Polls closed in Sunday's replay of the mayoral election in Istanbul, with voters anxiously awaiting a verdict seen as crucial to the future of Turkish democracy and its long-ruling president, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-to-push-for-trial-of-egyptian-government-over-morsis-death-228805">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>.&nbsp;

Ekrem Imamoglu was a little-known district mayor who caused a huge upset when he narrowly beat the candidate of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-endorses-un-report-on-khashoggi-murder-228798">Erdogan</a>'s ruling party in March.&nbsp;

Election authorities annulled that result after Erdogan claimed irregularities in the counting -- but that has only galvanised Imamoglu who vowed "a battle for democracy" to take back the city of 15 million.

Critics say Erdogan simply refused to give up control of Istanbul, Turkey's economic powerhouse and a crucial source of patronage for Islamic conservatives since he won the mayorship himself a quarter-century ago.

But being stripped of the victory has turned Imamoglu, of the secular Republican People's Party, into a household name.

"Today our people will make the best decision... for the sake of our democracy, for Istanbul and also for the legitimacy of all future elections," he said after voting.

His upbeat message under the slogan "Everything will be fine" is in contrast to the usual aggressive name-calling of Turkish politics.

The message had struck a chord among voters.&nbsp;

"I'm nervous but I'm sure of the result," said one 26-year-old supporter on Sunday. "The interest in the first election was far less. Now things are different and I believe Ekrem Imamoglu will win by a big margin."

But Imamoglu faces the juggernaut of the AKP, which has ruled Turkey since 2002 and remains the most popular political force nationwide thanks to years of dramatic growth and support for previously-excluded religious conservatives.&nbsp;

The AKP's candidate is Binali Yildirim, a mild-mannered Erdogan loyalist who oversaw several huge transport projects and served as prime minister.

He struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, saying: "If we have wronged, knowingly or unknowingly, one of our fellow Istanbulites or our challengers, if we have done something unjust, I ask for your forgiveness," he said.

Results of the vote are expected Sunday evening.&nbsp;

- 'Lose-lose situation' -

Analysts say that the re-run is a lose-lose proposition for Erdogan: a second defeat would undermine his image of invincibility and embolden rivals within his party, while a victory would forever be seen by the opposition as stolen.

It comes as an economic slump and rising prices have dented his reputation for economic stewardship, with the AKP also losing the capital Ankara in March.&nbsp;

For many conservatives, Erdogan remains a hero who brought prosperity and has fiercely defended the country's interests.

Most accept the line that the re-run was necessary.

"If there's something like stolen votes, I think it's better to re-do the election in the name of democracy," said 45-year-old Huseyin as he queued to cast his ballot.

Erdogan maintained his allegations of irregularities as he voted on Sunday, saying the last election "should not have happened like that".&nbsp;

But the controversy over the re-run may explain his relative silence, with no repeat of the tireless rallying for the March polls, which included 102 appearances in just 50 days.

Erdogan has downplayed the importance of the re-run, saying last week that the choice of mayor was "only a change in the shop window" since the AKP controls almost two-thirds of the city's districts.

Fearing fraud, the opposition has mobilised an army of lawyers from across Turkey to monitor Sunday's election, with the Istanbul Bar Association unfurling a huge banner at their headquarters that reads: "Stand guard for democracy".&nbsp;

"I have always a doubt in the corner of my mind that they would not replay this election for nothing. Anything is possible from the other side," said an Imamoglu supporter.

- The Kurdish factor -

The AKP has gone to great lengths to rally conservative voters who abstained in March.&nbsp;

It has also tried to win over Kurds, who number in the millions in Istanbul and have been angered by the crackdown on Kurdish activists in recent years.&nbsp;

Yildirim travelled to one of the main Kurdish cities of Diyarbakir this month and uttered the word "Kurdistan" -- a taboo in Turkey.

There have even been signs of dialogue with the jailed leader of the Kurdish insurgency, Abdullah Ocalan, who this week called on the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party to remain neutral in the election, though it has continued to back Imamoglu.

Polls closed in Sunday's replay of the mayoral election in Istanbul, with voters anxiously awaiting a verdict seen as crucial to the future of Turkish democracy and its long-ruling president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Polls closed in Sunday's replay of the mayoral election in Istanbul, with voters anxiously awaiting a verdict seen as crucial to the future of Turkish democracy and its long-ruling president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ekrem Imamoglu was a little-known district mayor who caused a huge upset when he narrowly beat the candidate of Erdogan's ruling party in March. Election authorities annulled that result after Erdogan claimed irregularities in the counting -- but that has only galvanised Imamoglu who vowed "a battle for democracy" to take back the city of 15 million. Critics say Erdogan simply refused to give up control of Istanbul, Turkey's economic powerhouse and a crucial source of patronage for Islamic conservatives since he won the mayorship himself a quarter-century ago. But being stripped of the victory has turned Imamoglu, of the secular Republican People's Party, into a household name. "Today our people will make the best decision... for the sake of our democracy, for Istanbul and also for the legitimacy of all future elections," he said after voting. His upbeat message under the slogan "Everything will be fine" is in contrast to the usual aggressive name-calling of Turkish politics. The message had struck a chord among voters. "I'm nervous but I'm sure of the result," said one 26-year-old supporter on Sunday. "The interest in the first election was far less. Now things are different and I believe Ekrem Imamoglu will win by a big margin." But Imamoglu faces the juggernaut of the AKP, which has ruled Turkey since 2002 and remains the most popular political force nationwide thanks to years of dramatic growth and support for previously-excluded religious conservatives. The AKP's candidate is Binali Yildirim, a mild-mannered Erdogan loyalist who oversaw several huge transport projects and served as prime minister. He struck a conciliatory tone on Sunday, saying: "If we have wronged, knowingly or unknowingly, one of our fellow Istanbulites or our challengers, if we have done something unjust, I ask for your forgiveness," he said. Results of the vote are expected Sunday evening. - 'Lose-lose situation' - Analysts say that the re-run is a lose-lose proposition for Erdogan: a second defeat would undermine his image of invincibility and embolden rivals within his party, while a victory would forever be seen by the opposition as stolen. It comes as an economic slump and rising prices have dented his reputation for economic stewardship, with the AKP also losing the capital Ankara in March. For many conservatives, Erdogan remains a hero who brought prosperity and has fiercely defended the country's interests. Most accept the line that the re-run was necessary. "If there's something like stolen votes, I think it's better to re-do the election in the name of democracy," said 45-year-old Huseyin as he queued to cast his ballot. Erdogan maintained his allegations of irregularities as he voted on Sunday, saying the last election "should not have happened like that". But the controversy over the re-run may explain his relative silence, with no repeat of the tireless rallying for the March polls, which included 102 appearances in just 50 days. Erdogan has downplayed the importance of the re-run, saying last week that the choice of mayor was "only a change in the shop window" since the AKP controls almost two-thirds of the city's districts. Fearing fraud, the opposition has mobilised an army of lawyers from across Turkey to monitor Sunday's election, with the Istanbul Bar Association unfurling a huge banner at their headquarters that reads: "Stand guard for democracy". "I have always a doubt in the corner of my mind that they would not replay this election for nothing. Anything is possible from the other side," said an Imamoglu supporter. - The Kurdish factor - The AKP has gone to great lengths to rally conservative voters who abstained in March. It has also tried to win over Kurds, who number in the millions in Istanbul and have been angered by the crackdown on Kurdish activists in recent years. Yildirim travelled to one of the main Kurdish cities of Diyarbakir this month and uttered the word "Kurdistan" -- a taboo in Turkey. There have even been signs of dialogue with the jailed leader of the Kurdish insurgency, Abdullah Ocalan, who this week called on the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party to remain neutral in the election, though it has continued to back Imamoglu.

Istanbul awaits election verdict on Erdogan and Turkish democracy

Shortly upon the release of a UN report regarding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">Jamal Khashoggi's</a> killing, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mesut-ozil-marries-in-istanbul-with-turkish-president-erdogan-as-best-man-225674">Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> on Wednesday said that late journalist's killers "will pay the price."

"(They will) pay the price and be held accountable," Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying during an event in Istanbul.

Khashoggi, who worked as a journalist for The Washington Post, was killed after entering Saudi Arabia's consulate here in October last year.

Even though Riyadh has outrightly rejected all allegations against it, Erdogan added that the Kingdom was guilty and had prior knowledge of the murder, as per the Turkish news agency.

An independent investigation led by the UN extrajudicial executions investigator, Agnes Callamard, held Saudi Arabia responsible for the scribe's "extrajudicial killing."

The report released on Wednesday revealed that the late Saudi Arabian journalist was the victim of a "deliberate, premeditated execution," according to CNN.

The Kingdom has dismissed the report.

While Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's killing, Saudi officials later claimed that a group of rogue operators, many of whom belong to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's inner circle, were responsible for the journalist's death. The Saudi attorney general later confirmed that Khashoggi was killed in a premeditated murder.

The special rapporteur, however, does not make any conclusions over the role of the Saudi Crown Prince and King in the murder case.

Instead, Callamard says that there is "credible evidence meriting further investigation by a proper authority" as to whether the "threshold of criminal responsibility has been met."

Saudi Arabia began the trial for 11 suspects in the murder case earlier this year, after rejecting Erdogan's call for the suspected Saudi nationals to be extradited to Turkey to face trial in the nation where the crime took place.

Shortly upon the release of a UN report regarding Jamal Khashoggi's killing, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that late journalist's killers "will pay the price.

Shortly upon the release of a UN report regarding Jamal Khashoggi's killing, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that late journalist's killers "will pay the price." "(They will) pay the price and be held accountable," Anadolu Agency quoted Erdogan as saying during an event in Istanbul. Khashoggi, who worked as a journalist for The Washington Post, was killed after entering Saudi Arabia's consulate here in October last year. Even though Riyadh has outrightly rejected all allegations against it, Erdogan added that the Kingdom was guilty and had prior knowledge of the murder, as per the Turkish news agency. An independent investigation led by the UN extrajudicial executions investigator, Agnes Callamard, held Saudi Arabia responsible for the scribe's "extrajudicial killing." The report released on Wednesday revealed that the late Saudi Arabian journalist was the victim of a "deliberate, premeditated execution," according to CNN. The Kingdom has dismissed the report. While Riyadh initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's killing, Saudi officials later claimed that a group of rogue operators, many of whom belong to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's inner circle, were responsible for the journalist's death. The Saudi attorney general later confirmed that Khashoggi was killed in a premeditated murder. The special rapporteur, however, does not make any conclusions over the role of the Saudi Crown Prince and King in the murder case. Instead, Callamard says that there is "credible evidence meriting further investigation by a proper authority" as to whether the "threshold of criminal responsibility has been met." Saudi Arabia began the trial for 11 suspects in the murder case earlier this year, after rejecting Erdogan's call for the suspected Saudi nationals to be extradited to Turkey to face trial in the nation where the crime took place.

Jamal Khashoggi's killers will pay the price, says Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed to make an effort to ensure the Egyptian government is tried in international courts for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypts-former-president-mohamed-mursi-dies-report-228094/amp">death of former president Mohamed Morsi</a>, who suffered a fatal heart attack in a Cairo court earlier this week.

Speaking at an election rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said Morsi "did not die, he was murdered," and called on the Organisation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/turkey-positions-itself-as-a-prominent-backer-of-muslim-community-in-new-zealand-204311">Islamic Cooperation</a> to act on Morsi`s death. He added he will raise the issue at the G-20 summit in Japan at the end of the month.&nbsp;

Erdogan forged close ties with Morsi, Egypt's first civilian president and a prominent Muslim Brotherhood member.

