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Thursday, February 28, 2013

Germany's Merkel Meets Turkish Leaders in Ankara - ABC News

Germany's Merkel Meets Turkish Leaders in Ankara

ANKARA, Turkey February 24, 2013 (AP)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is holding talks with Turkish leaders amid growing frustration in Turkey over its slow-moving European Union membership and a perceived reluctance by European nations to crackdown on Turkish militants operating in their nations.

More:Germany's Merkel Meets Turkish Leaders in Ankara - ABC News

Syriac Orthodox Christians in Turkey ''This Is Simply Our Home'' - Qantara.de

Syriac Orthodox Christians in Turkey''This Is Simply Our Home''

In recent years, around 60-100 Syriac Orthodox families have returned from central Europe to Turkey. Encouraged by changes in the political atmosphere, the minority nonetheless faces a host of problems, from the expropriation of land belonging to a monastery, to a ban on special schools and kindergartens, and also a lack of places of worship in Istanbul. By Ekrem Eddy Güzeldere

More:''This Is Simply Our Home'' - Qantara.de

Turkey's Imprisoned Press - Qantara.de

Turkey's Imprisoned Press

According human rights organisations, there were never as many journalists in prison in Turkey since the end of the military regime in 1983 as during the past year. Aryeh Neier, founding member of "Human Rights Watch", criticizes the state of media freedom of Turkey, which in his view conflicts with the nation's general human rights situation

More:Turkey's Imprisoned Press - Qantara.de

The Eternal Theologian - Qantara.de

The Eternal Theologian

Pope Benedict XVI was only just in the process of becoming a Pope. He will be remembered by the Turks as someone who got lost in this process. How Turkish Muslims viewed Benedict XVI. By Kerim Balci

More:The Eternal Theologian - Qantara.de

Good to see a 'real' social democrat in Turkey, EU minister tells SPD chief

Good to see a 'real' social democrat in Turkey, EU minister tells SPD chief

ANKARA – Anatolia News Agency

Turkey’s EU Minister Egemen Bağış mocked social democrats in Turkey today as he received Sigmar Gabriel, head of the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) in the capital of Ankara.

More:POLITICS - Good to see a 'real' social democrat in Turkey, EU minister tells SPD chief

2,500 CEOs Convene in Istanbul for YPO Global Leadership Summit - pymnts.com

2,500 CEOs Convene in Istanbul for YPO Global Leadership Summit

More than 2,500 chief executives are gathered in Istanbul today and tomorrow for the 2013 Global Leadership Summit hosted by YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization), a not-for-profit, global network of young chief executives connected around the shared mission of becoming Better Leaders Through Education and Idea ExchangeTM.

More:2,500 CEOs Convene in Istanbul for YPO Global Leadership Summit - pymnts.com

Will Turkey Make Peace With the Kurds? - NYTimes.com

Will Turkey Make Peace With the Kurds?
By HARVEY MORRIS

LONDON — There is growing optimism that a ceasefire in Turkey’s three-decade war with Kurdish guerrillas will be declared to coincide with the Kurdish New Year in three weeks.

More:Will Turkey Make Peace With the Kurds? - NYTimes.com

Merkel backs new EU talks for Turkey - FT.com

Merkel backs new EU talks for Turkey

By Quentin Peel in Berlin and Daniel Dombey in Istanbul

Angela Merkel has declared her support for reviving Turkey’s stalled membership talks with the EU, even while remaining sceptical about whether Ankara will ever join.

More:Merkel backs new EU talks for Turkey - FT.com

Kurdish rebel leader airs frustrations in Turkey peace process | Reuters

Kurdish rebel leader airs frustrations in Turkey peace process

ISTANBUL | Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:06am EST
(Reuters) - From his island prison, Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan has accused the fighters he commands of hampering his efforts to end a decades-old conflict and warned the Turkish government against any attempt to dictate terms. 

More:Kurdish rebel leader airs frustrations in Turkey peace process | Reuters

Turkey: The prisoner on Imrali - FT.com

Turkey: The prisoner on Imrali

By Daniel Dombey

Out in the sea beyond Istanbul, among scraps of land where Byzantine emperors and Ottoman sultans once exiled their enemies, lies the prison island of Imrali. There, for the past 14 years, a person of interest has been confined in a cell never bigger than 13 square metres.

More:Turkey: The prisoner on Imrali - FT.com

Police confiscate US consulate building plans in Istanbul

Police confiscate US consulate building plans in Istanbul

TEKIRDAG

Security forces have confiscated explosives along with a series of building plans of the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul, a synagogue and a church, in a recent operation against al-Qaeda in several cities, Doğan news agency reported today.

More:LOCAL - Police confiscate US consulate building plans in Istanbul

Kurdish rebels offer Turkey ‘road map’ for peace - International - Scotsman.com

Kurdish rebels offer Turkey ‘road map’ for peace

By DAREN BUTLER
Published on Thursday 28 February 2013 00:00

ABDULLAH Ocalan, the jailed leader of Kurdish rebels who has been held on a prison island since 1999, has outlined a peace plan in which his fighters would declare a ceasefire by March, then lay down arms, and begin retreating from Turkey in the summer.

More:Kurdish rebels offer Turkey ‘road map’ for peace - International - Scotsman.com

U.N. Official for Refugees Says Syria Is Near Crisis - NYTimes.com

U.N. Warns of Dire Rise in Refugees From Syria
By RICK GLADSTONE and ANNE BARNARD
Published: February 27, 2013

The top United Nations refugee official told the Security Council on Wednesday that the number of registered Syrians who had fled their homeland for safety elsewhere in the region could surpass one million by next month — much sooner than expected — and that the Syrian conflict threatens to overwhelm the international response.

More:U.N. Official for Refugees Says Syria Is Near Crisis - NYTimes.com

Number of Syrian refugees in Turkey reaches over 184,000 - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Number of Syrian refugees in Turkey reaches over 184,000

ANKARA, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) -- A total of 184,977 Syrian refugees are currently taking shelter in Turkey, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD) said Thursday.

More:Number of Syrian refugees in Turkey reaches over 184,000 - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Syrian opposition delays meeting to choose PM | Reuters

Syrian opposition delays meeting to choose PM

BEIRUT | Thu Feb 28, 2013 10:24am EST

(Reuters) - Syria's political opposition has postponed talks to choose the leader of a provisional government, two opposition sources said on Thursday, hours after a meeting with Western powers produced few tangible results for President Bashar al-Assad's foes.

More:Syrian opposition delays meeting to choose PM | Reuters

ANKARA, Turkey: Report: 11 al-Qaida suspects detained in Turkey - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Report: 11 al-Qaida suspects detained in Turkey

The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkish police have detained 11 people suspected of links to al-Qaida and seized 25 kilograms (55 pounds) of plastic explosives as well as alleged diagrams of the U.S. Consulate and other possible targets in Istanbul, a news agency reported Thursday.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Report: 11 al-Qaida suspects detained in Turkey - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Taksim excavations reveal historic Ottoman structures

Taksim excavations reveal historic Ottoman structures

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency
The controversial renewal project in Istanbul’s Taksim Square has been ongoing as remains of historical structures continue to surface during excavations, the latest being two water outlets

More:ARCHAEOLOGY - Taksim excavations reveal historic Ottoman structures

Kerry goes to Ankara - The Hill's Congress Blog

Kerry goes to Ankara
By Bulent Aras and Emirhan Yorulmazlar - 02/27/13 04:20 PM ET

Before Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in Turkey on March 1, he would better reconsider the trajectory of relations with Turkey. Kerry is known to value the Transatlantic ties and is keen on an active U.S. role in Turkey’s broader neighborhood. But he needs to contextualize his case against the current misfit between the two countries’ foreign policy agendas.

More:Kerry goes to Ankara - The Hill's Congress Blog

Turkish Women Speak Up: My Body, My Decision · Global Voices

Turkish Women Speak Up: My Body, My Decision
Posted 27 February 2013 21:00 GMT
Written byBaran Mavzer

Two weeks ago, Turkish courts [tr] released Fatih Nerede, who has a criminal history of rape and robbery, after he raped a woman in Diyarbakir, a city in the southeast region of Turkey, in front of her three year-old child. The reason behind the decision to release him by the court pending trial is, that as the institution of forensic medicine told to the court “It is not possible to decide if the rape victim was psychologically damaged by the rape or not, before 18 months after the incident.” This incident might be shocking but unfortunately it is not the only one.

More:Turkish Women Speak Up: My Body, My Decision · Global Voices

Women's participation in labor force is a must in Turkey , 27 February 2013

Women's participation in labor force is a must in Turkey

27 February 2013

World Bank's Turkey Director Raiser said if Turkey wants more productivity then women need to take part in the labor market too

More:Women's participation in labor force is a must in Turkey , 27 February 2013

Turkey Provides Schools for Syrian Refugee Children

Turkey Provides Schools for Syrian Refugee Children

February 27, 2013
GAZIANTEP, TURKEY — As the Syrian conflict approaches the end of its second year, authorities in neighboring Turkey have set up schools for refugee children. Most schools are in camps where some 200,000 Syrian refugees now live. But for the thousands who are living in apartments or with extended family, no schooling was available until recently.

More:Turkey Provides Schools for Syrian Refugee Children

Istanbul Uses Economy, Youth in Push for Olympic Games - Bloomberg

Istanbul Uses Economy, Youth in Push for Olympic Games
By Danielle Rossingh - Feb 26, 2013 7:01 PM ET

Istanbul, which failed in four previous attempts to stage the Olympics, is counting on its fast-growing economy and young population to land the 2020 Games.

The city, which bid to host the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics, is competing with Madrid and Tokyo to organize the world’s biggest sports event. The International Olympic Committee will select the host city in Buenos Aires in September.

