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Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Erdogan Condemns Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception by Israel

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor October 2, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Erdogan Condemns Interception of Gaza-Bound Aid Flotilla, Calls it ‘Piracy’

Jakarta – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly condemned teh Israeli interception of the ‍Global Sumud Flotilla attempting to deliver humanitarian⁢ aid to Gaza, labeling the action as an act of “piracy” and evidence of Israel’s desperation to conceal its actions.

Speaking ‌in Türkiye on Thursday, October 2, 2024, Erdogan‌ stated, “The Netanyahu government who committed ⁣genocide ⁣cannot tolerate the slightest chance ⁣of peace to be realized.” He characterized the ⁤interception as another example of Israeli brutality and a ⁢demonstration‌ of ‍the⁣ “face of Israeli killers.”

“The Global Sumud Fleet‌ once again shows the world the brutality in Gaza,” Erdogan⁢ added, pledging continued support for Palestinians⁣ and efforts to secure a ceasefire and restore peace.

The condemnation follows an proclamation ⁣from the Istanbul Attorney General’s Office that it ⁣has launched an investigation into the detention⁤ of Turkish citizens who were aboard the ships attempting⁣ to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza.

Hamas has also accused Israel‍ of “piracy” against the Global Sumud Flotilla, calling for international condemnation of the interception. The flotilla, comprised of approximately 45 ships carrying⁢ politicians and activists from various nations ‌- including Swedish activist‌ Greta Thunberg – departed from Spain last ⁤month aiming to deliver aid to Gaza, which the United Nations reports is facing famine conditions.

Israeli forces intercepted the ships ‍on Wednesday, October 1, 2024, issuing warnings before preventing them from entering waters designated as⁣ being under blockade. Thunberg’s ⁢vessel was among those prevented from proceeding.

(AZH/YGS)

October 2, 2025 0 comments

World

Trump Signals End to Turkey Sanctions Over Russia Oil Trade

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor September 25, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Trump Hints at Lifting Türkiye Sanctions, Urges Erdogan to Curtail Russian Energy Ties

WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a potential end to sanctions imposed on Türkiye’s defense industry, contingent on positive discussions wiht Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a meeting at teh white House on September 25, 2025. The move comes after sanctions were levied in Trump’s first term following ankara’s purchase of a Russian air defense system.

The sanctions,initially imposed in 2019 after Türkiye acquired the S-400 system,led to Ankara’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet development project and subsequent penalties against the Turkish directorate of the defense industry (SSB). During the meeting,when asked by a journalist about the potential timeline for ending the punitive measures,Trump stated,”If we have a good meeting,then almost immediately.”

Erdogan reportedly expressed hope for discussions regarding the potential re-inclusion of Türkiye in the F-35 and F-16 fighter jet programs. Trump repeatedly praised Erdogan during the meeting, stating, “He does an excellent job in his country,” and emphasizing the “excellent relationship” between the two leaders, despite ongoing concerns regarding the arrest of opposition politicians in Türkiye, including Ekrem Imamoglu, a potential presidential challenger who has been detained for six months.

beyond sanctions relief, Trump pressed Erdogan to reduce Türkiye’s reliance on Russian energy. “I want him to no longer buy oil from Russia” while Moscow continues its war against Ukraine, the U.S. president said.he reiterated this point later, stating, “The best thing he could do would be not to buy oil and gas from Russia.” Erdogan did not offer a direct response to the request.

In 2024, Russia accounted for 66 percent of Türkiye’s oil imports and 41 percent of its natural gas imports, according to the Turkish Energy Market Regulation Authority. Türkiye has maintained close ties with both Russia and Ukraine and has thus far resisted implementing Western sanctions against Moscow.

September 25, 2025 0 comments

World

Putin, Modi Arrive in China for SCO Summit with Xi Jinping

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 31, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

Putin and‍ Modi Meet in China as Xi Jinping Hosts Summit⁣ Amid Global‍ Tensions

Beijing,‍ China ⁤ – Russian President Vladimir ⁣Putin and ‍Indian prime Minister⁢ narendra Modi ⁤arrived in China today to ⁢attend ⁢a summit convened by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a gathering taking place against a backdrop of⁣ escalating geopolitical competition ⁣and shifting global alliances. The meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) brings together leaders from across Eurasia, ‌including⁣ Iranian President Masoud Pezishkian and Turkish President Recep Tayyip‌ Erdogan, marking⁣ the largest such gathering since the bloc’s founding in 2001.

The summit occurs as China⁢ and Russia position the SCO as a potential counterweight⁢ to the ⁢NATO ⁣military alliance. It ⁣also follows⁤ a recent increase in U.S. tariffs on Indian goods, imposed as a response to New⁣ Delhi’s continued purchase of⁢ Russian oil. The presence of Putin and Modi underscores the complex dynamics at play as these ‌nations navigate⁢ a world increasingly divided between competing power centers.

During a ‍meeting with ‍Xi Jinping,Modi stated India is committed to advancing relations ‌with China ⁢based on‍ mutual trust,despite ongoing rivalry and‍ a deadly 2020 border clash. “The ⁢interests of 2.8 billion ‍inhabitants of the‌ two ⁢countries are related ⁢to ⁣our cooperation.This will ⁢also open the way for the welfare of all humanity,” ⁣modi told Xi.⁢

The⁤ Tianjin Guest⁢ House hosted bilateral negotiations, with ‌security‍ personnel present throughout the area. Official⁢ SCO posters promoting “mutual benefit” and “equality” lined the ⁣streets, largely closed to traffic. Putin is expected ‌to use the ⁤summit to discuss the ukraine conflict ⁢with Erdogan and the iranian⁤ president, and also Iran’s nuclear program.‍ North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is also reportedly in Beijing⁢ to attend a military parade alongside the summit.

