16 May
Turkey ready to do whatever necessary
Turkey has a determined stance against the Palestine and Israel clashes. While negotiations continue between President Erdoğan and Middle East kings and presidents about clashes and bilateral relations, financial support is being prepared for the Palestinian people. The Turkish Red Crescent has accumulated almost 7.2 million dollars for Palestinians, which aims to provide medical supplies including 22,500 food parcels, ambulances to hospitals and 22,500 hygiene packages. Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu has expressed that, in the Open Participation Organization of Islamic Cooperation Executive Committee Meeting, “Turkey is ready to do whatever is necessary for Palestine, hand-outs and explanations are not enough. More has to be done. The international community has a responsibility to protect Palestinian civilians. In this context, IIT has a significant responsibility. According to the decision of the United Nations General Assembly, an international protection mechanism must be established to protect Palestinian civilians.” He spoke harshly for those states that support Israel. “It is not surprising that states which allow Israel to commit war crimes are also known for their racist and anti-Islamic policies. History will judge these people.”
Source: NTV- https://www.ntv.com.tr/dunya/son-dakika-haberi-bakan-cavusoglundan-filistin-aciklamasi-turkiye-gereken-her-adimi-atmaya-hazir,EImTbtowoUSJzCLEeuVzPA
Access Date: 16.05.2021
Turkey applied to PESCO
The project, which Turkey applied for the first time, envisions rapid transportation of military personnel and military equipment inside and outside Europe. It was stated that apart from Turkey, NATO members USA, Canada and Norway also applied to the project to participate in the project and the applications of these countries were unanimously accepted. In order for Turkey’s application to be approved, of acceptance of all EU members is required. However, its approvement by Greece and Southern Cyprus is a matter of debate, because of the natural gas exploration activities in the Mediterranean or the Cyprus issue. However, in this regard, the meetings between Turkish Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu and Greek Foreign Minister Dendias on May 16 may be promising. At the end of the meeting, Dendias expressed: “I invited my friend Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to Greece. The latch string is always out to him in Athens. First of all, I want to reexpress that he is my friend.” And continued, “I hope this meeting will prepare the meeting environment between Prime Minister Miçotakis and President Erdoğan. We need to find a way to solve the problems with Turkey.”
Source: DW Türkçe, https://www.dw.com/tr/welt-am-sonntag-t%C3%BCrkiye-ab-savunma-projesinde-yer-almak-i%C3%A7in-ba%C5%9Fvurdu/a-57545946
Access Date: 16.05.2021
17 May
Maritime authorization agreement with Palestine as well as Libya
Rear Admiral Cihat Yaycı, one of the inventors of the “Blue Homeland” concept, offered Turkey to sign a maritime authorization agreement with Palestine as well as Libya, by this agreement international recognition and the real political support for Palestine will increase. Yaycı convoked to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. “OIC should make sanctions in order to persuade United Nations and Security Council. Most of the members of OIC have oil and natural resources. It is the best time to use those as a trump card. Restrictions and embargoes within import-export should also be in question.” He underlined that, a position like in Libya would also be beneficial for Turkey. “East-Med membership is an indication that Palestine is an international unit on its own with a coast in the Eastern Mediterranean, and it creates an environment of agreement with Turkey. This will be a strategic chess move for us. Considering the gains in both Palestine and the Eastern Mediterranean, it is time for such an agreement.”
Source: Yeni Şafak https://www.yenisafak.com/gundem/filistine-libya-modeli-deniz-yetki-anlasmasi-dengeleri-degistirebilir-3633614
Access Date: 17.05.2021
The Homeland Party formed in the Leadership of İnce
In the 2018 election, Republican People’s Party’s candidate Muharrem İnce decided to form a new party, which called Homeland Party. It was on planning process as an alternative to Republican People’s Party since 4 September. The Homeland Party, which targets especially the neo-nationalist group of CHP, has become the 110th active political party of the Republic of Turkey. The spokesperson of the party made a speech in the central office, “We will take back our future. We, as the Homeland Party, promise you here today that we will crown our future with peace, freedom and democracy for the youth in this country, for everyone living in this country.” Claiming that Erdoğan’s vote rate has decreased since 2018 due to the depreciation of the Turkish lira and high unemployment, İnce accused Erdoğan of looting the country. At the meeting helded in Ankara, he promised, “We will transform and change Turkey.”
