Turkey

Greece militarisation of Aegean islands threatens national security : Turkey FM

03 Nov 2022; MEMO: Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said yesterday that Greece's militarisation of at least 16 out of its 23 islands in the eastern Aegean Mediterranean Sea threatens Ankara's security, calling on Athens to comply with international law, Anadolu news agency reported.

Turkey's inflation hits 24-year high of 85.5% after rate cuts

ISTANBUL, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Turkish annual inflation climbed to a new 24-year high of 85.51% in October, official data showed on Thursday, slightly below forecast, after the central bank cut its policy rate despite surging prices.

Inflation has surged since last year, when the lira slumped after the central bank began cutting its policy rate in an easing cycle long sought by President Tayyip Erdogan.

6 grain vessels leave Ukraine after Russia restores deal: Türkiye

ANKARA, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Six grain vessels left Ukrainian ports on Thursday after Russia resumed its participation in the UN-brokered deal which allows grain exports through the Black Sea, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said.

The number of ships leaving Ukraine's ports reached 426, and the amount of grain transported exceeded 9.7 million tons, Akar said in a statement.

"We will intensify our efforts on the extension of the grain initiative, which will expire on Nov. 19," he added.

NATO Secretary-General set to arrive in Turkiye on Thursday

02 Nov 2022; MEMO: NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, is due to arrive in Turkiye on Thursday for a three-day visit, the Turkish Foreign Ministry has said, Anadolu News Agency reports.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said Stoltenberg will be received by Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The NATO Chief will also meet Foreign Minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu and National Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar.

Erdogan moots putting Turkey headscarf reform to referendum

ANKARA, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Turkey's president said on Wednesday his party could put to a referendum constitutional amendments to protect women's right to wear a headscarf, in a move some Turks see as an attempt to outflank the opposition on a once-deeply divisive issue.

President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party (AKP) met the opposition on the issue as parties vie for support ahead of presidential and parliamentary elections set for next June, with polls showing support for Erdogan's government slipping.

Russian billionaire's yacht docks in Turkiye

02 Nov 2022; MEMO: Luxury yacht Eclipse, owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, yesterday docked on the Marmaris coast in Turkiye's southwestern city of Mugla.

Anadolu Agency quoted sources as saying that the yacht was "164-metres in length and 22-metres width with 6-storeys."

The sources added that the yacht was valued at "some €340 million ($336 million)," noting that it had a "helipad, a swimming pool, luxurious rooms and a gym."

They also pointed out that the yacht was set to dock at the port for a week.

Turkey: President Erdogan inaugurates plant for 1st domestic car

01 Nov 2022; MEMO: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan inaugurated the long-anticipated, massive manufacturing plant that will be building Turkiye's first domestic car brand, TOGG.

On the occasion of the 99th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, Erdogan joined the opening ceremony of Turkiye's first domestic car plant in the north-western province of Bursa.

Turkey: Erdogan, Putin discuss grain deal after Russia's pull-out

ANKARA, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, aiming to resolve the grain export impasse.

In the phone call, Erdogan told Putin that Türkiye was making efforts with all sides to solve problems about the implementation of the grain export deal, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.

The Turkish president stressed that he was confident they would establish a "solution-oriented cooperation in this issue, as in many other issues," said the statement.

Anchored Ukraine grain ships 'pose navigations risks' in Istanbul

01 Nov 2022; MEMO: Ukrainian grain ships anchored outside of Istanbul Strait waiting for inspection "pose navigations risks" following Russia's suspension of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, Turkiye told UN Security Council on Monday, Anadolu News Agency reports.

There were 97 loaded vessels and 15 inbound vessels registered for inspection around Istanbul as of Monday morning local time, Turkish Ambassador to the UN, Feridun Sinirlioglu, said at a Security Council meeting.

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