Latest news with #OncuKeceli
Rudaw Net
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Ankara backs Turkmen in dispute over Kirkuk mayoralty
Also in Middle East Turkish intel chief discusses PKK with Kurdish leaders in Erbil Syrian government under fire for arresting Kurdish journalist Family of two Iraqis killed in Turkey demand justice Ministry confirms two Iraqis killed in Turkey A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkey's Foreign Ministry on Friday expressed support for Turkmen in Kirkuk, saying they are understandably upset about the appointment of a Kurdish woman as mayor of Prde (Altun Kupri) sub-district. 'The appointment of a non-Turkmen director to the Altunkopru Municipality, where the Turkmen population is dense, has understandably caused unease and disappointment among the Turkmen community,' Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli wrote on X. 'It is our fundamental expectation that our Turkmen kin are duly represented within Iraq's political and state structures,' he added, noting that developments in Kirkuk are being 'closely and sensitively followed' by Ankara. The appointment of a Kurdish woman as municipal mayor of the disputed sub-district triggered days of protests this week by supporters of the Iraqi Turkmen Front. Turkmen members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi) and cadres from the Badr Organization were also seen at the protests, according to Rudaw reporters on the ground and footage of the demonstrations. Some protesters, reportedly armed, stormed the municipality building, smashing windows and doors before being dispersed by security forces. Others set fires and shut down traffic on the main highway connecting Erbil and Kirkuk. The road was closed for over an hour on Thursday before security forces reopened it. Protesters demanded that one of three key positions in the town - mayor, sub-district administrator, or police chief - be given to a Turkmen. The Turkmen community, particularly in Kirkuk, has long called for greater political representation in the province's government. Turkey, which sees the Turkmen population as its ethnic kin, has consistently advocated for their rights in Iraq. Kirkuk Provincial Council member Abdullah Mirwais told Rudaw on Thursday that the unrest is being politicized by certain factions ahead of federal elections, scheduled for November. 'Turkmens, Kurds, and Arabs as ethnicities have no problems with each other, but parties sometimes stir up these issues for their own gains,' he said. The Iraqi Turkmen Front is reportedly split on how to respond to recent appointments, following an internal rift between former leader Hassan Turan - who resigned in April - and Arshad al-Salihi, the party's current head in parliament and Turan's predecessor. The party remains a key political force in the disputed oil-rich province and has repeatedly claimed that Kirkuk 'belongs to the Turkmen people.'
Hans India
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Ukraine, Russia hold second round of peace talks in Turkey amid massive drone strikes
Ukraine and Russia held their second round of direct peace talks in Istanbul on Monday, following a weekend of intense military escalation. The meeting, hosted at Istanbul's Ciragan Palace, lasted over an hour. 'The meeting is over. It didn't end negatively,' said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli, according to AFP. Ukraine's delegation was led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky headed the Russian side. The first round of talks on May 16 had seen limited progress, with both sides agreeing on a prisoner swap. Drone Assault: Operation 'Spider Web' Just a day before the talks, Ukraine launched a large-scale drone operation dubbed 'Spider Web,' reportedly directed by President Zelenskyy. The strike targeted four military airfields deep inside Russian territory. According to the Associated Press, Ukraine deployed 117 drones, inflicting heavy damage on 34% of Russia's fleet of air missile carriers. Among the affected aircraft were the Tu-95 and Tu-22M3 long-range bombers, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons, as well as an A-50 radar plane. One of the farthest targets, the Belaya air base in Irkutsk—over 4,000 km from Ukraine—was among the sites hit. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed the attacks, reporting damage and fires at airbases in the Irkutsk and Murmansk regions, and repelled strikes in Amur, Ivanovo, and Ryazan. Despite the military tensions, the talks suggest a possible diplomatic opening as global pressure mounts for a resolution.