Source: Voice of America https://www.amerikaninsesi.com/a/ince-liderligindeki-memleket-partisi-resmen-kuruldu/5893649.html
Access Date: 17.05.2021
18 May
Last destination for British plastic waste: Turkey
According to a study by Greenpeace, Turkey has become the last destination for British plastic waste. In March, it was determined that the plastic waste sent by the British government to Turkey for recycling was dumped, burned, piled up in the mountains and left to be dumped in rivers and the sea. Study also revealed that the UK generates more plastic waste per state than any other country apart from the US. Turkey has also been selected as the primary recipient of waste from other European countries. Plastic waste can not be sold to countries unless it is recycled, according to UK and EU regulations. Turkey, on the other hand, has the lowest recycling rate of any OECD member, at just 12%. Therewith, the Ministry of Commerce banned the import of ethylene polymer (polyethylene) waste used in the production of many plastics, such as plastic bags and plastic bottles. The Ministry of Commerce’s report on amending the Imports Control Report of Waste Controlled for the Protection of the Environment was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force.
Source: France 24 https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210518-turkey-bans-import-of-polymer-waste
Access Date: 18.05.2021
Koca announced: agreement signed for 90 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech
Turkey started the vaccination process with the contracts it made with China. The first coronavirus vaccine, Coronavac, was delivered to Health Minister Koca on January 13. Biontech contracts started in April and were agreed for 4.5 million vaccines. According to the statement made by Minister Koca, China made Sinovac deliveries 100 million doses missing. Thereupon, an agreement was signed with Russia for Sputnik V in the last days of April. Turkey entered its gradual normalization after the lockdown between April 29 and May 17.According to Fahrettin Koca, 30 million doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will arrive in Turkey in June, with deliveries continuing in July, August, and September, and Turkey will receive more than 10 million doses of a vaccine produced by the Chinese company Sinovac this week, as Minister Koca expressed. Professor Uğur Şahin, BioNTech’s creator, will also attend the Health Ministry’s Science Board’s online meeting on 19 May.
Source: Hurriyet Daily News https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-receive-90-mln-doses-of-pfizer-vaccine-164826
Access Date: 18.05.2021
19 May
Good News Is Coming Soon… Stay Tuned: Bayraktar TB2
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak shared a post about Bayraktar TB2 Armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in his post on his official Twitter account. Earlier than that, Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology, Mustafa Varank, made important statements at the “Third Defense Industry Meetings” with the theme of “Domestic and National Production in the Defense Industry”. In his speech, Minister Varank indicated for the SİHA systems Bayraktar TB2 and ANKA, manufactured by Baykar, which were developed and produced locally and nationally, for the export to the European country, while citing UAV sales to Ukraine, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Tunisia as a reference. Belarus, Albania, Bulgaria, the United Kingdom, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland, all of which have strong security ties with Turkey, were said to be among those who may be able to obtain the fighting drones in question.
Source: Daily Sabah https://www.dailysabah.com/business/defense/poland-may-soon-acquire-turkish-bayraktar-tb2-combat-drones
Access Date: 19.05.2021
European Parliament Vote Condemned By Turkey
The European Parliament’s admission of the 2019-2020 report on Turkey was condemned by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Minister Çavuşoğlu stated, “In a period of effort to rejuvenate Turkey-EU relations, it is not possible to adopt the objective recommendation of the European Parliament.” “We reject this report, which includes false claims regarding human rights, democracy, rule of law, administrative structure and political parties, sees our country’s solution-oriented foreign policy as a threat, and is one-sided, inconsistent and biased on the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and the events of 1915.” Following this statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the IYI Party made a statement condemning the inclusion of the idealist movement, which the European Parliament defined as “racist and far-right” in the latest Turkey report, to be added to the list of terrorist organizations in the European Union. According to the statement, “We call on the European Union to ignore this report and to surrender the freedom of thought and the right of organization of the Turks, who have a share in the development of their country with what they produce in all areas of life.”
