April 2017 - Turkey Special Weapons News

EU Foreign Ministers Assess Way Ahead For Turkey Relations RFE/RL 28 Apr 2017 -- European Union foreign ministers are meeting in Malta to assess the bloc's relations with candidate Turkey amid a severe deterioration of bilateral ties.
Erdogan actions 'severely hit' EU-Turkey ties: Merkel Press TV 27 Apr 2017 -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel has expressed concerns about the latest measures taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, saying they have adversely affected relations between the European Union and Ankara.
Turkey suspends 9,000 police personnel over alleged ties to failed coup Press TV 27 Apr 2017 -- Turkey has suspended over 9,000 members of the country's police force as part of its post coup crackdown.
Merkel Says EU-Turkey Ties 'Severely Hit' By Ankara Developments RFE/RL 27 Apr 2017 -- EU-Turkey relations have been severely hit by the actions of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, German Chancellor Angela Merkel says.
Narrow Turkish Referendum Victory Reveals Economic Concerns VOA 27 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's referendum victory to extend his powers was bittersweet.
Turkish Airstrikes in Syria, Iraq Kill Partner Counter-ISIS Fighters AFPS 26 Apr 2017 -- Turkey conducted airstrikes this week in Syria and Iraq that killed partner forces in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, giving little notice and making no effort to coordinate the strikes, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve said today.
Ankara says military had informed Washington, Moscow of air raid Press TV 26 Apr 2017 -- Turkish officials say the United States and Russia were informed in advance of a recent airstrike carried out on the positions of suspected Kurdish militants in Syria and Iraq.
Turkey Arrests 1,000 in Sped-up Anti-Gulen Crackdown VOA 26 Apr 2017 -- Turkish authorities say they have arrested more than 1,000 people and suspended 9,100 policemen in an accelerated crackdown on alleged supporters of cleric Fethullah Gulen.
U.S. 'Concerned' About Turkish Strikes On Kurdish Allies In Iraq, Syria RFE/RL 25 Apr 2017 -- The U.S. State Department has expressed "deep concerns" about Turkish air strikes against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria and northern Iraq, saying the strikes were not approved by the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State (IS) extremists.
Turkish Warplanes Hit Kurdish Targets on Iraqi-Syrian Frontier VOA 25 Apr 2017 -- Turkish warplanes on Tuesday targeted fighters from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and a key Kurdish affiliate on the Iraqi-Syrian frontier, where Kurdish units play an important role in a loosely knit coalition battling Islamic State extremists.
Ankara to continue military operations in Iraq, Syria: Turkish president Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has vehemently defended Ankara's recent deadly airstrikes in Iraq and Syria, vowing that Turkey would continue its military operations in both Arab countries "until the last terrorist is eliminated."
Turkey put on Europe rights watch list over post-coup crackdown Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- A leading European human rights body has put Turkey on a watchlist over the Ankara government's heavy-handed crackdown on opposition figures and political dissidents following the abortive July 15 military coup last year, rights violations and concerns about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's increased executive powers.
Greek court rejects Turkey's second extradition request for soldiers Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- A court in Greece has rejected a file lodged by Turkey for the extradition of eight soldiers who fled during a coup attempt last year.
Turkish top court rejects opposition's appeal against referendum results Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's highest administrative court has declined to hear an appeal by the main opposition party against the acceptance of unstamped ballots in the recent referendum on expanding President Tayyip Erdogan's powers.
Turkish President Says Syria's Assad Must Go RFE/RL 25 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says there will be no end to the fighting in Syria until President Bashar al-Assad gives up power.
Baghdad censures Turkey air raid in northern Iraq Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- The Iraqi government has condemned a deadly air raid by Turkish warplanes in northern Iraq, which killed at least six peshmerga Kurdish fighters.
Kurds denounce deadly Turkish air raid in northern Iraq Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region has denounced as "unacceptable" Turkey's airstrike in northern Iraq, which killed at least six Kurdish fighters.
6 Iraqi Peshmerga forces killed as Turkey resumes anti-PKK bombing campaign Press TV 25 Apr 2017 -- At least six Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces have reportedly been killed as Turkey resumes air raids on Kurdish positions in northern Iraq and in northeastern Syria.
Erdogan set to discuss S-400 missile systems with Putin: Turkish minister Press TV 24 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to discuss a contract for buying the advanced S-400 long-range air missile defense system during an upcoming meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, Turkey's defense minister says.
