Tag: Turkish

Finland cleared to join NATO following Turkish vote

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The Turkish parliament on Thursday unanimously ratified Finland’s accession to NATO, effectively allowing Helsinki to join the military alliance but leaving Sweden out in the cold.
Finland could now become a formal member of NATO within days.
“All 30 NATO members have now ratified Finland’s membership,” Finnish President Sauli Niinistö tweeted. “I want to thank every one of them for their trust and support. Finland will be a strong and capable Ally, committed to the security of the Alliance,” he said.

His country, the president added, “is now ready to join NATO.”
The Turkish vote, occurring minutes before midnight in Ankara, comes after months of delays.
Finland and Sweden initially applied for membership last May, prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And while the two countries were formally invited to join the alliance last summer, both Turkey and Hungary have been stalling on ratifying their memberships.
Ankara has raised concerns about the countries’ support of Kurdish groups and limitations on arms exports. But despite striking a deal with both Helsinki and Stockholm that spurred policy changes, Ankara ultimately decided to greenlight Finland while holding Sweden back.
Hungary’s parliament on Monday also ratified Finland’s membership but like Turkey has yet to schedule a vote on Sweden.
Western officials had hoped that both countries would become full members before a summit of NATO leaders scheduled to take place in Vilnius in July, but it remains uncertain whether Sweden could still become a member before the gathering.
Turkey is set to hold elections in May, fuelling speculation that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is withholding support for Sweden for domestic political reasons and could change his mind at a later stage.
Niinistö, the Finnish president, said in his tweet late Thursday that “we look forward to welcoming Sweden to join us as soon as possible.”
Now that Finland has Turkey’s formal support, only procedural steps are left before Helsinki officially joins NATO.
Finland will soon get a formal invitation from NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and then give the U.S. its so-called instrument of accession. The U.S. will then issue a statement that Finland is now part of the North Atlantic Treaty.
The NATO chief welcomed Turkey’s vote.
“This,” Stoltenberg tweeted, “will make the whole NATO family stronger & safer.”

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#Finland #cleared #join #NATO #Turkish #vote
( With inputs from : www.politico.eu )

March 30, 2023
Extremists burn copy of Quran, Turkish flag in Denmark

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Supporters of an extremist Danish group burned a copy of the holy Quran and Turkish flag, in the Danish capital, Denmark amid strong condemnation by Ankara and Gulf countries.
The extremist group called “Patrioterne Gar Live” burned the Turkish flag and a copy of the holy Quran in front of Turkish Embassy in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, on Friday.
The attack was broadcast live on the group’s Facebook account.
During the attack, the extremists raised anti-Islamic banners and chanted slogans insulting the religion.
Turkish Foreign Ministry condemns “despicable attack” on the holy Quran and Turkish flag
On Saturday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned in the strongest terms the “despicable attack” on the Holy Quran and the Turkish flag.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the despicable attack on our holy book, the Holy Qur’an, and our glorious flag in Denmark,” the ministry said in a statement.
The statement stressed that “allowing such practices under the name of freedom of expression is categorically rejected.”
Gulf countries condemn burning the copy of holy Quran
Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait condemned the burning of a copy of the Holy Quran in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, and considered it a “heinous and provocative act.”

بيان إدانة وإستنكار دولة الكويت لإقدام مجموعة من المتطرفين بإحراق نسخة من المصحف الشريف والعلم التركي في العاصمة الدنماركية كوبنهاجن.
البيان كاملاً: https://t.co/9mu9EepjDk pic.twitter.com/n2QhJNPaDQ
— وزارة الخارجية (@MOFAKuwait) March 26, 2023
#بيان | تعرب وزارة الخارجية عن إدانة واستنكار المملكة العربية السعودية بأشد العبارات ماقامت به مجموعة متطرفة في الدنمارك من حرق للمصحف الشريف أمام السفارة التركية في كوبنهاغن pic.twitter.com/JDbKLsrA0O
— وزارة الخارجية 🇸🇦 (@KSAMOFA) March 26, 2023
In late January, the leader of the far-right “hard-line” party, Rasmus Paludan, burned a copy of the holy Quran in front of a mosque belonging to the Islamic Community Association in the Dorthefig neighbourhood of the Danish capital, Copenhagen, after the end of Friday prayers, and tried to provoke the worshipers in the mosque.
Paludan also burned a copy of the holy Quran in front of the Turkish embassy in Copenhagen, under police protection, shortly after it was burned in front of the mosque.