MoreŞIstanbul Uses Economy, Youth in Push for Olympic Games - Bloomberg

Destination: East meets west in the Turkish city of Istanbul - Birmingham Mail

Destination: East meets west in the Turkish city of Istanbul
27 Feb 2013 09:05

From Birmingham Airport it will take 3 hours 50mins and 2.657km to reach Ataturk Airport in Istanbul.

It is the city where two continents collide, their cultures and heritage blending in a unique atmosphere.

Europe and Asia meet in Istanbul, and throughout this vibrant city you’ll find centuries-old mosques, churches and markets happily rubbing shoulders with modern restaurants, galleries and nightclubs.

More:Destination: East meets west in the Turkish city of Istanbul - Birmingham Mail

Scuffle in Syrian refugee camp in Turkey leaves 30 injured people - Trend.Az

Scuffle in Syrian refugee camp in Turkey leaves 30 injured people

27 February 2013, 10:42 (GMT+04:00)

Azerbaijan, Baku, Feb.27 / Trend, A.Taghiyeva /

Scuffle occurred in the Syrian refugee camp in Turkish Province of Sanliurfa, CNN Turk TV channel reported on Wednesday.

More:Scuffle in Syrian refugee camp in Turkey leaves 30 injured people - Trend.Az

Syria claims Turkey enabling al-Qaida - JPost - Middle East

Syria claims Turkey enabling al-Qaida
By MICHAEL WILNER
02/27/2013 02:10
Damascus complains to UN that Ankara enables terrorist organizations "to receive funding and arms, enter Syrian territory.”

More:Syria claims Turkey enabling al-Qaida - JPost - Middle East

Kurdish rebel leader sees August withdrawal from Turkey -media

Kurdish rebel leader sees August withdrawal from Turkey -media

ISTANBUL, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan envisages the withdrawal of his fighters from Turkey by August under a draft peace plan sent to his group's leadership and Kurdish politicians, media reports said on Wednesday.

More:Kurdish rebel leader sees August withdrawal from Turkey -media

Istanbul to host poets at a fest

Istanbul to host poets at a fest

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

The 2nd International Istanbulensis Poetry Festival, organized by Sultanbeyli Municipality, will be held from March 6 to 9 with the participation of 52 poets from Turkey and around the world.

More:BOOKS - Istanbul to host poets at a fest

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Turkey Can Improve Democratic Record for EU Bid - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey Can Improve Democratic Record for EU Bid

By: Tulin Daloglu for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse. Posted on February 26.
ANKARA Turkey — Turkey’s effort to join the European Union is still far from being realized. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has justifiably expressed his frustration with this, which was set as a state policy since more than a half-century ago. As he is, however, openly lambasting the country’s past at any given opportunity, starting from the military coups to the generals' role in policy-making; from the alleged state restrictions that prevented pious Muslims like him from practicing Islam to the previous governments’ economic failures, the Europeans take even a more critical look at Turkey — coupled with all of the things that Erdogan has been critical about this country’s past as well as the size of its population, belonging to a different culture, tradition and religion.

More:Turkey Can Improve Democratic Record for EU Bid - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Ocalan negotiations bring Turkey a step closer to peace with Kurds - The National

Ocalan negotiations bring Turkey a step closer to peace with Kurds

Thomas Seibert
Feb 26, 2013

ISTANBUL // Peace talks between Turkey and Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed Kurdish rebel leader, are gaining momentum with Ocalan expected to call a ceasefire on March 21, the day of the Kurdish spring festival of Newroz, analysts and politicians said today.

More:Ocalan negotiations bring Turkey a step closer to peace with Kurds - The National

Turkey’s wind not blowing enough

Turkey’s wind not blowing enough

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet

Turkey lags far behind developed countries when it comes to generating wind energy, while the world’s wind energy leaders, China and the United States, installed more than 13,000 megawatts (MW) of new capacity last year, according to statistics released by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC).

More:ENERGY - Turkey’s wind not blowing enough

Germany revises position on Turkey's EU bid to boost economic cooperation - Xinhua | English.news.cn

Germany revises position on Turkey's EU bid to boost economic cooperation

ANKARA, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel's two-day visit to Turkey has demonstrated that Germany is ready to accentuate its support to Turkey's accession talks with the European Union (EU) despite lingering concerns for the eventual membership prospects.

More:Germany revises position on Turkey's EU bid to boost economic cooperation - Xinhua | English.news.cn

'Dare you,’ EU minister tells Berlin over Cyprus

‘Dare you,’ EU minister tells Berlin over Cyprus

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News

Turkey’s EU Minister Egemen Bağış has challenged German Chancellor Angela Merkel over the Ankara protocol, saying that Ankara is ready to open its ports to Greek Cypriots if a German airline starts flights to Ercan Airport in Turkish Cyprus.

More:EUROPE - ‘Dare you,’ EU minister tells Berlin over Cyprus

Iraq Says Turkey to Cancel Kurdistan Pipeline | Atlantic Sentinel

Iraq Says Turkey to Cancel Kurdistan Pipeline
Nick Ottens, February 26, 2013

Iraq’s oil minister Abdul Karim Luaibi was quoted on Monday as saying that neighboring Turkey agreed to cancel plans to extend oil and natural gas pipelines from Iraqi Kurdistan across the border which would have allowed the region to sell natural resources independently of the central government in Baghdad.

More:Iraq Says Turkey to Cancel Kurdistan Pipeline | Atlantic Sentinel

Karl Mayer to show its calibre in Istanbul

Karl Mayer to show its calibre in Istanbul

26th February 2013, Obertshausen

Karl Mayer will be exhibiting at this year’s ITM Texpo Eurasia 2013, which takes place from 29 May-1 June in Istanbul. The world leader in warp knitting machinery and warp preparation units will have an ML 46 machine on its exhibition stand and will demonstrate the advantages of the latest generation electronic multibar Raschel machine.

More:Karl Mayer to show its calibre in Istanbul

Turkey reaches out to EU while embracing Islamicization | Full Comment | National Post

Turkey reaches out to EU while embracing Islamicization

Araminta Wordsworth | Feb 26, 2013 7:00 AM ET | Last Updated: Feb 25, 2013 4:52 PM ET

Only about 33% of them now think it’s a good idea, down from more than 70% in 2005, when talks began.
From European nations, the silence is deafening. They remain nervous about letting in a Muslim country, with a history of repression of minority groups, most notably Kurds. There are also worries about freedom of the press — more than 70 journalists are in jail, most just for  doing their jobs.

More:Turkey reaches out to EU while embracing Islamicization | Full Comment | National Post

Merkel, Erdoğan cross swords on Cyprus | EurActiv

Merkel, Erdoğan cross swords on Cyprus

German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed support yesterday (25 February) for opening a new chapter in Turkey’s paralised EU accession talks, but crossed swords with Ankara on the deadlock surrounding divided Cyprus.

More:Merkel, Erdoğan cross swords on Cyprus | EurActiv

Istanbul bid wants wrestling back for 2020 Games - - SI.com

Istanbul bid wants wrestling back for 2020 Games

LONDON (AP) - The head of Istanbul's bid for the 2020 Olympics hopes a winning vote coincides with wrestling's reinstatement.

The International Olympic Committee executive board voted this month to drop wrestling from 2020, but the final decision will be made at the assembly in September in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

More:Istanbul bid wants wrestling back for 2020 Games - - SI.com

Kurdish rebel leader warns of disaster if no Turkey peace | Reuters

Kurdish rebel leader warns of disaster if no Turkey peace

(Reuters) - Emerging briefly from solitary confinement in his island prison near Istanbul, Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan said Turkey could become as troubled as Syria or Iraq if it does not take steps to end his group's decades-old insurgency.

More:Kurdish rebel leader warns of disaster if no Turkey peace | Reuters

Israel sends message to Turkey:Let’s clear the air

Israel sends message to Turkey: Let’s clear the air
By HERB KEINON
02/25/2013 02:06
Israel tells Ankara it's interested in creating a more “positive dynamic” in its relationship with the country.

More:Israel sends message to Turkey: L... JPost - Diplomacy & Politics

Kurdish militant leader to call ceasefire next month: reports - Yahoo! News

Kurdish militant leader to call ceasefire next month: reports
By Daren Butler | Reuters – Mon, Feb 25, 2013

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan will call a ceasefire at the Kurdish New Year next month, moving forward a peace process with Turkey aimed at ending his group's 28-year-old insurgency, media reports said on Monday.

More:Kurdish militant leader to call ceasefire next month: reports - Yahoo! News

Maternity Leave Boost May Backfire in Turkey | Womens eNews

Maternity Leave Boost May Backfire in Turkey

By Jennifer Hattam

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Amid calls for Turkish women to have more children, a proposal to lengthen the paid maternity leave allowance raises fears that it may actually hinder women's work force participation.

More:Maternity Leave Boost May Backfire in Turkey | Womens eNews

Siemens to power 600MW coal-fired plant in Samsun, Turkey - Energy Business Review

Siemens to power 600MW coal-fired plant in Samsun, Turkey
EBR Staff Writer Published 26 February 2013

Germany-based Siemens will power the Samsun Cengiz Enerji coal-fired plant in Turkey with a single-shaft power island with H-Class technology.

Under the new order, the company will supply the equipment to Cengiz Enerji Sanayi ve Ticaret, an independent power production (IPP) company and developer of the coal-fired power plant.

More:Siemens to power 600MW coal-fired plant in Samsun, Turkey - Energy Business Review

Merkel Seeks Momentum in EU Talks on Turkish Membership - Bloomberg

Merkel Seeks Momentum in EU Talks on Turkish Membership
By Patrick Donahue & Selcan Hacaoglu - Feb 25, 2013 12:08 PM ET

German Chancellor Angela Merkel sought to give momentum to talks on Turkey’s bid to join the European Union even as she voiced skepticism on full membership and urged the country to normalize relations with Cyprus.

