrian conflict but has called the truce "positive." Moscow has said it hoped to bring US President-elect Donald Trump's administration on board once he takes office in January. Russia's UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin had earlier voiced hope the Security Council would endorse the planned talks in Kazakhstan and back the resolution unanimously. But several council members had demanded clarifications over the reach of the resolution, what it would mean for the UN talks, how it might affect rebels recently ousted from Aleppo, and what it would mean for humanitarian aid. The French foreign ministry expressed hope the ceasefire would be "fully respected," calling for a prompt resumption of political negotiations brokered by the UN. "The unanimous adoption of Resolution 2336 demonstrates how important implementing a ceasefire in Syria truly is for the international community," the statement added.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based monitor of the war, said most of Syria remained calm, despite limited clashes. Two children were killed in the evening by regime artillery fire targeting rebel territory near Aleppo, the observatory said. Separately, in the coastal town of Tartus two suicide bombers who were trying to join New Year festivities blew themselves up at a security roadblock, killing two members of the regime forces, it said. The government in Damascus called the ceasefire a "real opportunity" to find a political solution to a war that has claimed more than 310,000 lives and displaced millions since it began in March 2011 with protests against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Clashes were reported around Wadi Barada near Damascus, and the southern city of Daraa, where one opposition fighter was killed. The fighting in Wadi Barada has led to water shortages that have affected four million people in the capital. Five rebel fighters and two civilians have been killed in Wadi Barada and the rebel bastion of Eastern Ghouta near Damascus since the truce started on Friday, said Syrian Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman. The Observatory said a total of 60,000 people were killed in violence across Syria in 2016, more than 13,000 of them civilians. The forces in Wadi Barada include Fateh al-Sham Front, previously known as Al-Nusra Front. That group and the Islamic State group are excluded from the truce.Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem held talks in key ally Iran with President Hassan Rouhani and the Supreme National Security Council secretary Ali Shamkhani. Rouhani said "vigilance" was needed to ensure the rebels did not reorganise. The official IRNA news agency also quoted Shamkhani as warning that any political solution to the Syrian conflict must not lead to "the weakening" of the Damascus government. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would reduce Moscow's military contingent in Syria, which has been fighting to bolster the government since last year. But he added Russia would continue to fight "terrorism" and maintain its support for Assad's government. (AFP)

UN backs Russia on Syria truce, Kazakhstan talks

Russian president Vladimir Putin has announced that the Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad and the rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement, <a href="http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/truce-deal-signed-for-syria-russian-president-putin.aspx?pageID=238&amp;nID=107899&amp;NewsCatID=352">reported Daily News</a>.

In what is being seen as a setback to the US-led NATO alliance, its main ally Turkey along with Russia will be the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement.

Both sides have also agreed to initiate peace talks in what is being seen as a shot in the arm for the Russia-Syria alliance.

Turkey, Russia and Iran had met in Moscow on December 20 to look for a possible peace deal between the rebels and the Syrian regime.

(WION)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Both sides have also agreed to initiate peace talks in what is being seen as a shot in the arm for the Russia-Syria alliance

Russian president Vladimir Putin has announced that the Syrian regime led by Bashar al-Assad and the rebels have signed a ceasefire agreement, reported Daily News. In what is being seen as a setback to the US-led NATO alliance, its main ally Turkey along with Russia will be the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement. Both sides have also agreed to initiate peace talks in what is being seen as a shot in the arm for the Russia-Syria alliance. Turkey, Russia and Iran had met in Moscow on December 20 to look for a possible peace deal between the rebels and the Syrian regime. (WION)

Russia, Turkey guarantee new Syrian peace deal

Air strikes carried out by unidentified aircraft killed at least 22 civilians, including 10 children, in a village held by the Islamic State group in eastern Syria, a monitor said Wednesday.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the civilians were from two families at Hojna in Deir Ezzor, which borders Iraq and is the country&#39;s second biggest province after Homs.

The oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor is almost totally under IS control and has been regularly targeted by a US-led military coalition.