Turkish Referendum Result Sparks Peace Process Speculation VOA 24 Apr 2017 -- Observers say one of the few positives that supporters of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took from the controversy-marred narrow referendum victory last week was the widely touted bump in support from southern Turkey's restive predominantly Kurdish region.
Constitution Reform to Boost Erdogan's Accountability, Not Powers - Ruling Party Sputnik 19 Apr 2017 -- Vice Chairman of the ruling Justice and Development Party said that amendments to Turkey's constitution approved at the nationwide referendum do not extend presidential powers, but rather are aimed to increase the accountability of the president by providing the parliament with capabilities to formally investigate the sitting leader.
Turkey Defends Against Referendum Fraud Allegations VOA 18 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's prime minister hit back Tuesday at European monitors who said more than 2 million votes could have been manipulated in Sunday's closely contested referendum on expanding presidential powers.
Turkey extends state of emergency for 3 more months People's Daily 18 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's state of emergency will be extended by an additional three months, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said late Monday.
Minister rejects comments against Turkey's electoral board Press TV 18 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's minister for European Union affairs has rejected violation accusations raised against the national electoral board that supervised a plebiscite on changes in the constitution, describing the move as "politically motivated".
Turkey extends post-coup emergency state for three more months Press TV 18 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's cabinet has extended a state of emergency in the country for another three months just one day after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wins a referendum extending his executive powers.
Observers Claim Irregularities, Possible Vote Tampering In Turkish Referendum RFE/RL 18 Apr 2017 -- A member of the Council of Europe's election observer mission in Turkey said on April 18 that as many as 2.5 million votes may have been tampered with in a closely contested referendum that expanded presidential powers and could allow President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to stay in power until 2029.
Thousands In Turkey Protest Against Giving Erdogan Greater Powers RFE/RL 18 Apr 2017 -- Thousands of people took to the streets of Istanbul and other Turkish cities to protest the results of a referendum that narrowly granted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan greater powers.
Europe Fears Turkey's Erdogan Will Tear Up Migration Deal VOA 18 Apr 2017 -- The crowd of diehard supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cheered at a referendum-eve rally in the Umraniye district of Istanbul when Turkey's Islamist leader called on them to drive the West, as well as terrorists, mad by voting "yes" in the next day's plebiscite.
Turkish Referendum Vote Challenged VOA 17 Apr 2017 -- International monitors have questioned the fairness of Sunday's referendum in Turkey, saying it was contested on an uneven playing field. The referendum, which would create a powerful executive presidency from the current parliamentary system, only narrowly passed and opponents are seeking a revote.
Turkish president says constitutional amendments accepted in referendum People's Daily 17 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared on Sunday night that the proposed constitutional changes were accepted in a referendum, paying the way for the country to introduce the presidential system.
Turkey's opposition party CHP calls for referendum annulment Press TV 17 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP), has called for the annulment of the results of a referendum on changes to the country's constitution, which would grant President Recep Tayyip Erdogan extensive executive powers.
Europe cautions Turkey after referendum Press TV 17 Apr 2017 -- Top European officials have reacted to the recent referendum in Turkey by calling on Ankara to choose its next steps carefully and seek broader consensus in implementing constitutional reforms.
Erdogan Lashes Out At European Monitors Of Turkey's Referendum RFE/RL 17 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lashed out angrily at criticism from European election monitors over a referendum that will bring sweeping new powers to the presidency.
Erdogan Tells OSCE to 'Know Their Limits' After Turkish Referendum Criticism Sputnik 17 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Monday to mind its business after it criticized the way Ankara handled the referendum.
Turkey's Referendum 'Does Not Live Up to Council of Europe Standards' - PACE Sputnik 17 Apr 2017 -- The Turkish referendum on constitutional amendments did not live up to the standards of the Council of Europe, its legal framework was inadequate for a genuinely democratic process, Cezar Florin Preda, head of the delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) said Monday.
Turks Approve Referendum Strengthening Presidential Powers VOA 16 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's ruling party has claimed victory in a referendum granting broad new powers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, authorities announced late Sunday.
Turkish Voters Approve Sweeping Presidential Powers In Close Referendum RFE/RL 16 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared victory in a referendum on whether to expand his powers by creating a presidential system of government.
