April 2021 - Turkey Special Weapons News

Turkish Government Under Fire Over COVID-19 Alcohol Ban VOA 30 Apr 2021 -- The Turkish government's decision to ban alcohol sales as part of a nearly three-week lockdown to contain COVID-19 is causing a political storm, with opponents accusing the Islamic-rooted government of using the pandemic to pursue a religious agenda.
Turkish Health Ministry Authorizes Use of Sputnik V Vaccine, Health Minister Says Sputnik 30 Apr 2021 -- The Turkish Health Ministry has authorized the use of Sputnik V, a Russian COVID-19 vaccine, in the country, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said on Friday.
Turkey plans to build base in northern Iraq as it did in Syria: Report Press TV 30 Apr 2021 -- Turkey reportedly plans to build a new military base in Iraq's northern border areas, where the Turkish military has been engaged in an operation against Kurdish militants, despite harsh criticism from the Baghdad government.
Turkey in New Lockdown as Its COVID Numbers Surge VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- Turkey on Thursday starts a strict new three-week lockdown as COVID-19 infections surge. Initially, Turkish authorities claimed success in curbing the pandemic, but the country could be paying the price for a premature easing of restrictions.
UN chief pledges to fight for all Cypriots, as impasse remains UN News 29 Apr 2021 -- UN Secretary-General António Guterres pledged on Thursday that he would continue to represent the interests of all Cypriots in future talks on the divided Mediterranean island, as an informal effort to break the impasse ended, without finding common ground.
Greek and Turkish Cypriots Remain Far Apart on Reunification VOA 29 Apr 2021 -- U.N. efforts to restart talks on reunifying the divided island of Cyprus have hit an impasse as Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders remain apart on the key issues.
Turkish Military Hints at Prospect of Expulsion of US Troops From Incirlik Base Amid Genocide Spat Sputnik 28 Apr 2021 -- US President Joe Biden recognised the actions of the Ottoman Empire against the Armenians as genocide last week, prompting Ankara to summon the US ambassador, sparking mass rallies throughout Turkey, and leading to protesters outside Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey demanding the country's exit from NATO.
Turkish Interior Minister Says Terrorist Attack Foiled in Istanbul Sputnik 28 Apr 2021 -- The Turkish police have found and neutralized an explosive device at a bus station in Istanbul, planted by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said.
Erdogan calls on Biden to reverse Armenian "genocide" statement People's Daily 27 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called on U.S. President Joe Biden to immediately reverse his declaration that designated the atrocities to Armenians during World War I as "genocide."
Erdogan to Biden: US must look in mirror before accusing Turks of genocide Press TV 27 Apr 2021 -- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on US President Joe Biden to reverse a decision to name the 1915 massacre of Armenians by the former Ottoman Empire "genocide," warning that the declaration would harm bilateral ties.
UK Foreign Secretary travels to Geneva for key Cyprus talks UK FCDO 27 Apr 2021 -- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will be attending talks hosted by the UN in Geneva this week on the Cyprus problem.
UN-Mediated Talks to Reunify Cyprus Under Way VOA 27 Apr 2021 -- Three days of U.N.-mediated talks are under way to try and reunify the island of Cyprus, which has been divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots since 1974. That was when Turkey invaded Northern Cyprus in response to a Greek-backed military coup on the island.
UN chief 'realistic' at start of fresh bid to resolve Cyprus stalemate UN News 27 Apr 2021 -- A fresh United Nations-led bid to seek to resolve decades of tensions in Cyprus began in Geneva on Tuesday, with Secretary-General António Guterres "realistic" about the chances of making progress, his Spokesperson said.
Turkish Nationalist Party Calls for Activating S-400 After US Recognises Armenian Genocide Sputnik 27 Apr 2021 -- The leader of Turkey's right-wing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, on Tuesday called on the government to put the Russian-made S-400 air defence systems on combat duty in response to US President Joe Biden's official recognition of the 1915 massacre of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as a genocide.
Turkey's Erdogan Slams Biden Over Armenian Genocide Statement RFE/RL 26 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on April 26 denounced U.S. President Joe Biden's recognition of the Armenian genocide, saying the move would have a "destructive impact" on relations between the two countries.