More:Merkel Seeks Momentum in EU Talks on Turkish Membership - Bloomberg

It is time for Israel and Turkey to remember their deep common history | Opinion | Jewish Journal

It is time for Israel and Turkey to remember their deep common history

by Sinem Tezyapar

I am a Turkish Muslim and every time I have a conversation with an Israeli friend, they keep asking me why the relations between Israel and Turkey have reached such a nadir, why Turkey seemingly has an antagonistic stance against Israel.

More:It is time for Israel and Turkey to remember their deep common history | Opinion | Jewish Journal

Restaurant 34 Re-opens at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Istanbul Offering a Unique Dining Experience - MarketWatch

Restaurant 34 Re-opens at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Istanbul Offering a Unique Dining Experience

ISTANBUL, February 26, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Grand Hyatt Hotel Istanbul, located in the heart of Taksim's business and entertainment districts, has always taken great pride in providing excellent food and memorable guest experiences and will now continue to do this in a modern and innovative setting; introducing Restaurant 34.

More:Restaurant 34 Re-opens at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Istanbul Offering a Unique Dining Experience - MarketWatch

Turkey asks Merkel to back its EU aspirations | News | DW.DE | 25.02.2013

Turkey asks Merkel to back its EU aspirations

The German Chancellor Angela Merkel has met with Turkish leaders during a two-day visit to the country. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he asked Merkel to support Turkey's stalled EU accession bid.

More:Turkey asks Merkel to back its EU aspirations | News | DW.DE | 25.02.2013

Merkel's difficult dialogue with Erdogan | Europe | DW.DE | 25.02.2013

Merkel's difficult dialogue with Erdogan

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan could not bridge their differences on key topics but agreed to continue an open dialogue. Both leaders hailed strong economic ties.

More:Merkel's difficult dialogue with Erdogan | Europe | DW.DE | 25.02.2013

Envoy anticipates Qatari investment as Turkey seeks FDI in tourism

Envoy anticipates Qatari investment as Turkey seeks FDI in tourism

By Zia Khan/Staff Reporter

Turkey has the potential to become a favourite destination for Qatari business houses planning to venture into overseas projects as the Eurasian country prepares to further liberalise the key hospitality sector to seek more foreign investment.

More:Envoy anticipates Qatari investment as Turkey seeks FDI in tourism

Turkey has granted 39 licenses to generate electricity from waste materials

Turkey has granted 39 licenses to generate electricity from waste materials

Balkans.com Business News Correspondent - 26.02.2013

Turkey’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) has given 39 licenses to facilities that generate electricity from waste materials, said Energy Minister Taner Yıldız reports Hurriyet.

More:Balkans.com Business News : Turkey has granted 39 licenses to generate electricity from waste materials

Monday, February 25, 2013

Cyprus remains stumbling block in Turkey's EU ambition: Merkel | Reuters

Cyprus remains stumbling block in Turkey's EU ambition: Merkel

By Andreas Rinke and Gulsen Solaker

ANKARA | Mon Feb 25, 2013 2:03pm EST

(Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Monday she was in favor of reviving Turkey's stalled talks on its relationship with the European Union but a dispute over the divided island of Cyprus remained a stumbling block.

More:Cyprus remains stumbling block in Turkey's EU ambition: Merkel | Reuters

Kurdish peace process to start after PKK leave Turkey: PM -- Shanghai Daily | 上海日报 -- English Window to China New

Kurdish peace process to start after PKK leave Turkey: PM

Source: XINHUA | 2013-2-25 | ONLINE EDITION

ISTANBUL, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that the Kurdish peace process will start after the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) militants leave Turkey.

"This process will truly begin at the moment the terrorists in Turkey cross the border for another country," Erdogan told Turkish media when he was on the airplane back to Turkey from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

More:Kurdish peace process to start after PKK leave Turkey: PM -- Shanghai Daily | 上海日报 -- English Window to China New

EU-Turkey: adhesion negotiations to restart in 2013 - Turkey - ANSAMed.it

EU-Turkey: adhesion negotiations to restart in 2013
After French and German overtures, but speed is up to EU members

25 February, 17:02

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, FEBRUARY 25 - Following overtures by France and Germany including a visit by Chancellor Angela Merkel, negotiations for Turkey's EU adhesion are back on the diplomatic agenda for 2013, European Commission officials said Monday.

More:EU-Turkey: adhesion negotiations to restart in 2013 - Turkey - ANSAMed.it

Could Turkey Be the Next Eastern Europe?

Could Turkey Be the Next Eastern Europe?
Published on:
Monday, February 25, 2013

Property booms aren't a new thing. But between 2000 and 2008 we can honestly say that we saw the first overseas property boom, a boom in people buying foreign property. If you were to pick an epicentre for the explosion Eastern Europe would definitely make the short-list. You would have to have been living under a stone between 2000 and 2008 to have missed the massive explosion of the Eastern European emerging markets onto the overseas property scene.

More:Could Turkey Be the Next Eastern Europe?

Germany's Merkel holds talks with Turkish leaders frustrated by slow-moving EU talks

Germany's Merkel holds talks with Turkish leaders frustrated by slow-moving EU talks

ANKARA, Turkey - German Chancellor Angela Merkel is holding talks with Turkish leaders amid growing frustration in Turkey over its slow-moving European Union membership and a perceived reluctance by European nations to crackdown on Turkish militants operating in their nations.

More:Germany's Merkel holds talks with Turkish leaders frustrated by slow-moving EU talks

Iraq says Turkey rejects Kurd export pipelines - Yahoo! News

Iraq says Turkey rejects Kurd export pipelines
By Ahmed Rasheed | Reuters – 2 hrs 48 mins ago

Reuters/Reuters - Iraqi Kurdish Minister for Natural Resources Ashti Hawrami speaks during a news conference in Arbil, about 350 km (217 miles) north of Baghdad February 7, 2013.REUTERS/Azad Lashkari

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Turkey has told Iraq it will reject any extension of oil and gas pipelines from Kurdistan without the approval of the Baghdad government, Iraq's oil minister Abdul Kareem Luaibi was quoted as saying by the state media network on Monday.

More:Iraq says Turkey rejects Kurd export pipelines - Yahoo! News

A roadmap for a solution to Turkey’s Kurdish problem

A roadmap for a solution to Turkey’s Kurdish problem

By Murat Yetkin

Sunday, 24 February 2013

The Turkish government has given permission for three more deputies from the Kurdish problem focused Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) to go and talk to Abdullah Öcalan, the for-life leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), who is currently serving a life sentence in İmralı island prison.

More:A roadmap for a solution to Turkey’s Kurdish problem

Syrian interim govt leader to be announced in Istanbul , 25 February 2013

Syrian interim govt leader to be announced in Istanbul

Name of leader of Syrian interim government will be announced in Istanbul on March 2

More:Syrian interim govt leader to be announced in Istanbul , 25 February 2013

Merkel backs 'open-ended' Turkey's EU talks - US News and World Report

Merkel backs 'open-ended' Turkey's EU talks
February 25, 2013 RSS Feed Print

By SUZAN FRASER, Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday the European Union should move forward with its talks with Turkey about joining the bloc, but that she remains skeptical about the nation becoming a full member.

More:Merkel backs 'open-ended' Turkey's EU talks - US News and World Report

APA - Those who attacked Khojaly stand in Ankara were members of communist and Kurdish groups

Those who attacked Khojaly stand in Ankara were members of communist and Kurdish groups

Baku. Malahat Najafova – APA. “The persons, who destroyed the stands on Khojaly genocide in Kizilay square, Ankara, were pro-Armenian communists and Kurds,” Ege Goztoklusu, one of the organizers of the stand on Khojaly genocide in Kizilay square and member of the Board of Directors of Gokboru Turkists Association told APA. According to him, the persons, who attacked their members, chanted various slogans such as “We are all Armenians, we are all Kurds, we are all Hrant Dink”.

More:APA - Those who attacked Khojaly stand in Ankara were members of communist and Kurdish groups

Armenian ministry: Yerevan not holding talks with Ankara - Trend.Az

Armenian ministry: Yerevan not holding talks with Ankara

25 February 2013, 13:15 (GMT+04:00)

The Armenian Foreign Ministry denied any negotiations with Turkey, Armenian Report said today.

"Armenia is not conducting negotiations with Turkey in any format," spokesman for the Armenian Foreign Ministry Tigran Balayan said.

More:Armenian ministry: Yerevan not holding talks with Ankara - Trend.Az

Abu Dhabi's Rotana to operate two hotels in Istanbul - MENAFN

Abu Dhabi's Rotana to operate two hotels in Istanbul Join our daily free Newsletter
MENAFN - - 24/02/2013

(MENAFN) Abu Dhabi hotelier Rotana has ratified a deal with Dap-Yapi to manage two of its hotels in Turkey, as part of its plans to extend its business geographically, Arabian Business reported.

More:Abu Dhabi's Rotana to operate two hotels in Istanbul - MENAFN

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Majority of Germans opposed to Turkey EU entry: Poll

Majority of Germans opposed to Turkey EU entry: Poll

BERLIN - Agence France-Presse

Six out of 10 Germans are opposed to Turkey joining the European Union, a survey published on Sunday showed, as Chancellor Angela Merkel embarked on a two-day visit to the country. Sixty percent of those surveyed in the Emnid poll for the Bild am Sonntag weekly said they were against Ankara gaining membership of the EU bloc. Thirty percent said they were in favor, the rest undecided.

More:EUROPE - Majority of Germans opposed to Turkey EU entry: Poll

ANKARA, Turkey: Merkel visits troops operating Patriots in Turkey - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Merkel visits troops operating Patriots in Turkey

The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting German troops deployed to operate Patriot missile batteries in Turkey.