The only part of the eastern province outside of IS control is its capital, which is also named Deir Ezzor and is held by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

IS has carried out a series of attacks across Europe and has been targeted by military offensives on several fronts in Syria and Iraq, where it declared an Islamic &#39;caliphate&#39;&nbsp;in 2014.

In Syria, IS is targeted by warplanes of the US-led coalition as well as Turkey, the Syrian regime and its ally Russia in the northern province of Aleppo, Deir Ezzor and its stronghold of Raqa.

(AFP)

Monitors said civilians were from two families at Hojna in Deir Ezzor, Syria's second largest province

Air strikes carried out by unidentified aircraft killed at least 22 civilians, including 10 children, in a village held by the Islamic State group in eastern Syria, a monitor said Wednesday. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the civilians were from two families at Hojna in Deir Ezzor, which borders Iraq and is the country's second biggest province after Homs. The oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor is almost totally under IS control and has been regularly targeted by a US-led military coalition. The only part of the eastern province outside of IS control is its capital, which is also named Deir Ezzor and is held by forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. IS has carried out a series of attacks across Europe and has been targeted by military offensives on several fronts in Syria and Iraq, where it declared an Islamic 'caliphate' in 2014. In Syria, IS is targeted by warplanes of the US-led coalition as well as Turkey, the Syrian regime and its ally Russia in the northern province of Aleppo, Deir Ezzor and its stronghold of Raqa. (AFP)

Air strikes in eastern Syria claim 22 lives, says monitor

When a school opened three years ago in Turkey&#39;s biggest Kurdish-majority city, it was a symbol of Ankara&#39;s changing -- and more liberal -- attitudes toward Kurdish-language education.

The school in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir was one of five primary schools since 2013 that offered a fully Kurdish-language education.

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<h5>Turkish officials feared the use of the Kurdish language would divide the country along ethnic lines</h5>
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From 2014 onwards, it was also the first school in Turkey to give parents their children&#39;s report cards in the Kurdish language.

But that has now come to an end after it became the first Kurdish school to be closed down in October by the governor.

All five such schools in the southeast have now been shut.

Some 238 students aged between five and 11 have been left without a school place in the new academic year.

The move comes after a fragile ceasefire collapsed last year with Kurdish militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey and a crackdown since the July 15 failed coup on those suspected of links to rebels.

&#39;Unauthorised activities&#39;

Parents and teachers only discovered the school had been shut down when a seal was placed on the door by police saying it was closed due to violations of Turkish laws.

But the school&#39;s defenders say it was always acting outside of the law against offering a fully Kurdish language education but with the state&#39;s knowledge and tacit approval.

Kurdish language education had been forbidden under the Turkish constitution, which states: &quot;No language other than Turkish shall be taught as a mother tongue to Turkish citizens at any institution of education.&quot;

Some Turkish officials also feared the use of the Kurdish language would divide the country along ethnic lines.

But in June 2012, then-prime minister now President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Kurdish could be taught in public schools as optional courses if there were sufficient number of students.&nbsp;

It was part of a number of government reforms under Erdogan to ease restrictions on the Kurdish language and Kurdish broadcasts under pressure from the European Union as part of Ankara&#39;s membership bid.

Sources in the governor&#39;s office told AFP that the school was closed because of &quot;unauthorised activities&quot;, while the latest report by the schools management board on it was critical.

The school was named after Ferzad Kemangar, an Iranian Kurdish primary school teacher executed by Tehran in 2010 on charges of membership in the outlawed Kurdish militant group PEJAK, which his supporters have always vehemently rejected.

Two days before closing on October 9, the inspectors visited the school and their report said the education provided was &quot;contrary to national education regulations and legislation&quot;.

Despite reforms, the status of such schools was never made officially legal.

&#39;Waiting for my school&#39;

Adil Ercan, a teacher at Ferzad, said inspectors did not have anything &quot;unfavourable or unsuitable&quot; to say about the school.

He added, they were told on October 7 the school would be closed and would have 15 days to challenge the decision.

But two days later, parents called teachers in the evening asking what had happened after the school was sealed with only a piece of cardboard with a red seal.