But Ankara's relations with Cairo ties deteriorated after the Egyptian military, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Morsi in 2013. Sisi then became president.

Erdogan has sharply denounced the military takeover in Egypt and called it a "coup".

On Wednesday, he said he would follow up on the process related to Morsi's death.

"We will do whatever is needed for Egypt to be tried in international courts."

The attorney general's office in Egypt has said that Morsi was "transported immediately to the hospital", where medics pronounced him dead -- a version confirmed by a judicial source.

Morsi was buried on Tuesday, as rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for an independent probe into the causes of his death.

Erdogan on Tuesday joined in prayer at an Istanbul mosque for the former Egyptian leader.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed to make an effort to ensure the Egyptian government is tried in international courts for the death of former president Mohamed Morsi, who suffered a fatal heart attack in a Cairo court earlier this week.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday vowed to make an effort to ensure the Egyptian government is tried in international courts for the death of former president Mohamed Morsi, who suffered a fatal heart attack in a Cairo court earlier this week. Speaking at an election rally in Istanbul, Erdogan said Morsi "did not die, he was murdered," and called on the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to act on Morsi`s death. He added he will raise the issue at the G-20 summit in Japan at the end of the month. Erdogan forged close ties with Morsi, Egypt's first civilian president and a prominent Muslim Brotherhood member. But Ankara's relations with Cairo ties deteriorated after the Egyptian military, then led by Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, ousted Morsi in 2013. Sisi then became president. Erdogan has sharply denounced the military takeover in Egypt and called it a "coup". On Wednesday, he said he would follow up on the process related to Morsi's death. "We will do whatever is needed for Egypt to be tried in international courts." The attorney general's office in Egypt has said that Morsi was "transported immediately to the hospital", where medics pronounced him dead -- a version confirmed by a judicial source. Morsi was buried on Tuesday, as rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for an independent probe into the causes of his death. Erdogan on Tuesday joined in prayer at an Istanbul mosque for the former Egyptian leader.

Turkey's Erdogan to push for trial of Egyptian government over Morsi's death

Turkey on Wednesday backed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/evidence-suggests-saudi-crown-prince-is-liable-for-khashoggi-murder-un-expert-228685">UN report which held accountable </a>Saudi&nbsp;Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman&nbsp;and other officials for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In a tweet, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "Strongly endorse #UN Rapporteur @AgnesCallamard's recommendations for elucidating Khashoggi's murder&amp;holding those responsible accountable".

A UN rights investigator cited evidence on Wednesday claiming&nbsp;that the proof suggested Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials liable for the murder of journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106">Jamal Khashoggi</a>.

"It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions said in her report based on a six-month investigation.

Agnes Callamard also called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and critic of Prince Mohammed, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

The Saudi journalist disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul. His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing.

Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there.

Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey.

Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins.

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Turkey on Wednesday backed the UN report which held accountable Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other officials for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Turkey on Wednesday backed the UN report which held accountable Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other officials for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In a tweet, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said, "Strongly endorse #UN Rapporteur @AgnesCallamard's recommendations for elucidating Khashoggi's murder&holding those responsible accountable". A UN rights investigator cited evidence on Wednesday claiming that the proof suggested Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law," Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions said in her report based on a six-month investigation. Agnes Callamard also called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility. Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor and critic of Prince Mohammed, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The Saudi journalist disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul. His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing. Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there. Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey. Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkey says endorses UN report on Khashoggi murder

Turkish police on Tuesday launched nationwide raids to detain 168 individuals suspected of ties to the group blamed for a 2016 coup attempt, state media reported.

Since the failed overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals accused of links to the group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen.

Turkey accuses Gulen of ordering the attempted putsch, which he strongly denies.

The Izmir public prosecutor in the Aegean region issued arrest warrants for 65 suspects across 30 provinces including a colonel and lieutenant as part of a probe into the movement's presence inside the armed forces, state news agency Anadolu reported.

The agency said another 22 suspects were sought by police. Some were accused of using an encrypted messaging application which authorities suspect was also used to coordinate the coup bid.

And in another probe in central Turkey, the Konya public prosecutor issued detention warrants for 63 individuals, including soldiers across 30 provinces as well, Anadolu said.

In the capital, the Ankara public prosecutor's office said police sought to arrest 18 suspects in eight provinces including former personnel from the foreign and health ministries.

A total of 28 suspects had already been rounded up across Turkey including 11 in Ankara, &nbsp;the reports said.

More than 140,000 public sector employees have been sacked or suspected over alleged links to Gulen since 2016.

There have been almost daily raids across the country with hundreds of detentions in recent months despite criticism from Western allies and rights defenders who accuse the government of using the purge to crackdown on dissent.

But Turkish officials insist the raids are necessary to remove Gulen's influence in state institutions.

Turkish police on Tuesday launched nationwide raids to detain 168 individuals suspected of ties to the group blamed for a 2016 coup attempt, state media reported.

Turkish police on Tuesday launched nationwide raids to detain 168 individuals suspected of ties to the group blamed for a 2016 coup attempt, state media reported. Since the failed overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, authorities have detained tens of thousands of individuals accused of links to the group led by US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen. Turkey accuses Gulen of ordering the attempted putsch, which he strongly denies. The Izmir public prosecutor in the Aegean region issued arrest warrants for 65 suspects across 30 provinces including a colonel and lieutenant as part of a probe into the movement's presence inside the armed forces, state news agency Anadolu reported. The agency said another 22 suspects were sought by police. Some were accused of using an encrypted messaging application which authorities suspect was also used to coordinate the coup bid. And in another probe in central Turkey, the Konya public prosecutor issued detention warrants for 63 individuals, including soldiers across 30 provinces as well, Anadolu said. In the capital, the Ankara public prosecutor's office said police sought to arrest 18 suspects in eight provinces including former personnel from the foreign and health ministries. A total of 28 suspects had already been rounded up across Turkey including 11 in Ankara, the reports said. More than 140,000 public sector employees have been sacked or suspected over alleged links to Gulen since 2016. There have been almost daily raids across the country with hundreds of detentions in recent months despite criticism from Western allies and rights defenders who accuse the government of using the purge to crackdown on dissent. But Turkish officials insist the raids are necessary to remove Gulen's influence in state institutions.

Turkey orders arrest of dozens more over alleged coup ties

Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-s-400-missile-purchase-from-russia-a-done-deal-cannot-be-cancelled-foreign-minister-208029">Russian S-400 missile defence systems</a> despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

In what has become the main source of tension between Ankara and Washington, the NATO allies have sparred publicly for months over Turkey's purchase of the S-400s.

The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan last week sent his Turkish counterpart a letter warning that Ankara would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless it changes course from its plans to install the defences.

In what was Turkey's first public response to the letter, Cavusoglu said no one can give Turkey ultimatums.

"Turkey will not back down from its decisions with these kinds of letters," he said. "Turkey bought S-400, it is going to be delivered and stationed in Turkey."

The S-400s are not compatible with NATO systems and Washington says they would compromise its F-35s, which Turkey also plans to buy. Turkey has proposed that the allies form a working group to asses the impact of the S-400s.

President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reiterated that Turkey has completed the deal with Russia and that the systems will be delivered in July. He said Ankara would challenge its removal from the F-35 programme on every platform.

The US has threatened to impose sanctions on Ankara, the possibility of which has spooked investors and sparked a selloff in the lira this year.

The lira stood at 5.8460 at 1029 GMT on Thursday, weakening from around 5.8320, where it stood prior to Cavusoglu's speech. It was down some 0.7% from Wednesday's close.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said Turkey is working on a response to Shanahan's letter and that it will be delivered in coming days.

Russia has it will begin the delivery of the systems in July.

Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday.

Turkey will not back down from its decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defence systems despite US warnings that it will lead to Ankara's exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Thursday. In what has become the main source of tension between Ankara and Washington, the NATO allies have sparred publicly for months over Turkey's purchase of the S-400s. The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan last week sent his Turkish counterpart a letter warning that Ankara would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless it changes course from its plans to install the defences. In what was Turkey's first public response to the letter, Cavusoglu said no one can give Turkey ultimatums. "Turkey will not back down from its decisions with these kinds of letters," he said. "Turkey bought S-400, it is going to be delivered and stationed in Turkey." The S-400s are not compatible with NATO systems and Washington says they would compromise its F-35s, which Turkey also plans to buy. Turkey has proposed that the allies form a working group to asses the impact of the S-400s. President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday reiterated that Turkey has completed the deal with Russia and that the systems will be delivered in July. He said Ankara would challenge its removal from the F-35 programme on every platform. The US has threatened to impose sanctions on Ankara, the possibility of which has spooked investors and sparked a selloff in the lira this year. The lira stood at 5.8460 at 1029 GMT on Thursday, weakening from around 5.8320, where it stood prior to Cavusoglu's speech. It was down some 0.7% from Wednesday's close. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar has said Turkey is working on a response to Shanahan's letter and that it will be delivered in coming days. Russia has it will begin the delivery of the systems in July.

Turkey rejects United States ultimatums, says will not back down on Russian S-400s

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-s-400-missile-defence-system-a-done-deal-turkey-199862">Turkey has already purchased</a> S-400 defence systems from Russia and hopes they will be delivered in July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, an announcement likely to ratchet up tensions with NATO ally Washington.

Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with NATO's systems.

"Turkey has already bought S-400 defence systems. It is a done deal. I hope these systems will be delivered to our country next month," Erdogan said.

The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan outlined last week how Turkey would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless Ankara changed course from its plans to purchase the S-400 missile defence system.

Turkey has criticised the letter from Washington and said it did not live up to the spirit of the NATO alliance. It is working on a response to be sent in the coming days, according to Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters and has warned of potential US sanctions if Ankara presses on with the deal.

Speaking at a meeting of his AK Party members, Erdogan said:

"We will call to account in every platform Turkey being excluded from the F-35 programme for reasons without rationale or legitimacy."

He noted that Turkey was also a manufacturing partner in the programme.

Turkey has repeatedly proposed a joint working group to assess the impact of the S-400 surface-to-air defence systems, but Washington has not yet taken up the suggestion.

Erdogan also said he wanted to talk about the issue on the phone with the United States before he meets President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, at the end of this month.

Russia said on Tuesday it planned to deliver its S-400s to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on the US sanctions threat.

Syria

Erdogan also discussed the situation at Turkey's border with Syria, pledging to sweep the YPG Kurdish militia from northern Syria, and east of the Euphrates, revitalising a plan put on hold after the United States said it would pull its troops out of the area.

"We may suddenly come one night," he added referring to previous military operations to Syria.

Turkey considers the YPG an enemy and has already intervened to oust the fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years.

Ankara has been infuriated by US support for the YPG, which it considers a terrorist organisation and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought an insurgency in southeast Turkey for more than three decades.

Turkey has already purchased S-400 defence systems from Russia and hopes they will be delivered in July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, an announcement likely to ratchet up tensions with NATO ally Washington.

