Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Further Reading

• Opposition Journalists' Trial Resumes in Turkey Amid Global Concern VOA 31 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's press freedom record is under international scrutiny with the resumption of the trial of journalists and executives of the Cumhuriyet newspaper, widely seen as the last mainstream newspaper critical of the president and his government. The case is part of an ongoing crackdown after last year's failed coup.
• Turkish mayor resigns under 'unbearable' pressure from Erdogan Press TV 30 Oct 2017 -- Another mayor has resigned in Turkey over what he called pressure and threats "beyond unbearable" by the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party.
• Turkey resumes mass trial of 221 'coup ringleaders' Press TV 30 Oct 2017 -- Turkey has reopened a mass trial of 221 suspects over their alleged involvement in a failed July 2016 coup against the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Analysts: Turkey May Pay Heavy Price for Iraqi Kurdish Leader's Resignation VOA 30 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani's announcement he plans to step down was greeted with jubilation in Turkey's pro-government media. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accused Barzani, his once close ally, of betrayal for his decision to hold an October independence referendum.
• Ankara Mayor Resigns as Turkish President Continues Purge VOA 28 Oct 2017 -- The long-serving mayor of the Turkish capital, Ankara, has resigned after pressure from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In the last few weeks, Erdogan has forced out of office six mayors belonging to his ruling AKP party as part of efforts to revitalize the party ahead of looming elections.
• Party's Launch Could Upend Erdogan, Turkey's Political Establishment VOA 26 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused by critics of amassing power and creating the latest in a series of autocratic governments in the country, faces a new political threat after the launch Wednesday of the Iyi Party by Meral Aksener.
• Kurdistan's offer to freeze referendum result will not redress damage: Turkey Press TV 26 Oct 2017 -- Turkish authorities say an offer by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) to freeze the results of last month's independence referendum is not enough, saying the move would not compensate for the damage caused by the controversial vote.
• Turkey Coordinates Actions in Syria With Russia - Kremlin Sputnik 25 Oct 2017 -- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has commented on the new Turkish operation in Idlib, which is the second Turkish military campaign in the Syrian territory.
• Iraq's Abadi in Turkey for talks on Kurds Press TV 25 Oct 2017 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has arrived in Turkey to discuss developments in the Arab country's Kurdistan region as Baghdad and Ankara seek stronger bonds to deal with the Kurdish independence drive.
• Ankara's mayor resigns under pressure from President Erdogan Press TV 24 Oct 2017 -- The long-serving mayor of Turkey's capital Ankara has announced his resignation after coming under pressure from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is seeking changes to the image of his ruling Justice and Development (AK) party ahead of the 2019 elections.
• Turkey Puts More Rights Advocates on Trial, Raising International Concerns VOA 24 Oct 2017 -- A trial begins in Istanbul Wednesday for eleven prominent human rights activists, including two foreign nationals, in a case that is drawing criticism from international human rights organizations who say it is part of a campaign by the government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to silence criticism and scrutiny in Turkey in the wake of last year's coup attempt.
• Turkish President Attacks Washington VOA 23 Oct 2017 -- U.S. and Turkish diplomats continue talks on resolving a dispute over recent visa curbs, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan steps up his rhetoric against Washington. Bilateral relations are set to be further strained by an upcoming court case over Iranian sanction busting involving Turkish citizens.
• All procedures for US extradition of Gulen complete, Turkish justice minister says Press TV 22 Oct 2017 -- Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul says his country expects US officials to extradite Pennsylvania-based opposition cleric, Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the failed July 2016 coup, stressing that all procedures have been completed in this regard.
• Erdogan Ratifies Turkey-Azerbaijan Military Agreement Sputnik 22 Oct 2017 -- The military cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan prescribes strengthening of relations and holding joint drills.
• EU to reduce Turkey pre-accession payment amid souring relations Press TV 20 Oct 2017 -- European Council President Donald Tusk says the 28-member politico-economic bloc will reduce some of the money earmarked for Turkey to join the union, reflecting increasingly strained ties with the Ankara government.
• US, EU not standing with Turkey in terror fight: Erdogan Press TV 20 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has lashed out at the United States and the European Union for their support for militants of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), saying they are "not standing with Turkey" in its fight against terrorism.
• EU, Citing Backtracking On Human Rights, To Cut Aid For Turkey's Membership Bid RFE/RL 20 Oct 2017 -- European Union leaders have agreed to reduce financial assistance for helping Turkey get ready for EU membership due to Ankara's backtracking on commitments to the rule of law and human rights, EU leaders said on October 20.