&quot;We arrived in the morning and it was sealed. They did not give us any reason. We will seek our legal rights,&quot; Ercan said.

Disappointed students and parents told AFP that they would wait at home until it opened again, including seven-year-old Sarya Alici.

&quot;I am waiting for my school. Whenever it opens, I will go. What will I do if it doesn&#39;t open? I will wait at home.&quot;

Cihan Koyun said her family would not send children to another school. &quot;We are waiting for our school to open. Whatever happens, our school must open.&quot;

Since the attempted putsch, pro-Kurdish media outlets have been shut down, mayors in majority Kurdish cities have been arrested and lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Peoples&#39; Democratic Party (HDP) have also been jailed under the state of emergency, imposed late July.&nbsp;

They are accused of acting as propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers&#39; Party (PKK), a proscribed terror group by Turkey and its Western allies.

The Kurdish militants are not linked to the attempted coup and critics say that the government is using the state of emergency to intimidate all its critics.

The government insists it is not attacking the Kurdish community, an estimated 20 percent of the population -- but dealing with PKK &quot;terrorists&quot; fighting against Turkey since 1984.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The school in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir offered a fully Kurdish-language education, not allowed under Turkish law

When a school opened three years ago in Turkey's biggest Kurdish-majority city, it was a symbol of Ankara's changing -- and more liberal -- attitudes toward Kurdish-language education. The school in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir was one of five primary schools since 2013 that offered a fully Kurdish-language education. Turkish officials feared the use of the Kurdish language would divide the country along ethnic lines × From 2014 onwards, it was also the first school in Turkey to give parents their children's report cards in the Kurdish language. But that has now come to an end after it became the first Kurdish school to be closed down in October by the governor. All five such schools in the southeast have now been shut. Some 238 students aged between five and 11 have been left without a school place in the new academic year. The move comes after a fragile ceasefire collapsed last year with Kurdish militants waging an insurgency inside Turkey and a crackdown since the July 15 failed coup on those suspected of links to rebels. 'Unauthorised activities' Parents and teachers only discovered the school had been shut down when a seal was placed on the door by police saying it was closed due to violations of Turkish laws. But the school's defenders say it was always acting outside of the law against offering a fully Kurdish language education but with the state's knowledge and tacit approval. Kurdish language education had been forbidden under the Turkish constitution, which states: "No language other than Turkish shall be taught as a mother tongue to Turkish citizens at any institution of education." Some Turkish officials also feared the use of the Kurdish language would divide the country along ethnic lines. But in June 2012, then-prime minister now President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Kurdish could be taught in public schools as optional courses if there were sufficient number of students. It was part of a number of government reforms under Erdogan to ease restrictions on the Kurdish language and Kurdish broadcasts under pressure from the European Union as part of Ankara's membership bid. Sources in the governor's office told AFP that the school was closed because of "unauthorised activities", while the latest report by the schools management board on it was critical. The school was named after Ferzad Kemangar, an Iranian Kurdish primary school teacher executed by Tehran in 2010 on charges of membership in the outlawed Kurdish militant group PEJAK, which his supporters have always vehemently rejected. Two days before closing on October 9, the inspectors visited the school and their report said the education provided was "contrary to national education regulations and legislation". Despite reforms, the status of such schools was never made officially legal. 'Waiting for my school' Adil Ercan, a teacher at Ferzad, said inspectors did not have anything "unfavourable or unsuitable" to say about the school. He added, they were told on October 7 the school would be closed and would have 15 days to challenge the decision. But two days later, parents called teachers in the evening asking what had happened after the school was sealed with only a piece of cardboard with a red seal. "We arrived in the morning and it was sealed. They did not give us any reason. We will seek our legal rights," Ercan said. Disappointed students and parents told AFP that they would wait at home until it opened again, including seven-year-old Sarya Alici. "I am waiting for my school. Whenever it opens, I will go. What will I do if it doesn't open? I will wait at home." Cihan Koyun said her family would not send children to another school. "We are waiting for our school to open. Whatever happens, our school must open." Since the attempted putsch, pro-Kurdish media outlets have been shut down, mayors in majority Kurdish cities have been arrested and lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) have also been jailed under the state of emergency, imposed late July. They are accused of acting as propaganda for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a proscribed terror group by Turkey and its Western allies. The Kurdish militants are not linked to the attempted coup and critics say that the government is using the state of emergency to intimidate all its critics. The government insists it is not attacking the Kurdish community, an estimated 20 percent of the population -- but dealing with PKK "terrorists" fighting against Turkey since 1984. (AFP)