Turkey has already purchased S-400 defence systems from Russia and hopes they will be delivered in July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday, an announcement likely to ratchet up tensions with NATO ally Washington. Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with NATO's systems. "Turkey has already bought S-400 defence systems. It is a done deal. I hope these systems will be delivered to our country next month," Erdogan said. The US Acting Secretary of Defence Patrick Shanahan outlined last week how Turkey would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet programme unless Ankara changed course from its plans to purchase the S-400 missile defence system. Turkey has criticised the letter from Washington and said it did not live up to the spirit of the NATO alliance. It is working on a response to be sent in the coming days, according to Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of the Russian system poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters and has warned of potential US sanctions if Ankara presses on with the deal. Speaking at a meeting of his AK Party members, Erdogan said: "We will call to account in every platform Turkey being excluded from the F-35 programme for reasons without rationale or legitimacy." He noted that Turkey was also a manufacturing partner in the programme. Turkey has repeatedly proposed a joint working group to assess the impact of the S-400 surface-to-air defence systems, but Washington has not yet taken up the suggestion. Erdogan also said he wanted to talk about the issue on the phone with the United States before he meets President Donald Trump in Osaka, Japan, at the end of this month. Russia said on Tuesday it planned to deliver its S-400s to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on the US sanctions threat. Syria Erdogan also discussed the situation at Turkey's border with Syria, pledging to sweep the YPG Kurdish militia from northern Syria, and east of the Euphrates, revitalising a plan put on hold after the United States said it would pull its troops out of the area. "We may suddenly come one night," he added referring to previous military operations to Syria. Turkey considers the YPG an enemy and has already intervened to oust the fighters from territory west of the Euphrates in military campaigns over the past two years. Ankara has been infuriated by US support for the YPG, which it considers a terrorist organisation and an extension of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought an insurgency in southeast Turkey for more than three decades.

Turkey says it has already bought Russian S-400 defence systems

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver its S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on a US threat to hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes ahead with a deal that has strained ties between the NATO allies.

Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with the transatlantic alliance's systems.

Washington has threatened to remove Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet programme unless it drops the deal, and has set its own deadline of July 31. If Ankara accepts delivery of the S-400s, that would trigger U.S. sanctions that could prolong Turkey's economic recession and prompt a re-evaluation of its 67-year membership of NATO.

Turkey said that a US House of Representatives' resolution on Monday condemning the S-400 purchase and urging sanctions was unacceptably threatening.

Later on Tuesday in Moscow, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters: "The agreements reached between Russia and Turkey are being fulfilled on time in the given context. There are no bilateral problems."

Asked if the surface-to-air missiles will be delivered in July, he said: "Yes, that's what we plan somehow."

The comments came days after the head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, said Moscow would start delivering the S-400s to Turkey in two months. Turkish officials have said the delivery could take place as soon as June.

The US&nbsp;resolution, introduced in May and entitled "Expressing concern for the United States-Turkey alliance", was agreed in the House on Monday.

It urges Turkey to cancel the S-400 purchase and calls for sanctions if Ankara accepts their delivery. That, the resolution said, would undermine the U.S.-led transatlantic defence alliance.

In response, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that its foreign policy and judicial system were being maligned by "unfair" and "unfounded" allegations in the resolution.

"It is unacceptable to take decisions which do not serve to increase mutual trust, to continue to keep the language of threats and sanctions on the agenda and to set various artificial deadlines," it added in a statement.

Pilot training wound down

President Tayyip Erdogan's government faces a balancing act in its ties with the West and Russia, with which it has close energy ties and is also cooperating in neighbouring Syria.

The United States is also pressuring Turkey and other nations to isolate Iran, including blocking oil exports.

U.S. officials said on Monday the training of Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets had come to a faster-than-expected halt at an air base in Arizona, as Ankara's involvement was wound down over the S-400 controversy.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defences poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy.

"We rarely see it in foreign affairs, but this is a black and white issue. There is no middle ground. Either Mr. Erdogan cancels the Russian deal, or he doesn't," Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said on the House floor on Monday.

"There is no future for Turkey having both Russian weapons and American F-35s. There's no third option," he said.

Turkey appeared set to move ahead with the S-400 purchase despite the US&nbsp;warnings. Erdogan said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow.

Separately, credit ratings agency Fitch said on Tuesday that any US&nbsp;sanctions would have a "significant impact" on sentiment around the Turkish lira, which has sold off since late March in part due to the spat with Washington over the missile defence system.

"If sanctions are imposed, it would be relatively mild and...the direct impact would be minimal. However, the impact on sentiment could be significant," said Paul Gamble, senior director and head of emerging Europe at Fitch Ratings.

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver its S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on a US threat to hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes ahead with a deal that has strained ties between the NATO allies.

Russia said on Tuesday it plans to deliver its S-400 missile defence systems to Turkey in July, setting the clock ticking on a US threat to hit Ankara with sanctions if it goes ahead with a deal that has strained ties between the NATO allies. Turkey and the United States have sparred publicly for months over Ankara's order for the S-400s, which are not compatible with the transatlantic alliance's systems. Washington has threatened to remove Turkey from its F-35 fighter jet programme unless it drops the deal, and has set its own deadline of July 31. If Ankara accepts delivery of the S-400s, that would trigger U.S. sanctions that could prolong Turkey's economic recession and prompt a re-evaluation of its 67-year membership of NATO. Turkey said that a US House of Representatives' resolution on Monday condemning the S-400 purchase and urging sanctions was unacceptably threatening. Later on Tuesday in Moscow, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov told reporters: "The agreements reached between Russia and Turkey are being fulfilled on time in the given context. There are no bilateral problems." Asked if the surface-to-air missiles will be delivered in July, he said: "Yes, that's what we plan somehow." The comments came days after the head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, said Moscow would start delivering the S-400s to Turkey in two months. Turkish officials have said the delivery could take place as soon as June. The US resolution, introduced in May and entitled "Expressing concern for the United States-Turkey alliance", was agreed in the House on Monday. It urges Turkey to cancel the S-400 purchase and calls for sanctions if Ankara accepts their delivery. That, the resolution said, would undermine the U.S.-led transatlantic defence alliance. In response, Turkey's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that its foreign policy and judicial system were being maligned by "unfair" and "unfounded" allegations in the resolution. "It is unacceptable to take decisions which do not serve to increase mutual trust, to continue to keep the language of threats and sanctions on the agenda and to set various artificial deadlines," it added in a statement. Pilot training wound down President Tayyip Erdogan's government faces a balancing act in its ties with the West and Russia, with which it has close energy ties and is also cooperating in neighbouring Syria. The United States is also pressuring Turkey and other nations to isolate Iran, including blocking oil exports. U.S. officials said on Monday the training of Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets had come to a faster-than-expected halt at an air base in Arizona, as Ankara's involvement was wound down over the S-400 controversy. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defences poses a threat to Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealth fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. "We rarely see it in foreign affairs, but this is a black and white issue. There is no middle ground. Either Mr. Erdogan cancels the Russian deal, or he doesn't," Eliot Engel, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said on the House floor on Monday. "There is no future for Turkey having both Russian weapons and American F-35s. There's no third option," he said. Turkey appeared set to move ahead with the S-400 purchase despite the US warnings. Erdogan said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow. Separately, credit ratings agency Fitch said on Tuesday that any US sanctions would have a "significant impact" on sentiment around the Turkish lira, which has sold off since late March in part due to the spat with Washington over the missile defence system. "If sanctions are imposed, it would be relatively mild and...the direct impact would be minimal. However, the impact on sentiment could be significant," said Paul Gamble, senior director and head of emerging Europe at Fitch Ratings.

Russia plans to deliver missiles to Turkey in July; US takes dim view

Training by Turkish pilots on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-starts-unwinding-turkey-from-f-35-program-over-russia-defence-deal-225370">F-35 fighter jets</a> has come to a faster-than-expected halt at a US air base in Arizona, US officials said on Monday, as the United States winds down Ankara's involvement in the program over Turkey's plans to buy a Russian air defence system.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-to-produce-s-500s-with-russia-after-s-400-missile-deal-219729">Russia's S-400 air defences</a> poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. Washington says Ankara cannot have both.

The move to halt training at Luke Air Force Base, came just days after acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told his Turkish counterpart that Turkish pilots already in the United States could remain there until the end of July. That would have allowed time for more training and for Turkey to rethink its plans.

"The department is aware that the Turkish pilots at Luke AFB are not flying," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Pentagon spokesman, said.

"Without a change in Turkish policy, we will continue to work closely with our Turkish ally on winding down their participation in the F-35 program."

A second US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a local commander at Luke decided last week to halt the training of Turkish pilots and maintenance crews over safety concerns.

Some training of Turkish maintenance personnel continues at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the official said.

If Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said.

But strains in US-Turkish ties already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey.

Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan had said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey.

Training by Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets has come to a faster-than-expected halt at a US air base in Arizona, US officials said on Monday, as the United States winds down Ankara's involvement in the program over Turkey's plans to buy a Russian air defence system.

Training by Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets has come to a faster-than-expected halt at a US air base in Arizona, US officials said on Monday, as the United States winds down Ankara's involvement in the program over Turkey's plans to buy a Russian air defence system. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defences poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp's F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. Washington says Ankara cannot have both. The move to halt training at Luke Air Force Base, came just days after acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told his Turkish counterpart that Turkish pilots already in the United States could remain there until the end of July. That would have allowed time for more training and for Turkey to rethink its plans. "The department is aware that the Turkish pilots at Luke AFB are not flying," Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews, a Pentagon spokesman, said. "Without a change in Turkish policy, we will continue to work closely with our Turkish ally on winding down their participation in the F-35 program." A second US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a local commander at Luke decided last week to halt the training of Turkish pilots and maintenance crews over safety concerns. Some training of Turkish maintenance personnel continues at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, the official said. If Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said. But strains in US-Turkish ties already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey. Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan had said last week it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey.

S-400 row: Turkish pilots halt operations at US air base in Arizona

The United States on Friday raised the stakes in its standoff with Turkey over Ankara's deal to acquire a Russian air defence system, laying out a plan to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-may-suspend-training-of-turkish-pilots-for-f-35-jets-over-russia-missile-deal-222455">remove the NATO ally from the F-35 fighter jet program</a> that includes immediately halting any new training for Turkish pilots on the advanced aircraft.

Acting US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter to his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-to-produce-s-500s-with-russia-after-s-400-missile-deal-219729">Turkish </a>counterpart, seen by Reuters on Friday, that outlined how Turkey would be pulled out the program -- unless Ankara changes course.

Reuters on Thursday first reported the decision to stop accepting more Turkish pilots for training in the United States, in one of the most concrete signs that the dispute between Washington and Ankara is reaching a breaking point.

The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defence system poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. The United States says Turkey cannot have both.

Shanahan's letter explicitly states there will be "no new F-35 training." It says there were 34 students scheduled for F-35 training later this year.

"This training will not occur because we are suspending Turkey from the F-35 program; there are no longer requirements to gain proficiencies on the systems," according to an attachment to the letter that is titled, "Unwinding Turkey's Participation in the F-35 Program."

Turkish personnel already in the United States will see their training on the F-35 discontinued at the end of July.

In his letter, Shanahan also warned Ankara that its deal with Moscow risked undermining its ties to NATO, hurting the Turkish economy and creating over-dependence on Russia.

"You still have the option to change course on the S-400," Shanahan wrote.

The Turkish lira declined as much as 1.5 per cent&nbsp;on Friday before recovering some losses. The currency has shed nearly 10 per cent&nbsp;of its value against the dollar this year in part on fraying diplomatic ties and the risk of US&nbsp;sanctions if Turkey accepts delivery of the S-400s.

Graceful exit?

Turkey is one of the core partners in the F-35 program and expressed an interest in buying 100 of the fighters, which would have a total value of $9 billion at current prices.

