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West Asia
Erdogan Criticizes Group Behind 2010 Gaza Flotilla
Two days after Turkey announced its reconciliation agreement with Israel, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan went on the offensive against the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, the organization behind the May 2010 flotilla to Gaza Strip that sparked the crisis between Jerusalem and Ankara. “Did you ask me before you set sail?…
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Central Asia
Russians mourn victims of Istanbul airport blasts
The death toll from the explosions at Turkey’s largest airport has increased to 41, a message from the Office of the Governor of Istanbul said. Thirty-seven bodies have been identified; ten of them are said to be foreign citizens, three victims held dual citizenship. The bodies of 19 victims have…
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Central Asia
Russia ready to construct South Stream gas pipeline
Russia is ready to implement the South Stream natural gas pipeline project in case of Europe’s guaranteed demand, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said in an interview aired by the Rossiya-24 TV news channel on June 28. “Our position is simple, and we’ve outlined it earlier – if Bulgaria and the…
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West Asia
Deadly explosions in Istanbul International Airport
At least 32 people were killed and scores more wounded in a suicide attack on Istanbul’s main international airport late on June 28. RFERL reports that Turkish officials say three suicide bombers blew themselves up at the entrance of Istanbul’s Ataturk airport near the security check-in area after police fired…
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West Asia
Georgian Defense Ministry abolished obligatory military service
Obligatory military service is abolished by Georgian Defense Ministry. The relevant document was signed by Minister of Defense Tina Khidasheli on 27th of June. According to her if the future minister decides to reestablish the obligatory military service, he/she will have to abolish yesterday’s decision. Minister also stated during the…
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West Asia
Georgia to hold military exercises with US
In August 2016 Georgia will host the joint exercises Jackal Stone 2016 with the US Special Forces. Vestnik Kavkaza reports a delegation of the US European Command came to Georgia for the preparation. In Tbilisi they met with the Chief of General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, Vakhtang Kapanadze,…
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Central Asia
Turkish President Apologizes For Shooting Down Russian Warplane
Turkish President Recep Erdogan has apologized for the downing of a Russian Su-24 bomber in November last year, the Kremlin said in a statement Monday. According to the statement, President Vladimir Putin received a letter from Erdogan in which the Turkish president expressed his willingness to improve relations between the…
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West Asia
PKK earns $1.7 billion in drug trade: Ministry report
A narcoterrorism report prepared by Turkey’s Interior Ministry suggests that the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) earns nearly $1.7 billion each year through its involvement in the production and trading of cannabis, in addition to drug smuggling, Hurriyet Daily News reports. The PKK earns some 500 million Turkish Liras (around…
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West Asia
Iran to barter oil with Turkey for rail
Iran has reportedly sealed a deal with Turkey to barter oil for rail. According to Tasnim news agency, the 80-million euro deal, Iran will buy nearly 1,000 kilometers worth of rails from Turkey, Pars Today reports. The report quoted Turkish Transportation, Maritime Affairs and Communications Minister Ahmet Arslan as saying…
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West Asia
Turkish parliament head: ‘The whole world is waiting for our leadership’
İsmail Kahraman, head of the Turkish parliament in Ankara, has said during an iftar dinner event in the province of Bursa that the whole world is waiting for Turkey’s leadership. According to Turkish Minute report, “Why are we not aware of our greatness? Turkey has a great mission, there is…
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