Once a beacon of hope in Turkey, Kurdish school shut down

A US-based Muslim cleric has condemned the killing of Russia&#39;s envoy to Turkey and rejected accusations that his movement was behind the attack.

Ambassador Andrei Karlov was shot dead by an off-duty policeman, Mevlut Mert Altintas,&nbsp;in front of stunned onlookers at a photo exhibition in Ankara this week. Altintas had said &quot;Do not forget Aleppo!&quot; and &quot;Allahu Akhbar!&quot;.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has implicated Fethullah Gulen in the killing, saying the policeman had links to his movement. Erdogan blames&nbsp;also Gulen for the attempted coup this summer, which Gulen also&nbsp;denied.

In a video address made available to the Associated Press, Gulen accused the Turkish government of blaming and defaming his movement and suggested the government would facilitate other assassinations and blame them on his followers. Gulen said &quot;it is not possible for them to convince the world of such accusations&quot;.

<a href="http://europe.newsweek.com/killer-russian-ambassador-protected-erdogan-eight-times-failed-coup-534633?rm=eu">Newsweek</a>&nbsp;reports that the ambassador&#39;s killer, Altintas, was a member of the Ankara anti-riot police for two and a half years, and had provided personal&nbsp;protection for&nbsp;the Turkish president, Recep Erdogan, eight times since the failed coup in Turkey on July 15.

A ceremony Today&nbsp;in Moscow for Karlov will be attended by President Vladimir Putin.

(WION with inputs from AP)

The US-based cleric, Turkish president Erdogan's longtime rival, denied being associated with this murder, like he denied the attempted coup

A US-based Muslim cleric has condemned the killing of Russia's envoy to Turkey and rejected accusations that his movement was behind the attack. Ambassador Andrei Karlov was shot dead by an off-duty policeman, Mevlut Mert Altintas, in front of stunned onlookers at a photo exhibition in Ankara this week. Altintas had said "Do not forget Aleppo!" and "Allahu Akhbar!". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has implicated Fethullah Gulen in the killing, saying the policeman had links to his movement. Erdogan blames also Gulen for the attempted coup this summer, which Gulen also denied. In a video address made available to the Associated Press, Gulen accused the Turkish government of blaming and defaming his movement and suggested the government would facilitate other assassinations and blame them on his followers. Gulen said "it is not possible for them to convince the world of such accusations". Newsweek reports that the ambassador's killer, Altintas, was a member of the Ankara anti-riot police for two and a half years, and had provided personal protection for the Turkish president, Recep Erdogan, eight times since the failed coup in Turkey on July 15. A ceremony Today in Moscow for Karlov will be attended by President Vladimir Putin. (WION with inputs from AP)

Gulen rejects link to Russian envoy's assassination

At least 29 civilians including eight children were killed on Thursday in Turkish air strikes on an Islamic State group bastion in northern Syria, a monitoring group said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes were carried out on the flashpoint town of Al-Bab, which Turkish forces have been seeking to capture for weeks in the biggest test of a four-month incursion into Syria.

The raids came a day after 14 Turkish soldiers were killed by jihadists around Al-Bab, in the country`s biggest loss of the campaign so far.

Turkish troops entered Syria on August 24 in support of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels, with the aim of ousting IS jihadists as well as Kurdish militia from the border area.

Turkish forces regularly carry our air strikes in support of the ground operation in Syria but officials insist the utmost is done to avoid any civilian casualties.