Erdogan: Turkey made historical decision by voting 'Yes' Press TV 16 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared victory in constitutional referendum granting him vastly increased executive powers.
Erdogan on Referendum Result: 'Historic Decision on Turkey's Governance System' Sputnik 16 Apr 2017 -- As 51.3 percent of Turks voted in favor of constitutional changes in Sunday referendum, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called the outcomes of the vote "a historic decision on Turkey's governance system."
Turkish PM Declares 'Yes' Vote Victory in Referendum as 99% of Votes Counted Sputnik 16 Apr 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim declared victory in a referendum on constitutional changes expanding presidential powers are 99 percent of votes were counted.
Turkish Opposition Party Says Authorities Manipulating Referendum Votes Counting Sputnik 16 Apr 2017 -- One of the main Turkish opposition parties, the Republican People's Party (CHP), said that the authorities are manipulating while counting the votes in the Sunday's referendum on constitutional amendments, Erdal Aksunger, the party's deputy chairman, said.
Turkey Braces For Referendum On President's Powers RFE/RL 15 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made a last-minute appeal for support ahead of a divisive referendum proposal that would concentrate more executive power in the office of the presidency.
Turkey's Referendum Could Create 'One-Man Rule,' Threaten EU Ties RFE/RL 15 Apr 2017 -- Turkish voters are going to the polls on April 16 for a referendum that will decide whether the country changes its constitution to create a presidential system of government – a move that would give President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers and allow him to stay in office for up to 10 more years.
Turkey Detains 49 Daesh Suspects in Showcase Operation Ahead of Sunday Vote Sputnik 15 Apr 2017 -- Turkish police have detained 49 alleged Daesh members who reportedly were planning a "sensational" terror attack ahead of Sunday's referendum on governance model.
Turkey Launches Roundup of Islamic State Suspects Ahead of Vote VOA 15 Apr 2017 -- Responding to threats by the Islamic State group to disrupt Turkey's constitutional referendum on Sunday, Turkish authorities have detained scores of people nationwide suspected of links to the outlawed terror group.
Analysis: Turkey Faces Lose-Lose Choice in Referendum VOA 15 Apr 2017 -- Regardless of whether Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan succeeds in bolstering his increasingly authoritarian clout in Sunday's constitutional referendum, one thing is clear: despite a crackdown on his critics and the media, the country is deeply divided, with signs that the gap is growing.
Turkish PM Vows to Resign if Turks Vote for Extending Erdogan's Powers Sputnik 14 Apr 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Friday that he would step down if the country decided to change its government from its current parliamentary form to the federal one following the nation's referendum this weekend.
Turkish Referendum Has Expats in Europe on Edge VOA 14 Apr 2017 -- Turkish expatriates in Europe are on edge ahead of Sunday's referendum in their homeland, troubled by diplomatic tensions and wide-ranging threats against "no" vote campaigners.
State of emergency should not overshadow rights protection, UN experts stress ahead of Turkey referendum UN News 13 Apr 2017 -- Ahead of this Sunday's plebiscite on proposed constitutional amendments in Turkey that would, among other things, empower the President alone to declare states of emergency and determine the measures to be taken, a group of United Nations human rights experts have reiterated that even under such circumstances, protection of human rights must not be compromised.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with Turkish Minister of Defense Fikri Işık DoD 13 Apr 2017
Remarks by Secretary Mattis and Minister Isik at the Pentagon DoD 13 Apr 2017 -- Presenter: Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis; Turkey Minister of National Defense Fikri Isik
Turkey dismissals violating people's basic rights: UN Press TV 13 Apr 2017 -- A panel of UN human rights experts has blasted Turkey for violating people's rights to work and education through dismissals made possible under a state of emergency declared following last year's failed military coup.
Ankara Looking for Air Defense Systems, S-400 Under Consideration - Turkish DM Sputnik 13 Apr 2017 -- The Turkish military is considering options for the purchase of air defense systems for the country's armed forces, Russian S-400 systems are on the list, according to Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik.
Concerns Over Syria Threaten Resurgence of Russian-Turkish Tensions VOA 12 Apr 2017 -- The recent gas attack in Syria has resurrected Russian-Turkish tensions. Turkey is again calling for the removal of Russian backed Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the creation of safe areas and no-fly zones, but renewed tensions between Russia and Turkey could cost Ankara economically.