Source: Ekathimerini and Politik Yol https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1161418/turkey-condemns-european-parliament-vote/ & https://www.politikyol.com/iyi-partiden-avrupa-parlamentosunun-kararina-tepki/
Access Date: 19.05.2021
20 May
NATO introduced the Turkish armored Vuran
NATO introduced the Turkish amored Vuran on its social media accounts. Turkey assumed command of NATO’s High Readiness Joint Task Force this year, according to a message on the NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Twitter account. The armored vehicles Vuran are critical for this mission, as noted in the statement “Watch the video and meet Vuran.” During operations, Vuran 4X4 light armed tactical wheeled domestic armored vehicles are used. While the vehicle has high mobility, it has ability to carry 9 people and reach a speed of 110 kilometers. The Vuran also has the ability to climb 60 percent steep slopes, 30 percent side slopes and 80 centimeters of water. A 7.62 millimeter machine gun, 12.7 millimeter anti-aircraft or 40 millimeter grenade launcher can be attached to ASELSAN’s Sarp Weapon System, which is integrated into armored vehicles.
Source: Anadolu Agency https://www.aa.com.tr/en/world/nato-touts-turkish-armored-vehicle-on-social-media/2249232
Access Date: 20.05.2021
“HDP” reaction to the Chairman of the Good Party, Akşener, in Rize
Good Party Chairman Meral Akşener came to Trabzon in the morning. Akşener, who was greeted with the horon performances of the folk dance team, then moved to Rize by land. There was tension when the reacting group and party members marched on each other. While the police intervened and prevented the tension, Akşener, who canceled the visit of the shopkeepers, left the district center. As Akşener got out of her vehicle, a woman accused Iyi Parti of partnering with a terrorist organization. Akşener likened President Erdoğan to Netenyahu at the group meeting. A group of citizens also reacted to this analogy. A clash broke out between angry citizens and party members. The police intervened in the groups. Meral Akşener left the district due to the tension. Akşener visited and met Cevizlik and Gürdere villages which the area who have been protesting for a while opposed to the stone quarry in İkizdere.
Source:TRT https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/rizede-meral-aksenere-hdp-tepkisi-582078.html
Access Date: 20.05.2021
21 May
Turkish Mafia Scandal
Peker, who departed Turkey in January 2020, had a long and illustrious career in Turkey. He has been tried multiple times, including on charges of murder and kidnapping, and has been sentenced for “forming a criminal organization.” The Turkish government is under peril due to a mafia scandal. According to a Turkish mafia leader, the government is working hand in hand with the criminal underground. Sedat Peker, the Turkish mafia lord, has leveled serious charges against senior government officials. He says that high-profile leaders from Turkey’s ruling AKP party are implicated in severe crimes in five films posted on YouTube. The recordings, which have gone viral and are generating headlines, suggest that high-ranking politicians were involved in corruption, murders, rapes, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. Peker claims that the Turkish government has spent years protecting him from prosecution, even providing him with police escorts to ensure his safety. Turkish opposition members are seeking Soylu’s resignation because the administration has so far declined to probe Peker’s charges. However, without a comprehensive investigation into the charges, no one knows whether the allegations are true at this time. “It saddens us greatly to see that some despicable and undeserving people in our country take help from the mafia,” Erdogan remarked at a Cabinet meeting this week. “Criminal gangs, like terror organizations, are venomous snakes.”
Source: DW https://www.dw.com/en/turkish-mafia-scandal-threatens-erdogan-government/a-57625598
Access Date: 21.05.2021
US-Turkey Relations In Crisis
The crisis is deepening in Turkey’s relations with the US and Israel. The escalating tension in the Middle East and Washington’s response to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s harsh statements targeting Israel and Joe Biden, accusing him of “anti-Semitism” created a tense atmosphere. The government, which started to take steps to improve relations with the West and to normalize relations with the countries of the region in recent months, has been in trouble due to Erdogan’s latest statements and new tensions with Israel and the USA. While Erdogan described Israel as a “cruel” and “terrorist state” in his statements about the escalating tension in the region, he directly targeted US President Joe Biden and accused him of “making history with his bloody hands”. The US Department of State announced that “Erdogan’s antisemitic views on Jews are strongly condemned by the United States” in a written statement titled “Turkish President Erdogan’s antisemitic views”. “We warn Erdogan and other Turkish leaders to avoid statements that further incite violence,” made the most striking part of the statement: “The United States has a strong determination to combat anti-Semitism in all its forms. We take dangerous lies seriously. We must always respond to lies by telling the truth, and respond to hate crimes with judgment. “
Source: DW https://www.dw.com/tr/erdo%C4%9Fan%C4%B1n-abdde-kredisi-t%C3%BCkendi/a-57606943
Access Date: 21.05.2021
22 May
Council of Higher Education is about to establish “International Genocide Institute”
The President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Yekta Saraç announced that they have started a study to establish the ‘International Institute of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity’ within the university to investigate genocide and crimes against humanity. In a statement on his Twitter account, YÖK President Yekta Saraç said, “As the new YÖK, we have started a study to establish an institute within our university under the name of ‘International Institute of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity’ in order to investigate genocide and crimes against humanity. In the institute to be established at our university, we aim to conduct research not only on the unfounded allegations of genocide against Armenians, but also on crimes against humanity all over the world. will be handled by local and foreign scientists who will work at the institute in an academic style on the level of science and law, and the results will be reported to be shared with the national and international public. After the presentation they will make at YÖK about their qualifications, it will be decided next week in which university the institute will be established.