Defence Minister Fikri Isik told parliament on Thursday that 1,005 IS jihadists and 299 fighters affiliated to the Kurdish People`s Protection Units (YPG) had been killed so far in the Syria operation, but made no mention of any civilian casualties.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim vowed Thursday to press on with the fight, saying: &quot;Turkey is in the midst of a great struggle,our fight against terror continues both in our country and outside our borders.&quot;

The army has suffered increasing casualties in the fight for Al-Bab, 25 kilometres (15 miles) from the border -- with some three dozen soldiers believed to have been killed so far.

&nbsp;

(AFP)

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes were carried out on the flashpoint town of Al-Bab

At least 29 civilians including eight children were killed on Thursday in Turkish air strikes on an Islamic State group bastion in northern Syria, a monitoring group said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the strikes were carried out on the flashpoint town of Al-Bab, which Turkish forces have been seeking to capture for weeks in the biggest test of a four-month incursion into Syria. The raids came a day after 14 Turkish soldiers were killed by jihadists around Al-Bab, in the country`s biggest loss of the campaign so far. Turkish troops entered Syria on August 24 in support of pro-Ankara Syrian rebels, with the aim of ousting IS jihadists as well as Kurdish militia from the border area. Turkish forces regularly carry our air strikes in support of the ground operation in Syria but officials insist the utmost is done to avoid any civilian casualties. Defence Minister Fikri Isik told parliament on Thursday that 1,005 IS jihadists and 299 fighters affiliated to the Kurdish People`s Protection Units (YPG) had been killed so far in the Syria operation, but made no mention of any civilian casualties. Prime Minister Binali Yildirim vowed Thursday to press on with the fight, saying: "Turkey is in the midst of a great struggle,our fight against terror continues both in our country and outside our borders." The army has suffered increasing casualties in the fight for Al-Bab, 25 kilometres (15 miles) from the border -- with some three dozen soldiers believed to have been killed so far. (AFP)

Turkish strikes on IS bastion in northern Syria kills 29 civilians: Monitor

The United States on Tuesday closed its missions to Turkey for the day after a shooting incident overnight outside the American embassy in Ankara that followed the assassination of the Russian ambassador in the Turkish capital.

The embassy was near the art gallery where the ambassador, Viktor&nbsp;Karlov,&nbsp;was shot, and Turkish police detained a man over the incident, state media reported.

&quot;An individual approached the US Embassy Ankara main gate and discharged a firearm,&quot; the embassy said in a statement, adding no-one was hurt and the individual was detained.

As a result, the embassy and consulates in Istanbul and Adana were closed for normal operations, it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Nobody was hurt after someone discharged a gun outside the embassy. The shooter was immediately detained

The United States on Tuesday closed its missions to Turkey for the day after a shooting incident overnight outside the American embassy in Ankara that followed the assassination of the Russian ambassador in the Turkish capital. The embassy was near the art gallery where the ambassador, Viktor Karlov, was shot, and Turkish police detained a man over the incident, state media reported. "An individual approached the US Embassy Ankara main gate and discharged a firearm," the embassy said in a statement, adding no-one was hurt and the individual was detained. As a result, the embassy and consulates in Istanbul and Adana were closed for normal operations, it added. (With inputs from AFP)

US closes Ankara missions as precaution after overnight shooting incident

Civilians and rebel fighters were to start evacuating from Syria&#39;s Aleppo Wednesday under a deal that would end years of opposition resistance in the city.

The evacuations which were expected to begin at 0300 GMT, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, had yet to commence more than half an hour after the time had passed, an AFP correspondent in the city said.

About 20 green government buses were gathered at the edges of the divided Salaheddin district. Some entered briefly Tuesday night but returned empty and parked on the outskirts again, the journalist said.

Rebel officials, Russia and Turkey confirmed the agreement which, if implemented, would mark a major victory for President Bashar al-Assad over opposition forces who rose up against him in 2011.

The agreement came amid mounting global outrage over reports of atrocities, including dozens of summary executions, as forces loyal to Assad closed in on the last pocket of rebel territory in Aleppo.

Officials from several rebel groups told AFP there was a deal to allow civilians and fighters to leave Aleppo for opposition-held territory to the west of the city.