The Patriots were sent to Turkey, a NATO member, to protect it from spillover from Syria's civil war.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Merkel visits troops operating Patriots in Turkey - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Turkey's close encounters of the Kurd kind - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Turkey's close encounters of the Kurd kind

After 30 years and 40,000 deaths, Turkey is now openly seeking a political solution to its Kurdish problem/ The peace move also aids the presidential ambitions of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

More:Turkey's close encounters of the Kurd kind - Israel News | Haaretz Daily Newspaper

Turkish diplomatic gains at Islamic Summit must be challenged - Cyprus Mail

Turkish diplomatic gains at Islamic Summit must be challenged
By Dr Andrestinos Papadopoulos Published on February 24, 2013

At the Twelfth Islamic Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) held in Cairo (February 6-7) Turkish diplomacy was again very active in promoting its positions on the Cyprus problem.

More:Turkish diplomatic gains at Islamic Summit must be challenged - Cyprus Mail

Turkish PM: Syrian Leader 'Mute Devil' - ABC News

Turkish PM: Syrian Leader 'Mute Devil'

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates February 24, 2013 (AP)

Turkey's prime minister denounced Syria's leader Sunday, calling him a "mute devil" for carrying out attacks on his own people but not standing up to Israel's occupation of Syrian territory.

More:Turkish PM: Syrian Leader 'Mute Devil' - ABC News

Kurdish leader calls talks with Turkey `historic step`

Kurdish leader calls talks with Turkey 'historic step'
Last Updated: Sunday, February 24, 2013, 10:38 A- A A+

Ankara (Turkey): Imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan has called talks with Turkish officials aiming to halt a decades-long conflict a historic step and urged all sides involved to show "care and sensitivity".

More:Kurdish leader calls talks with Turkey `historic step`

Why Israel Should Recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus | The Jewish Press

Why Israel Should Recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Israel must respond to its Western neighbor's recognition of Palestinian statehood.
By: Rachel Avraham

The Republic of Cyprus has decided to upgrade the Palestinian delegation to Cyprus in order to make it an “embassy.” The Republic of Cyprus did this despite the fact that they are opposed to other countries recognizing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, also known as Northern Cyprus, which comprises the north eastern portion of the Island and desires recognition as a state.

More:Why Israel Should Recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus | The Jewish Press

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Official Song, Match Ball put on display at Istanbul event - FIFA.com

Official Song, Match Ball put on display at Istanbul event
(FIFA.com) Saturday 23 February 2013

The Istinye Park Shopping Mall in Istanbul proved the place to be on Saturday drawing a bumper crowd to see Turkish indie rockers Gece perform Yıldızlar Buradan Yükseliyor, the Official Song for the FIFA U-20 World Cup Turkey 2013.

More:Official Song, Match Ball put on display at Istanbul event - FIFA.com

ANKARA, Turkey: Kurdish leader calls talks 'historic step' | World | Idahostatesman.com

Kurdish leader calls talks 'historic step'

Published: February 23, 2013

The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey — Imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan has called talks with Turkish officials aiming to halt a decades-long conflict a historic step and urged all sides involved to show "care and sensitivity."

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Kurdish leader calls talks 'historic step' | World | Idahostatesman.com

A new chapter in Turkey's EU bid? | Europe | DW.DE | 23.02.2013

A new chapter in Turkey's EU bid?

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is scheduled to start a two-day visit to Turkey on Sunday. Topping the agenda are talks with Turkish Premier Erdogan on economic relations and the sluggish pace of EU membership talks.

More:A new chapter in Turkey's EU bid? | Europe | DW.DE | 23.02.2013

Indoor smoking ban has Istanbul's shisha smokers in a fit - The National

Indoor smoking ban has Istanbul's shisha smokers in a fit

Thomas Seibert
Feb 24, 2013

ISTANBUL // For several years Ahmet Akkaya has spent most of his mornings and evenings in his favourite cafe in Istanbul, chatting with friends and smoking shisha.

But a new law banning indoor smoking of shisha, or nargile as it is known in Turkey, is threatening to leave him out in the cold.

More:Indoor smoking ban has Istanbul's shisha smokers in a fit - The National

Kurdish militant leader signals Turkish prisoners may be freed | Reuters

Kurdish militant leader signals Turkish prisoners may be freed

By Ayla Jean Yackley

ISTANBUL | Sat Feb 23, 2013 3:54pm EST

(Reuters) - The jailed leader of Turkey's Kurdish rebellion on Saturday signaled that his followers could release captives and further a fledgling peace process that may be the best hope in years of ending the decades-long conflict.

More:Kurdish militant leader signals Turkish prisoners may be freed | Reuters

Poll Shows Weak Support For Turkey’s Syria Policies - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Poll Shows Weak Support
For Turkey’s Syria Policies

By: Kadri Gursel for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse. Posted on February 22.
Read in Turkish

In Turkey, it has been widely assumed that the new Turkish foreign policy managed by Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has been a major source of popularity and support for the AKP rule and for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But that hasn't been so for a while now.

More:Poll Shows Weak Support For Turkey’s Syria Policies - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Istanbul’s documentary festival calls for movies for a new award

Istanbul’s documentary festival calls for movies for a new award

ISTANBUL - Anatolia News Agency

Organizers of the sixth Documentarist documentary days festival have issued a call for submissions to this year’s event, which provides a platform for Turkish documentaries to promote themselves to the world.

More:CINEMA-TV - Istanbul’s documentary festival calls for movies for a new award

CHP hints at Sarıgül candidacy for Istanbul

CHP hints at Sarıgül candidacy for Istanbul

ANKARA
Polls conducted by the main opposition Republican People’s Party point at Şişli Mayor Mustafa Sarıgül, a colorful figure who had changed parties several times, for assertive Istanbul mayor seat

More:POLITICS - CHP hints at Sarıgül candidacy for Istanbul

Abdullah Ocalan: Is The Famed Kurdish Leader A Double Agent Working For Turkish Intelligence Against His Own Party, The PKK?

Abdullah Ocalan: Is The Famed Kurdish Leader A Double Agent Working For Turkish Intelligence Against His Own Party, The PKK?

BY Palash R. Ghosh | February 22 2013 6:42 PM

The name Abdullah Öcalan may not sound familiar to most people, but is known to everybody in Turkey. For a few months in early 1999 he even made international headlines, when the Kurdish independence leader turned up in Rome, where he provoked a diplomatic brouhaha as the guest of an uneasy Italian government -- before fleeing to Kenya and eventually being captured there by Turkish agents.

More:Abdullah Ocalan: Is The Famed Kurdish Leader A Double Agent Working For Turkish Intelligence Against His Own Party, The PKK?

Friday, February 22, 2013

THY magazine fined for censoring article critcizing an alcohol ban

THY magazine fined for censoring article critcizing an alcohol ban

ISTANBUL

Writer Buket Uzuner has won a case against a magazine distributed only in Turkish Airlines (THY) flights, for the censoring of her article criticizing an alcohol ban imposed by the Istanbul Municipality in Moda, daily Hürriyet reported yesterday.

More:BUSINESS - THY magazine fined for censoring article critcizing an alcohol ban

Gangnam Style craze takes over Istanbul as PSY conquers a frenzied crowd

Gangnam Style craze takes over Istanbul as PSY conquers a frenzied crowd

ISTANBUL

The South Korean YouTube sensation PSY, who brought the whole world to its knees with his irresistible ‘Gangnam style’ hit, gave a much-anticipated concert in Istanbul on Feb. 21. PSY took the stage for a short 15 minute show as part of the Tepebaşı Blue Night Istanbul festival with a group of Korean dancers in front of 20,000 frenetic fans.

More:MUSIC - Gangnam Style craze takes over Istanbul as PSY conquers a frenzied crowd

Ankara defends right to conduct hydrocarbon drilling in eastern Aegean

Ankara defends right to conduct hydrocarbon drilling in eastern Aegean

One day after Athens submitted a diplomatic note to the United Nations, in which it notified international officials of Turkey’s granting of exploration permits for areas deemed to cover the Greek continental shelf, Ankara on Friday issued a statement defending its decision.

More:ekathimerini.com | Ankara defends right to conduct hydrocarbon drilling in eastern Aegean

Turkish jets strike Kurd rebels in Iraq: military source

Turkish jets strike Kurd rebels in Iraq: military source

Thursday, 21 February 2013

By AFP
DIYARBAKIR

Turkey sent jets across its border with Iraq to strike separatists from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a local military source said Thursday.

The jets bombed 12 targets in the Kandil Mountains in the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq on Wednesday, the source told AFP without providing any casualty figures.

More:Turkish jets strike Kurd rebels in Iraq: military source

Turkey eyes Karabakh step from Armenia to open ways

Turkey eyes Karabakh step from Armenia to open ways

ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News
Turkey offers for Armenia to take part in its regional transportation project linking Europe to Asia, if there are concrete developments in solving the thorny issue of Nagorno-Karabakh with Baku

More:CAUCASUS - Turkey eyes Karabakh step from Armenia to open ways

2,500 Syrian children born in Turkish refugee camps

2,500 Syrian children born in Turkish refugee camps

Friday, 22 February 2013 19:00

Anadolu Agency reported that the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Turkey has confirmed the birth of 2,500 children in the Syrian refugee camps across Turkey since the first flow of Syrian refugees in May 2011.

More:2,500 Syrian children born in Turkish refugee camps

Syria's opposition to chose provisional PM in Istanbul: source | Reuters

Syria's opposition to chose provisional PM in Istanbul: source

CAIRO | Fri Feb 22, 2013 1:15pm EST

(Reuters) - Syria's National Coalition will meet in Istanbul on March 2 to chose a prime minister to head a provisional government to operate in rebel-held areas of the country, a coalition source said on Friday.

More:Syria's opposition to chose provisional PM in Istanbul: source | Reuters

Turkey hopes new Greek Cyprus president won't be 'a joke'

Turkey hopes new Greek Cyprus president won't be 'a joke'

ANKARA - Agence France-Presse

Turkey voiced hope that a presidential runoff in Greek Cyprus Sunday would yield a "serious counterpart" for Ankara and pave the way for a peace deal between the island's Greek government in the south and its northern occupiers.