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#Extremists #burn #copy #Quran #Turkish #flag #Denmark
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 26, 2023
Iraq, Turkey to build transportation corridor linking Basra to Turkish border

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Ankara: Turkey and Iraq will build a land and railroad transportation corridor stretching from the Iraqi province of Basra to the Turkish border, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said.
“We have tasked our minister friends, who will carry out the works for materialising the Development Road Project, extending from Basra to Turkey,” Erdogan said at a joint press conference with visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Tuesday.
“I believe that we will transform the Development Road Project into the new Silk Road of our region,” the Turkish President added.
Moreover, Turkey will increase the amount of water released from the Tigris river to help Iraq tackle its water shortage, he said.
Baghdad has been urging Ankara to secure Iraqi water share from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers which originate from Turkey, as Iraq often suffers from drought, Xinhua news agency reported.
In their talks, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fighting against all forms of terrorism, Erdogan said.
“Our expectation from our Iraqi brothers is that they shall designate the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) as a terrorist organisation and clear their lands of this bloodshedder terrorist organisation,” Erdogan added.
Al-Sudani, for his part, underlined that his government will not allow Iraqi lands to become a “point to launch attacks” against its neighbour.

“Security of Turkey and security of Iraq are inseparable,” he said.
The security officials of the two countries exchanged information on the issue during talks in the capital Ankara, al-Sudani added.
The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the EU, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for more than three decades. It has been using Iraq’s Qandil Mountains as its main base for years.
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#Iraq #Turkey #build #transportation #corridor #linking #Basra #Turkish #border
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 22, 2023
Turkish President announces extension of Black Sea grain deal

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Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday announced an extension of the Black Sea grain deal, CNN reported. However, he did not reveal details regarding the expiration date of the deal.
The deal was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey last July to ensure safe passage for ships carrying grain exports from Ukraine. The deal was set to expire today.
Speaking at an event in Turkey’s Canakkale province, Erdogan said, “As a result of our negotiations with both parties, we extended the agreement period,” as per the CNN report.
Turkish President Erdogan thanked the Russian and Ukrainian parties as well as United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for their efforts to extend the agreement.
“This agreement, which has provided the shipment of 25 million tons of grain to the world markets with more than 800 ships to date, is of vital importance for the stability of the global food supply,” Erdogan said as per the CNN report.
“I would like to thank the Russian and Ukrainian parties and the UN secretary general for their efforts to extend the agreement once again,” he added.
Stephane Dujarric, a spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “We remain strongly committed to both agreements and we urge all sides to redouble their efforts to implement them fully,” according to the CNN report.
The agreement comes after Russia on Monday said that it had agreed to a 60-day extension of the deal. The Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the move as a “goodwill gesture.” On Thursday, the UN stressed that the agreement stated it would be extended for 120 days rather than 60.

In July last year, Ukraine and Russia signed the agreement following months of negotiations brokered by the UN and Turkey. The agreement allowed the resumption of exports of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea.
According to the statement released by United Nations, the Black Sea grain initiative allowed commercial food and fertilizer (including ammonia) exports from three key Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea – Odesa, Chornomorsk, Yuzhny/Pivdennyi. The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) was established to monitor the implementation of the initiative.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Siasat staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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#Turkish #President #announces #extension #Black #Sea #grain #deal
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 19, 2023
Turkish women defy ban on protests, stage ‘Feminist Night March’