U.S. says Turkey committed "genocide" in Armenia People's Daily 26 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday openly recognized the mass killing of Armenians more than a century ago as a "genocide," while Turkey immediately denounced the move.
Erdogan Demands Biden Reverse Armenian Genocide Declaration VOA 26 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday demanded that U.S. President Joe Biden reverse his declaration that the World War I-era massacre of hundreds of thousands of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire constituted genocide.
Turkish forces seize northern Iraq village as they continue anti-PKK operations Press TV 26 Apr 2021 -- Turkish military forces have reportedly established control over a village in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region as they are pressing ahead with a military campaign in the area against members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group.
Turkey Puts 108 Pro-Kurdish Party Officials on Trial VOA 26 Apr 2021 -- One hundred and eight prominent members of Turkey's pro-Kurdish HDP went on trial in the capital, Ankara, Monday in connection with violent nationwide protests in 2014 that left 37 people dead.
Questions Over Missing Billions Pose Challenge for Erdogan VOA 26 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could be finding himself cornered over opposition claims that his government $128 billion squandered in defending Turkey's currency, the lira.
Turkey Summons US Envoy Over Biden's Armenian Genocide Declaration VOA 25 Apr 2021 -- Turkey says it summoned the U.S. ambassador to Ankara to condemn President Joe Biden's declaration that the World War I-era massacre of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire constituted a genocide.
U.S. Armenians Welcome Biden Declaration Recognizing Massacre As Genocide RFE/RL 25 Apr 2021 -- Armenian Americans celebrated President Joe Biden's decision to formally recognize the massacre of Armenians during World War I as genocide, but the declaration infuriated Ankara, which accused the United States of trying to rewrite history.
Turkey vows to respond in time to Biden's 'outrageous' recognition of Armenian genocide Press TV 25 Apr 2021 -- Turkey has vowed to respond in time to the "outrageous" declaration by US President Joe Biden officially recognizing as "genocide" the massacres of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire more than a century ago.
Turkey summons US ambassador over Biden's Armenian 'genocide' recognition Press TV 25 Apr 2021 -- Turkey has summoned the US ambassador to Ankara over President Joe Biden's recognition of the alleged massacres of Armenians by Ottoman Turks during the First World War as "genocide."
Biden becomes first US pres. to recognize 'Armenian genocide,' irking Turkey Press TV 25 Apr 2021 -- US President Joe Biden has emerged as the first American president to proclaim formal recognition of the politically-motivated "Armenian genocide," which has long become an annual ritual for successive US presidents and lawmakers to promote the anti-Turkey stance more than a century after the carnage, blamed on Ottoman troops but never officially sanctioned.
Syria urges intl. pressure on Turkish forces to stop cutting off water supply to Hasakah city Press TV 25 Apr 2021 -- Damascus has called for international pressure on the Turkish occupation forces to stop cutting off access to drinking water through the Alouk water pumping station in Hasakah city and its suburbs.
No: 160, 24 April 2021, Press Release on 24 April Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24 Apr 2021 -- "We reject and denounce in the strongest terms the statement of the President of the US regarding the events of 1915 made under the pressure of radical Armenian circles and anti-Turkey groups on 24 April."
Statement by President Joe Biden on Armenian Remembrance Day The White House 24 Apr 2021
Biden Recognizes WWI-Era Killings Of Armenians As Genocide RFE/RL 24 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden has formally recognized the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as genocide, in a declaration that has infuriated Turkey.
Biden Recognizes Armenian Genocide a Century Ago VOA 24 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden recognized Saturday the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide.
'Terrible Vengeance': The History Of Turkish Atrocities Against Armenians And Why Biden Is Poised To Call Them Genocide RFE/RL 23 Apr 2021 -- It's April 24, 1915. Some 250 Armenian intellectuals are rounded up in Constantinople and imprisoned by Ottoman police. Known as "Red Sunday," it is today a day of remembrance for a murderous yearslong campaign that would see the majority of the Ottoman Empire's prewar Armenian population expelled or exterminated. According to estimates, between 664,000 and 1.2 million people lost their lives.
Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan Urge Taliban To Commit To Afghan Peace Process RFE/RL Gandhara 23 Apr 2021 -- The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Turkey, and Pakistan are calling on all parties to the Afghan conflict, "in particular the Taliban," to reaffirm their commitment to achieving a negotiated settlement, after an international peace conference planned for this weekend was postponed.
Readout of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey The White House 23 Apr 2021
Turkey to Start Using Russian Vaccine Sputnik V Soon, Health Minister Says Sputnik 22 Apr 2021 -- Turkey will soon start using the Russian coronavirus vaccine Sputnik V, the country's health minister, Fahrettin Koca, said on Thursday.
Biden Preparing to Recognize Armenian Genocide, Officials Say VOA 22 Apr 2021 -- U.S. officials say President Joe Biden is preparing to recognize the World War I-era mass killings of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide.
Biden Expected To Recognize Massacre Of Armenians As 'Genocide' RFE/RL 22 Apr 2021 -- U.S. President Joe Biden is likely to recognize the massacre of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I as genocide, media reports say, amid calls for the move by more than 100 U.S. lawmakers.
US Formally Notifies Turkey of Removal From F-35 Deal Over S-400 Purchase, Report Says Sputnik 22 Apr 2021 -- The United States has officially notified Turkey that it was excluded from the agreement on the F-35 jet production due to its purchase of Russian-made S-400 air defence systems, the official Anadolu news agency reported, citing a Pentagon source.
UK response to Ambassadors Çevik and Grau UK FCDO 22 Apr 2021 -- Ambassador Neil Bush responds to Ambassador Heidi Grau and Ambassador Yaşar Halit Çevik at the OSCE Permanent Council.
Poland will support NATO's mission in Turkey Poland - Gov.pl 20 Apr 2021 -- "Representing Polish Armed Forces abroad is both an honor and a responsibility. I know that you are well prepared for the tasks awaiting for you. You have repeatedly confirmed your professionalism, excellent training and high efficiency in action" - wrote Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense in a letter to the soldiers of the first rotation of Polish Military Contingent in Turkey.
Poland joins NATO assurance mission for Turkey NATO 20 Apr 2021 -- Poland deployed a contingent of troops to Turkey on Tuesday (20 April 2021), in support of NATO measures to bolster security in the southeast of the Alliance. The long-planned deployment will involve up to 80 personnel, supporting Turkey with maritime patrols over the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea with a Polish M28 "Bryza" aircraft. The mission will also work alongside NATO's naval groups in the region.
Ukraine Tensions Reignite Russian-Turkish Battle over Waterway VOA 19 Apr 2021 -- Russia is continuing to build up its naval presence in the Black Sea, and The Sunday Times newspaper, quoting British naval sources, said Britain is also deploying two warships to beef up NATO's presence, as tensions over Ukraine escalate.
Greek, Turkish Foreign Ministers Clash at News Conference VOA 16 Apr 2021 -- Tensions between Greece and Turkey reached a new high this week when the two countries' foreign ministers traded accusations during a live, televised news conference. The two NATO allies have been trying to rebuild relations after a dispute over a Turkish drilling ship pushed them to the brink of war last year.
Turkey says issues with Greece can be resolved via dialogue People's Daily 16 Apr 2021 -- Turkey believes that its issues with Greece can be resolved through constructive dialogue between the two neighbors and allies, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Thursday.
Turkey Expects to Resolve Maritime Issues With Greece Through Dialogue, Foreign Minister Says Sputnik 15 Apr 2021 -- Turkey highly regards the revival of dialogue with Greece and supports resolving existing issues between the two countries through constructive negotiations, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Ankara on Thursday.
Turkish police detain 11 IS suspects in Istanbul People's Daily 14 Apr 2021 -- Turkish police on Wednesday detained 11 suspected members of the Islamic State (IS) in large-scale operations in Turkey's largest city Istanbul, Turkish media said.
Russia warns Turkey, other states against fueling militarization in Ukraine Press TV 13 Apr 2021 -- Russia has warned Turkey against fueling the Ukrainian government's "never-ending militarization sentiments," amid speculation that Kiev may be planning to launch a new offensive against the Russian-speaking Donbass region in Ukraine.