More:POLITICS - Turkey hopes new Greek Cyprus president won't be 'a joke'

Turkish media: Israel mulling apology for flotilla raid | The Times of Israel

Turkish media: Israel mulling apology for flotilla raid

Partial apology for ‘operational errors’ may have been discussed in secret talks between Jerusalem and Ankara

More:Turkish media: Israel mulling apology for flotilla raid | The Times of Israel

Mott MacDonald appointed on Ankara Bilkent Integrated Health Campus PPP, Turkey

Mott MacDonald appointed on Ankara Bilkent Integrated Health Campus PPP, Turkey

Mott MacDonald has been named lenders' technical and environmental advisor by Bilkent Ankara Entegre Saglik Hizmetleri Yatirim Ve Isletme Anonim Sirketi on the Ankara Bilkent Integrated Health Campus development in Turkey. The consultancy will also provide construction and operational monitoring services for subsequent phases of the project.

More:Mott MacDonald appointed on Ankara Bilkent Integrated Health Campus PPP, Turkey

Turkey hopes new Cyprus president won't be 'a joke'

Turkey hopes new Cyprus president won't be 'a joke'

Turkey voiced hope that a presidential runoff in Cyprus Sunday would yield a "serious counterpart" for Ankara and pave the way for a peace deal between the island's Greek government in the south and its northern occupiers.

More:Turkey hopes new Cyprus president won't be 'a joke'

EU doubts, Kurdish rebels cloud Merkel visit to Turkey - swissinfo

EU doubts, Kurdish rebels cloud Merkel visit to Turkey

By Alexandra Hudson

BERLIN (Reuters) - Angela Merkel embarks on a tricky visit to Turkey on Sunday looking increasingly isolated in her personal opposition to its European Union entry bid and facing charges from Ankara that Germany is soft on Kurdish militants.

More:EU doubts, Kurdish rebels cloud Merkel visit to Turkey - swissinfo

EU: Turkey leads GDP growth among membership candidates - Turkey - ANSAMed.it

EU: Turkey leads GDP growth among membership candidates
Serbia and Montenegro also grow in 2013, recession in Croatia

22 February, 14:48

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, FEBRUARY 22 - Turkey will grow by 3% in 2013 and 3,8% in 2014, the EU membership candidate with the best perspective of economic development, according to the European Commission's winter forecast released on Friday. The Commission said GDP would gradually pick up in 2013 in Turkey, which went from the 8,5% registered in 2011 to the 2,5% in 2012.

More:EU: Turkey leads GDP growth among membership candidates - Turkey - ANSAMed.it

Kurdish Tribal chieftain in Turkey defines gravitas dignity | Tulsa World

Kurdish Tribal chieftain in Turkey defines gravitas, dignity
Published: 2/21/2013 3:39 PM

A few years ago I had the privilege of eating dinner in the home of a Kurdish tribal chieftain in a rural area of far eastern Turkey, not far from the Syrian border.

More:Scene - Blogs - Kurdish Tribal chieftain in Turkey defines gravitas dignity | Tulsa World

Introducing the Next Food Hub in Turkey - Food ingredients Istanbul - MarketWatch

Introducing the Next Food Hub in Turkey - Food ingredients Istanbul

AMSTERDAM, February 22, 2013 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Turkey is the largest economy in Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Black Sea basin and the Middle East. It is the European Union's 6th biggest trading partner and the world's 7th largest emerging economy. Furthermore, Turkey's food industry attracts more than USD 4 billion, offering vast opportunities for both regional and international food professionals.

More:Introducing the Next Food Hub in Turkey - Food ingredients Istanbul - MarketWatch

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Turkey Pressures Germany to Accept EU Accession - SPIEGEL ONLINE

'They Will Give In': Turkey Pressures Germany on EU Accession

By Jürgen Gottschlich in Istanbul

A European commissioner's remark that Germany and France would one day come crawling "on their knees" begging Turkey to join the EU has miffed Berlin and thrilled Ankara. As German Chancellor Merkel prepares for a visit to Turkey, the country is pushing for concessions.

More:Turkey Pressures Germany to Accept EU Accession - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Turkey and the European Union: A tiny thaw? | The Economist

Turkey and the European Union
A tiny thaw?
Many Turks have given up, but progress towards the EU inches forward
Feb 23rd 2013 | ISTANBUL |From the print edition

AFTER 30 months in the deep freeze Turkey’s bid to join the European Union is for once warming a bit. France, which under Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency blocked five of the 35 chapters that must be completed, has lifted its veto on one to do with regional aid. In Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has a big lead in the presidential election (see article). He backed a 2004 UN plan to reunify the island that was accepted by Turkish-Cypriots but rejected by Greek-Cypriots. He could give Cyprus’s settlement talks a new push that might lead to its dropping some of its own vetoes on new chapters. Queasiness over letting in a big, powerful and prickly Muslim country aside, the EU’s biggest gripe with Turkey is its refusal to open ports to Greek-Cypriot vessels.

More:Turkey and the European Union: A tiny thaw? | The Economist

Iran’s ambassador lashes out at Turkish media

Iran’s ambassador lashes out at Turkish media

Outgoing Iranian ambassador to Ankara, Bahman Hosseinpour, has warned the Turkish media to be careful not to deteriorate relations between the two countries.

More:POLITICS - Iran’s ambassador lashes out at Turkish media

Turkey agrees Kurdish delegation to meet jailed militant leader | Reuters

Turkey agrees Kurdish delegation to meet jailed militant leader

Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from his ruling AK Party (AKP) during a meeting at the Turkish parliament in Ankara February 19, 2013. REUTERS/Umit Bektas

ISTANBUL | Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:29am EST

(Reuters) - The Turkish government approved on Thursday a list of pro-Kurdish politicians to visit jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan, a justice ministry official said, a long-awaited step to advance peace talks on ending a 28-year-old insurgency.

More:Turkey agrees Kurdish delegation to meet jailed militant leader | Reuters

Turkey says aid pledge for Syrian refugees 'unfulfilled' | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Turkey says aid pledge for Syrian refugees 'unfulfilled'
February 21, 2013 04:04 PM
Agence France Presse

ANKARA: Turkey on Thursday accused the international community of failing to honour financial pledges made last month to help Syrian refugees who have fled their war-ravaged country.

More:Turkey says aid pledge for Syrian refugees 'unfulfilled' | News , Middle East | THE DAILY STAR

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Imams already preach in Kurdish, says Turkey’s top imam

Imams already preach in Kurdish, says Turkey’s top imam

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Imams are already able to preach in any language understood by the attendees of the mosque, including Kurdish and Arabic, Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate head Mehmet Görmez has said, describing the exclusion of any language or ethnicity as “a crime against humanity and the maker of all humanity.”

More:RELIGION - Imams already preach in Kurdish, says Turkey’s top imam

Turkey defies allies to pursue Iraqi Kurd energy ties - Latest - New Straits Times

Turkey defies allies to pursue Iraqi Kurd energy ties

ANKARA: Turkey is defying Washington and Baghdad in developing a broad energy partnership with Iraqi Kurds as it pushes to secure affordable oil and gas supplies to fuel its rapid economic growth.

More:Turkey defies allies to pursue Iraqi Kurd energy ties - Latest - New Straits Times

Turkey’s Secret Armenians - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey’s Secret Armenians

Translated from Radikal (Turkey).

The presence of “secret” Armenians in Anatolia has become the subject of a news report in the Argentine press. In an article titled “The Footprints of Secret Armenians in Turkey,” Argentine journalist Avedis Hadjian writes that people of Armenian origin, estimated to number hundreds of thousands, continue to live in Anatolia and Istanbul under false identities. Hadjian’s research begins in Istanbul’s Kurtulus neighborhood and then takes him to Amasya, Diyarbakir, Batman, Tunceli and Mus.

More:Turkey’s Secret Armenians - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Tourists get sick of noise and pollution in Muğla

Tourists get sick of noise and pollution in Muğla

Among the 995 calls received by Alo 179 Call and Information Center, which was put into service last year in the Aegean province of Muğla by the Governor’s Office, tourists complain about noise, environmental and sea pollution most.

More:LOCAL - Tourists get sick of noise and pollution in Muğla

Turkey Frees 10 Pro-Kurdish Politicians

Turkey Frees 10 Pro-Kurdish Politicians

February 19, 2013
A Turkish court has released 10 pro-Kurdish politicians accused of having ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

More:Turkey Frees 10 Pro-Kurdish Politicians

United Nations News Centre - Istanbul will host second International Jazz Day, UN announces

Istanbul will host second International Jazz Day, UN announces

19 February 2013 – The Turkish city of Istanbul will be the global host city of the second International Jazz Day, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Government of Turkey announced today.

More:United Nations News Centre - Istanbul will host second International Jazz Day, UN announces

Turkish Women’s Groups Gird for Abortion Rights Battle | WNN – Women News Network

Turkish Women’s Groups Gird for Abortion Rights Battle

Dorian Jones – Voice of America – Monday, 18 February 2013 (originally published 14 Feb)
Women group march in protest

ISTANBUL — Women rights groups demonstrated in Istanbul earlier this month in support of abortion rights, accusing state institutions of complying with a government campaign to systematically curtail the practice.

More:Turkish Women’s Groups Gird for Abortion Rights Battle | WNN – Women News Network

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish police detain suspected leftist militants | World | NewsObserver.com

Turkish police detain suspected leftist militants

— Turkey's state-run news agency says police is rounding up dozens of people suspected of membership in a left-wing militant group that has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara earlier this month.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Turkish police detain suspected leftist militants | World | NewsObserver.com

Psy to go “Gangnam Style” at Turkey’s ‘Istanbul Blue Night’

Psy to go “Gangnam Style” at Turkey’s ‘Istanbul Blue Night’

World sensation Psy will be visiting Turkey for the first time.

