Latest news with #Erdoğan


Al Bawaba
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Bawaba
Russia and Ukraine conclude third round of peace talks in Istanbul
ALBAWABA- The third round of direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded in Istanbul on Wednesday, with cautious optimism emerging from both sides and renewed calls for a ceasefire. Hosted by Türkiye, the negotiations focused on prisoner exchanges, humanitarian concerns, and the prospects of ending the ongoing war. LIVE: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivers opening speech at the third round of renewed direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul⁰ — TRT World (@trtworld) July 23, 2025 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed hope for a positive outcome and reiterated Türkiye's commitment to facilitating peace. 'We must end this bloody war as soon as possible,' he said, emphasizing that Türkiye has exerted intense diplomatic efforts under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's leadership since the outbreak of the conflict. Fidan noted that the ultimate goal remains a sustainable ceasefire and the beginning of result-oriented dialogue between the two countries. Ukrainian delegation head Rustem Umerov stated that Kyiv is prepared for an immediate ceasefire and urged Russia to demonstrate a constructive approach. Also Read Turkey unveils hypersonic ballistic missile TAYFUN Block-4 He announced that the Russian delegation had agreed to Ukraine's demand to release all detainees held for more than three years and proposed a leadership-level summit by the end of August. Umerov also noted expectations for 'further progress' on prisoner of war (POW) exchanges. Meanwhile, the head of the Russian delegation confirmed that both sides had finalized an agreement on the exchange of the bodies of deceased soldiers, signaling a small but significant step in confidence-building. The talks in Istanbul mark a continuation of Türkiye's efforts to mediate between the two warring parties and revive diplomacy in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and destabilized the broader region.


Cedar News
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Cedar News
Eskişehir Wildfire Claims Lives of 11 Forest Workers
In a devastating development, the Eskişehir wildfire has claimed the lives of 11 brave forest workers battling intense flames in central Turkey. The tragedy unfolded as crews were working around the clock to contain the fast-spreading fire. Authorities confirmed that the Eskişehir wildfire intensified due to strong winds and dry conditions, making firefighting efforts extremely dangerous. Rescue teams are still on the ground assessing the situation and searching for any missing personnel. The Turkish government has launched an investigation into the incident, and President Erdoğan offered condolences to the families of the fallen. This latest loss highlights the growing threat of wildfires across the region, particularly during the peak of the summer season. Experts have urged for stricter fire prevention measures and better protection protocols for workers operating in hazardous zones like those affected by the Eskişehir wildfire.