Turkish Forces Kill Seven PKK Fighters in Southeastern Province of Mardin Sputnik 10 Apr 2017 -- Seven Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters were killed by Turkish forces in the Artuklu district of the Mardin province, according to media reports.
Over 10,000 PKK Fighters Neutralized in Turkey Since July 2015 Sputnik 10 Apr 2017 -- Turkey's Minister of National Defense Fikri Isik stated that since July 23, 2015, to date, the Turkish security forces neutralized 10,091 PKK terrorists, of which 7,071 were eliminated, 1,020 were wounded, 963 were detained, 1,037 laid down their weapons and surrendered to the authorities.
Erdogan: 'Sick man' Europe collapsing, Turkey 'growing' Press TV 09 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blasted at "crazy" European leaders for alleged opposing Turkey's upcoming referendum on expanding his powers, saying Ankara will reconsider its bid for membership in the European Union (EU) after holding the plebiscite, casting new doubts about Turkey's decades-long membership drive.
Erdogan: 'Europe Will Answer for Their Treatment of Turks Following Referendum' Sputnik 09 Apr 2017 -- Turkey will soon hold the Europeans to account for their unfair treatment of the Middle-Eastern country, Turkish Presidet Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday at a rally in Izmir promoting an upcoming nation-wide referendum which would dramatically increase his powers.
Stop insisting on Assad leadership: Turkey to Russia Press TV 09 Apr 2017 -- Turkey has called on Russia to stop supporting President Bashar al-Assad following a US missile strike which drew praise from Turkish leaders and other supporters of militant groups in Syria.
Turkish Prime Minister Lauds US Attack on Syrian Airbase - Reports Sputnik 08 Apr 2017 -- Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim supported the US decision to carry out a missile attack against Syria's airbase during phone talk with US Vice President Mike Pence, local media reported Saturday citing a source at Yildirim's office.
Turkish PM Says PKK Militants to 'Pay Price' for Damage in Southeast Turkey Sputnik 07 Apr 2017 -- Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants will "pay the price" for all the damage they have done in Turkey's southeastern Sirnak province, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Friday.
Turkey prepared to support possible US military action in Syria: Erdogan Press TV 07 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country would welcome a possible US military campaign in Syria in the wake of a suspected chemical attack in the Arab country's northwestern province of Idlib.
Erdogan Welcomes US Missile Strikes on Syrian Airbase, Says it's Not Enough Sputnik 07 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday he welcomes the US missile strike on a Syrian airbase, but does not consider it to be sufficient.
Turkish Foreign Ministry Welcomes US Strike on Syrian Airbase Sputnik 07 Apr 2017 -- Turkey welcomes the airstrike of the United States on the Syrian military base in Ash Sha'irat in the Homs province and will support any future operations aimed at ensuring Syrian President Bashar Assad's government's accountability, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Baghdad to Oppose Any Turkey's Combat Operations on Iraqi Territory - Government Sputnik 07 Apr 2017 -- Baghdad is against any military operations by Turkey on Iraqi territory and hopes Ankara will withdraw troops from the camp in northern Iraqi town of Bashiqa after the victory over the Daesh terrorist group, Iraqi government spokesman Saad Hadithi told Sputnik Friday.
Turkey Will Support US Military Op in Syria if Launched - Erdogan Sputnik 06 Apr 2017 -- If Washington decides to launch a military operation in Syria, Turkey will support the move, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saoid Thursday.
Turkey plans military incursion into Iraq: Report Press TV 06 Apr 2017 -- Turkey is reportedly planning to launch a military incursion into northern Iraq in an alleged bid to target the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), viewed by Ankara as a terrorist organization.
Erdogan Threatens New Military Incursions Targeting PKK VOA 06 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has threatened to launch military operations in Iraq and Syria against the Kurdish rebel group the PKK, which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.
Germany investigates 20 suspected of spying for Turkey Press TV 06 Apr 2017 -- German prosecutors have launched an investigation into a case involving 20 people suspected of spying for Turkey on alleged followers of a cleric whom Ankara blames for the last year coup attempt.
Germany Opens Probe Into Spying by Turkish Nationals on Gulen's Followers Sputnik 06 Apr 2017 -- German authorities have opened an investigation into 20 Turkish nationals who are suspected of conducting espionage activities on followers of Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen in Germany, local media reported Thursday.