• No Membership Card: Turkey to Lose Vital EU Funds Over Human Rights Concerns Sputnik 20 Oct 2017 -- European Union leaders have agreed on cutting financial aid for Turkey's succession to the bloc, followed by a suggestion to relocate funds directly to human rights organizations in the country to address growing concerns over violations and abuse.
• Erdogan pushing more mayors to resign amid AK shake-up ahead of 2019 elections Press TV 19 Oct 2017 -- Three more Turkish mayors, including the high-profile mayor of the capital Ankara, will resign, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says, as he seeks to repair the image of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) party ahead of 2019 elections.
• Diplomats Working to Ease US-Turkey Tensions VOA 18 Oct 2017 -- A high-level U.S. delegation led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Jonathan Cohen met Wednesday with senior Turkish diplomats to resolve bilateral tensions.
• Intel Official Says Turkish Military Base Was 'Target' of Somalia Truck Bomb VOA 17 Oct 2017 -- The newly Turkish-built military base in Mogadishu was the original target of Saturday's deadly truck bomb, a senior Somali intelligence official told VOA Somali.
• EU must give clear answer to Turkey regarding accession bid: Turkish president Press TV 17 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the European Union (EU) must give a clear answer to Ankara regarding Turkey's bid to join the continental bloc, complaining that the EU has so far failed to fully fulfill its financial commitment to the Anatolian country according to the 2015 Turkey-EU refugee deal.
• Nearly dozen rights activists to go on trial in Turkey next week Press TV 17 Oct 2017 -- Turkey will put eleven human rights activists, including two local heads of Amnesty International, on trial next week on charges of affiliation to a movement led by US-based opposition cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom the Ankara government accuses of having masterminded the failed July 2016 coup attempt, and aiding Kurdish and left-wing militants.
• Turkey to extend state of emergency by 3 more months for fifth time Press TV 16 Oct 2017 -- The Turkish government has endorsed a recommendation by the National Security Council (MGK) to extend the state of emergency that has been in place in the country since the failed coup in the summer of 2016.
• Over 1,200 detained in Turkey in last week for links to militant groups, says Interior Ministry Press TV 16 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's Interior Ministry says more than 1,200 people have been arrested over the past week on suspicion of links to terrorist groups.
• Explosion in southeast Turkey kills two soldiers: Turkish broadcaster Press TV 16 Oct 2017 -- An improvised explosive device has gone off in the southeastern Turkish province of Hakkari, killing two military forces.
• Turkey expands deployment of troops to Syria's Idlib Press TV 16 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's army is expanding its deployment in Syria's militant-held Idlib province despite the Damascus government's call for an "immediate and unconditional" pullout of Turkish troops, militants and witnesses say.
• What Is Turkey Up to in Syria? VOA 16 Oct 2017 -- Turkey is expanding its latest military intervention in Syria rapidly, sending more special forces and commandos into Idlib as part of a high-risk effort agreed to with Moscow and Tehran to establish a de-escalation zone in the northwest Syrian province that is mainly controlled by an al-Qaida offshoot.
• Turkey Closes Country's Airspace for Iraqi Kurdistan Sputnik 16 Oct 2017 -- The Turkish Security Council recommended in an October 16 statement to close the country's airspace for Iraqi Kurdistan amid the ongoing clashes between Iraqi federal forces and Peshmerga fighters in Kirkuk, which joined Kurdistan's independence referendum on September 25.
• Turkey ready to cooperate with Iraq to eradicate PKK from Kirkuk Press TV 16 Oct 2017 -- The Turkish government says it is ready to cooperate with the central Iraqi government against militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in the country's oil-rich northern province of Kirkuk, amid reports that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is allowing PKK terrorists to penetrate the city.
• Turkish Troops Deployment in Syria Was Joint Decision by Astana Guarantors - MP Sputnik 15 Oct 2017 -- Damascus calls the recent deployment of the country's troops to the Syrian Idlib province an invasion, while Turkey defines it as a move coordinated with other states.
• Syrian Parliament Condemns Turkish 'Invasion' in Idlib, Demands Troops Pullout Sputnik 15 Oct 2017 -- The Syrian parliament has reiterated Damascus' reported demand concerning the Turkish troops' withdrawal from Idlib amid Ankara's military operation in the region previously announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Turkey issues arrest warrants for 100 former police officers Press TV 14 Oct 2017 -- Turkey has issued arrest warrants for 100 former police officers as part of the government's widening crackdown following last year's attempted coup.