YG Entertainment revealed, “Psy will arrive in Turkey on February 20th. On the 21st to the 22nd, he will be participating in Istanbul’s festival ‘Istanbul Blue Night‘ as well as holding a press conference and appearing on a TV broadcast.”

More:Psy to go “Gangnam Style” at Turkey’s ‘Istanbul Blue Night’

Istanbul Municipality rejects residents’ objections to Kadıköy project

Istanbul Municipality rejects residents’ objections to Kadıköy project

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality rejected 3,579 petitions submitted by Kadıköy residents in objection to a planned project that included transforming the historic Haydarpaşa Station into a hotel and removing an Atatürk monument in the area.

More:LOCAL - Istanbul Municipality rejects residents’ objections to Kadıköy project

Turkey to launch Bourse Istanbul in April-exchange official | Reuters

Turkey to launch Bourse Istanbul in April-exchange official

ISTANBUL | Tue Feb 19, 2013 12:09pm EST

Feb 19 (Reuters) - The Istanbul Stock Exchange is to come together with local gold and derivatives exchanges in April as part of plans to make the Turkish capital a regional financial centre, a senior official said on Tuesday.

More:Turkey to launch Bourse Istanbul in April-exchange official | Reuters

People to eat Istanbul bread for higher price

People to eat Istanbul bread for higher price

ISTANBUL

The price of 250 grams of bread in Istanbul, which used to be 85 kuruş, has been increased to 1 Turkish lira.

More:ECONOMICS - People to eat Istanbul bread for higher price

Futile Israeli Efforts to Win Ankara Back | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Futile Israeli Efforts to Win Ankara Back
February 19, 2013 1:21 am 0 comments

The Government of Israel, we learned yesterday from a Turkish source, has delivered Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) equipment by ELTA, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries that gives military aircraft protection from electronic attacks. Not only will the AWACS planes, in the wording of the Today’s Zaman article, “greatly increase [the Turkish air force's] dominance over Turkey’s own airspace” but they will also be useful to it in the Syrian civil war and vis-à-vis “tensions with Israel and Greek Cyprus over the issue of gas drilling.”

More:Futile Israeli Efforts to Win Ankara Back | Jewish & Israel News Algemeiner.com

Turkey: 'World's biggest prison' for media - Features - Al Jazeera English

Turkey: 'World's biggest prison' for media

Jillian Kestler-DAmours Last Modified: 19 Feb 2013 09:40

Istanbul, Turkey - Former Noble Peace Prize nominee Ragip Zarakolu says he's been charged with crimes against the state more than 70 times in his life. But those experiences didn't prepare the Turkish publisher and journalist for his latest stint behind bars.

More:Turkey: 'World's biggest prison' for media - Features - Al Jazeera English

Holocaust commemorated in Istanbul - Israel Jewish Scene, Ynetnews

Holocaust commemorated in Istanbul

Ceremony at Ortaköy Etz Ahayim Synagogue attended by Jewish community members, Holocaust survivors, chief rabbi, Turkish government officials, Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew and local citizens

More:Holocaust commemorated in Istanbul - Israel Jewish Scene, Ynetnews

Monday, February 18, 2013

International Jazz Day To Be Held In Istanbul

International Jazz Day To Be Held In Istanbul

NEW YORK (February 18, 2013)--Pianist Herbie Hancock says he is looking forward to paying tribute to a special connection between Turkey and jazz music at celebrations of International Jazz Day on April 30 in Istanbul.

More:International Jazz Day To Be Held In Istanbul

Turkey Launches Ship to Support Offshore Energy Exploration - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Turkey Launches Ship to Support
Offshore Energy Exploration

By: Tulin Daloglu for Al-Monitor Turkey Pulse. Posted on February 18.

With the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean bringing Turkey’s old and new rivalries together, the Ankara government is taking slow but steady steps toward a comeuppance for them. Only time will tell whether the effort will yield productive results.

More:Turkey Launches Ship to Support Offshore Energy Exploration - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East

Radio: Programs: Turkey’s Kurdish Question: a neverending story?: Voice of Russia

Turkey’s Kurdish Question: a neverending story?

Yekaterina Kudashkina, Ian Sumter

Feb 18, 2013 19:55 Moscow Time

Kurdish protesters have taken to the streets in Turkey and in other cities across Europe to demand the release of Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader Abdullah Öcalan who’s been imprisoned in Turkey since 1999. The PKK seeking autonomy in the southeast of the country is still considered a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies. But recent months the Turkish Government has made indications that dialog may be possible to end the long conflict.

More:Radio: Programs: Turkey’s Kurdish Question: a neverending story?: Voice of Russia

Turkey vs. The Louvre: Ankara Renews Its Quest To Recover Antiquities - All News Is Global |

Turkey vs. The Louvre: Ankara Renews Its Quest To Recover Antiquities

ISTANBUL – The treasure of Troy is back. The collection of golden jewelry from the ancient city, which had been stolen during the 19th century, was handed back to Turkey by the University of Pennsylvania last September.

More:Turkey vs. The Louvre: Ankara Renews Its Quest To Recover Antiquities - All News Is Global |

Aksigorta Jumps on Outlook as Net Tops Estimates: Istanbul Mover - Bloomberg

Aksigorta Jumps on Outlook as Net Tops Estimates: Istanbul Mover
By Taylan Bilgic - Feb 18, 2013 11:11 AM ET

Aksigorta AS gained the most in more than three months as the Turkish insurer co-owned by Belgium’s Ageas said it would seek to boost earnings by as much as 30 percent this year after 2012 profit topped estimates.

More:Aksigorta Jumps on Outlook as Net Tops Estimates: Istanbul Mover - Bloomberg

Istanbul Municipality Forces Neighborhood To Make Way For Planned Gentrification | Green Prophet

Istanbul Municipality Forces Neighborhood To Make Way For Planned Gentrification
Julia Harte | February 18th, 2013

Until a recent urban renewal project that forced most residents out, the neighborhood of Tarlabaşı was home to a diverse array of Istanbul’s minority populations.

In the early 20th century, Tarlabaşı’s winding streets and colorful buildings were home to many of the city’s Greek residents. After violence against the Greek population their mass emigration from Turkey, Roma and Kurdish families moved in. But today, a municipal plan to turn the area into a wealthier, more mainstream neighborhood has forced out most families — and is making life miserable for the residents who refuse to leave, reports independent media agency Bianet.

More:Istanbul Municipality Forces Neighborhood To Make Way For Planned Gentrification | Green Prophet

UBM Organizes Buyer Delegations for Istanbul Show

UBM Organizes Buyer Delegations for Istanbul Show
Feb 18, 2013 12:58 PM By Jeff Miller

RAPAPORT... UBM Rotaforte hosts the Istanbul Jewelry Show from March 21 to 24 at the Istanbul Fair Center (CNR Expo) and anticipates 1,000 exhibitors from 25 countries. The Turk Ekonomi Bankasi (Turkish Economy Bank / TEB) is the main sponsor of event. UBM organized special buyer delegations this year from Jordan, Lebanon, Russia and the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) in order to improve the business traffic from those emerging markets.

More:Diamonds.net - UBM Organizes Buyer Delegations for Istanbul Show

Solen Istanbul — a treat from Turkey – The Express Tribune

Solen Istanbul — a treat from Turkey
By Saadia Qamar
Published: February 18, 2013

KARACHI: A Turkish man’s gastronomical obsession, a bit of dreaming and a great deal of destiny is what brought Turkish restaurant Solen Istanbul to Pakistan.

Restaurateur Mehmet Celal Ulutatar came to Karachi to set up a business venture, and realised during his stay how much potential the port city has. “I see a lot of potential in Karachi for Solen Istanbul. Destiny brought me here,” said Ulutatar at the opening of his restaurant at Dolmen City Mall in Clifton on Friday.

More:Solen Istanbul — a treat from Turkey – The Express Tribune

Istanbul's Burger Battle Goes International | Culinary Backstreets

Istanbul’s Burger Battle Goes International
February 18, 2013, by Istanbul Eats

As chronicled by Istanbul Eats, the Tünel end of Istanbul’s famed İstiklal boulevard was some two years ago the site of a heated burger war. It all started when a former Turkish basketball-player-turned-restaurateur who had spent time studying in California opened up Mano Burger, a mostly successful recreation of the kind of burger joints the owner frequented in the United States.

More:Istanbul's Burger Battle Goes International | Culinary Backstreets

Istanbul airport tender receives applications from 16 firms -

Istanbul airport tender receives applications from 16 firms
157 times viewed.
Monday, 18 Feb 2013

Balkans reported that the tender for the third airport to be built in Istanbul has received applications from 16 firms that have paid TRL 100,000 to obtain the specifications.

More:Istanbul airport tender receives applications from 16 firms -

Sunday, February 17, 2013

US holds back ‘key arms from Turkey, presses for solution’

US holds back ‘key arms from Turkey, presses for solution’

ISTANBUL
The United States avoids selling military equipment that could give a deadly blow to the PKK, according to Nihat Ali Özcan, a prominent expert on terrorism. This is because US wants to push Turkey toward negotiation to solve the problem, he says adding Turkey has a five pillar strategy for negotiations

More:POLITICS - US holds back ‘key arms from Turkey, presses for solution’

!f Istanbul continues to inspire with !f Events

!f Istanbul continues to inspire with !f Events

Emrah Güler ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News
This year’s !f Events include a workshop for blossoming online activists, a gathering with the featured families of LGBT people of the documentary ‘Benim Çocuğum’ and !f²: Istanbul Live, the simultaneous screening of five festival films in 31 cities in Turkey and its neighbors

More:CINEMA-TV - !f Istanbul continues to inspire with !f Events

Istanbul Jewelry Show in March Will be the Premiere Marketplace for Conducting Business and Networking - World News Report

Istanbul Jewelry Show in March Will be the Premiere Marketplace for Conducting Business and Networking

PR Newswire

ISTANBUL, Turkey, Feb. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkey's number one jewellery show organised by UBM Rotaforte( http://www.ubmrotaforte.com ), Istanbul Jewelry Show( http://www.istanbuljewelryshow.com ), will be held from 21-24 March 2013 in five halls at the Istanbul Fair Center (CNR Expo). The four-day event will occupy more than 40,000 square metres of exhibition space and gather over 1,000 exhibitors from 25 countries with an extensive display of the latest products and trends exclusive for industry professionals.