August 31, 2025 0 comments

News

China SCO Summit: Leaders, Agenda, and Global Implications

by Emma Walker – News Editor August 31, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

China Hosts Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ‌Summit Amidst ‍Rising Global Tensions

QINGDAO, CHINA – China ⁣is hosting the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) this‌ week, as geopolitical instability mounts across multiple fronts. The gathering, taking place in⁢ Qingdao, brings together leaders from member states including Russia, India, Iran, and Pakistan, alongside observer and dialog partners. This year’s summit is particularly ⁣significant given escalating global crises and the potential for shifts in international power dynamics, including the prospect of a second Donald ⁣Trump presidency in the United ⁣States.

The‌ SCO, originally founded in 2001 ⁣as a security bloc focused on counter-terrorism, has evolved into a broad platform for political, economic, and security cooperation across Eurasia.With global trade increasingly fragmented and new ⁢sanctions regimes emerging,the summit provides ‍a space for ⁢nations⁣ seeking alternatives to Western-led institutions and a forum to address shared concerns. China’s trade with SCO members, observers, and ⁢dialogue partners reached a record ⁣$890 billion in 2024, representing 14.4% of its total foreign⁤ trade.

Chinese ⁣President Xi Jinping is scheduled⁤ to hold bilateral talks with several leaders on the sidelines of the⁢ summit, including⁣ Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish⁢ President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Following the summit, Xi‌ will host⁣ Putin and North Korean‌ leader Kim Jong-un at a large-scale military ‍parade on September 3rd, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

The summit also ‌presents ⁤a key prospect for Iran to garner support against recently imposed‍ “snapback” sanctions ⁣on its nuclear program by the UK, germany, and France, a move already opposed by China and Russia. For India, the⁤ Qingdao meeting⁣ marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to China in ⁢over seven years, following lingering⁢ tensions stemming from 2020 border clashes in Indian-administered Kashmir, and‌ potentially his first encounter with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after a four-day armed conflict ⁢between the two countries in May.

Beyond ‌security concerns, China is leveraging the SCO platform to promote its technological initiatives. Beijing has pledged 1,000 ⁣training opportunities in digital technology over the next three years‍ and is inviting partners to join its⁣ BeiDou navigation ⁢system⁢ and the ‍International Lunar Research Station project. The previous SCO leaders’ summit, held in Astana, ⁤Kazakhstan in July‌ 2024, resulted in the adoption of ⁤25 strategic documents‌ covering areas such as energy, ⁢security, finance, and facts security. Analysts view this year’s summit as a demonstration of “Global South” solidarity, particularly in anticipation of potential policy changes under a future ‍Trump governance, which previously ⁢imposed “reciprocal” tariffs on China and India.

August 31, 2025 0 comments

World

Turkey Earthquake: 6.1 Magnitude Strike Causes Building Collapse and Casualties

by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor August 11, 2025

written by Lucas Fernandez – World Editor

BALIKESİR, TURKEY – A 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey‘s Balıkesir province on Sunday, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and injuries to 29 individuals, according to officials. The tremor caused the collapse of at least 16 buildings, primarily derelict structures, and damage to two mosque minarets.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the town of Sindirgi, Balıkesir. Shocks were felt as far away as Istanbul, a major metropolitan area with a population exceeding 16 million. The deceased has been identified as an elderly woman who died shortly after being rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in Sindirgi. Four other individuals were successfully rescued from the same structure.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that the majority of the collapsed buildings were abandoned or not in use. Rescue teams are actively searching for potential survivors, utilizing periods of silence to listen for signs of life beneath the debris. Authorities have cautioned citizens against entering damaged buildings due to the risk of aftershocks.

Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) has confirmed several aftershocks, including one registering 4.6 in magnitude, and continues to monitor the situation. AFAD is coordinating the response efforts and providing updates to the public.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conveyed his wishes for a swift recovery to all those affected by the earthquake, posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) stating, “May God protect our country from any kind of disaster.”

Seismic Activity in Turkey: A Long-Term Viewpoint

Turkey is situated in a highly seismically active zone, positioned atop several major fault lines, including the North Anatolian fault. This geological setting makes the country particularly vulnerable to earthquakes. The recent event underscores the ongoing seismic risk faced by the nation.

the 2023 earthquakes, which began with a 7.8 magnitude tremor on February 6th, 2023, serve as a stark reminder of the potential devastation. That disaster claimed the lives of over 53,000 people in Turkey and caused widespread destruction across 11 southern and southeastern provinces, including Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Gaziantep. Approximately 6,000 people also perished in northern Syria as an inevitable result of the same seismic event. The 2023 earthquakes resulted in hundreds of thousands of buildings being damaged or destroyed,leaving millions in need of assistance. The economic impact of the 2023 disaster was estimated to be over $100 billion.

The Balıkesir earthquake, while less severe than the 2023 event, highlights the importance of earthquake preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and effective disaster response systems in Turkey. Ongoing research and investment in seismic monitoring and building codes are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with future earthquakes.

August 11, 2025 0 comments