Source: Milliyet https://www.milliyet.com.tr/gundem/yok-uluslararasi-soykirim-enstitusu-kurulmasi-icin-calisma-baslatti-6511799
Access Date: 22.05.2021
Russia is ready to cooperate Turkic Council
The Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States (CCTS) is an international organization made up of Turkic-speaking countries. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey are the current members. Russia recognizes the council’s potential and seeks to work with them. The primary goal of the CCTS is to improve the Turkic Speaking States’ comprehensive partnership. Peace and stability in the region and around the world are also important aspects of the CCTS’s overall purpose. The Turkic Council dedicated to international law’s goals and principles, such as sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and human rights. According to Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Russia is willing to discuss joining the CCTS. He also added the following: “We have Turkic people and Turkic culture, which is not fading and is preserved by the government, just like any other culture in Russia. There is an international body called the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States that does not include Russia because one of the requirements is that the majority of the population is Turkic. However, I see no reason why I shouldn’t join this organization.” Mr. Lavrov emphasized that if this organization accepts countries with a majority of non-Turkic citizens, Russia will “definitely consider joining the CCTS.” Furthermore, it would most likely be fascinating and valuable from the standpoint of emphasizing the fact that Turkic states are not isolating.”
Source: Atoz Markets https://atozmarkets.com/news/russia-ready-to-join-the-turkic-council/
Access Date: 22.05.2021
23 May
New constitution studies continue in political parties
Works on the new constitution gained momentum. The draft texts prepared in the headquarters will be finalized. The AK Party will present the text prepared by the Constitutional Science Board to the MHP. There will be a new constitutional work in the CHP and the Good Party. While many important topics from the judiciary to freedom of expression, from the duties and powers of the Assembly to the Presidential Government System have been completed, the AK Party is in favor of making the new constitution with full agreement. A joint work with MHP will be carried out on the text. Therefore, the support of both the opposition and non-governmental organizations will be sought on the draft text. MHP was the first party to announce the draft text of the constitution. In the 100-point proposal, a stance was put forward in favor of strengthening the Presidential Government System. In the Nation Alliance, the basic principles were determined for the work gathered under the title of “reinforced parliamentary system”. The Good Party shared its draft text with the CHP. It was explained why we should return to the parliamentary system. CHP plans to include the public in the legislative process. Citizens’ proposals to the Parliament can be submitted by the parties to the Parliament as a bill.
Source: TRT https://www.trthaber.com/haber/gundem/siyasi-partilerde-yeni-anayasa-mesaisi-devam-ediyor-582814.html
Access Date: 23.05.2021
On-site vaccination for the agricultural workers
Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca stated in his video post with the emphasis “We are always at the service of our nation” on social media, and stated that the Kovid-19 vaccine workers were vaccinated where they were. Minister Koca, in his video post with the emphasis “We are always at the service of our nation under all conditions” on his Twitter account, “We are making the vaccinations of our seasonal agricultural worker citizens where it is their turn. Trust this power.” used the expressions. In the video, health personnel, in line with the information they received from the gendarmerie, stated that they made the vaccinations of agricultural workers working in Bilecik and who were vaccinated, while a worker who was vaccinated said, “Thanks to our state. They came after us here. They made our vaccine and left. God bless.” uses expressions.