Middle East Eye
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Turkey denies pressuring Hamas for Gaza ceasefire at US request
Turkey has formally denied reports that Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan pressured Hamas officials over the weekend to make concessions in ceasefire talks with Israel. "The claim published by an Israeli newspaper does not reflect the truth," Turkish foreign ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli told MEE in a statement. Fidan met Hamas Shura Council chairman Muhammad Ismail Darwish and other senior officials in Doha on Sunday to discuss efforts to reach a long-term ceasefire and the need to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, according to a Turkish readout. On Monday, Haaretz, citing Palestinian officials affiliated with Hamas, reported that Turkey had pressured Hamas to make concessions following a request from the United States. However, insiders in Ankara say Turkey has been working to broker a deal to present to Washington - and, if possible, directly to US President Donald Trump - to secure another ceasefire, rather than putting pressure on the Hamas leadership.
Rudaw Net
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Turkey investigating attack on Iraqi consulate in Istanbul
Also in Turkey DEM Party pushes for wider recognition of Kurdish language in Turkey Gunshots fired at Iraqi consulate in Istanbul Gabar field producing 80,000 barrels per day: Turkish energy minister DEM party MP calls for new constitution in Turkey A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish authorities have launched an investigation into the Friday night attack on the Iraqi consulate in Istanbul. Assailants on motorcycles opened fire on the building, the spokesperson for the Turkish foreign ministry said on Saturday. 'This evening, individuals on motorcycles opened fire on Iraq's Consulate General in Istanbul. No casualties or material losses were recorded,' Oncu Keceli was quoted as saying by Turkish state media. He added that security forces have launched a probe into the incident and that Ankara remains in close coordination with Baghdad to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable. The attack took place in Istanbul's Sisli district by two individuals on a motorcycle. Iraq's foreign ministry said in a statement that the assailants 'used a Kalashnikov rifle firing eight bullets at the facade of the building before fleeing.' Baghdad praised "the swift response of the Turkish authorities and the security measures they took' and noted "the importance of enhancing the necessary measures to protect diplomatic missions in accordance with international agreements."
Rudaw Net
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Rudaw Net
Saudi Arabia, Turkey condemn Assad loyalists for Syria clashes
Also in Middle East Jordan to host meeting of Syria's neighbors Turkish FM discusses Iraq, Kirkuk with Turkmen, Sunni Arab politicians UN condemns Israeli attacks in Syria Iraqi president heads to Cairo for Arab League summit on Gaza reconstruction A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia and Turkey on Friday condemned Bashar al-Assad loyalists for attacking security forces in western Syria and expressed support for the new authorities in Damascus. 'The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation of the crimes committed by outlaw groups in the Syrian Arab Republic and the targeting of security forces,' the ministry said in a statement. 'The Kingdom affirms its support for the Syrian government in its efforts to maintain security and stability and preserve civil peace,' it added. The Turkish foreign ministry warned against creating tensions that could destabilize the country. 'Intensive efforts are underway to establish security and stability in Syria. At this critical juncture, the tension in and around Latakia, as well as the targeting of security forces could undermine the efforts to lead Syria into the future in unity and solidarity,' spokesperson Oncu Keceli wrote on X. 'Such provocations must not be allowed to become a threat to peace in Syria and the region,' he added. At least 71 people were killed and dozens of others were wounded in clashes between Syrian forces and elements that support the former regime in Alawite-majority areas on the western coast, a stronghold of the Assad family, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The dead are 35 members of the security forces, 32 gunmen affiliated with the army of the former regime, and four civilians. Authorities imposed curfews in areas affected by the unrest and Damascus deployed reinforcements to curb the advance of armed groups who reportedly had taken control of some territory. The new authorities in Damascus, headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, the leader of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) rebel group that spearheaded the offensive that drove Assad out of the country in December, have come under repeated criticism by minority groups who say they are being excluded from discussions about the country's future. Clashes have also broken out in the south of the country and Israel has threatened a military incursion to defend Druze communities.