• Ankara had talks with Moscow on Russia's S-500 missile system: Erdogan Press TV 14 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara has had talks with Moscow over Russia's S-500 surface-to-air missile defense systems, announcing that Turkey has also no "problem" with the Kremlin over its previous deal on receiving batteries of S-400 systems.
• Over 600 Senior Turkish Officials Asked for Asylum in Germany Since Coup Attempt Sputnik 14 Oct 2017 -- Over 600 high-ranking Turkish officials, including diplomats, have asked for asylum in Germany since the coup attempt last year amid ongoing purges in the country.
• Turkish Forces Move Into Syria VOA 14 Oct 2017 -- Turkey has deployed troops to Syria's Idlib province, as part of its effort to stem fighting and end jihadist control of the region.
• Syria demands 'immediate, unconditional' pullout of Turkish troops from Idlib Press TV 14 Oct 2017 -- The Syrian government has strongly denounced an incursion of Turkish military forces into the country's militant-held northwestern province of Idlib, demanding "immediate and unconditional" withdrawal of Turkish troops from the war-ravaged Arab country.
• Damascus Demands 'Immediate' Withdrawal of Turkish Army From Syria - State Media Sputnik 14 Oct 2017 -- Few days after the Turkish troops and armed vehicles entered Syria's Idlib following the announcement of Ankara's second military operation in the Arab Republic, Damascus has reportedly strongly condemned the deployment.
• Turkey's first military convoy enters Syria's Idlib: Report Press TV 13 Oct 2017 -- The first convoy of Turkish military forces has reportedly entered the Syrian city of Idlib to enforce a "de-escalation" zone in northwestern Syria as part of a deal with Russia and Iran.
• Erdogan Says Turkey Also Interested In Russian S-500 Missile System RFE/RL 13 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says that his country, which recently announced plans to buy S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, is also interested in acquiring a future Russian missile system that is still under development.
• Turkish Troops Begin Setting Up Observation Posts in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Friday the launch of a military operation in Syria's Idlib, local media reports. "Tonight, Turkish Armed Forces jointly with the FSA units started an operation in Idlib," the president said.
• Erdogan Sees No Reason Not to Work With Russia and Install S-400 Missile Systems Sputnik 13 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Friday that he saw no reasons to stop cooperation with Russia on the purchase of S-400 missile defense systems, adding that he expected joint production to take place in the second stage of S-400 purchases.
• US Conspiracy Fears Grow in Turkey With Looming Court Case VOA 13 Oct 2017 -- The current diplomatic crisis between Turkey and the United States, sparked by the arrest of local U.S. employee Metin Topuz at a diplomatic mission, is underscored by growing fears in Ankara that Washington is conspiring against it.
• Erdogan blames US envoy for 'sacrificing' Ankara-Washington ties Press TV 12 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed outgoing US Ambassador John Bass for the deteriorating relations between his country and the United States, saying Washington is "sacrificing" its relations with Ankara.
• Erdogan: US 'Sacrificing' Ties With Turkey VOA 12 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday that the United states is "sacrificing" ties between the two allies as a diplomatic feud between the nations continues.
• Turkey's Erdogan Gets Warm Welcome In Serbia's Mostly Muslim Sandzak Region RFE/RL 11 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on October 11 received a warm welcome as he visited a predominantly Muslim region in southwestern Serbia.
• Ankara Calls for Resolution to Turkey-US Tensions VOA 11 Oct 2017 -- Turkey is calling for a normalization of relations with the United States following rising diplomatic tensions between the NATO allies.
• Ankara does not recognize John Bass as US envoy in Turkey any longer: Erdogan Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara does not recognize outgoing John Bass as the US ambassador in the Anatolian country and boycotts all official meetings with him, as a newly erupted visa crisis between the two countries further unfolds.
• Turkey launches operation to arrest 70 military officers over Gulen links: Report Press TV 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish police have reportedly launched an operation to arrest 70 military personnel over their alleged links to the US-based opposition figure Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of masterminding a failed coup last year.
• Seeking Increased Influence, Erdogan Pledges Trade, Investments With Serbia RFE/RL 10 Oct 2017 -- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged increased investment and trade with Serbia as Turkey looks to solidify its influence in the Balkans.
• Erdogan Blames Washington for US-Turkey Visa Dispute, Hints at FETO Trace Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that the Fethullah Terrorist Organization's agents might be working at the US Consulate General in Istanbul as he commented on the ongoing Ankara-Washington row over visa restrictions.
