Latest News from Turkey

EU requires Serbia to "gradually harmonize policies"

BRUSSELS -- The EU Council of Ministers has asked Serbia to gradually harmonize its foreign and energy security policy with those of the EU.

EU out, Shanghai Five in for the AKP gov’t: CHP chief

Turkeyâs current rulers are actively aspiring for membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) instead of the European Union, main opposition leader Kemal KÄ±lÄ±Ã§daroÄlu has said, adding that the government has already declared its will to "abandon democracy and move toward dictatorship."

Turkish government committing ‘murders of justice': Opposition MHP

The police raids on media organizations in Turkey are an âoddity that needs explanation,â according to Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet BahÃ§eli, who accused the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of committing âmurders of justiceâ to divert attention from bribery and corruption.

Turkey, EU in war of words over media raids

Ankara cannot accept "heavy criticism" from the European Union about mass detentions targeting the media, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has said, accusing the EU of "not being sincere" in its approach to Turkey's fight against the "parallel state."

Turkish Lira hits new record low on emerging market jitters

The Turkish Lira hit a new record low on Dec. 16 as investors moved out of emerging markets amid the collapse of the Russian ruble and fretted over the impact of recent raids against Turkish media.

Turkish center Furkan Aldemir makes NBA debut

Turkish center Furkan Aldemir, who joined the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 15, made his debut for his new team hours after signing a contract.

Aldemir logged 10 minutes in the Sixers' 105-87 home loss to the Boston Celtics, scoring two points, dishing out an assist and grabbing two offensive rebounds.

Turkish President Erdoğan appoints energy civil servants, postal office director to Council of State

Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan has appointed nine new members to the Council of State, with backgrounds in various fields from energy to cooperative associations.

President Erdoğan extends Hanukkah greetings to Turkey’s Jews

Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄan has extended holiday greetings to the countryâs Jewish citizens on the occasion of Hanukkah, which began Dec. 16.

In a written statement, ErdoÄan wished Turkeyâs Jews tranquility, peace, happiness and health for the holiday.

Flooding in Evros under partial control but danger not averted

The level of Evros River in northern Greece dropped to 5.80 meters on Tuesday after several days above 6 meters, though it is still not below the danger level of 5.70 meters, civil protection authorities in northern Greece said, as a new wave of rain is expected on Tuesday night and Wednesday.

Preschool religious education to start in southern Turkey district, daily claims

A district educational board in the southern province of Osmaniye has sent a program including religious practices to all preschool institutions, according to Turkish daily Milliyet.

The 21-page program, which was marked "urgent," has been sent to schools in the Kadirli district, reportedly giving the details of "Values Education" at preschool institutions.

Merkel "backs Bulgaria to seek new talks" on S. Stream

BERLIN -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday called for "continuing talks with Russia on energy supplies to Europe," TASS is reporting.

Necessity of support for region's states in managing Syrian refugees' situation (Ciamba at FAC)

Secretary of state for European Affairs with the Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE), George Ciamba on Monday told the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) reunion in Brussels that it is necessary a consistent support for Turkey and Lebanon in particular in managing the Syrian refugees' situation.