EXPLAINED: 37 | Vintage Vibes

Turkey Tells Russia it Will Respond to Destabilizing Moves in North Syria

Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in a call on Tuesday that Turkey would respond to moves aimed at disrupting stability in northern Syria, his office said, as Ankara gears for talks with Moscow ahead of an expected offensive in the region. President Tayyip Erdogan announced…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 7, 2022

Turkey tells Russia it will respond to destabilising moves in north Syria

Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar told Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu in a call on Tuesday that Turkey would respond to moves aimed at disrupting stability in northern Syria, his office said, as Ankara gears for talks with Moscow ahead of an expected offensive in the region.

Reuters · Jun 7, 2022

Syrian, Russian Forces Boosted after Turkey Signals Operation

Russia and Syrian government forces have been bolstered in northern Syria where Turkey may soon launch an offensive against Kurdish fighters, Turkish and opposition Syrian officials said, as Ankara prepares for talks with Moscow. President Tayyip Erdogan said two weeks ago Turkey would launch new military operations in Syria to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 7, 2022

Madrid Summit Not a Deadline for Decision on Finland and Sweden’s NATO Bids, Says Turkey

A NATO summit in Madrid at the end of June is not a deadline for a decision on Sweden and Finland's membership bids, which are opposed by Turkey, the Turkish president's spokesman said on Saturday. Sweden and Finland applied to join the Western defense alliance last month in response to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 4, 2022

Madrid summit not a deadline for decision on Finland and Sweden's NATO bids, says Turkey

A NATO summit in Madrid at the end of June is not a deadline for a decision on Sweden and Finland's membership bids, which are opposed by Turkey, the Turkish president's spokesman said on Saturday.

Reuters · Jun 4, 2022

Kyiv Envoy Says Russia Sent 'Stolen' Grain abroad Including to Turkey

Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara on Friday accused Russia of "stealing" and sending Ukrainian grain abroad to countries including Turkey. "Russia shamelessly steals Ukrainian grain and sends it overseas from Crimea, including to Turkey," said Kyiv's envoy in Ankara, Vasyl Bodna. "We have asked for Turkey's help to resolve the issue,"…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 4, 2022

Syria 'Safe Zone': 3 Options for Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has renewed his demand to establish a safe zone, devoid of the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), 30 kilometers deep into northern Syria. Erdogan first made his intentions clear in 2013 and then presented a detailed map of his vision…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jun 4, 2022

Turkey summons Greek ambassador to foreign ministry

Turkey summoned the Greek ambassador to Ankara to the foreign ministry to protest about what it said was Greece providing opportunities for terrorist groups to conduct activities, state-owned Anadolu news agency reported on Friday.

Reuters · Jun 3, 2022

Turkey officially changes its name to Türkiye at United Nations

Turkey will henceforth be known as Türkiye at the United Nations, following a formal request from Ankara. President Erdogan has long pushed for using the Turkish language name rather than the English one associated with a bird and failure.

Radio France Internationale · Jun 3, 2022

Ukraine envoy says Turkey among destinations of grain stolen by Russia

Kyiv's ambassador to Ankara said on Friday Turkish buyers were among those receiving grain that Russia stole from Ukraine, adding he has sought Turkey's help to identify and capture individuals responsible for the shipments.

Reuters · Jun 3, 2022