Turkish companies produce some 937 parts of the F-35, largely for the aircraft's landing gear and centre fuselage, the Pentagon says. The United States is now planning to move that production elsewhere, ending Turkey's manufacturing role by early next year.

The Pentagon believes that it can minimise the impact on the broader program if Turkey abides by the US timeline.

"What we are doing is working to do a very disciplined and graceful wind down," Ellen Lord, an undersecretary of defence, told reporters at the Pentagon.

She noted that nothing done to date was "irreversible."

But if Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, the ramifications would be felt far beyond the Turkish air force. It would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said.

Strains in ties between the United States and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey.

Still, Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow.

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey.

The head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, was quoted as saying on Friday that the country would start delivering S-400 missile systems to Turkey in two months.

Erdogan said the United States had not "given us an offer as good as the S-400s."

Still, Lord held out hope for Turkey, noting that none of the US decisions so far were irreversible.

"We're hopeful that they will stop the acquisition of the S-400. We would very much like them to stay in the (F-35) program," Lord said.

The United States on Friday raised the stakes in its standoff with Turkey over Ankara's deal to acquire a Russian air defence system, laying out a plan to remove the NATO ally from the F-35 fighter jet program that includes immediately halting any new training for Turkish pilots on the advanced aircraft.

The United States on Friday raised the stakes in its standoff with Turkey over Ankara's deal to acquire a Russian air defence system, laying out a plan to remove the NATO ally from the F-35 fighter jet program that includes immediately halting any new training for Turkish pilots on the advanced aircraft. Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan sent a letter to his Turkish counterpart, seen by Reuters on Friday, that outlined how Turkey would be pulled out the program -- unless Ankara changes course. Reuters on Thursday first reported the decision to stop accepting more Turkish pilots for training in the United States, in one of the most concrete signs that the dispute between Washington and Ankara is reaching a breaking point. The United States says Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defence system poses a threat to the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 stealthy fighters, which Turkey also plans to buy. The United States says Turkey cannot have both. Shanahan's letter explicitly states there will be "no new F-35 training." It says there were 34 students scheduled for F-35 training later this year. "This training will not occur because we are suspending Turkey from the F-35 program; there are no longer requirements to gain proficiencies on the systems," according to an attachment to the letter that is titled, "Unwinding Turkey's Participation in the F-35 Program." Turkish personnel already in the United States will see their training on the F-35 discontinued at the end of July. In his letter, Shanahan also warned Ankara that its deal with Moscow risked undermining its ties to NATO, hurting the Turkish economy and creating over-dependence on Russia. "You still have the option to change course on the S-400," Shanahan wrote. The Turkish lira declined as much as 1.5 per cent on Friday before recovering some losses. The currency has shed nearly 10 per cent of its value against the dollar this year in part on fraying diplomatic ties and the risk of US sanctions if Turkey accepts delivery of the S-400s. Graceful exit? Turkey is one of the core partners in the F-35 program and expressed an interest in buying 100 of the fighters, which would have a total value of $9 billion at current prices. Turkish companies produce some 937 parts of the F-35, largely for the aircraft's landing gear and centre fuselage, the Pentagon says. The United States is now planning to move that production elsewhere, ending Turkey's manufacturing role by early next year. The Pentagon believes that it can minimise the impact on the broader program if Turkey abides by the US timeline. "What we are doing is working to do a very disciplined and graceful wind down," Ellen Lord, an undersecretary of defence, told reporters at the Pentagon. She noted that nothing done to date was "irreversible." But if Turkey were removed from the F-35 program, the ramifications would be felt far beyond the Turkish air force. It would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship with the United States, experts said. Strains in ties between the United States and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey. Still, Turkey seems to be moving ahead with the S-400 purchase, regardless of the US warnings. President Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday it was "out of the question" for Turkey to back away from its deal with Moscow. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and that Russian personnel may go to Turkey. The head of Russian state conglomerate Rostec, Sergei Chemezov, was quoted as saying on Friday that the country would start delivering S-400 missile systems to Turkey in two months. Erdogan said the United States had not "given us an offer as good as the S-400s." Still, Lord held out hope for Turkey, noting that none of the US decisions so far were irreversible. "We're hopeful that they will stop the acquisition of the S-400. We would very much like them to stay in the (F-35) program," Lord said.

US starts 'unwinding' Turkey from F-35 program over Russia defence deal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/s-jaishankar-former-foreign-secretary-a-surprise-pick-in-team-modi-20-222869">External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar</a> has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries.

Jaishankar termed his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian as "cordial".

"Had a cordial conversation with the French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian Plenty to look forward to and do in our already strong and successful strategic partnership with France," he said in a tweet.

The ties between Indian and France are on an upswing in the last few years. Both sides are particularly focussing on enhancing defence and security cooperation.&nbsp;

On his talks with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Jaishankar said it was a warm conversation.

"Had a warm conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu that helped us build a personal and professional bond. Thank you for your good wishes. Look forward to closely working with you.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has held telephonic conversations with his French and Turkish counterparts with a focus on enhancing the bilateral ties with the two countries. Jaishankar termed his conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian as "cordial". "Had a cordial conversation with the French Foreign Minister @JY_LeDrian Plenty to look forward to and do in our already strong and successful strategic partnership with France," he said in a tweet. The ties between Indian and France are on an upswing in the last few years. Both sides are particularly focussing on enhancing defence and security cooperation. On his talks with Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Jaishankar said it was a warm conversation. "Had a warm conversation with Foreign Minister of Turkey @MevlutCavusoglu that helped us build a personal and professional bond. Thank you for your good wishes. Look forward to closely working with you.

S Jaishankar holds telephonic conversations with foreign ministers of France, Turkey

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey would not withdraw from a deal made with Russia to buy <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-to-produce-s-500s-with-russia-after-s-400-missile-deal-219729">an S400 missile defence system</a> despite pressure from the United States.

"We have made an agreement (with Russia). We are determined. There is nothing like backtracking from that," Erdogan was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency.&nbsp;

Ankara's desire to buy the Russian S400 system has been a major source of contention between NATO allies Turkey and the United States, which has threatened sanctions.

Last week, a top Pentagon official said the consequences would be "devastating" for Turkey's joint F-35 fighter programme and its cooperation with NATO if the country goes ahead with plans to buy the Russian missile defence system.

Kathryn Wheelbarger, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said Ankara's planned purchase of the S-400 would damage Turkey's ability to work with the Western alliance, and force Washington to hit the country with sanctions.

She said that the US administration, even if it does not want to punish Turkey for the purchase, could be forced to do so by a Congress unsympathetic to Ankara.

Turkey has defied the mounting pressure and said the purchase was a "done deal."

Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone and, according to the Turkish leader's office, they discussed Ankara's previous offer to form a "joint working group" on the missile system.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey would not withdraw from a deal made with Russia to buy an S400 missile defence system despite pressure from the United States.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday Turkey would not withdraw from a deal made with Russia to buy an S400 missile defence system despite pressure from the United States. "We have made an agreement (with Russia). We are determined. There is nothing like backtracking from that," Erdogan was quoted as saying by the official Anadolu news agency. Ankara's desire to buy the Russian S400 system has been a major source of contention between NATO allies Turkey and the United States, which has threatened sanctions. Last week, a top Pentagon official said the consequences would be "devastating" for Turkey's joint F-35 fighter programme and its cooperation with NATO if the country goes ahead with plans to buy the Russian missile defence system. Kathryn Wheelbarger, Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs, said Ankara's planned purchase of the S-400 would damage Turkey's ability to work with the Western alliance, and force Washington to hit the country with sanctions. She said that the US administration, even if it does not want to punish Turkey for the purchase, could be forced to do so by a Congress unsympathetic to Ankara. Turkey has defied the mounting pressure and said the purchase was a "done deal." Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone and, according to the Turkish leader's office, they discussed Ankara's previous offer to form a "joint working group" on the missile system.

We have made an agreement with Russia, no backtracking on S400 missile system: Erdogan

The United States is seriously considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington, sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The two NATO allies have argued for months over Turkey's order for the Russian S-400 defences, which Washington says are incompatible with the Western alliance's defence network and would pose a threat to American F-35 stealth fighters which Turkey also plans to buy.

The two sources, who are familiar with Turkey's role in the F-35 program and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a final decision had not yet been made.

The deliberation follows signs that Turkey is moving ahead with the S-400 purchase. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and said Russian personnel may come to Turkey.

Turkish pilots have also been training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It was unclear whether a decision to suspend their training would mean they would have to leave the country or would be allowed to remain at the base until a final decision is made about Turkey's future in the F-35 program.

The United States has said plainly that Turkey cannot have the S-400 and be part of the F-35 program. The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp.

If Turkey was removed from the program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship between the two allies, experts say.

"Washington is signalling that while it would rather not break military ties with Turkey, it is ready to do so if Ankara does not change its mind regarding the S-400 purchase," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish program at the Washington Institute.

Strains in ties between Washington and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US&nbsp;consular staff in Turkey.

Done deal

The Pentagon and State Department declined to comment on any deliberations about the pilots. But Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews noted discussions are taking place with Ankara on potentially buying the Patriot missile defence system.

Andrews said the Patriot system, made by Raytheon Co., "remains a robust, NATO-interoperable alternative to the S-400 for (Turkey's) national defence requirements."

On Monday, Turkish broadcaster Haberturk quoted Akar as saying in an interview that the delivery of the S-400 may not happen in June, when Turkey previously said the missiles were due to arrive. He added the agreement was a done deal, however.

"They may not make it by June but they will come in the months ahead. The process has begun," he was quoted as saying.

Objecting to Ankara's planned Russian defence purchase, the United States in late March halted delivery of equipment related to the F-35 to Turkey, which is both a buyer and a production partner in the program. The move was the first concrete step of what could eventually be the full removal of Turkey from the F-35 program.

The United States has warned that if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian system, it will also trigger US&nbsp;sanctions under CATSAA, a law calling for sanctions against countries procuring military equipment from Russia.

Turkey has said that as a NATO member it poses no threat to the United States and the sanctions should not apply. Ankara has also increasingly pinned its hopes on President Donald Trump to protect it from such penalties.

US officials have called Turkey's planned purchase of the S-400 system "deeply problematic." Washington and other NATO allies that own F-35s fear the system's radar will learn how to spot and track the jet, making it less able to evade Russian weapons.

The United States is seriously considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington, sources told Reuters on Tuesday.