EU Prepared to Sanction Turkey If 'Aggressive Stance' Persists, Senior French Diplomat Says Sputnik 13 Apr 2021 -- The European Union has a ready package of measures, including sanctions, against Turkey in case if it fails to abandon the "aggressive stance" in various issues of international significance, French Minister of State for European Affairs Clement Beaune said on Tuesday.
US Envoy Discusses Turkey Peace Huddle With Afghan Rivals VOA 12 Apr 2021 -- The United States said Monday its special envoy to Afghanistan has completed a "productive" four-day visit to the war-torn nation, where he discussed preparations for the upcoming Afghan peace conference hosted by Turkey.
Statement from Minister Garneau to announce the cancellation of export permits to Turkey Canada 12 Apr 2021 -- The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs today issued the following statement: "Last fall, in line with our robust export control regime, the Government of Canada suspended export permits for military goods and technology to Turkey pending the results of an investigation into allegations that Canadian technology was being used by Azerbaijan in the military conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh."
Canada Blocks Defense Exports To Turkey Over Transfer Of Drones To Azerbaijan RFE/RL 12 Apr 2021 -- Canada has halted some military exports to NATO ally Turkey after a probe confirmed Canadian drone technology was used by Azerbaijan in last year's fighting with Armenia over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Turkey Reportedly Freezes $83Mln Helicopter Order From Italy After Draghi Calls Erdogan 'Dictator' Sputnik 11 Apr 2021 -- Turkey has frozen a deal to buy helicopters worth 70 million euros ($83 million) from Italian company Leonardo after Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi criticised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, La Repubblica and Il Fatto Quotidiano newspapers reported on Sunday.
Greece Slams Turkey Over PKK Terror Claims VOA 11 Apr 2021 -- Greece has lashed out at Turkey for alleging that the government in Athens is aiding and abetting what Ankara sees as Kurdish terrorists. But the accusation, contained in a newly released video, comes after reports in Greece that Turkey has granted citizenship to Islamic State militants. The fresh accusations traded by the two NATO allies may threaten ongoing negotiations to ease long-standing differences that nearly sparked a war between them last year.
Reported water cut to Chinese embassy 'rumor' to sow discord between Beijing, Ankara Global Times 11 Apr 2021 -- It is not true that Turkey cut water supply to the Chinese Embassy in Ankara amid bickering over Xinjiang-related issues, the Global Times learned, in contrast to what British media The Daily Express has claimed.
Turkey's Erdogan vows 'all forms of support' to Ukraine amid tensions with Russia Press TV 11 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said his country, a NATO member, is ready to provide "all forms of support" for Ukraine amid rising tensions between Moscow and Kiev over the long-running conflict in Donbass.
Erdogan Calls For End To 'Worrying' Developments In East Ukraine After Meeting Zelenskiy RFE/RL 10 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan called for an end to what he described as "worrying" developments in eastern Ukraine's Donbas region after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on April 10.
Turkish Court Rejects China's Request to Extradite Uyghur Religious Teacher Radio Free Asia 09 Apr 2021 -- A court in the Turkey has rejected a request by Beijing to extradite Uyghur religious teacher Abduqadir Yapchan to China to face "terrorism" charges, his lawyer said, ending years of detention and legal limbo under the threat of harsh Chinese punishment.
Telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan President of Russia 09 Apr 2021 -- President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Azerbaijan, Turkey Launch Two Days Of Joint Military Exercises RFE/RL 08 Apr 2021 -- Azerbaijan has launched two days of joint military exercises with Turkish forces, saying the drills were aimed at "improving interaction" between the two countries' armed forces.
Two Turkish soldiers killed in northwest Syria as YPG militants launch attack Press TV 08 Apr 2021 -- The Turkish defense ministry says two of its soldiers have been killed in Syria's northwestern province of Aleppo in an attack by US-sponsored Kurdish militants from the so-called People's Protection Units (YPG).