Source: Yeni Şafak https://www.yenisafak.com/koronavirus/sirasi-gelen-tarim-iscilerine-yerinde-asi-3634614
Access Date: 23.05.2021
24 May
Russia warns Turkey about Ukraine
Amid a buildup of Russian military along Turkey’s border with Ukraine, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan offered support to Kyiv last month. Turkey also, justlike the rest of NATO, condemned Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Erdoğan claimed at the time that Turkey and Ukraine, both NATO members, had established a platform with their foreign and defense ministers to discuss defense industry collaboration. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned Ankara not to “inflame military feelings” of Ukraine. “We strongly recommend that our Turkish colleagues analyze the situation carefully and stop fueling the militaristic sentiments of Kiev,” also “We hope that Ankara would alter its attitude in response to our genuine concerns, emphasizing that supporting Ukraine’s “aggressive” activities against Russia’s annexed Crimea amounts to an intrusion on Russia’s territorial integrity.” Lavrov expressed in an interview with the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper.
Source: Economic Times https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/russia-warns-turkey-over-ties-with-ukraine/articleshow/82908731.cms
Access Date: 24.05.2021
Minister Soylu’s interview about mafia leader Peker
While the arguments persisted following the claims of Sedat Peker, the chief of the organized crime organization, Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu, who was at the focus of Peker’s claims, responded in HaberTürk to the questions. Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu dodged all questions about mafia boss Sedat Peker’s recent bombshell charges during a three-hour interview with Habertürk, calling them “a plan against Turkey.” “Turkey is undergoing an operation,” Soylu said. This is precisely what Turkey is attempting to import. There’s an operation going on here. Turkey is being destabilized. Soylu also accuses the BBC Turkish of being a “disinformation channel.” During the interview, Soylu also took aim at BBC Turkish, claiming that he had regularly called the UK Home Secretary to complain about the news organization’s “disinformation.” Peker said in one of his films that police had pointed a gun at his toddler and assaulted his wife with a firearm during a raid on his home on April 9. Soylu later declined these during an interview with TRT, the state-run television station. Soylu did not allow to speak journalists Veyis Ateş, Merdan Yanardağ, İsmail Saymaz and Mehmet Akif Ersoy to speak during the program, which lasted for approximately 3 hours. Journalists’ speaking times are as follows:
Veyis Ateş: 1 minute 14 seconds
Merdan Volcano: 2 minutes 38 seconds
İsmail Saymaz: 3 minutes 17 seconds
Mehmet Akif Ersoy: 54 seconds
Source: Duvar https://www.duvarenglish.com/turkish-interior-minister-suleyman-soylu-evades-questions-on-alleged-links-to-mafia-leader-sedat-peker-deems-all-claims-plot-against-turkey-news-57600 & Cumhuriyet https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/suleyman-soylunun-katildigi-canli-yayinda-kim-ne-kadar-konustu-1839084
Access Date: 24.05.2021
25 May
Erdoğan: Islamophobia is spreading rapidly just like a cancer cell
President Erdoğan, in his speech at the International Media and Islamophobia Symposium, expressed that behind the debates on secularism that have been going on for years in Turkey, there are tensions caused by the intention of banning religious freedoms rather than protecting them. Noting that there have always been rivalries, tension, and even very bloody conflicts between people of different religions throughout history, President Erdoğan said, “The Crusades, which were carried out with the dream of conquering Anatolia and Jerusalem and continued for a long time, changed the course of world history with the destructions they caused. During the Ottoman conquest, which reached the gates of Vienna, no affective incident could be encountered that would put neither ancestors nor us nor our grandchildren under suspicion. On the other hand, the West has always protected its arrogance and hatred against the eastern societies embodied by the Turks under the concept of “orientalism.” President Erdoğan stated that the issue facing them is not “Islamophobia,” that is, “fear of Islam,” but simply “Islamic hostility.”
Stating that the latest example of this attitude of the West is the raising of the Israeli flag to the Austrian Prime Ministry building, President Erdoğan said, “In fact, the wide political and cultural change movements in the geographies that are left of the Ottoman Empire consist of the West’s effort to reconstruct the differences in this region by melting them in its own format. When we look around us, this approach, where we can see some partial successes, has not succeeded in keeping a wide base due to the religious and ethnic racism it contains. “This failure has manifested itself in the form of endless foreign interventions, internal conflicts, deep and bloody events in the Islamic world.” President Erdoğan also stated that Islamophobia continues today with very insidious and covert methods, and that the suffering caused by Islamophobia has been experienced in many places from the massacres in Bosnia to the massacres in Arakan, from Turkestan to Palestine.