The United States is seriously considering suspending training for Turkish pilots on advanced F-35 fighter jets as Ankara moves ahead with plans to purchase a Russian missile defence system despite objections from Washington, sources told Reuters on Tuesday. The two NATO allies have argued for months over Turkey's order for the Russian S-400 defences, which Washington says are incompatible with the Western alliance's defence network and would pose a threat to American F-35 stealth fighters which Turkey also plans to buy. The two sources, who are familiar with Turkey's role in the F-35 program and who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a final decision had not yet been made. The deliberation follows signs that Turkey is moving ahead with the S-400 purchase. Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said on May 22 that Turkish military personnel were receiving training in Russia to use the S-400, and said Russian personnel may come to Turkey. Turkish pilots have also been training at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It was unclear whether a decision to suspend their training would mean they would have to leave the country or would be allowed to remain at the base until a final decision is made about Turkey's future in the F-35 program. The United States has said plainly that Turkey cannot have the S-400 and be part of the F-35 program. The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp. If Turkey was removed from the program, it would be one of the most significant ruptures in recent history in the relationship between the two allies, experts say. "Washington is signalling that while it would rather not break military ties with Turkey, it is ready to do so if Ankara does not change its mind regarding the S-400 purchase," said Soner Cagaptay, director of the Turkish program at the Washington Institute. Strains in ties between Washington and Ankara already extend beyond the F-35 to include conflicting strategy in Syria, Iran sanctions and the detention of US consular staff in Turkey. Done deal The Pentagon and State Department declined to comment on any deliberations about the pilots. But Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Mike Andrews noted discussions are taking place with Ankara on potentially buying the Patriot missile defence system. Andrews said the Patriot system, made by Raytheon Co., "remains a robust, NATO-interoperable alternative to the S-400 for (Turkey's) national defence requirements." On Monday, Turkish broadcaster Haberturk quoted Akar as saying in an interview that the delivery of the S-400 may not happen in June, when Turkey previously said the missiles were due to arrive. He added the agreement was a done deal, however. "They may not make it by June but they will come in the months ahead. The process has begun," he was quoted as saying. Objecting to Ankara's planned Russian defence purchase, the United States in late March halted delivery of equipment related to the F-35 to Turkey, which is both a buyer and a production partner in the program. The move was the first concrete step of what could eventually be the full removal of Turkey from the F-35 program. The United States has warned that if Turkey takes delivery of the Russian system, it will also trigger US sanctions under CATSAA, a law calling for sanctions against countries procuring military equipment from Russia. Turkey has said that as a NATO member it poses no threat to the United States and the sanctions should not apply. Ankara has also increasingly pinned its hopes on President Donald Trump to protect it from such penalties. US officials have called Turkey's planned purchase of the S-400 system "deeply problematic." Washington and other NATO allies that own F-35s fear the system's radar will learn how to spot and track the jet, making it less able to evade Russian weapons.

US may suspend training of Turkish pilots for F-35 jets over Russia missile deal

Jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called for Kurdish lawmakers and thousands of prisoners to end their hunger strike in a statement read by one of his lawyers on Sunday, 200 days after one MP launched the protest.

Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla Guven began a hunger strike in November to try to end Ocalan's isolation in prison by securing him regular access to his family and lawyers.

"Comrades who have committed themselves to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-join-protest-in-support-for-turkey-hunger-strikes-against-prison-conditions-of-kurdish-militant-leader-194856"> hunger strikes </a>and death fasts, I expect you to end your protest," Ocalan said in a statement read out at a news conference in Istanbul, four days after his lawyers visited him in jail.

Ocalan is the founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. He has been held in an island prison since Turkish special forces captured him in Kenya in 1999.

His lawyers visited him at the start of this month for the first time in nearly eight years and were allowed to hold talks with him again on Wednesday. A statement was scheduled to be made on behalf of Leyla Guven at 1000 GMT.

Ankara's decision to allow the resumption of visits comes a month ahead of an election re-run in Istanbul and has led to speculation that it could be a step towards a new peace process, four years after government talks with Ocalan fell apart.

Jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called for Kurdish lawmakers and thousands of prisoners to end their hunger strike in a statement read by one of his lawyers on Sunday, 200 days after one MP launched the protest.

Jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called for Kurdish lawmakers and thousands of prisoners to end their hunger strike in a statement read by one of his lawyers on Sunday, 200 days after one MP launched the protest. Pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) lawmaker Leyla Guven began a hunger strike in November to try to end Ocalan's isolation in prison by securing him regular access to his family and lawyers. "Comrades who have committed themselves to hunger strikes and death fasts, I expect you to end your protest," Ocalan said in a statement read out at a news conference in Istanbul, four days after his lawyers visited him in jail. Ocalan is the founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. He has been held in an island prison since Turkish special forces captured him in Kenya in 1999. His lawyers visited him at the start of this month for the first time in nearly eight years and were allowed to hold talks with him again on Wednesday. A statement was scheduled to be made on behalf of Leyla Guven at 1000 GMT. Ankara's decision to allow the resumption of visits comes a month ahead of an election re-run in Istanbul and has led to speculation that it could be a step towards a new peace process, four years after government talks with Ocalan fell apart.

Jailed Kurdish militant leader calls for end to hunger strike

Turkey has equipped an array of mainstream Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of weaponry to help them try to repel a major Russian-backed assault, senior opposition officials and rebel sources said on Saturday.

Russia is backing the Syrian army's large aerial and ground assault as it seeks to gain control of the last big stretch of rebel-held territory in the northwest of the country.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched the assault last month, saying rebels had breached an existing ceasefire, triggering a civilian exodus by bombarding Idlib and adjacent areas. It has been the biggest escalation since last summer between Assad and his enemies in Idlib province and a belt of territory around it.

Ankara stepped up supplies in recent days after failing to persuade Russia in recent meetings of a joint working group that it should end its escalation to avert a major influx of refugees pouring into Turkey, two senior opposition figures said.

In doing so Turkey signalled its readiness to preserve its influence in northwestern Syria, where it has beefed up its troop presence in a dozen military bases that were set up under a de-escalation deal with Russia, a senior rebel commander said.

Turkish officials were not immediately available to comment.

Overnight, a Turkish military convoy arrived at a base in northern Hama near rebel-held Jabal al-Zawiya, where Russian and Syrian jets have been pounding for weeks, a rebel and a witness said.

The delivery of dozens of armoured vehicles, Grad rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and so-called TOW missiles, helped roll back some Syrian army gains and retake the strategically located town of Kfar Nabouda, one senior opposition figure said.

The TOW missile had been the most potent weapon in the arsenal of rebel groups battling Assad during the conflict. It was extended by Western and Arab foes of Assad until a CIA-led programme of military support to help moderate rebels was suspended in 2017.

A Western intelligence source said Washington had given a "green light" for the Turkey-backed mainstream rebels to use the TOW missiles, which had been in storage in the latest campaign.

Washington, which has criticised Russia's latest campaign and urged a ceasefire, also said it saw signs that Assad has used poison gas in the latest offensive and warned that it would respond "quickly and appropriately" if this were proven.

Assad has denied such allegations throughout the war.

A spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF), Captain Naji Mustafa, did not confirm or deny any new supplies by Turkey, saying rebels had long had a big arsenal of weapons from anti-tank to armoured vehicles "alongside material and logistical support by our Turkish brothers".

The retreat from Kfar Nabouda was upset to a Russian goal of a speedy military campaign to gain another slice of heavily populated Idlib province.

In the last 24 hours, the Syrian army has been sending large troop reinforcements ahead of opening a new front, a source in touch with Syrian army commanders told Reuters.

The Syrian army said on Saturday it continued to intensify its attacks on what it called terrorist hideouts in the northwest.

A Turkey backed-rebel grouping called the National Army, which operates in northwestern border areas near Turkey, has been allowed to join mainstream rebel factions along the frontlines.

"Large numbers of our fighters have joined with all their weapons to repel the assault," said Major Youssef Hamoud, their spokesman.

The rebels' readiness to put aside differences that once led to bloody internecine fighting has united jihadists and mainstream rebels for the first time in years.

Watch:&nbsp;Russian army says Syrian forces have called a ceasefire in Idlib

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Turkey has equipped an array of mainstream Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of weaponry to help them try to repel a major Russian-backed assault, senior opposition officials and rebel sources said on Saturday.

Turkey has equipped an array of mainstream Syrian rebels it backs with fresh supplies of weaponry to help them try to repel a major Russian-backed assault, senior opposition officials and rebel sources said on Saturday. Russia is backing the Syrian army's large aerial and ground assault as it seeks to gain control of the last big stretch of rebel-held territory in the northwest of the country. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad launched the assault last month, saying rebels had breached an existing ceasefire, triggering a civilian exodus by bombarding Idlib and adjacent areas. It has been the biggest escalation since last summer between Assad and his enemies in Idlib province and a belt of territory around it. Ankara stepped up supplies in recent days after failing to persuade Russia in recent meetings of a joint working group that it should end its escalation to avert a major influx of refugees pouring into Turkey, two senior opposition figures said. In doing so Turkey signalled its readiness to preserve its influence in northwestern Syria, where it has beefed up its troop presence in a dozen military bases that were set up under a de-escalation deal with Russia, a senior rebel commander said. Turkish officials were not immediately available to comment. Overnight, a Turkish military convoy arrived at a base in northern Hama near rebel-held Jabal al-Zawiya, where Russian and Syrian jets have been pounding for weeks, a rebel and a witness said. The delivery of dozens of armoured vehicles, Grad rocket launchers, anti-tank guided missiles and so-called TOW missiles, helped roll back some Syrian army gains and retake the strategically located town of Kfar Nabouda, one senior opposition figure said. The TOW missile had been the most potent weapon in the arsenal of rebel groups battling Assad during the conflict. It was extended by Western and Arab foes of Assad until a CIA-led programme of military support to help moderate rebels was suspended in 2017. A Western intelligence source said Washington had given a "green light" for the Turkey-backed mainstream rebels to use the TOW missiles, which had been in storage in the latest campaign. Washington, which has criticised Russia's latest campaign and urged a ceasefire, also said it saw signs that Assad has used poison gas in the latest offensive and warned that it would respond "quickly and appropriately" if this were proven. Assad has denied such allegations throughout the war. A spokesman for the Turkey-backed National Liberation Front (NLF), Captain Naji Mustafa, did not confirm or deny any new supplies by Turkey, saying rebels had long had a big arsenal of weapons from anti-tank to armoured vehicles "alongside material and logistical support by our Turkish brothers". The retreat from Kfar Nabouda was upset to a Russian goal of a speedy military campaign to gain another slice of heavily populated Idlib province. In the last 24 hours, the Syrian army has been sending large troop reinforcements ahead of opening a new front, a source in touch with Syrian army commanders told Reuters. The Syrian army said on Saturday it continued to intensify its attacks on what it called terrorist hideouts in the northwest. A Turkey backed-rebel grouping called the National Army, which operates in northwestern border areas near Turkey, has been allowed to join mainstream rebel factions along the frontlines. "Large numbers of our fighters have joined with all their weapons to repel the assault," said Major Youssef Hamoud, their spokesman. The rebels' readiness to put aside differences that once led to bloody internecine fighting has united jihadists and mainstream rebels for the first time in years. Watch: Russian army says Syrian forces have called a ceasefire in Idlib ×

Turkey sends weapons to Syrian rebels facing Russian-backed assault

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey and Russia would jointly produce S-500 defence systems after Ankara's controversial purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Moscow.

Turkey's push to buy the S-400s has further strained already tense relations with the United States which has repeatedly warned Ankara of the risks including sanctions as a result of the purchase.

"There is absolutely no question of (Turkey) taking a step back from the S-400s purchase. That is a done deal," Erdogan said in Istanbul.

"There will be joint production of the S-500 after the S-400," Erdogan told an audience of young people asking questions.

Ties between NATO allies Turkey and the US have frayed over multiple issues including American support for a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Ankara and the US failure to extradite a Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 coup attempt against Erdogan.

Washington says the deal with Moscow is a threat to Western defence and in April suspended deliveries of the F-35 stealth fighter jet to Turkey in a bid to halt the purchase.

Turkish pilots are in the US receiving training on the F-35s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Turkey is expected to buy 100 of the jets in total.

Erdogan said Turkey conducted technical studies amid US concerns over the compatibility of the S-400s and the F-35s but found there were no issues.

He also insisted "sooner or later" Turkey would receive the F-35 jets.