More:Istanbul Jewelry Show in March Will be the Premiere Marketplace for Conducting Business and Networking - World News Report

Feast of St Paul in Istanbul - timesofmalta.com

Feast of St Paul in Istanbul

The Consulate General of Malta in Istanbul celebrated the feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck on February 10 at the Franciscan Catholic church of St Anthony of Padua, located in Istiklal Caddesi, a famous avenue in the city of Istanbul.

mORE:Feast of St Paul in Istanbul - timesofmalta.com

Istanbul 2020 bid leader to appear at World Sports Congress 2013 in London - insidethegames.biz - Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games News

Istanbul 2020 bid leader to appear at World Sports Congress 2013 in London
Sunday, 17 February 2013
By Tom Degun


The Congress, which is due to take place at the Churchill Hyatt Regency London on February 26 and 27, will see Arat give an exclusive insight into Istanbul's bid with the vice-president of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey (NOCT) to take questions from delegates about how his team plan to maintain a strong bid case to the end.

More:Istanbul 2020 bid leader to appear at World Sports Congress 2013 in London - insidethegames.biz - Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games News

Travel lonely planet's istanbul highlights | Stuff.co.nz

Best beside the Bosphorus

Dervishes whirl, muezzins duel from minarets, and continents are crossed multiple times in a day. Home to millennia-old monuments and cutting-edge art galleries (sometimes in the same block), it’s a destination where eating, drinking and dancing are local priorities, and where everyone is welcome to join the party.

More:Travel lonely planet's istanbul highlights | Stuff.co.nz

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Turkish opposition leader condemns 'dictator' Erdogan | World news | guardian.co.uk

Turkish opposition leader condemns 'dictator' Erdogan

Kemal Kilicdaroglu, chairman of the Republican People's party, warns that PM is driving Turkey towards constitutional 'disaster'

Turkey's prime minister is behaving like an "elected dictator" and inciting a constitutional crisis in a bid for greater personal power, the leader of the country's main opposition party has warned.

More:Turkish opposition leader condemns 'dictator' Erdogan | World news | guardian.co.uk

Friday, February 15, 2013

A weekend in … Istanbul, Turkey | www.ajc.com

A weekend in … Istanbul, Turkey

By Clara Bosonetto

Visit Istanbul, Turkey, one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.

Trip tips: When dialing direct, use the prefix 011 followed by 90 (country code) + 212 (city code) + phone number shown below. For practical visitor information, visit http://english.istanbul.gov.tr.

More:A weekend in … Istanbul, Turkey | www.ajc.com

Venturing to visit Istanbul’s famous walls

Venturing to visit Istanbul’s famous walls

When does a date become old history? These days, in the world of literature any novel set 20 years ago or more becomes part of the historical fiction genre. Does a true adventure that occurred nearly 25 years ago count as the past? Given all the recent articles on Istanbul’s city walls following the murder of an American tourist, perhaps you would be interested in excerpts from a firsthand account of people who lived inside the walls, which was published in this newspaper Sept. 15, 1989. It was a warm day when my colleague and friend Gül Demir and I walked the walls.

More:TASTE OF THE PAST - Venturing to visit Istanbul’s famous walls

Kurdish protesters clash with police in Turkey on anniversary of rebel leader's capture

Kurdish protesters clash with police in Turkey on anniversary of rebel leader's capture

By The Associated Press February 15, 2013

ANKARA, Turkey - A Turkish news agency says demonstrators have clashed with police during protests marking the 14th anniversary of the capture of Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan.

More:Kurdish protesters clash with police in Turkey on anniversary of rebel leader's capture

KUNA : Syrian refugees in Turkey exceed 182,000

Syrian refugees in Turkey exceed 182,000

ISTANBUL, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- The number of Syrian refugees in Turkey has skyrocketed to 182,621, the Turkish Ikhlas news agency reported on Friday.

More:KUNA : Syrian refugees in Turkey exceed 182,000 - Population - 15/02/2013

Istanbul city bus attacked with Molotov cocktails

Istanbul city bus attacked with Molotov cocktails

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

A city bus was totally burned out in a Molotov cocktail attack in Istanbul’s Okmeydanı neighborhood today. No injuries have yet been reported.

More:LOCAL - Istanbul city bus attacked with Molotov cocktails

Turkish Air Set for 2-Week High as UBS Says Buy: Istanbul Mover - Businessweek

Turkish Air Set for 2-Week High as UBS Says Buy: Istanbul Mover
By Taylan Bilgic on February 15, 2013

Turkish Airlines, which almost tripled last year, headed for its highest level in two weeks after UBS AG upgraded it to buy on expectations of stronger fourth-quarter earnings and passenger growth this year.

More:Turkish Air Set for 2-Week High as UBS Says Buy: Istanbul Mover - Businessweek

Raffles Hotel Istanbul to Open in 2013

Raffles Hotel Istanbul to Open in 2013

Luxury hotel group Raffles is to open a new residence in Istanbul, Turkey that will form part of a vast cultural and retail complex.

The hotel will take centre-stage in Istanbul’s new Zorlu Center, situated in the heart of Istanbul’s prime residential and commercial centre, and featuring an arts centre, offices, a shopping mall and private residences.

More:Raffles Hotel Istanbul to Open in 2013

EMEA: Turkey – Istanbul airport bidders line-up | Daily News | PFIe

EMEA: Turkey – Istanbul airport bidders line-up

15 February 2013

A number of local firms are already gathering for Istanbul’s third airport. TAV Airports Holding, Turkey’s leading airport operator, Limak Holding, which manages Sabiha Gökçen airport, Alarko Holding, IC Holding and Sabanci, along with international names such as Germany’s Fraport, are believed to be interested in bidding the US$9bn 25-year BOT and what will be the world’s largest airport on completion.

More:EMEA: Turkey – Istanbul airport bidders line-up | Daily News | PFIe

Hedo Turkoglu of Magic suspended for steroid use

Hedo Turkoglu of Magic suspended for steroid use
Alex Kennedy, USA TODAY Sports9:04p.m. EST February 13, 2013
2013-02-13 Hedo Turkoglu

On Wednesday, the NBA announced that Orlando Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu has been suspended for 20 games after testing positive for a banned substance.

More:Hedo Turkoglu of Magic suspended for steroid use

Turkish shells land on Syria’s soil: Turkish state media

Turkish shells land on Syria’s soil: Turkish state media

Fri Feb 15, 2013 11:12AM GMT

Turkish artillery has pounded Syria after a shell fired from the crisis-hit country landed near a town in southern Turkey, Turkish media report.

More:PressTV - Turkish shells land on Syria’s soil: Turkish state media

Turkish Artist Paints Cuts, Bruises on Old Masters | Womens eNews

Turkish Artist Paints Cuts, Bruises on Old Masters

By Jennifer Hattam

Friday, February 15, 2013

Artist Derya Kilic's recent exhibit portrayed familiar female faces from famous artworks all marred by cuts and bruises. Her intent is to reflect the pervasion of sexual violence by making viewers see that it afflicts women "they know."

More:Turkish Artist Paints Cuts, Bruises on Old Masters | Womens eNews

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey: 8 retired military officers arrested - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Turkey: 8 retired military officers arrested

The Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey's state-run news agency says authorities have arrested eight more retired officers over their alleged involvement in the ousting of an Islamic-led government in the late 1990s.

Anadolu Agency reports say the eight, including seven retired generals, were detained on Wednesday and late Thursday pending a trial over a military campaign that forced former Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan to resign. No trial date has been set.

More:ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey: 8 retired military officers arrested - World Wires - MiamiHerald.com

Turkey's EU Membership And Perceptions - OpEd Eurasia Review | Eurasia Review

Turkey’s EU Membership And Perceptions – OpEd

By JTW -- (February 15, 2013)

By Yusuf Ibrahim Gamawa

Turkey is generally seen to be a Muslim country mainly as a result of its history. The history of a nation and its destiny always move hand in hand, though dynamic changes could always occur. That the Ottoman Empire had its roots in Turkish soil, makes it difficult for modern Turkey to separate itself from Ottoman culture, religion and society in the eyes of the world. The Turks can never separate themselves from the Islamic empire that the Ottoman was, nor deny that an Islamic empire once flourished on Turkish soil. It is a past that is still alive, and which kept hunting the advances that the modern republic of Turkey has constantly been making to become a member of the European Union amongst many other reasons. To many people, it was incomprehensible that Turkey could aspire to become a member of the EU, owing mainly to its Ottoman past. Though sometimes this point is not clearly made but one can understand the rationale behind such thoughts.

More:Turkey's EU Membership And Perceptions - OpEd Eurasia Review | Eurasia Review

Turkey: Abandoning the EU for the SCO?

Turkey: Abandoning the EU for the SCO?

The European Union is in a rut. Its once-vaunted economy and “ever closer” integration is facing the tough challenges of a dogged recession and anti-EU sentiment in some of its most powerful member states. It is therefore perhaps not surprising that some EU aspirants appear lukewarm about their prospects and continued desire to join the club. For Turkey, probably the most unfairly spurned EU aspirant, it makes a lot of sense to at least explore alternatives.

More:Turkey: Abandoning the EU for the SCO?

Talabani’s No 2 testing Iraqi waters in Ankara - Trend.Az

Talabani’s No 2 testing Iraqi waters in Ankara

15 February 2013, 06:46 (GMT+04:00)

Jalal Talabani's heir apparent as Iraqi president visits Ankara in a possible bid to drum up support for a run at the job amid overtures from Baghdad to Turkey's main opposition, Hurriyet Daily News reports.