Access Date: 25.05.2021
26 May
President Erdogan held an online roundtable meeting with US companies
The video conference was held to discuss reforms and investing in Turkey and to highlight the growing cooperation between the two countries. Officials from Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, Kellogg, PepsiCo, Cisco, Procter & Gamble and Johnson & Johnson took part in the conference. Erdoğan thanked the companies that believed in Turkey and demanded the US company executives to develop their ties with the country. In his speech on television, Erdoğan stated that he believes that the meeting with Mr. Biden at the NATO summit will herald a new era and despite the differences of opinion, the partnership that has lasted for years will continue. From Syria to Libya, from counter-terrorism to energy and from trade to investments, he said there is a serious potential for cooperation with the United States. Erdoğan and Biden agreed to meet on the sidelines of a NATO summit to be held in Brussels on June 14, in their first phone call since the American president took office last month.
Source: Daily Sabah https://www.dailysabah.com/politics/diplomacy/meeting-with-biden-to-be-harbinger-of-new-era-in-relations-erdogan
Access Date: 26.05.2021
There will not be early elections
On May 14, Meral Akşener and Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu stated on their Twitter accounts that they were calling for early elections. Kılıçdaroğlu said, “Let’s go for good. I am calling for early elections for Turkey. Election, immediately.” used the expressions. Akşener said, ” If you want to be good, do not be hesitate, make an early election. Let’s be halal with farmers, tradesmen. and unemployed young people in distress. Let’s become halal with the holy will of our nation. ”. Upon the opposition’s early election call, the question, “Will there be an early election?” came to voters mind. As an answer Erdogan made the following statements in his speech at the AK Party Parliamentary Group Meeting: Although we have repeatedly repeated that the election will be held in 2023, although there is no reasonable, logical, real reason, it is clear where those who hold the early election terror get the citation. Do not try in vain, the election is June 2023. It should not be forgotten those who exaggerate the promises made to them from outside and inside and say “power with or without elections”
Source:Bloomberg HT https://www.bloomberght.com/erdogan-secim-tarihi-haziran-2023-tur-2280878
Access Date: 26.05.2021
27 May
Greece Expresses Gratitude To Slovakia For Withdrawing From A Military Exercise With Turkey
Recognizing that Northern Cyprus was also officially invited by Turkey, Slovak forces would participate in the “Anadolu Ankasi 2021” exercise, which will continue between 24 May and 4 June. According to the ministry, at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Lisbon, the Slovak Minister decided to reject the proposal, Slovak Foreign Minister Ivan Korok informed his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias that Slovakia has chosen to withdraw from the Turkish-led military exercise Anadolu Ankas-2021 owing to the participation of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus. Dendias welcomed this action and thanked the Minister. Following the withdrawal of Slovakia, the exercise is being continued with forces from Turkey’s closest allies, Azerbaijan and Qatar. Also US is going to attend this exercise. Anadolu Ankasi 2021, aims to increase personnel training, cooperation, and interoperability in a realistic operating environment. The drill included Turkish fighter jets, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as Azerbaijani Mi-17 helicopters, Agusta AW-139 helicopters, Qatari C-130 and C-17 planes, and a Turkish AS-532 helicopter and one crew from occupied Northern Cyprus.
Source: Greek Reporter https://greekreporter.com/2021/05/27/greece-thanks-slovakia-for-withdrawing-from-turkish-military-exercise/
Access Date: 27.05.2021
Oil Discovery In 3 New Wells
Speaking at the AK Party Extended Provincial Presidents Meeting, Erdoğan stated that the economy will be recovered and risen this year. According to Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Dönmez’s statements, After the discovery of 405 billion cubic meters of natural gas in the Black Sea, and in addition to the newly opened wells, oil was also started to be produced from wells that were previously thought to have “no oil” and poured concrete on them. Oil was discovered in 3 new wells in 1 month. A daily production of 6,800 barrels will be made from these 3 wells. Two of the wells are in Akoba and Yenişehir area of Diyarbakır, and 1 of them is in the Misinli area of Kırklareli. Thereupon, Kırklareli governor stated that “The discovery of oil in a well in Kırklareli made our citizens happy. Kırklareli continues to contribute to the country in terms of agriculture, animal husbandry, nature and sea tourism as well as energy.”