Despite the threat of sanctions, Erdogan repeated that the S-400s were expected to be delivered in July, "but this could be brought forward", he added.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey and Russia would jointly produce S-500 defence systems after Ankara's controversial purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Moscow.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said Turkey and Russia would jointly produce S-500 defence systems after Ankara's controversial purchase of the S-400 missile defence system from Moscow. Turkey's push to buy the S-400s has further strained already tense relations with the United States which has repeatedly warned Ankara of the risks including sanctions as a result of the purchase. "There is absolutely no question of (Turkey) taking a step back from the S-400s purchase. That is a done deal," Erdogan said in Istanbul. "There will be joint production of the S-500 after the S-400," Erdogan told an audience of young people asking questions. Ties between NATO allies Turkey and the US have frayed over multiple issues including American support for a Syrian Kurdish militia viewed as terrorists by Ankara and the US failure to extradite a Muslim preacher blamed for the 2016 coup attempt against Erdogan. Washington says the deal with Moscow is a threat to Western defence and in April suspended deliveries of the F-35 stealth fighter jet to Turkey in a bid to halt the purchase. Turkish pilots are in the US receiving training on the F-35s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Turkey is expected to buy 100 of the jets in total. Erdogan said Turkey conducted technical studies amid US concerns over the compatibility of the S-400s and the F-35s but found there were no issues. He also insisted "sooner or later" Turkey would receive the F-35 jets. Despite the threat of sanctions, Erdogan repeated that the S-400s were expected to be delivered in July, "but this could be brought forward", he added.

Turkey says to produce S-500s with Russia after S-400 missile deal

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggis-killing-a-murder-that-shook-2018-186106"> journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey </a>last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime.

"I cannot understand that the world still has not done anything about this," Cengiz told a US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, speaking in Turkish through an interpreter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-other-journalists-are-named-time-magazines-person-of-the-year-183310">Jamal Khashoggi is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year'</a>

"I still cannot make human sense of it. I still cannot understand. I still feel that I`ll wake up," she said in emotional testimony to a hearing on international press freedom and the dangers of reporting on human rights.

Cengiz was the last person to see Khashoggi, a US&nbsp;resident and columnist for the Washington Post, before he went into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2 to obtain papers for their upcoming marriage.

He never left the building.

The Saudi journalist, a royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by a team of Saudi operatives, provoking international revulsion.

"We still don`t know why he was killed. We don`t know where his corpse is," Cengiz said. She called for sanctions to punish Saudi Arabia and for Washington to push for the freedom of political prisoners held in the kingdom.

US authorities have concluded that responsibility for Khashoggi`s death went to the highest levels of the Saudi government. Riyadh denies the crown prince was involved.

Cengiz said she came to Washington hoping to help provoke a stronger reaction to her fiance` s death. She said President Donald Trump invited her to the White House months earlier, but that she had not come then because she was not confident about his response.

"I think we choose between two things ...," Cengiz told the subcommittee. "We can either go on as if nothing has happened ... or we can act, we can leave aside all interests, international interests and politics, and focus on the values for a better life."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, Trump has resisted imposing consequences such as strong sanctions. Saudi Arabia is considered an important partner in the Middle East and a counterweight to Iran.

Calling the United States "a fortress" protecting freedom of thought and human rights, Cengiz appealed for justice. 
"I think it is a test for the United States and I believe it is a test that it can and should pass," she said.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime.

Hatice Cengiz, the fiance of Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered at a Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey last year, said on Thursday she could not believe that no one has yet faced serious consequences for the crime. "I cannot understand that the world still has not done anything about this," Cengiz told a US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs subcommittee, speaking in Turkish through an interpreter. Also read: Jamal Khashoggi is Time magazine's 'Person of the Year' "I still cannot make human sense of it. I still cannot understand. I still feel that I`ll wake up," she said in emotional testimony to a hearing on international press freedom and the dangers of reporting on human rights. Cengiz was the last person to see Khashoggi, a US resident and columnist for the Washington Post, before he went into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain papers for their upcoming marriage. He never left the building. The Saudi journalist, a royal insider who became a critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by a team of Saudi operatives, provoking international revulsion. "We still don`t know why he was killed. We don`t know where his corpse is," Cengiz said. She called for sanctions to punish Saudi Arabia and for Washington to push for the freedom of political prisoners held in the kingdom. US authorities have concluded that responsibility for Khashoggi`s death went to the highest levels of the Saudi government. Riyadh denies the crown prince was involved. Cengiz said she came to Washington hoping to help provoke a stronger reaction to her fiance` s death. She said President Donald Trump invited her to the White House months earlier, but that she had not come then because she was not confident about his response. "I think we choose between two things ...," Cengiz told the subcommittee. "We can either go on as if nothing has happened ... or we can act, we can leave aside all interests, international interests and politics, and focus on the values for a better life." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In the past, Trump has resisted imposing consequences such as strong sanctions. Saudi Arabia is considered an important partner in the Middle East and a counterweight to Iran. Calling the United States "a fortress" protecting freedom of thought and human rights, Cengiz appealed for justice. "I think it is a test for the United States and I believe it is a test that it can and should pass," she said.

'The world still has not done anything,' says slain Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's fiance

China has called on Turkey to support its fight against militants operating in China`s restive far western region of Xinjiang, following criticism from Turkey about rights in a part of China heavily populated by a Turkic, mostly Muslim people.

China has faced growing international opprobrium for setting up what it calls vocation training centres to combat extremism in Xinjiang, home to the Uighur people, which many Western countries view as internment camps.

Turkey is the only Muslim nation which has regularly expressed concern about the situation in Xinjiang, including in February at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/human-rights-must-be-upheld-in-fight-against-extremism-un-chief-guterres-to-china-214664">UN Human Rights Council</a>, to China`s anger.

Meeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-turkey-agree-to-boost-trade-investment-ties-217153">Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal</a> in Beijing, the Chinese government`s top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi said that China sets great store on its ties with Turkey, China`s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Thursday.

China "has always respected Turkey`s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports the efforts of the Turkish side to safeguard national security and stability", the ministry paraphrased Wang as saying.&nbsp;

"It is hoped that the Turkish side can also earnestly respect China`s core interests in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and support China`s efforts to combat the `East Turkistan` terrorist forces and safeguard the overall situation of the strategic cooperation between the two countries."

China blames a group called the East Turkistan Islamic Movement for many of the attacks in recent years in Xinjiang. But many diplomats and foreign experts have cast doubt on whether the group exists in any coherent form.

The Foreign Ministry cited Onal as saying that Turkey supports China`s efforts to safeguard national unity and combat "terrorist forces" and is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation with China.

Hundreds have died in unrest in recent years in Xinjiang.

Beijing says its de-radicalisation efforts in Xinjiang have brought unprecedented stability, pointing to a lack of violence in the past two years or so.

China has called on Turkey to support its fight against militants operating in China`s restive far western region of Xinjiang, following criticism from Turkey about rights in a part of China heavily populated by a Turkic, mostly Muslim people.

China has called on Turkey to support its fight against militants operating in China`s restive far western region of Xinjiang, following criticism from Turkey about rights in a part of China heavily populated by a Turkic, mostly Muslim people. China has faced growing international opprobrium for setting up what it calls vocation training centres to combat extremism in Xinjiang, home to the Uighur people, which many Western countries view as internment camps. Turkey is the only Muslim nation which has regularly expressed concern about the situation in Xinjiang, including in February at the UN Human Rights Council, to China`s anger. Meeting Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Sedat Onal in Beijing, the Chinese government`s top diplomat State Councillor Wang Yi said that China sets great store on its ties with Turkey, China`s Foreign Ministry said in a statement late on Thursday. China "has always respected Turkey`s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and supports the efforts of the Turkish side to safeguard national security and stability", the ministry paraphrased Wang as saying. "It is hoped that the Turkish side can also earnestly respect China`s core interests in safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and support China`s efforts to combat the `East Turkistan` terrorist forces and safeguard the overall situation of the strategic cooperation between the two countries." China blames a group called the East Turkistan Islamic Movement for many of the attacks in recent years in Xinjiang. But many diplomats and foreign experts have cast doubt on whether the group exists in any coherent form. The Foreign Ministry cited Onal as saying that Turkey supports China`s efforts to safeguard national unity and combat "terrorist forces" and is willing to deepen pragmatic cooperation with China. Hundreds have died in unrest in recent years in Xinjiang. Beijing says its de-radicalisation efforts in Xinjiang have brought unprecedented stability, pointing to a lack of violence in the past two years or so.

China tells Turkey to support its fight against Uighur militants

Fleeing the violence in their war-torn country, more and more Afghan refugees are choosing to settle down in Turkey, including businessmen and entrepreneurs who have made significant investments in the economy, thanks in part to new incentives.

Afghan refugee entrepreneurs thrive in Turkey

When Afghan businessman Haji Yakup Burhan fled the violence of his home country 30 years ago, he brought with him his family -- and all his money.

He headed to Saudi Arabia, where he opened a restaurant but, as refugees, his children had difficulty getting into a school. Then he moved to the United Arab Emirates, but Dubai's costs seemed impossible.

So, two years ago, he moved to Turkey and opened a restaurant in Istanbul's Esenyurt neighbourhood, taking advantage of the country’s relatively open business environment for refugees.

"I have 15 people working for me in this restaurant. They are Afghans, Iranians and Turks.&nbsp;

"I have invested about $120,000 (107,000 euros) in this restaurant so far," Burhan, 52, told AFP at his Afghan Kebab establishment.

"Over 60 per cent of our customers are Afghans living here. The rest are Arabs, Iranians and Turks," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/iran-has-suffered-from-terrorists-operating-from-pakistan-imran-khan-to-president-rouhani-212892">Afghan refugee </a>entrepreneurs appear to be increasingly finding success in Turkey, where they bring to the local economy, not only their savings but sought-after know-how, whether in restaurants, commerce or skilled crafts and specialities.

In turn, Turkey offers refugees simplified administrative procedures for setting up a new business.

Turkey hosts nearly four million refugees, with Syrians making up the largest group, but Afghans number more than 145,000, according to Amnesty International figures released last year.

Some people in Turkey view refugees as a burden, but a different picture emerges in Burhan's bustling Istanbul suburb, where refugees like him have made a significant investment in the Turkish economy.

Citizenship investment&nbsp;

Inside Burhan's restaurant, a TV blares Afghan channels showing Turkish soap operas over the hum of customers eating the popular Afghan dish Qabeli Palaw -- rice with lamb meat and mixed with caramelised carrots, raisins and almond slivers.&nbsp;

"We are the only Afghan restaurant in this neighbourhood for now," he told AFP, sitting cross-legged on a mattress, sipping green tea. &nbsp;

To attract more investment at a time when the Turkish economy was struggling last year, the government in September slashed from $1 million to $250,000 the threshold at which Turkish citizenship is offered to foreigners buying the property.

It sparked an 82-per cent increase in foreigners buying real estate in the first quarter of this year, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) said.

Afghans likely account for a small percentage of this hike -- precise figures are unavailable -- but not all those fleeing the war-ravaged country are destitute.

Mehmet Yasin Hamidi, an Afghan who runs the Royalist real-estate agency in Beylikduzu, on Istanbul's outskirts, told AFP that their sales of homes had doubled this year compared to the same period last year.

"People cannot protect their lives and money in Afghanistan," Hamidi, who has lots of Afghans among his clients, said.

"If you have money, you or your children could get kidnapped. The businessmen are threatened there. That is why they bring their money here."