• Erdogan Defends Arrest of US Consulate Employee VOA 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is defending the arrest of a U.S. consulate employee, accusing him of being a spy.
• Turkey May Impose New Sanctions on Iraqi Kurdistan Over Referendum - PM Sputnik 10 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's Prime Minister has stated that new sanctions may be introduced by Ankara, Baghdad and Tehran against Iraqi Kurdistan.
• Erdogan Pledges Support For Ukraine's Territorial Integrity During Kyiv Visit RFE/RL 09 Oct 2017 -- During a visit to Kyiv, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that his country will continue to support Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• Turkey may find other partners if Russia reluctant to share S-400 technology: Cavusoglu Press TV 09 Oct 2017 -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Ankara may cancel its deal with Russia on acquiring the Russian S-400 missile systems and seek a deal with other partners if Moscow is reluctant to share the technology of its most advanced air defense system with the Anatolian country.
• Almost 150 go on trial over Turkey coup bridge killings Press TV 09 Oct 2017 -- Turkey has put on trial almost 150 former members of the military over clashes on an Istanbul bridge that led to the deaths of dozens of people, including a key aide of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during last year's abortive coup.
• U.S., Turkey In Tit-For-Tat Suspension Of Visas Services Over Arrest Of Employee RFE/RL 09 Oct 2017 -- The United States and Turkey are mutually restricting visa services after a U.S. Consulate employee of Turkish nationality was arrested in Istanbul on espionage charges.
• Kremlin Comments on Turkish FM's Remark on Possible Cancelation of S-400 Deal Sputnik 09 Oct 2017 -- The Turkish foreign minister said that Ankara may cancel the deal on the acquisition of the S-400 air defense systems if Russia does not agree to jointly produce the military equipment. The Kremlin has commented on the issue.
• Turkey's General Staff Announces Start of Military Operation in Syria's Idlib Sputnik 09 Oct 2017 -- Two days after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkish military will help Free Syrian Army rebels in the newly-launched anti-terror offensive, Turkey has announced the official start of the operation in Syria's Idlib currently controlled by al-Nusra Front terrorists.
• Tensions Rise Between Ankara and Washington VOA 09 Oct 2017 -- Turkish-U.S. tensions continue to escalate, with Ankara imposing a suspension on the issuance of visas for most American citizens in retaliation to a similar move by Washington. The tit for tat dispute hit Turkey's financial markets, as fears grow over long-term fall out.
• MP: Iraq's partition Iran, Turkey, Iraq red-line IRNA 08 Oct 2017 -- Chairman of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi said on Sunday that disintegration of Iraq is deemed as red-line for Iran, Turkey and Iraq.
• Turkey 'Working With Russia' Amid Idlib Operation - Prime Minister Sputnik 08 Oct 2017 -- The Turkish prime minister has commented on coordinating actions with Moscow in the wake of the Turkish President's announcement of his country's launching a military operation in Syria's Idlib, currently under the control of the al-Nusra Front terrorist group.
• Turkish army's reconnaissance team crosses into Syria as part of Idlib offensive Press TV 08 Oct 2017 -- A small army reconnaissance team from Turkey has reportedly crossed the border into Syria's northwestern province of Idlib ahead of a planned deployment of the Ankara-backed so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA)'s forces in the largely militant-held region.
• Next Stop Idlib: Erdogan Announces Turkey's New 'Serious' Operation in Syria Sputnik 07 Oct 2017 -- The Turkish president has announced plans to start a new military operation in Syria in a move which has been rumored for weeks.
• Turkish President Announces Start of Military Operation in Syria VOA 07 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced the start of Turkish military operation into Syria's Idlib province.
• Turkish President Announces 'Serious Operation' In Northern Syria RFE/RL 07 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on October 7 an operation to retake Idlib, a province under rebel control in northern Syria, amid a reported military buildup on the border between the two countries.
• President Erdogan says Turkey helps militant group's offensive in Idlib Press TV 07 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country's army forces are supporting a full-scale military operation, which has just begun by the so-called Free Syrian Army (FSA), aimed at liberating militant-held areas in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib.
• Turkey Building Bulletproof Watchtowers Along Syrian Border - Reports Sputnik 06 Oct 2017 -- Turkey reportedly continued efforts to reinforce its border with Syria.
• Turkey says will continue negotiations with Iran on Iraqi Kurdistan IRNA 06 Oct 2017 -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said on Friday that the developments in the Iraqi Kurdistan region are a threat to regional security and that Ankara will continue negotiations with Tehran and international community in this regard.
