Government of Turkey

Turkey on May 21 condemned a resolution adopted on May 20 by the senate of the Czech Republic's parliament on the 1915 events. 

"The fact that the decision was taken in an environment with few members in the senate at a time when the whole world was struggling with the coronavirus pandemic reveals the insidious mentality behind it," the country's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Başakşehir City Hospital has become fully operational in Istanbul with a ceremony attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who joined the event via video conference.

Speaking at the inauguration of the hospital, Erdoğan said that it adds to the deep-rooted and multidimensional Turkish-Japanese friendship.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu has reiterated his calls to lower the 10 percent election threshold for a more representative parliament and criticized the government's attempts to make it harder for new political parties to have a chance in winning seats.

The foreign ministers of Turkey, Germany, France and the U.K. have held a teleconference to discuss regional issues and latest developments, a written statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on late May 19.

Turkey and Germany have been engaged in talks for cooperation in the field of tourism for the coming season as the former says Turkish resorts are the safest destinations for European tourists as the country has taken the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic under control.

Kemal Vuraldogan, a former legal counsellor to the Ankara Bar Association and a lawyer in Ankara, said Erdogan's demands for changes to their election systems had nothing to do with current dispute between the Bar Association and the religious authorities.

Turkey on May 19 celebrated the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day, which marks the beginning of the country's War of Independence and the emergence of modern Turkey.

Turkey today is celebrating the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day, which marks the beginning of the country's War of Independence and the emergence of modern Turkey.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on May 18 that a four-day lockdown starting on May 23 would be imposed nationwide as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus during the Eid al-Fitr religious holiday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on late May 15 demoted the Chief of Staff of the Turkish Navy Rear Admiral Cihat Yaycı, who is known as the architect of Ankara's naval policy regarding Libya.
Daily Hürriyet columnist Nedim Şener said on May 18 that Yaycı resigned after he was assigned to the Turkish General Staff last week.