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Istanbul: Turkish women have defied a ban on protests and staged an annual march called “Feminist Night March” in Istanbul’s Taksim Square to mark International Women’s Day.
Although the police allowed the protesters on Wednesday night to carry on with their march for a while, later they used tear gas to disperse them, reports the BBC.
Several people were also detained.
The government in Turkey has banned today’s feminist night march, but the inspiring video you are watching features courageous women who refuse to comply with these unjust restrictions.
United we stand, stronger than ever
💜 pic.twitter.com/kfBfJVAcly
— miray kurtuluş / NFT PARIS 2023 (@miraykurtulus) March 8, 2023
The women had gathered in the city’s Istiklal Street despite the ban imposed by the Beyoglu district governor’s office for all kinds of demonstrations and marches in the area, including the women’s day march.
Marking International Women’s Day, the main opposition Republican People’s Party earlier in the day released a report which said that more than 600 women had been killed in Turkey by men since 2021, when President Recep Tayyip Erdogan withdrew the country from the Istanbul Convention — a treaty that aimed to combat domestic violence.
Like every year the District Governor’s Office has banned the Feminist Night March on the grounds that it might “trigger social sensitivities”.
Like every year women didn’t care 💜
pic.twitter.com/BHd8249x0D
— Jannes Tessmann (@JannesTessmann) March 8, 2023
In a statement titled “we are sorry, we are angry”, the march organiser criticised the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) for failing to handle a range of crises and problems including ongoing economic deterioration, the coronavirus pandemic, the February 6 earthquakes that claimed more than 46,000 lives, and increasing racism and promoting LGBT+ hatred and patriarchy, reports the Turkish Minute news website.
It said that women are determined to continue their fight against patriarchy, homophobia, transphobia, exploitation of labour and capitalism.
The women at the march also chanted slogans calling on the government to resign.

“We are not going to be silent, we will not be intimidated, and we are not obeying you,” they said.
Every year, thousands of women gather in Taksim Square for the “Feminist Night March”, which marks the continuation of the world-famous “Reclaim the Night” movement, despite bans from authorities and police violence and detention.
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Siasat staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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#Turkish #women #defy #ban #protests #stage #Feminist #Night #March
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 9, 2023
Turkish national wins Rs 33 Crore in Big Ticket Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi: A Turkish national won the grand prize of 15 million Dirhams (Rs 33,36,93,940) in the Big Ticket Abu Dhabi weekly draw on Friday.
The winner Sam Heidaritorshizi won the mega draw after his ticket number 172108 was picked in the Dh15 million series 249.
While Salim Al Bastaki from United Arab Emirates (UAE) won the second prize of one million Dirhams (Rs 2,22,46,262), Indians Linta Thomas won the third prize of 100,000 Dirhams (Rs 22,24,626), and Mallesh Thumpeti won the fourth prize worth 50,000 Dirhams (Rs 11,12,313).
Tickets can be purchased online through the Big Ticket website or by visiting the store counters at Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Ain Airport.
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#Turkish #national #wins #Crore #Big #Ticket #Abu #Dhabi
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 4, 2023
Turkish Embassy thanks ‘Dost Indians’ for earthquake relief support

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New Delhi: The Turkish Embassy in India expressed its gratitude towards the “Dost Indians” for standing in solidarity with Turkey by contributing towards the relief efforts after a devastating earthquake hit the country in January.
In a press release, the Turkish Embassy expressed its heartfelt gratitude towards the Indian citizens who donated generously towards the relief efforts for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey.
The statement read, “The Turkish Embassy in New Delhi would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Dost Indians for their solidarity and support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey in January.”
The Embassy went on to highlight that the “Dost Indians” stood in solidarity with the people of Turkey, not only by donating money but also through their prayers and good wishes.
The earthquake that struck Turkey on January 24, 2023, measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and caused widespread damage in the country. The earthquake was centered in the Aegean Sea, near the city of Izmir, and was felt as far away as Athens and Istanbul.
The Turkish Government has been working tirelessly to provide relief and aid to those affected by the earthquake, and the contributions of the “Dost Indians” have been a significant source of support.
The Turkish Embassy’s statement continued, “The contributions of the Dost Indians are an affirmation of the close and friendly ties between the people of Turkey and India. We are grateful for their support and kindness during this difficult time.”
The relationship between Turkey and India is a long-standing one, with the two countries sharing deep cultural and historical ties. The expression of solidarity from the people of India towards Turkey is a testament to the strong bond between the two nations.