• Turkey: PKK militants killed at popular tourist resort Press TV 05 Oct 2017 -- Turkish forces have killed five suspected Kurdish militants at a popular tourist resort in western Turkey frequented by Europeans.
• Turkey to close borders with Iraqi Kurdistan 'soon': Erdogan Press TV 05 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his country will "soon" shut its border and airspace to the Iraqi Kurdistan Region in response to a controversial referendum on possible secession of the semi-autonomous region from the rest of the country.
• Turkey court hands down life sentence to 34 over plot to kill Erdogan Press TV 04 Oct 2017 -- A court in Turkey has sentenced 34 people to life in prison for attempting to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the failed coup of 2016.
• Turkish president arrives in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials Press TV 04 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has arrived in the Iranian capital, Tehran, for discussions with the country's senior officials on issues of bilateral and regional significance.
• Turkey Opens First-Ever African Base in Somalia to Fight Al-Shabaab Sputnik 04 Oct 2017 -- Turkey has opened its first overseas military base on the African continent, a large training facility in Somalia meant to train East African soldiers to better combat Islamic terrorism.
• Dozens Sentenced to Life in Prison Over Failed Turkey Coup VOA 04 Oct 2017 -- A Turkish court on Wednesday sentenced 34 people to life in prison for plotting to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a coup attempt last year.
• Meeting In Tehran, Iranian And Turkish Presidents Stress Opposition To Kurdish State RFE/RL 04 Oct 2017 -- The presidents of Iran and Turkey say their countries will take steps to ensure that borders in the region remain unchanged following last week's independence referendum in Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region.
• Erdogan Accuses Israel's Mossad of Supporting Iraqi Kurdistan Referendum Sputnik 04 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Israel's intelligence agency Mossad supported Iraqi Kurdistan's referendum on independence as only Israel would recognize the Kurdish administration.
• Closing Border With Iraq Will 'Damage Interests' of Iran and Turkey Sputnik 04 Oct 2017 -- Iran has said it had closed border checkpoints with Iraqi Kurdistan in response to its referendum and in respect to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the neighboring country. Salih Meleomer, an advisor to the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government told Sputnik the move could damage the interests of both Turkey and Iran.
• Iran, Turkey aim to create peace, stability, security in region IRNA 04 Oct 2017 -- Iran and Turkey aim at maintaining peace, stability and security in the region, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said.
• Rouhani: Iran, Turkey anchors of stability in Middle East Press TV 04 Oct 2017 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani says Iran and Turkey are "anchors of stability" in the Middle East region, and fighting terrorism is top on the agenda of the two countries.
• Turkish Base Key to Building Strong Somali Army VOA 03 Oct 2017 -- One year from now, if all goes according to plan, the African Union mission in Somalia will withdraw 1,500 soldiers from the country, in a crucial first step toward Somalia shedding its reliance on outside troops to maintain security and fight off Islamist militant group al-Shabab.
• Turkey issues warrants to arrest 254 over coup Press TV 03 Oct 2017 -- Turkish authorities have issued detention warrants for 254 Istanbul municipality and staffers of ministries on suspicion of links to the alleged mastermind of last year's coup attempt.
• Turkey to impose more sanctions on Kurdistan over secession vote: Erdogan Press TV 03 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara would impose further sanctions on Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in light of the September 25 referendum on the independence of the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.
• Iran, Turkey Agree to Boost Military Ties After Referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan Sputnik 02 Oct 2017 -- Turkey and Iran have agreed to boost military ties following the referendum in the Iraqi Kurdistan where more than 90 percent of voters supported the idea of independence from Iraq.
• Growing Use of Turkish Military Stokes Fears of Foreign Policy Shift VOA 02 Oct 2017 -- Turkey's armed forces chief, General Hulusi Akar, is in Tehran for talks with Iran's political and military leadership, including President Hassan Rouhani. His visit precedes President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit, scheduled for Wednesday, and comes as analysts suggest the use and threat of and military force are increasingly becoming part of Turkish foreign policy.
• Iran, Turkey back Iraq's integrity, voice opposition to Kurdish secession Press TV 02 Oct 2017 -- The military brass of Iran and Turkey have voiced their opposition to the separation of Iraq's Kurdish region and expressed support for the country's territorial integrity.
• We don't need EU membership anymore: Turkey's president Press TV 01 Oct 2017 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says Ankara no longer needs to join the European Union, but will not unilaterally quit the stalled talks on accession to the 28-nation bloc.