&quot;An agreement has been reached,&quot; said Yasser al-Youssef from the political office of the key Nureddin al-Zinki rebel group, adding it had been &quot;sponsored&quot; by Russia and Turkey.

&quot;The first stage will be the evacuation of civilians and wounded, within hours, and afterwards fighters will leave with their light weapons.&quot;

&nbsp;US calls for observers&nbsp; 
Washington said it had not been consulted but would welcome any arrangement that brought safety to the people of Aleppo.

&quot;It matters a lot less to us who or how a ceasefire is arranged or reached, and much more that one is arranged and reached,&quot; state department spokesman John Kirby said.

&quot;Even if it is the end of the siege in Aleppo, it is not the end of the war in Syria.&quot;

As the UN Security Council met in an emergency session to discuss Aleppo, Russian envoy Vitaly Churkin confirmed there was an agreement for the rebels to leave the city.

US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said Washington wanted international observers to oversee the evacuation, raising concern for &quot;people who wish to leave but who, justifiably, fear that if they try they will be shot in the street or carted off to one of Assad&#39;s gulags.&quot;

Turkey&#39;s foreign ministry said under the agreement civilians would first evacuate, followed by a withdrawal of rebel groups.

Deputy prime minister Mehmet Simsek&nbsp;said on Twitter that Turkey would &quot;set up a tent city to accommodate up to 80,000 Syrian refugees fleeing Aleppo&quot;.

An AFP correspondent in west Aleppo said there had been no sounds of fighting or bombardment since around 3:00 pm (1300 GMT) Tuesday and the Observatory also said it was quiet.

The United Nations and aid agencies had been pleading for an agreement to allow for the evacuation of thousands of civilians trapped in rebel territory.

After weeks of heavy fighting, forces loyal to Assad were on the verge of taking all of the city, dealing the biggest blow to Syria&#39;s rebellion in more than five years of civil war.

&nbsp;Scenes of carnage&nbsp; 
The United Nations said it had received credible reports of at least 82 civilians, including 11 women and 13 children, being executed by pro-government forces in Aleppo in recent days.

In Geneva, UN rights office spokesman Rupert Colville said pro-government fighters had in some cases entered homes and killed those inside, and in others &quot;caught and killed on the spot&quot; fleeing civilians.

The UN was &quot;filled with the deepest foreboding for those who remain in this last hellish corner of opposition-held eastern Aleppo,&quot; he said.

Witnesses in Aleppo described scenes of carnage in rebel areas, with bodies lying amid the rubble of city streets, as desperate residents sat on pavements with nowhere to shelter.

Syria&#39;s army has taken more than 90 per cent of the territory once held by rebels in east Aleppo, after launching an all-out offensive last month to seize control of the entire city.

Aleppo, a cultural and economic hub in northern Syria second only to Damascus in importance, had been split between a rebel-controlled east and government-held west since 2012.

&nbsp;&#39;Last chance&#39;&nbsp; 
It was unclear how many civilians remained in rebel territory, after an estimated 130,000 fled to other parts of Aleppo during the government advance.

Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told AFP that thousands of civilians were in need of evacuation and safe passage, including hundreds of wounded.

&quot;We need a pause in the fighting but we also need to get the people inside to help organise an evacuation,&quot; he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said there was only a &quot;last chance to save lives&quot; in Aleppo.

The government assault has been backed by heavy artillery fire and air strikes, with at least 463 civilians, including 62 children, killed in east Aleppo since mid-November, according to the Observatory.

Another 130 people including 40 children have been killed in western districts by rebel rocket fire, the monitoring group says.