More:Talabani’s No 2 testing Iraqi waters in Ankara - Trend.Az

Dialogue Should Not Legitimize Assad - Qantara.de

Interview with Turkish Foreign Minister DavutogluDialogue Should Not Legitimize Assad

In an interview with Kersten Knipp, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu warns against interpreting Syria's civil war as a religious conflict. This perception could play into the regime's hands, he says

Foreign Minister Davutoglu, many experts are indicating that the divide between the supporters and opponents of the Assad regime within the region is increasingly running along sectarian religious lines. Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other Sunni states have spoken out against Assad staying in power. In contrast, the Shiite dominated states of Iran and Iraq and also the Lebanese Islamist militia Hezbollah support Assad. In the light of these circumstances, can one now speak of a religious conflict?

More:Dialogue Should Not Legitimize Assad - Qantara.de

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Turkish Women's Groups Gird for Abortion Rights Battle

Turkish Women's Groups Gird for Abortion Rights Battle

Dorian Jones

February 14, 2013
ISTANBUL — Women rights groups demonstrated in Istanbul earlier this month in support of abortion rights, accusing state institutions of complying with a government campaign to systematically curtail the practice.

More:Turkish Women's Groups Gird for Abortion Rights Battle

Turkish female lawmakers dance at Parliament to protest violence

Turkish female lawmakers dance at Parliament to protest violence

ANKARA

Female lawmakers and parliamentary correspondents joined a global Valentine’s Day event that has invited 1 billion women to oppose violence against woman through dancing.

More:POLITICS - Turkish female lawmakers dance at Parliament to protest violence

Turkey builds closer oil links with Kurds, angering US - The National

Turkey builds closer oil links with Kurds, angering US

Thomas Seibert
Feb 15, 2013

ISTANBUL // Turkey is pushing ahead with plans to extend economic cooperation with Iraq's Kurdistan region, brushing aside warnings from the United States that this approach could lead to the disintegration of the Iraqi state.

More:Turkey builds closer oil links with Kurds, angering US - The National

Istanbul's Feminists Protest Valentine's Day - Bianet

Istanbul's Feminists Protest Valentine's Day

Istanbul's feminist groups protested the Valentine's Day, saying that several expressions of love in Turkish language only reminded them on women murders.

More:English :: Istanbul's Feminists Protest Valentine's Day - Bianet

U.S. Supports Turkey’s Smart Energy Efforts

U.S. Supports Turkey’s Smart Energy Efforts
Thursday, 14 February 2013 13:08

At the United States–Turkey Smart Grid Workshop in Istanbul, United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Director Leocadia I. Zak reasserted the Agency’s commitment to assisting Turkey achieve its energy sector expansion goals.

More:U.S. Supports Turkey’s Smart Energy Efforts

France’s Holy Motors opens Istanbul film festival - HURRIYET DAILY NEWS - FRANCE 24

France’s Holy Motors opens Istanbul film festival

Istanbul’s twelfth independent film festival opened with French director Leos Carax’s much-anticipated Holy Motors on Wednesday, ending a 12-year hiatus from the esteemed director. The international “!f” festival runs until February 24.

More:France’s Holy Motors opens Istanbul film festival - HURRIYET DAILY NEWS - FRANCE 24

Demonstration at Swiss consulate in Istanbul

Demonstration at Swiss consulate in Istanbul

A large demonstration was held in front of the Swiss consulate in Istanbul in reaction to a traffic accident allegedly involving a diplomat’s wife.

According to the Turkish press, around 400 people protested outside the consulate yesterday.

More:WRS | Demonstration at Swiss consulate in Istanbul

Turkey: Paris relaunches negotiations with Ankara | Presseurop (English)

Paris relaunches negotiations with Ankara
14 February 2013

"The first step towards a thaw after years of frozen talks,” remarks Le Monde in the wake of the February 12 meeting between French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu, which concluded with Paris announcing that it was in favour of relaunching negotiations on Turkish accession to the European Union.

More:Turkey: Paris relaunches negotiations with Ankara | Presseurop (English)

Turkey’s tourism income higher than previously thought: TÜİK

Turkey’s tourism income higher than previously thought: TÜİK

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has updated the methodology it uses to produce tourism statistics, meaning that last year’s tourism revenue, previously calculated at $23.4 billion, was actually $29.3 billion, an increase of $5.9 billion.

More:TOURISM - Turkey’s tourism income higher than previously thought: TÜİK

Turkey: Trying to Impose an Abortion Ban in Fact, if Not in Name? | EurasiaNet.org

Turkey: Trying to Impose an Abortion Ban in Fact, if Not in Name?
February 13, 2013 - 2:05pm, by Dorian Jones

After public pressure forced him to back away from a head-on effort to drastically curtail abortion rights in Turkey, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is resorting to back-door methods to get his way, women’s rights activists assert.

More:Turkey: Trying to Impose an Abortion Ban in Fact, if Not in Name? | EurasiaNet.org

Italferr to design Ankara airport rail link - Rail News from rail.co

Italferr to design Ankara airport rail link
14 Feb 2013 ⋅ by Marc Johnson ⋅ in Rail News ⋅ 0 Comments

Italy’s state-owned engineering consultancy Italferr has been appointed by Turkey’s Ministry of Transport to design a new rail link between Ankara and Esenboğa airport.

The 1.5 million euro contract will include the completion of a feasibility study, as well as preliminary and final design of the 27 km line.

More:Italferr to design Ankara airport rail link - Rail News from rail.co

Mayor promises cable car over Istanbul’s Bosphorus

Mayor promises cable car over Istanbul’s Bosphorus

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

The Istanbul mayor has revealed an assertive transportation plan that includes an exceptional cable car line over Istanbul’s Bosphorus. In addition to the new cable car, passengers will be able to pass onto “metrobus” stations that run between the two sides of Istanbul, forming a huge net of land transportation.

More:LOCAL - Mayor promises cable car over Istanbul’s Bosphorus

EU squanders £100m on train line in Turkey

EU squanders £100m on train line in Turkey

BRUSSELS bureaucrats have handed more than £100million to Turkey to build a high-speed rail link - in case the country joins the EU.

More:EU squanders £100m on train line in Turkey | World | News | Daily Express

Turkey's second nuke plant to cost $25 billion

Turkey's second nuke plant to cost $25 billion

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency

Turkey’s second nuclear power plant, slated to be built in the northern province of Sinop, will cost around $25 billion, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yıldız said at a press event Feb. 12.

More:ENERGY - Turkey's second nuke plant to cost $25 billion

For Turkish Cypriots, it's election, what election? - FRANCE 24

For Turkish Cypriots, it's election, what election?

AFP - In the coffee shops of Kyrenia, a picturesque Mediterranean harbour in the Turkish-held north, most people don't even know the candidates' names in Sunday's election for the island's new Greek Cypriot president.

More:For Turkish Cypriots, it's election, what election? - FRANCE 24

Turkey and Europe - FT.com

Turkey and Europe
Both sides would benefit from reviving accession talks

If France’s decision to start dismantling roadblocks to Turkey’s membership of the EU, erected by Nicolas Sarkozy before he lost the presidency to François Hollande, is genuine, it is an overdue step towards sanity in managing a vital European relationship.

More:Turkey and Europe - FT.com

News Analysis: Turkey adds pressure on EU to crack down on terrorist networks

News Analysis: Turkey adds pressure on EU to crack down on terrorist networks

Source: XINHUA | 2013-2-14 | ONLINE EDITION

ANKARA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has ratcheted up pressure on the European Union (EU) member countries to crack down on long- running terrorist networks that are operating in their territory with impunity.

More:News Analysis: Turkey adds pressure on EU to crack down on terrorist networks -- Shanghai Daily - English Window to China New

Top 5 things to do in Istanbul - Travel - NZ Herald News

Top 5 things to do in Istanbul
By Megan Singleton
12:00 PM Thursday Feb 14, 2013

Istanbul is one of those cities that leaves everyone who’s been there hankering to go back. But if you’re about to make your first appearance, here are five things you won’t want to miss.

More:Top 5 things to do in Istanbul - Travel - NZ Herald News

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

France ready to unblock EU-Turkey talks

France ready to unblock EU-Turkey talks

BERLIN - France wants to "give a new impetus" to Turkey's EU membership talks, allowing negotiations to resume this week after a break of almost three years.

More:EUobserver.com / Enlargement / France ready to unblock EU-Turkey talks

Frustrated Turkey still wants EU entry, but maybe not euro | Reuters

Frustrated Turkey still wants EU entry, but maybe not euro

Turkey's EU Affairs Minister Egemen Bagis talks during an interview with Reuters in Istanbul June 26, 2012. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

By Mohammed Abbas

LONDON | Wed Feb 13, 2013 2:14pm EST

(Reuters) - Turkey is committed to joining the European Union despite mounting frustration over decades of talks on the issue, but has little appetite for adopting the euro currency, a senior Turkish official said on Wednesday.

More:Frustrated Turkey still wants EU entry, but maybe not euro | Reuters

Turkey gets boost on EU membership - The Irish Times - Wed, Feb 13, 2013

Turkey gets boost on EU membership

France said yesterday it was ready to unblock talks with Turkey on EU membership over the area of help to EU regions, marking an improvement in relations between the two countries since the arrival of President François Hollande last year.

More:Turkey gets boost on EU membership - The Irish Times - Wed, Feb 13, 2013

Turkey can show Britain the way on the economy: EU minister

Turkey can show Britain the way on the economy: EU minister

LONDON

Turkey can instruct Britain how to tackle the economic crisis while London can in turn show Ankara how to approach the difficulties of the EU accession process, Turkish EU Minister Egemen Bağış said Feb. 12.

More:POLITICS - Turkey can show Britain the way on the economy: EU minister