Turkish Court Sentences Dozens to Life Imprisonment for 2016 Coup Attempt VOA 07 Apr 2021 -- Turkey's state media on Wednesday reported that a Turkish court sentenced dozens of people, including former soldiers attached to the presidential guard, to life in prison for their involvement in the 2016 failed coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government.
Turkish warplanes launch new air raids on Iraqi Kurdistan Press TV 06 Apr 2021 -- Turkish F-16 fighter jets have conducted new airstrikes on Duhok Province in Iraq's northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, defying Baghdad's numerous protests at such violations of the Arab country's sovereignty.
Erdogan Confirms Turkey's Determination to Become EU Member Sputnik 06 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed during talks with the heads of the European Commission and European Council on Tuesday that Turkey remained committed to entering the bloc, his spokesman, Ibrahim Kalin, said.
EU Leaders Warn Erdogan on Human Rights Amid Progress in Talks VOA 06 Apr 2021 -- European Council President Charles Michel and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday for talks on a reset in relations. After meeting Erdogan in Ankara, Michel spoke to reporters about the EU's deep concern over human rights in Turkey.
Turkish president accuses former admirals of 'political coup' Press TV 05 Apr 2021 -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused a number of retired admirals of "political coup" attempt after they condemned his proposed project, known as Canal Istanbul, which is planned to connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean.
Turkey detains 10 retired admirals over statement on Canal Istanbul Press TV 05 Apr 2021 -- Turkey has detained 10 retired admirals after they condemned Canal Istanbul, a project proposed by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for posing a possible threat to a pact regulating shipping through the country's key waterways.
Erdogan Says Statement by Former Admirals About Montreux Convention Has Implications of Coup Sputnik 05 Apr 2021 -- This comes after 104 retired Turkish admirals signed an open letter last week criticising the Kanal Istanbul project, an artificial seaway that will connect the Black Sea north of Istanbul to the Marmara Sea to the south to ease traffic in the Bosphorus Strait.
Turkish Opposition Slams Arrests of Admirals Who Stand Up for Montreux Convention Sputnik 05 Apr 2021 -- Turkey's main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Homeland Movement have decried arrests of 10 retired admirals who signed a letter in support of the Montreux Convention, which determines the status of Bosporus and Dardanelles straits.
US Sanctions Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries Over Ties to Russia's Defense, Intel Sector Sputnik 05 Apr 2021 -- Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), along with four officials working within it, including chief Ismail Demir, was sanctioned by the US under its Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) on Monday.
Top EU Officials Head to Turkey for a Reset VOA 05 Apr 2021 -- Top European Union officials head to Turkey Tuesday to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a bid to reset relations.
Turkey tightens COVID-19 restrictions after re-spike in daily cases People's Daily 04 Apr 2021 -- Turkey has recently witnessed a re-spike in daily COVID-19 cases and tightened its restrictive measures.
Over 100 Retired Turkish Admirals Sign Letter in Defense of Montreux Convention Sputnik 04 Apr 2021 -- An open letter was signed by 103 retired Turkish admirals who highlighted the need for Turkey to stay in the Montreux convention, which determines the status of Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, in light of the Istanbul Canal project, which would not be covered by the treaty.
Turkey's daily COVID-19 cases hit new record; Yemen reports sudden spike in infections People's Daily 02 Apr 2021 -- Turkey set a new record of daily spike in COVID-19 cases with 40,806 new infections confirmed on Thursday. Meanwhile, Yemen reported a sudden spike in its COVID-19 cases.
Turkey reports 39,302 new COVID-19 cases, 3,317,182 in total People's Daily 01 Apr 2021 -- Turkey on Wednesday confirmed 39,302 new COVID-19 cases, including 1,401 symptomatic patients, as the total number of positive cases in the country reached 3,317,182, according to its health ministry.
Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Phone Call With Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar DoD 01 Apr 2021
Pentagon Urges Turkish Defense Chief Not to Retain Russian S-400 Systems Sputnik 01 Apr 2021 -- US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in his phone conversation with Turkish Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar called on Ankara not to retain the Russian-made S-400 missile defense systems, the Defense Department announced in a release on Thursday.

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April 2021 - Turkey Special Weapons News