More than 310,000 people have been killed since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011, and over half the population has been displaced, with millions becoming refugees.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

The agreement came amid mounting global outrage over reports of atrocities, including dozens of summary executions

Civilians and rebel fighters were to start evacuating from Syria's Aleppo Wednesday under a deal that would end years of opposition resistance in the city. The evacuations which were expected to begin at 0300 GMT, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor, had yet to commence more than half an hour after the time had passed, an AFP correspondent in the city said. About 20 green government buses were gathered at the edges of the divided Salaheddin district. Some entered briefly Tuesday night but returned empty and parked on the outskirts again, the journalist said. Rebel officials, Russia and Turkey confirmed the agreement which, if implemented, would mark a major victory for President Bashar al-Assad over opposition forces who rose up against him in 2011. The agreement came amid mounting global outrage over reports of atrocities, including dozens of summary executions, as forces loyal to Assad closed in on the last pocket of rebel territory in Aleppo. Officials from several rebel groups told AFP there was a deal to allow civilians and fighters to leave Aleppo for opposition-held territory to the west of the city. "An agreement has been reached," said Yasser al-Youssef from the political office of the key Nureddin al-Zinki rebel group, adding it had been "sponsored" by Russia and Turkey. "The first stage will be the evacuation of civilians and wounded, within hours, and afterwards fighters will leave with their light weapons." US calls for observers Washington said it had not been consulted but would welcome any arrangement that brought safety to the people of Aleppo. "It matters a lot less to us who or how a ceasefire is arranged or reached, and much more that one is arranged and reached," state department spokesman John Kirby said. "Even if it is the end of the siege in Aleppo, it is not the end of the war in Syria." As the UN Security Council met in an emergency session to discuss Aleppo, Russian envoy Vitaly Churkin confirmed there was an agreement for the rebels to leave the city. US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said Washington wanted international observers to oversee the evacuation, raising concern for "people who wish to leave but who, justifiably, fear that if they try they will be shot in the street or carted off to one of Assad's gulags." Turkey's foreign ministry said under the agreement civilians would first evacuate, followed by a withdrawal of rebel groups. Deputy prime minister Mehmet Simsek said on Twitter that Turkey would "set up a tent city to accommodate up to 80,000 Syrian refugees fleeing Aleppo". An AFP correspondent in west Aleppo said there had been no sounds of fighting or bombardment since around 3:00 pm (1300 GMT) Tuesday and the Observatory also said it was quiet. The United Nations and aid agencies had been pleading for an agreement to allow for the evacuation of thousands of civilians trapped in rebel territory. After weeks of heavy fighting, forces loyal to Assad were on the verge of taking all of the city, dealing the biggest blow to Syria's rebellion in more than five years of civil war. Scenes of carnage The United Nations said it had received credible reports of at least 82 civilians, including 11 women and 13 children, being executed by pro-government forces in Aleppo in recent days. In Geneva, UN rights office spokesman Rupert Colville said pro-government fighters had in some cases entered homes and killed those inside, and in others "caught and killed on the spot" fleeing civilians. The UN was "filled with the deepest foreboding for those who remain in this last hellish corner of opposition-held eastern Aleppo," he said. Witnesses in Aleppo described scenes of carnage in rebel areas, with bodies lying amid the rubble of city streets, as desperate residents sat on pavements with nowhere to shelter. Syria's army has taken more than 90 per cent of the territory once held by rebels in east Aleppo, after launching an all-out offensive last month to seize control of the entire city. Aleppo, a cultural and economic hub in northern Syria second only to Damascus in importance, had been split between a rebel-controlled east and government-held west since 2012. 'Last chance' It was unclear how many civilians remained in rebel territory, after an estimated 130,000 fled to other parts of Aleppo during the government advance. Jan Egeland, head of the UN-backed humanitarian taskforce for Syria, told AFP that thousands of civilians were in need of evacuation and safe passage, including hundreds of wounded. "We need a pause in the fighting but we also need to get the people inside to help organise an evacuation," he said. The International Committee of the Red Cross said there was only a "last chance to save lives" in Aleppo. The government assault has been backed by heavy artillery fire and air strikes, with at least 463 civilians, including 62 children, killed in east Aleppo since mid-November, according to the Observatory. Another 130 people including 40 children have been killed in western districts by rebel rocket fire, the monitoring group says. More than 310,000 people have been killed since the Syrian conflict began in March 2011, and over half the population has been displaced, with millions becoming refugees. (AFP)

Russia, Turkey 'sponsor' deal allowing Aleppo residents to leave

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