Rare skills&nbsp;

Construction of new housing has exploded in Beylikduzu in recent years to meet the growing demand for real estate investment by foreigners. &nbsp;

The Association of Housing Developers and Investors says that foreigners bought $4.6 billion of Turkish property in 2018 and the figure is expected to jump to $10 billion this year.&nbsp;

Many refugees arriving in Turkey bring with them diverse skills and experience that allow them to make a contribution to the country's workforce.

Hadi Ekhlas, an engraver from Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic group, left the war-torn nation eight years ago. He first went to neighbouring Pakistan to sell his skills.

He then moved to Turkey, where he now engraves Islamic and Ottoman scripts on gemstone rings and semi-precious stones -- a skill he learned from his grandfather -- in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets.

"In the past, some Turkish traders would import stones with engravings from other countries, but now I am making them here and taking orders," Ekhlas told AFP.

Ekhlas has a Turkish partner, who helps him with marketing, and runs one of the 42 Afghan shops in the Grand Bazaar.

"I plan to expand my business in the near future. I'd also like to teach my skills to other Turks here," he said.

In another corner of the Grand Bazaar, Khalil Nuri, an expert Afghan jeweller, sells rings, necklaces, pendants -- just about anything that can be found in Kabul's many curiosity shops.

"I am a jeweller and an expert in handicrafts and I wanted to continue my profession here," said Nuri, who fled Afghanistan and has been doing business for the past 12 years in Istanbul.

Meanwhile, Burhan said that he hoped his business continued to do well "because there are a lot of Afghans living here".

"There are also people who want to give the taste of Afghan cuisine a try."

When Afghan businessman Haji Yakup Burhan fled the violence of his home country 30 years ago, he brought with him his family -- and all his money. He headed to Saudi Arabia, where he opened a restaurant but, as refugees, his children had difficulty getting into a school.

When Afghan businessman Haji Yakup Burhan fled the violence of his home country 30 years ago, he brought with him his family -- and all his money. He headed to Saudi Arabia, where he opened a restaurant but, as refugees, his children had difficulty getting into a school. Then he moved to the United Arab Emirates, but Dubai's costs seemed impossible. So, two years ago, he moved to Turkey and opened a restaurant in Istanbul's Esenyurt neighbourhood, taking advantage of the country’s relatively open business environment for refugees. "I have 15 people working for me in this restaurant. They are Afghans, Iranians and Turks. "I have invested about $120,000 (107,000 euros) in this restaurant so far," Burhan, 52, told AFP at his Afghan Kebab establishment. "Over 60 per cent of our customers are Afghans living here. The rest are Arabs, Iranians and Turks," he said. Afghan refugee entrepreneurs appear to be increasingly finding success in Turkey, where they bring to the local economy, not only their savings but sought-after know-how, whether in restaurants, commerce or skilled crafts and specialities. In turn, Turkey offers refugees simplified administrative procedures for setting up a new business. Turkey hosts nearly four million refugees, with Syrians making up the largest group, but Afghans number more than 145,000, according to Amnesty International figures released last year. Some people in Turkey view refugees as a burden, but a different picture emerges in Burhan's bustling Istanbul suburb, where refugees like him have made a significant investment in the Turkish economy. Citizenship investment Inside Burhan's restaurant, a TV blares Afghan channels showing Turkish soap operas over the hum of customers eating the popular Afghan dish Qabeli Palaw -- rice with lamb meat and mixed with caramelised carrots, raisins and almond slivers. "We are the only Afghan restaurant in this neighbourhood for now," he told AFP, sitting cross-legged on a mattress, sipping green tea. To attract more investment at a time when the Turkish economy was struggling last year, the government in September slashed from $1 million to $250,000 the threshold at which Turkish citizenship is offered to foreigners buying the property. It sparked an 82-per cent increase in foreigners buying real estate in the first quarter of this year, the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK) said. Afghans likely account for a small percentage of this hike -- precise figures are unavailable -- but not all those fleeing the war-ravaged country are destitute. Mehmet Yasin Hamidi, an Afghan who runs the Royalist real-estate agency in Beylikduzu, on Istanbul's outskirts, told AFP that their sales of homes had doubled this year compared to the same period last year. "People cannot protect their lives and money in Afghanistan," Hamidi, who has lots of Afghans among his clients, said. "If you have money, you or your children could get kidnapped. The businessmen are threatened there. That is why they bring their money here." Rare skills Construction of new housing has exploded in Beylikduzu in recent years to meet the growing demand for real estate investment by foreigners. The Association of Housing Developers and Investors says that foreigners bought $4.6 billion of Turkish property in 2018 and the figure is expected to jump to $10 billion this year. Many refugees arriving in Turkey bring with them diverse skills and experience that allow them to make a contribution to the country's workforce. Hadi Ekhlas, an engraver from Afghanistan's Hazara ethnic group, left the war-torn nation eight years ago. He first went to neighbouring Pakistan to sell his skills. He then moved to Turkey, where he now engraves Islamic and Ottoman scripts on gemstone rings and semi-precious stones -- a skill he learned from his grandfather -- in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets. "In the past, some Turkish traders would import stones with engravings from other countries, but now I am making them here and taking orders," Ekhlas told AFP. Ekhlas has a Turkish partner, who helps him with marketing, and runs one of the 42 Afghan shops in the Grand Bazaar. "I plan to expand my business in the near future. I'd also like to teach my skills to other Turks here," he said. In another corner of the Grand Bazaar, Khalil Nuri, an expert Afghan jeweller, sells rings, necklaces, pendants -- just about anything that can be found in Kabul's many curiosity shops. "I am a jeweller and an expert in handicrafts and I wanted to continue my profession here," said Nuri, who fled Afghanistan and has been doing business for the past 12 years in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Burhan said that he hoped his business continued to do well "because there are a lot of Afghans living here". "There are also people who want to give the taste of Afghan cuisine a try."

Turkey`s main opposition party said on Wednesday it had formally requested the annulment of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-opens-turkeys-largest-mosque-215827">President Tayyip Erdogan`s</a> mandate because the same flaws his AK Party alleged in the city`s March 31 mayoral vote occurred in last year`s national elections.

The Republican People`s Party (CHP) also said votes for Istanbul officials and councils, submitted in the same envelopes as the mayoral election, should be cancelled if the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-election-body-orders-istanbul-vote-re-run-after-erdogans-akp-defeat-216530">mayoral vote is re-run</a>. The AK Party (AKP) won a majority in the councils.

After weeks of appeals by the AKP and their nationalist MHP allies, Turkey`s High Election Board (YSK) ruled on Monday for a re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election, which was dramatically won by the CHP`s Ekrem Imamoglu with a razor-thin majority.

It was the first time in 25 years that the AKP or its Islamist predecessors had failed to win control of Istanbul, Turkey`s largest city with a budget of close to $4 billion. Erdogan launched his own political career as Istanbul mayor.

In its ruling, which also annulled Imamoglu`s mandate, the YSK cited irregularities in the appointment of polling station officials. Erdogan`s party said the fact that individuals who were not public servants had been appointed to the polling stations amounted to organised crime.

However, the YSK left results for district administrators, municipal councils and local officials unchanged, a decision which the CHP said was nonsense because all four votes were cast in the same envelopes and counted by the same polling officials.

"If you`re revoking Ekrem Imamoglu`s mandate ... then you must also annul President Erdogan`s mandate because the same laws, same regulations, same applications, same polling stations and conditions were present in both elections," CHP Deputy Chairman Muharrem Erkek told reporters.

"Why are you not cancelling the results that came out of the same envelopes?" he said.

A video posted on the AKP`s Twitter account said the YSK had not ruled that all the elections must be re-run in Istanbul because the number of "suspicious" votes it had identified would not affect the outcome of the district council polls.

In his first comments after the YSK`s decision, Erdogan said on Tuesday that the elections had been marred by "organised irregularity".

The United States, which has had tetchy relations with Erdogan, issued a statement on the re-run, saying that "we, like other friends of Turkey, take note of this extraordinary decision".

"Turkey has a long, proud democratic tradition. We urge Turkish authorities to carry out this election in keeping with its laws, and in a manner that is consistent with its OSCE commitments, its status as a NATO ally, and its aspirations for membership in the European Union," the statement from State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said.&nbsp;

DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT?

Asked about the ruling, Imamoglu said democracy was the victim.

"The municipal council, crystal clear. The local officials, great. The district administrators, also okay. But the mayoral, there is an issue there," he told

Turkey`s Fox TV late on Tuesday. "When Ekrem Imamoglu wins as mayor, you complain of irregularities. How can this be in line with anyone`s morals?" 
Imamoglu is portraying the election re-run as a battle for democracy in Turkey, maintaining since Monday`s ruling the upbeat and defiant tone of his original election campaign.

In a video interview with online newspaper T24 broadcast on Wednesday, Imamoglu said he did not expect the election board to accept the CHP`s request.

Responding to his appeal for support in a fiery speech after the announcement, around a million people including several prominent artists have used the hashtag #HerSeyCokGuzelOlacak (Everything Will be Alright) to show their solidarity.&nbsp;

The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), representing Turkey`s top lawyers, has said the YSK`s ruling had no legal basis and demanded that it publish a detailed justification.

The YSK has yet to set out its reasoning, which it is legally obliged to do. It was also not immediately clear when it would rule on the CHP`s appeal.&nbsp;

CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Tuesday accused the YSK of betraying voters` trust, saying the seven members who voted in favour of the re-run were "gang members" who bowed to the wishes of the AKP.

State-owned Anadolu news agency quoted the YSK on Wednesday as condemning Kilicdaroglu`s comments, saying he should not be allowed to insult members of the judiciary.

Challenges to the election results have unnerved financial markets and put pressure on the already ailing lira, which tumbled to its weakest level since October after the YSK scrapped the vote.&nbsp;

The lira stood at 6.1830 against the dollar at 1451 GMT on Wednesday, as investors questioned Turkey`s commitment to both the rule of law and economic reforms during a recession.

"The elections will be repeated in Istanbul, but they will be felt across the whole country," the TBB said in its statement.

Turkey`s main opposition party said on Wednesday it had formally requested the annulment of President Tayyip Erdogan`s mandate because the same flaws his AK Party alleged in the city`s March 31 mayoral vote occurred in last year`s national elections.