Moscow Believes Ankara Serious About Commitment to Syrian Truce Sputnik 05 Apr 2017 -- Moscow believes that Ankara is serious in its commitment to the ceasefire in Syria and the two sides continue bilateral discussions of any existing disagreements, Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said Wednesday.
Turkey occupying Syria, trying to build city near al-Bab: Syrian envoy Press TV 05 Apr 2017 -- The Syrian ambassador to Russia has accused Turkey of seeking to establish a city near the northern Syrian city of al-Bab, citing Turkish troops' presence and occupation of the area.
Russian, Turkish Navies Hold Joint Drills in Black Sea Sputnik 05 Apr 2017 -- Russia's Black Sea Fleet and Turkey's navy held joint exercises in the Black Sea, the fleet's spokesman Vyacheslav Trukhachev said Wednesday.
Turkey fires 45 more members of judiciary in post-coup purge Press TV 04 Apr 2017 -- Turkey has dismissed 45 more judges and prosecutors as part of a heavy-handed crackdown launched by the government on political dissent following last year's failed military coup.
Turkey's Erdogan warns Iraqi Kurds flag could strain ties Press TV 04 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has warned Kurds in Iraq that a recent decision to hoist their flag in the disputed Iraqi city of Kirkuk could threaten Turkey-Kurdistan relations.
Erdogan to Iraqi Kirkuk Province's Authorities: 'Lower Your Kurdistan Banners' Sputnik 04 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday asked the administration of the Iraqi province of Kirkuk to remove the flags of Iraqi Kurdistan and to hoist up Iraqi banners instead.
Turkey plans new 'anti-terror' offensives in Syria, says Turkish president Press TV 03 Apr 2017 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Turkey is planning new offensives this spring inside war-torn Syria after Ankara officially announced the completion of a months-long military campaign on the Arab country's soil.
Turkey coup staged with government knowledge: Opposition leader Press TV 03 Apr 2017 -- The main Turkish opposition party has accused the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) of having prior knowledge of the failed July 15, 2016 putsch, saying Ankara carried out a "controlled" coup in an attempt to exploit its outcomes.
262 Turkish diplomats, soldiers seeking asylum in Germany Press TV 03 Apr 2017 -- At least 262 Turkish diplomats and military personnel have filed for political asylum in Germany since a last year failed coup blamed on supporters of US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Turkish President Courts Kurdish Vote VOA 03 Apr 2017 -- With Turkey's referendum on whether to extend the country's presidential powers less than two weeks away, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has turned his campaign toward the Kurdish minority.
'We Consider Them Occupants': Damascus Comments on Remaining Turkish Troops Sputnik 03 Apr 2017 -- Turkey continues to occupy the Syrian territory despite announcing the end of its operation there, the Syrian Ambassador to Russia said. He urged sides fighting terrorism to coordinate their actions.
Erdogan calls on Kurds to vote yes in April referendum Press TV 02 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has referred to himself as a "guardian of peace" while calling on Kurds to vote "Yes" in an upcoming constitutional reforms referendum.
'EU is a Christian Union': Erdogan Explains Why Turkey Can't Join the Bloc Sputnik 02 Apr 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spelled out the main reason why the Middle-Eastern state's accession to the European Union has been stalled.
Turkish Opposition CHP Leader Speaks Against Supporting Erdogan in Referendum Sputnik 02 Apr 2017 -- Turkish opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu stated that uncontrolled power results in disaster commenting the upcoming referendum on shifting toward the executive presidency in Turkey.
Turkish Army Helicopters to Be Equipped With New Laser-Guided Missiles Sputnik 02 Apr 2017 -- Turkey has developed for its armed forces a new laser-guided missile, L-UMTAS, in the framework of the project of anti-tank missiles of distant radius of action, local media reported Sunday.
Turkey Says It Will Keep Military Presence In Syria RFE/RL 01 Apr 2017 -- The Turkish Army says it will keep a military presence in Syria to prevent any "unwanted formation" and ensure stability in the region.
Germany Launches Spying Probe Into Turkish Religious Official Sputnik 01 Apr 2017 -- German prosecutors are looking into Halife Keskin, a top official at Turkey's state-run religious affairs agency Diyanet, on suspicion his agency was spying on ethnic Turks in Germany, a local newspaper reported Friday.

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April 2017 - Turkey Special Weapons News