Source: Hürriyet https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/ekonomi/alti-ton-urunden-elde-ediliyor-litresi-7-bin-euroyu-buluyor-41819324
Access Date: 27.05.2021
28 May
Turkey’s Foreign Trade Deficit Narrowing
Two approaches are used to calculate foreign trade statistics: the special and general trade systems. According to the general trade system, foreign trade deficit narrowed 33.2% year-on-year in April, which corresponds nearly $3.06 billion. Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) states that, after a 1-year period in which trade was interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic, exports increased by % 109 in April, while imports increased by % 61. According to the data, the export-import coverage ratio was % 86 in April, up from % 66.2 in 2020. With 94.7%, products from the manufacturing industries accounted for the largest share of overall exports in the month, followed by agriculture-forestry-fishing at 2.7% and mining-quarrying at 2%. The ratio of high and medium-high technology products in manufacturing industry exports increased by 1% while 9% increase was observed in crude oil imports. Germany was the country with the most exports, and China was the country with the most imports.
Source: Daily Sabah https://www.dailysabah.com/business/economy/turkeys-foreign-trade-deficit-narrows-over-33-in-april
Access Date: 28.05.2021
Alternatives presented for S-400 sanctions on Turkey
The first high-level visit of the Biden administration from Washington to Ankara took place. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman arrived in Ankara. Sherman referred to the upcoming Erdoğan-Biden meeting. She stated that she thinks this summit is very important to highlight the positive aspects and that President Biden will raise concerns. In addition, she said that alternatives have been presented for the S-400 sanctions imposed on Turkey, and now the ball is in Turkey’s court. She mentioned Washington’s position on Turkey when discussing economic links. Sherman emphasized the importance of human rights and the rule of law “Everyone talks about how amazing collaboration can be, but business people want predictability. We’re worried about a lot of things.” She also explained the view from Washington to Ankara by stating “When the President Erdoğan decided to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, it was very bad for women’s rights. We are very sorry, this kind of thing causes concern,”
Source: Middle East Eye https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-offers-alternatives-lift-s-400-sanctions-against-turkey
Access Date: 28.05.2021
29 May
Disaster in Salda Lake
While the construction of bungalows and masjids continued in Salda Lake, where the National Garden was built, the change in the color of the lake and the sand on the shore drew attention. The National Garden project, built next to Salda Lake, which is called “Turkey’s Maldives” in Burdur, continues. Environment and Urbanization Minister Murat Kurum announced that the Nation’s Garden, which is opposed by environmentalists, will be opened on June 5, Environment Day. However, it was stated that the opening was postponed because the works were not finished. The construction of bungalows, prefabricated houses and mosques around the lake continues. It was observed that the color of the white sands in the section of the lake, where the National Garden was built, changed, while the sands on the shores of the National Park preserved their natural color. Burdur Deputy Mehmet Göker, gave information about the latest situation in the lake, stated that thanks to the efforts of the opposition, a step back was taken from the first project. Göker said, “A step has been taken in favor of the environment. While Salda Lake is being used, it must be protected. There is only one way to do this. Either this can be done with panoramic views on the mountainside, or this can be achieved by making the entrance from a certain point with a certain number of people.”
Access Date: 29.05.2021
Ministry of Industry and Technology: The selection of astronaut candidates begins soon
In his speech at the 1st Space Economics, Space Law and Space Sciences Symposium held in cooperation with the Observatory Application and Research Center, he gave information about the National Space Program. Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, said, “We are planning to start the selection of our astronaut candidates in the near future.” Yıldırım, the head of the Turkish space agency, said that the cooperation agreement with Russia in the field of space could be signed soon. He said that they aim to make contact with the Moon in 2023 using national and original technologies, and to make a soft landing on the Moon in 2028, adding that one of the important steps in the program will be to send the Turkish astronaut to space within the framework of a science mission. Pointing out that it is not easy to gain capabilities in this field without going into space, Demir explained that subjects such as optics, guidance, various material technologies, high-speed entry to the atmosphere, exit from the atmosphere, space dynamics, space meteorology, especially launch technologies are on their agenda. Using the phrase “This journey is Turkey’s journey”, İsmail Demir said that introducing proven technologies is one of their goals.