Turkey`s main opposition party said on Wednesday it had formally requested the annulment of President Tayyip Erdogan`s mandate because the same flaws his AK Party alleged in the city`s March 31 mayoral vote occurred in last year`s national elections. The Republican People`s Party (CHP) also said votes for Istanbul officials and councils, submitted in the same envelopes as the mayoral election, should be cancelled if the mayoral vote is re-run. The AK Party (AKP) won a majority in the councils. After weeks of appeals by the AKP and their nationalist MHP allies, Turkey`s High Election Board (YSK) ruled on Monday for a re-run of the Istanbul mayoral election, which was dramatically won by the CHP`s Ekrem Imamoglu with a razor-thin majority. It was the first time in 25 years that the AKP or its Islamist predecessors had failed to win control of Istanbul, Turkey`s largest city with a budget of close to $4 billion. Erdogan launched his own political career as Istanbul mayor. In its ruling, which also annulled Imamoglu`s mandate, the YSK cited irregularities in the appointment of polling station officials. Erdogan`s party said the fact that individuals who were not public servants had been appointed to the polling stations amounted to organised crime. However, the YSK left results for district administrators, municipal councils and local officials unchanged, a decision which the CHP said was nonsense because all four votes were cast in the same envelopes and counted by the same polling officials. "If you`re revoking Ekrem Imamoglu`s mandate ... then you must also annul President Erdogan`s mandate because the same laws, same regulations, same applications, same polling stations and conditions were present in both elections," CHP Deputy Chairman Muharrem Erkek told reporters. "Why are you not cancelling the results that came out of the same envelopes?" he said. A video posted on the AKP`s Twitter account said the YSK had not ruled that all the elections must be re-run in Istanbul because the number of "suspicious" votes it had identified would not affect the outcome of the district council polls. In his first comments after the YSK`s decision, Erdogan said on Tuesday that the elections had been marred by "organised irregularity". The United States, which has had tetchy relations with Erdogan, issued a statement on the re-run, saying that "we, like other friends of Turkey, take note of this extraordinary decision". "Turkey has a long, proud democratic tradition. We urge Turkish authorities to carry out this election in keeping with its laws, and in a manner that is consistent with its OSCE commitments, its status as a NATO ally, and its aspirations for membership in the European Union," the statement from State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said. DEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT? Asked about the ruling, Imamoglu said democracy was the victim. "The municipal council, crystal clear. The local officials, great. The district administrators, also okay. But the mayoral, there is an issue there," he told Turkey`s Fox TV late on Tuesday. "When Ekrem Imamoglu wins as mayor, you complain of irregularities. How can this be in line with anyone`s morals?" Imamoglu is portraying the election re-run as a battle for democracy in Turkey, maintaining since Monday`s ruling the upbeat and defiant tone of his original election campaign. In a video interview with online newspaper T24 broadcast on Wednesday, Imamoglu said he did not expect the election board to accept the CHP`s request. Responding to his appeal for support in a fiery speech after the announcement, around a million people including several prominent artists have used the hashtag #HerSeyCokGuzelOlacak (Everything Will be Alright) to show their solidarity. The Union of Turkish Bar Associations (TBB), representing Turkey`s top lawyers, has said the YSK`s ruling had no legal basis and demanded that it publish a detailed justification. The YSK has yet to set out its reasoning, which it is legally obliged to do. It was also not immediately clear when it would rule on the CHP`s appeal. CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu on Tuesday accused the YSK of betraying voters` trust, saying the seven members who voted in favour of the re-run were "gang members" who bowed to the wishes of the AKP. State-owned Anadolu news agency quoted the YSK on Wednesday as condemning Kilicdaroglu`s comments, saying he should not be allowed to insult members of the judiciary. Challenges to the election results have unnerved financial markets and put pressure on the already ailing lira, which tumbled to its weakest level since October after the YSK scrapped the vote. The lira stood at 6.1830 against the dollar at 1451 GMT on Wednesday, as investors questioned Turkey`s commitment to both the rule of law and economic reforms during a recession. "The elections will be repeated in Istanbul, but they will be felt across the whole country," the TBB said in its statement.

Turkish opposition: Erdogan's mandate must also be revoked if Istanbul poll annulled

The Turkey's election board has ordered rerun for Istanbul mayor. Watch full video to know more.

Turkey orders re-election for Istanbul Mayor

Turkey's top election body ordered a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkish-president-tayyip-erdogan-signals-he-backs-re-run-of-contested-istanbul-vote-215937">re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election</a> on Monday after the party of President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/erdogan-opens-turkeys-largest-mosque-215827">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> complained about its shock <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-vows-to-confront-opponents-inside-party-after-vote-loss-213918">defeat in the vote</a>, the state news agency reported.&nbsp;

The winner of the election, Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said it was a "treacherous decision" and vowed to fight on.&nbsp;

"They are trying to take back the election we won. Maybe you are upset but never lose your hope," he told thousands of supporters on the outskirts of Istanbul following the ruling.&nbsp;

Imamoglu narrowly defeated the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the March 31 local elections to take control of Turkey's biggest city.&nbsp;

It was a rare electoral defeat for Erdogan, himself a former mayor of the city, which has been in the hands of the AKP and its predecessors for 25 years.&nbsp;

But the AKP has refused to accept defeat, saying there were "irregularities and corruption" in the vote.&nbsp;

Imamoglu won by just 13,000 votes but was confirmed after two weeks of recounts in April.&nbsp;

The soft-spoken former district mayor had vowed to heal political divisions and reach across party lines.&nbsp;

But Istanbul, with 16 million residents, is Turkey's economic engine and controls a major chunk of public spending.

Erdogan once said winning Istanbul was like winning the entire country.

The loss of the mayorship in Istanbul, along with a more resounding defeat in the capital Ankara, reflected widespread concern over the deteriorating economy.&nbsp;

'Downright dictatorship'

The CHP, which had previously called Erdogan a "bad loser", said it was holding an emergency meeting after the election body's announcement.

The party's deputy chair, Onursal Adiguzel, who represents Istanbul in the national assembly, said the ruling was "neither democratic nor legitimate".&nbsp;

"Going to the polls against the AKP is allowed, but winning is forbidden... This is downright dictatorship," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Imamoglu said he would travel to Ankara on Tuesday to meet with party leaders.&nbsp;

"I dont even know what to say. The lawlessness is so obvious," a female supporter told AFP ahead of his speech in Istanbul.&nbsp;

"If there is no rule of law... they will trigger a civil war."

The defeated mayoral candidate, former prime minister Binali Yildirim, said he hoped the re-run would "be beneficial for our city".&nbsp;

Erdogan presented the local elections as a matter of national survival, campaigning heavily even though he was not running himself.

For his supporters, Erdogan remains the strong leader that Turkey needs as it faces internal and international security threats -- while also speaking for religiously conservative Turks who have felt sidelined.

His critics say he has undermined the rule of law with a sweeping crackdown on dissent and sewn division by portraying his opponents as enemies of the state.

The AKP still won the most seats nationwide in the local elections, but it has been damaged by Turkey's first recession in a decade, as well as record-high inflation and a currency that has lost more than 12 per cent of its value against the dollar this year alone.&nbsp;

The party did not request a re-run of the election for the Istanbul local assembly, in which it won a majority of seats.

Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on Monday after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported.

Turkey's top election body ordered a re-run of Istanbul's mayoral election on Monday after the party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan complained about its shock defeat in the vote, the state news agency reported. The winner of the election, Ekrem Imamoglu of the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), said it was a "treacherous decision" and vowed to fight on. "They are trying to take back the election we won. Maybe you are upset but never lose your hope," he told thousands of supporters on the outskirts of Istanbul following the ruling. Imamoglu narrowly defeated the candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in the March 31 local elections to take control of Turkey's biggest city. It was a rare electoral defeat for Erdogan, himself a former mayor of the city, which has been in the hands of the AKP and its predecessors for 25 years. But the AKP has refused to accept defeat, saying there were "irregularities and corruption" in the vote. Imamoglu won by just 13,000 votes but was confirmed after two weeks of recounts in April. The soft-spoken former district mayor had vowed to heal political divisions and reach across party lines. But Istanbul, with 16 million residents, is Turkey's economic engine and controls a major chunk of public spending. Erdogan once said winning Istanbul was like winning the entire country. The loss of the mayorship in Istanbul, along with a more resounding defeat in the capital Ankara, reflected widespread concern over the deteriorating economy. 'Downright dictatorship' The CHP, which had previously called Erdogan a "bad loser", said it was holding an emergency meeting after the election body's announcement. The party's deputy chair, Onursal Adiguzel, who represents Istanbul in the national assembly, said the ruling was "neither democratic nor legitimate". "Going to the polls against the AKP is allowed, but winning is forbidden... This is downright dictatorship," he tweeted. Imamoglu said he would travel to Ankara on Tuesday to meet with party leaders. "I dont even know what to say. The lawlessness is so obvious," a female supporter told AFP ahead of his speech in Istanbul. "If there is no rule of law... they will trigger a civil war." The defeated mayoral candidate, former prime minister Binali Yildirim, said he hoped the re-run would "be beneficial for our city". Erdogan presented the local elections as a matter of national survival, campaigning heavily even though he was not running himself. For his supporters, Erdogan remains the strong leader that Turkey needs as it faces internal and international security threats -- while also speaking for religiously conservative Turks who have felt sidelined. His critics say he has undermined the rule of law with a sweeping crackdown on dissent and sewn division by portraying his opponents as enemies of the state. The AKP still won the most seats nationwide in the local elections, but it has been damaged by Turkey's first recession in a decade, as well as record-high inflation and a currency that has lost more than 12 per cent of its value against the dollar this year alone. The party did not request a re-run of the election for the Istanbul local assembly, in which it won a majority of seats.

Turkey election body orders Istanbul vote re-run after Erdogan's AKP defeat

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-not-distancing-itself-from-nato-with-russian-missiles-deal-minister-215689">Turkey on Sunday dismissed US threats</a> of sanctions if it went ahead with a Russian missile purchase, saying it would not renege on a pledge to Moscow.

Washington has warned its NATO ally for months that Ankara's adoption of Russian S-400 missile technology alongside US F-35 fighters would pose a threat to the jets and endanger Western defence.

The US has said it will halt a joint F-35 programme with Turkey if it acquires the Russian missile defence system. A US law furthermore provides for sanctions on any country concluding arms deals with Russian companies.

"The US threats of sanctions shows that they don't know Turkey," Vice President Fuat Oktay told Kanal 7 television.

"The decision on the S-400 has been taken. Once a pact has been signed, one's word given, Turkey respects it," he said.

The S-400 purchase is one dispute fuelling tensions between two nations also at odds over US support for Syrian Kurdish militias which Ankara brands as terrorists and Turkish backing for US for Venezuela.

Ankara said the first deliveries of the S-400 are scheduled for June or July.

Last month, after repeated warnings, the United States said Turkey's decision to buy the S-400 system was incompatible with its remaining part of the emblematic F-35 jet programme.

Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35A fighter jets, with pilots already training in the United States.

Washington has placed a freeze on the joint manufacturing operations with Turkey and suggested Ankara might be able to obtain a US missile defence system if it forgoes the one on offer from Moscow.

Turkey on Sunday dismissed US threats of sanctions if it went ahead with a Russian missile purchase, saying it would not renege on a pledge to Moscow. Washington has warned its NATO ally for months that Ankara's adoption of Russian S-400 missile technology alongside US F-35 fighters would pose a threat to the jets and endanger Western defence.

Turkey on Sunday dismissed US threats of sanctions if it went ahead with a Russian missile purchase, saying it would not renege on a pledge to Moscow. Washington has warned its NATO ally for months that Ankara's adoption of Russian S-400 missile technology alongside US F-35 fighters would pose a threat to the jets and endanger Western defence. The US has said it will halt a joint F-35 programme with Turkey if it acquires the Russian missile defence system. A US law furthermore provides for sanctions on any country concluding arms deals with Russian companies. "The US threats of sanctions shows that they don't know Turkey," Vice President Fuat Oktay told Kanal 7 television. "The decision on the S-400 has been taken. Once a pact has been signed, one's word given, Turkey respects it," he said. The S-400 purchase is one dispute fuelling tensions between two nations also at odds over US support for Syrian Kurdish militias which Ankara brands as terrorists and Turkish backing for US for Venezuela. Ankara said the first deliveries of the S-400 are scheduled for June or July. Last month, after repeated warnings, the United States said Turkey's decision to buy the S-400 system was incompatible with its remaining part of the emblematic F-35 jet programme. Turkey had planned to buy 100 F-35A fighter jets, with pilots already training in the United States. Washington has placed a freeze on the joint manufacturing operations with Turkey and suggested Ankara might be able to obtain a US missile defence system if it forgoes the one on offer from Moscow.

Turkey to buy Russian missiles despite US 'threats'

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