The Turkish Embassy’s expression of gratitude towards the “Dost Indians” serves as a reminder of the power of solidarity and the importance of supporting one another during times of crisis. It is heartening to see people from different parts of the world coming together to help those in need.
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#Turkish #Embassy #Dost #Indians #earthquake #relief #support
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 21, 2023
Over 10,000 Syrian refugees return to homeland after quake: Turkish defence minister

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Ankara: Turkey said on Sunday that at least 10,633 Syrian refugees in the country have returned to their homeland voluntarily after the devastating earthquakes that hit southern Turkey earlier this month.
“Our Syrian brothers, who lost their families and places of stay in the earthquake, returned to their lands voluntarily,” Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar said during his visit to the military border outposts in the quake-hit southern province of Hatay, Xinhua News Agency reported quoting Anadolu Agency.
The minister refuted the allegations that Syrians were flooding into the Turkish border after the massive earthquakes which also hit northern Syria, the semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.
“These claims are completely untrue. There is no crossing from the border gate or the borderline. We received information from the relevant authorities and conducted on-site investigations. Contrary to the claim that there is an intense crossing to Turkey, they stated that Syrian citizens pass from Turkey to Syria in one direction,” the Anadolu quoted Akar as saying.
Turkey hosts nearly 3.5 million Syrian refugees that fled their country after a civil war erupted in 2011. Nearly half of the refugees have been taking shelter in southern Turkey which was recently hit by devastating quakes that have caused tremendous destruction in the region.
More than 46,000 people have died in Turkey and Syria since twin 7.7- and 7.6-magnitude earthquakes struck the Turkish southern province of Kahramanmaras on February 6.
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#Syrian #refugees #return #homeland #quake #Turkish #defence #minister
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 19, 2023
Armenia’s quake support to contribute to normalization of ties: Turkish FM

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Ankara: Armenia’s humanitarian support to victims of last week’s massive earthquakes in southern Turkey can further contribute to the normalisation of relations between the two neighbours, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Wednesday.
“This understanding of cooperation can contribute to our ongoing normalization process,” Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan in the Turkish capital Ankara, Xinhua news agency reported.
Cavusoglu also thanked Armenia for sending search and rescue teams to save quake victims and delivering humanitarian aid immediately after Turkey was rocked by the strong tremors.
“Armenia has offered a hand of friendship and solidarity in our difficult time,” he said.
“We have agreed to take steps to accelerate the normalization (of ties),” the Turkish minister said, referring to the dialogue launched last year aimed at ending their decades-old hostilities.
Turkey and Armenia will reconstruct the bridges and roads connecting the border, he said.
Mirzoyan paid a visit to Turkey on Wednesday after the devastating earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria on February 6. It is Mirzoyan’s second trip to Turkey after meeting Cavusoglu in an international forum in March last year.
“Being in Turkey in these difficult times, I would like to once again confirm our willingness to build peace, for the full normalisation and opening the borders between Turkey and Armenia,” said the Armenian top diplomat.

In a symbolic act, the border between Turkey and Armenia, which had been closed for more than 30 years, was opened on Saturday to allow the delivery of Armenia’s humanitarian aid to quake-hit Turkey, Mirzoyan said, adding the second batch of Armenian aid crossed the border on Tuesday night.
The relations between Turkey and Armenia were severed in 1993 during the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Ankara closed its border with Armenia to show support for Azerbaijan.
Opening the border was one of the key issues Armenia demanded since last year as the two countries stepped up the normalisation dialogue.
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#Armenias #quake #support #contribute #normalization #ties #Turkish
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 16, 2023
Turkish chef Salt Bae comes to aid earthquake survivors, earns praise

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Salt Bae, the popular chef and social media personality, has made headlines for his philanthropic efforts following a devastating earthquake in Turkey. Seeing the suffering of the earthquake survivors, Gokce decided to arrange a mobile kitchen that could serve 5,000 people a day.
The video of the mobile kitchen with his name on the side packing up and heading out from a warehouse quickly went viral. However, some people criticized Salt Bae for posting close-up and slow-motion shots of the kitchen, suggesting it was a publicity stunt. Nonetheless, most people applauded his efforts and praised him for his charitable work.
Upon arriving in the disaster zone, Salt Bae and his team of chefs worked tirelessly to prepare bulk meals in large cauldrons and containers. The survivors lined up in the freezing cold outside the lorry, eagerly waiting to receive their hot meals. Salt Bae and his team served meals to people of all ages, spreading hope and kindness during a time of darkness.
Despite the mixed reactions on social media, Salt Bae’s efforts have been celebrated by many people who have been inspired by his charitable work.
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#Turkish #chef #Salt #Bae #aid #earthquake #survivors #earns #praise
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 14, 2023