Source: Sputnik https://tr.sputniknews.com/turkiye/202105291044612952-sanayi-ve-teknoloji-bakanligi-astronot-adaylari-secimi-yakinda-basliyor/
Access Date: 29.05.2021
30 May
Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu visited Greece
At first, Minister Çavuşoğlu met with representatives of the Muslim minority in the country. The visit is important as it is the first mutual contact after the tense press conference in Ankara in April. At the said press conference, both Ministers made mutual accusations about gas exploration and immigration policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, and tensions rose. According to Turkish Foreign Ministry data, the number of citizens belonging to the Muslim Turkish minority living in Western Thrace in the north-east of the country is approximately 150 thousand. Within the framework of the official program of Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, he also met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias. Speaking about the visit, Minister Çavuşoğlu said, “We are going with a positive agenda, we have hosted it positively, we expect the same approach from the other side.” He also underlined that the problems between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally, not through the EU. The goal of Çavuşoğlu’s visit to Athens is to normalize relations between the two countries. In other words, the return of relations to the before the crisis situation in the Eastern Mediterranean last year.
Access Date: 30.05.2021
AK Party’s new constitution work is over
AK Party’s scientific committee explained, continuing work on the New Constitution, has finished its work, Group Deputy Chairman Turan made statements on the subject. Extraordinary processes such as the Gezi events, such as 17-25 December and 15 July, took place. The work done during this period is valuable. However, he stated that the new era should not be carried out with a constitution that reflects the coup spirit in all its articles, but with a much more civil, democratic, civilian constitution supported by many layers of society and in which it finds itself. While all parties do their own work, the AKP is also planning to implement the highest reform, namely the civilian constitution, in the new period. The AK Party made the first statement regarding Bahçeli’s new constitution proposal. Both the MHP and the AK Party will have their own proposed constitutions. It will be demanded that these two constitutions be worked around a table and evaluated on a common ground. It will become the common constitution of the People’s Alliance. He spoke negatively about the issue of returning to the parliamentary system, which was mentioned in the Nation Alliance. He said it had been discussed enough and that he would not take back the authority given by the people.
Source: Sputnik https://tr.sputniknews.com/turkiye/202105301044616465-ak-partinin-yeni-anayasa-calismasi-bitti/
Access Date: 30.05.2021
31 May
Turkish economy expanded 7% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2021
According to the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the Turkish economy grew by 7 percent in the first quarter of 2021. The growth data thus came above expectations. Economists had expected the economy to grow 6.7 percent. In the January-March 2021 period, the gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 7 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. After the Turkish economy exceeded expectations with this growth, exchange rates declined slightly. The dollar rate, which was at 8.57 in the morning, briefly tested below 8.50. While the Turkish economy grew by 1.8 percent throughout the epidemic year, it grew by 5.9 percent in the last quarter of 2020. Turkey outperformed several other countries, including EU members and G7 nations, and had the greatest growth rate among OECD members. In contrast, most OECD, EU, and G7 countries with accessible data experienced declines during the same time period. In the same time period, the average GDP growth rate of OECD countries was – 0.8 percent.
Source: Anatolian Agency https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/turkish-economy-grows-7-in-q1-outperforming-oecd-eu-g7-economies/2259641
Access Date: 31.05.2021
Necessary Reaction to the imam who insulted Atatürk in Hagia Sophia
A criminal complaint was filed against Imam Mustafa Demirkan, alleging that he called Mustafa Kemal Atatürk “a cruel and an infidel” in the Hagia Sophia Mosque. In the statement made by the Ankara Bar Association, it was underlined that he publicly insulted the spiritual memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in his speech at the Hagia Sophia Mosque on 28.05.2021. According to a statement made by the Izmir bar association that filed a complaint against Demirkan, “At this ceremony, which was held in violation of the laws of the Republic of Turkey, a person named Mustafa Demirkan, former imam preacher of Üsküdar Yıldırım Beyazıt Mosque, directly insulted Atatürk in his speech, and these insults were listened very silently by the people occupying the seats entrusted to them by Atatürk.” On the other hand, CHP Group Deputy Chairman Özgür Özel also announced that he was complaining about Mustafa Demirkan. Özgür Özel filed a criminal complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. He said that the suspect’s sermon was understood in this way by the citizens and that it was met with public reaction. For the reason explained, it is necessary to file a public lawsuit in order to punish the suspect in accordance with Law No. 5816.
Source: EuroNews https://tr.euronews.com/2021/05/31/ayasofya-da-ataturk-e-hakaret-ettigi-iddias-yla-imam-demirkan-a-yonelik-suc-duyurular-art-
Access Date: 31.05.2021
Nur ODALI
TUIC ACADEMY
