Latest News from Turkey

Putin Perplexed by Bulgaria's 'Gutless' Position on South Stream

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday told journalists he was perplexed to witness the "gutless" position of the Bulgarian government which in his words "ignored national interest".

NATO aid for Turkey's defense set to be approved

A mission by NATO to send air defense support to Turkey is expected to be approved by the Western defense alliance's council on Dec. 18, senior alliance sources said, adding that this was going to be done partly to minimize the risk of Ankara shooting down another Russian warplane while assuaging its fears of a spillover from the conflict in Syria.

Bulgaria's PM, Merkel Discuss Judicial Reform, Gas Hub

Developments relating to the judicial reform in Bulgaria and a project to build a gas hub were on the agenda of a meeting of Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin.

Rare Hittite seal seized in Çorum

A 3,600-year-old Hittite-era seal has been found in a box during a police operation held in the Central Anatolian province of Çorum. The seal was one of two of its kind in the world.

Teams from the anti-smuggling and organized crime branch were ordered to carry out an operation in pursuit of a man who would transport historical artifacts from Ankara to Çorum.

Turkish forces capture 502 illegal migrants on Syria border

The Turkish General Staff announced Dec. 17 that it has captured 502 people who were trying to illegally enter Turkey from Syria.

In a statement posted on its official website, the General Staff said Land Force units captured 502 illegal migrants on Dec. 16, while also capturing seven people who were trying to illegally enter Syria from Turkish territories.

Turkish PM in Brussels ahead of EU summit

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu held meetings with the leaders of Germany and several other nations in Brussels on Dec. 17 before a full EU summit to discuss the recent cooperation deal struck between Turkey and the EU.

Davuto?lu told reporters in Brussels that all leaders have "strongly supported" Turkish government's initiatives on the migrant issue.

Erdo?an continues to push shift to presidential system

President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an has again reiterated the need for a systemic change in Turkey's governance, underlining that his aspiration for a presidential system had nothing to do with his personal prosperity.

Crisis Group calls for the resumption of Turkey-PKK peace talks amid clashes

A report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) calls for the resumption of peace talks between Turkey and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) by "addressing long-standing Kurdish rights demands," as military operations targeting PKK militants continue in Turkey's southeast.

International Crisis Group calls for resumption of Turkey-PKK peace talks amid deadly clashes

A new report by the International Crisis Group (ICG) calls on Turkey to resume the talks to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish problem, as military operations targeting PKK militants continue in Turkey's southeast.

Turkey Stops Over 36,500 Terror Suspects Trying to Enter Syria - Minister

Turkey's Interior Minister Efkan Ala said on Thursday that the country has stopped more than 36,500 terror suspects trying to reach Syria, Anadolu Agency reported.

"Turkey has denied entry to 33,746 people from 123 countries suspected of joining terror activities in Syria," the Turkish news agency quoted Ala as saying at a meeting of its Editors' Desk in Ankara.

US supplies Syrian fighters ahead of push for ISIL town

The United States has delivered a fresh supply of ammunition to Syrian Arab fighters ahead of an expected stiff battle with Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) as they push toward the Syrian town of al-Shadadi, a key logistics hub for the group, U.S. officials told Reuters.