Euractiv
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Euractiv
The Brief – Eurofighters leave Europe's soft power in tatters
'Among ourselves, we keep the law, but when we are operating in the jungle, we must also use the laws of the jungle.' Such was Robert Cooper's advice for the West – the close adviser to Tony Blair was quoted in Robert Kagan's 2003 book Of Paradise and Power: America and Europe in the New World Order. But it's advice that Europeans have failed to heed. Instead, they left the Americans to deal with the jungle, while they continued on their European way – adhering to international law and promoting soft power. Donald Trump's return marked a resurgence of power politics, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is now exploiting this shift, exposing Europe's weakness. Since Turkey began EU accession negotiations in 2005, the masterminds of the Brussels bubble have been trying to convince us that taxpayers' money – just shy of €20 billion in the past two decades – could change the country. They hoped that by dangling the empty promise of EU membership, Turks would comply with international law and democratise internally. Instead, the sultan made himself indispensable by doubling down on power politics. Turkey has ploughed money into defence, putting an estimated $40–50 billion into the sector over the past two decades. He has imprisoned opponents, while the rule of law in Ankara has become little more than a midsummer night's dream. He blatantly disregards international norms, threatens Greece with war, and occupies Cypriot territory. He has entirely ignored EU calls to sanction Russia, while Brussels meekly swallowed Erdoğan's declaration that Hamas is a liberation group. Erdoğan has also enlisted his new Libyan ally, Khalifa Haftar, to apply migration pressure on the EU, advancing Turkish energy interests in the region by redrawing maritime boundaries – openly challenging EU sovereignty. The result? Europeans have accepted Turkey as part of their new defence architecture, and now Germany has approved the delivery of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Ankara. Naturally, Europe refuses to acknowledge its failure and continues to gaslight. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner claims that Russia is weaponising migrants arriving in Europe from Libya, completely ignoring Turkey's role in the region. Brunner is either blinded by Brussels' Russiamania or is desperately searching for a convenient scapegoat to divert attention from Europe's failure with Turkey. When the Ottoman Empire blocked Europe from Asian markets, Europeans turned to new frontiers with Columbus. Today, they have nowhere to turn – except to bow to the Sultan. Roundup The EU's second-highest court ruled Wednesday that the Commission broke its own staff appointment rules when von der Leyen delegated cabinet interviews to her right-hand man, Björn Seibert. The decision comes amid scrutiny over von der Leyen's management style. Blue jeans and speed machines – Brussels announced Wednesday it will combine two retaliatory packages on US exports, a €21 billion docket on soybeans, motorbikes and jeans and a €72 billion list on aircraft, cars and electrical equipment. The lists would enter effect on 7 August, and seek to strengthen the bloc's position before Trump's 30% tariff threat on EU exports takes effect on the first of next month. Cutting (green) red tape – The EU called for 'feedback on the simplification of future environmental legislation' on Tuesday, in an effort to ease the administrative burden on EU companies. The Commission suggests scrapping the substances of concern in products database. Across Europe Several sources told Reuters Wednesday that the Trump administration preferred to pay for the destruction of over €10 million in still-usable contraceptives rather than sell to NGOs. The contraceptives, currently in Belgium, will be shipped to France and incinerated at an expected cost of $160,000. Premium pills – A survey from the Radboud University Medical Centre found that Dutch citizens are willing to accept higher public spending on a medicine if it provides significant health benefits – though they also noted that companies should reinvest at least 50% of their profits in research and keep prices socially acceptable. The Tusk Shuffle – Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a cabinet reshuffle Tuesday following a presidential election defeat for his party, removing key ministers and consolidating key portfolios. But many Poles believe the move will do little to improve the government's image.

Khaberni
2 days ago
- Politics
- Khaberni
Erdoğan: I Will Not Leave Al-Shara Alone
Khaberni -Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged not to "leave Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara alone," refusing the partition of Syria, and describing its recovery as beneficial to Turkey. "Al-Shara took a positive step by understanding with the Druze" Erdoğan praised "Al-Shara for his firm stance and his intolerance in the confrontation between Syria and Israel," noting that he took a "very positive" step by reaching an understanding with the Druze. Erdoğan said, "President Al-Shara has taken a firm stance on recent events in his country and has made no concessions." In statements to Turkish media, he said that the Syrian government "somewhat extended its control to Sweida and the south of the country with about 2500 soldiers, as all but one Druze faction agreed to respect the ceasefire during talks in the Jordanian capital Amman" according to him. "Israel tries to hinder stability in Syria" The Turkish president indicated that "Israel continues its provocations, does not want stability in the region, and believes that a united Syria would not be in its interest." He affirmed that "it is necessary to explain well to the world that Israel is working to hinder the stability project in Syria." He explained that the United States has now realized that it needs to "control" the issue more substantially, warning that the main issue is the use of "Israel" for the clashes as a pretext for invading Syrian territory. The "Israeli army" attacked the headquarters of the General Staff in the Syrian capital Damascus in several raids last Wednesday, targeting military vehicles belonging to the Syrian government forces in the city of Sweida and its surroundings. Hours after this bombing, Israeli occupation aircraft renewed their aggression on Syria, targeting locations in the cities of rural Damascus, Daraa, and Sweida.


Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘We won't let Syria be split': Turkish President Erdogan rips Israel, warns against Zionist ‘dreams'
Turkish President Erdoğan blasted Israel for sabotaging a Syria ceasefire, calling it a 'terrorist state.' He vowed Turkey won't allow Syria's division or Kurdish exploitation by Zionist forces. Erdogan said Ankara is monitoring developments in Sweida and warned Israel's aggression threatens regional peace. He emphasized Turkey's commitment to Syria's unity and accused Israel of inciting militant violence to disrupt peace efforts. Show more Show less