Latest News from Turkey
New NGO report accuses Greece of pushbacks in Evros
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Tuesday added its voice to those of other nongovernmental organizations which recently published reports alleging the country's law enforcement officers are involved in systematic pushbacks of migrants and asylum seekers at the northeastern border with Turkey.
Turkey and India should have balanced trade ties: Trade Minister
Turkey and India need to work together to establish balanced and sustainable trade ties, Ruhsar Pekcan, the Turkish trade minister, said on Dec. 18.
Cavusoglu insists Turkish troops stay in any Cyprus peace deal
There can be no settlement of the Cyprus problem that does not recognize Turkey's military intervention rights and security guarantees, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying Tuesday.
Historic city of Mardin enjoys tourism revival
With its historic architecture, characteristic city landscape, diverse cuisine and a culture of coexistence of Muslims and Christians, Mardin has become one of the fabulous tourist destinations in Turkey, especially after calm that has replaced conflict between the Turkish security forces and the PKK following the collapse of a peace process in the summer of 2015.
Kapitan Andreevo's Customs Officers Discovered Heroin for BGN 1 Million in a Car Tire
A 45-year-old Serbian citizen has attempted to cross 10,345 kg of heroin across Kapitan Andreevo border checkpoint. The value of the captured quantity of drugs is 931 050 leva. On Monday, at Kapitan Andreevo Border Checkpoint, around 5.30 hours, from Turkey to Bulgaria entered a Peugeot brand, run by the foreigner. The vehicle was diverted for a thorough customs check.
Euro court orders Turkey to pay compensation to man shot by police officer
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Dec. 19 ordered Turkey to pay 68,000 euros in compensation to a man who filed an application with the court that a police officer had shot him without subsequently being punished. The court said the police had violated his right to life.
Antalya sets Turkey's daily rainfall record
A district in Turkey’s Mediterranean resort city of Antalya set the country record for most rainfall in a day, according to national weather service statement on Dec. 18.
Sofia Signs EUR 42.5 Million Deal for Public Transport e-ticketing System
Sofia's Urban Mobility Center said on Monday that it has signed an 83.2 million levs ($48.3 million/42.5 million euro) contract with a consortium led by local Computernet Services for the supply, integration and maintenance of an automated electronic system for fare collection in the city's public transport, reports SeeNews.
Sinjar in Iraq won't be new PKK stronghold: Turkish Defense Minister
Turkey's defense minister said on Dec. 18 that northern Iraq's Sinjar region will not be allowed to become "a new stronghold for the PKK terror group."
FBI targeting FETÖ in the US: Turkish FM
The FBI has launched nationwide operations against FETÖ, the group that is widely believed to be behind the 2016 defeated coup, said Turkey's foreign minister on Dec. 17.
Turkey vows to attract 70 million tourists by 2023
Turkey is planning to double the number of foreign visitors and attract 70 million tourists by the year of 2023 with a $70 billion-worth profit, Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy has said, vowing to move the country to an upper league in the sector by introducing more archeological sites and the gastronomic richness of Turkey in addition to its natural beauties.
Turkey would back UN plan for new Syrian constitution: FM Çavuşoğlu
Turkey supports an anticipated UN plan to form a commission on Syria to rewrite the war-torn country's constitution, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said on Dec. 18.
Trump did not tell Erdoğan he would extradite Gülen: White House official
President Donald Trump did not commit during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the G20 summit two weeks ago to extradite Fethullah Gülen, a senior White House official said on Dec. 17.
Turkish Red Crescent helping Afghan migrants returning back to home country
Turkey has been helping Afghan migrants returning back to their country acquire a job or have their own business, as part of a project initiated by the Turkish Red Crescent ("Kızılay" in Turkish).
Turkey May Start New Syria Operation at Any Moment, Erdogan Says
Turkey may start a new military operation in Syria at any moment, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday, adding that U.S. President Donald Trump had given a positive response to Turkey's plans for an operation east of the Euphrates, writes Reuters.