Turkey Archives

Syria’s Assad blasts Turkey as ‘only lifeline’ of Daesh “ISIS”

December 11, 2015 By administrator

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says Turkey serves as the “only lifeline” for Daesh terrorists, censuring Ankara for its engagement in illegal oil transactions with the Takfiri group.

“…the only lifeline for ISIS (Daesh) is Turkey. Those trucks moving the oil from Syria to Turkey, and Turkey selling this cheap oil to the rest of the world,” said Assad in an interview with the Spanish EFE news agency, which was published on Friday.

The Syrian president blasted Turkey for its repeated denial of oil business with Daesh, saying, “Most of the oil in Syria is in the northern part of Syria. If they want to export it to Iraq, that’s impossible, because every party in Iraq is fighting ISIS. In Syria, it’s the same. In Lebanon, it’s very far. Jordan in the south is very far.”

“I don’t think anyone has any doubt about this indubitable reality,” Assad said, adding that a series of pictures and videos released by Russia last week also confirm the movement of oil tankers from Daesh-controlled areas in Syria toward Turkey.

Russia has on several occasions accused Turkey of buying illegal oil from Daesh. Russian military planes, which are used for an aerial campaign against terrorist groups in Syria, have repeatedly targeted trucks used by Daesh to smuggle oil.

Turkey has rejected oil trade with Daesh, with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying that he will step down if the accusation is proven to be true.

Assad further lashed out at Turkey, along with Saudi Arabia and Qatar, for providing “direct support” to Daesh, saying such terror groups could have never expanded their terror campaign in Syria if it were not for the backing of the three states.

Commenting on the ongoing multi-national efforts aimed at reaching a political solution to the Syrian crisis, Assad said meetings such as the two recently held in the Austrian capital of Vienna would only be successful if terrorists are distinguished from the real opposition in Syria.

Two conferences were held on the Syria crisis in October and November in Vienna. The UN has said a third round is likely to be held in New York on December 18.

However, the parties to the talks remain at loggerheads over a number of issues, including the lists of the Syrian opposition and the groups that should be designated as terrorists.

The crisis in Syria, which began in March 2011, has so far claimed the lives of over 250,000 people and displaced nearly half of the country’s population within or beyond its borders.

IRAQ-TURKEY The highest Shiite authority condemns the deployment of Turkish troops

December 11, 2015 By administrator

Baghdad, December 11, 2015 (AFP) – The highest Shiite authority in Iraq, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, on Friday condemned the deployment of Turkish troops in the north of the country without the Baghdad agreement, which poisons a folder from a week relations between the two states.

No country should “send his soldiers on the territory of another State under the pretext of help against terrorism without reaching an agreement (…) between the governments of both countries”, said, on behalf of Ayatollah Sistani, one of his representatives during Friday prayers. Turkey has made it a week ago several hundred soldiers and tanks to a camp in Bachiqa, near Mosul city controlled since June 2014 by the Islamic State Group (EI).

Turkish military will train for several months of the troops of the regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan (peshmerga) and Iraqi volunteers eager to fight the IE. Baghdad has demanded the withdrawal of these new troops and now seeks a condemnation from the United Nations Security Council but Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that withdrawal was “out of question”.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu defended this deployment as “an act of solidarity,” adding: “When the threats (of training camp) increase, we send troops to protect the camp.” “What they (the Turkish troops) are to Bachiqa and this camp is just training,” assured Erdogan Thursday evening news conference. “The number of our troops will be increased or reduced depending on the number of peshmerga + + they cause.”

Senior Iraqi officials reiterated their request for withdrawal Thursday during talks with a Turkish delegation, according to official statements. On Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has promised to “address the concerns of the Baghdad government” on this issue.

Erdogan for his part stated that the subject would be the subject of a meeting on December 21 between Turkey, the US and the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

Friday, December 11, 2015,
Ara © armenews.com

Greek Jets Target Intruding Turkish F-16 Fighter

December 10, 2015 By administrator

A Turkish jet intruded into Greek airspace, which according to the Turkish General Staff, led two Greek jets to keep a radar lock on it as a target.

Two Greek F-16 fighter jets held a radar lock on a Turkish F-16 over the Aegean Sea, the Turkish General Staff said on Thursday.

Turkey refuses to recognize a 10-mile airspace zone around Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, which led to 1,233 airspace violations so far this year, 31 of which took place over Greek territory. On November 24, Turkey shot down a Russian jet over Syria for an alleged airspace violation.

“The Turkish F-16 fighter jet was conducting a training flight over neutral waters. During its mission, two Greek air force F-16s began pursuing our fighter jet, holding it as a target on the radar for three minutes and 40 seconds,” the Turkish General Staff said in a statement.

The General Staff’s statement added that its pilots demonstrated “the necessary reaction.”

Turkey has a long history of intruding Greek airspace, with incidents rising over the past several years, to 1,269 in 2014. Intruding flights over Greek territory have more than doubled in 2015, compared to the previous year.

Czech Republic President voices opposition to Turkey’s EU accession bid

December 10, 2015 By administrator

Czech President Milos Zeman speaks during a conference on the Holocaust, commemorating the liberation of concentration camp Auschwitz in 1945 in Prague on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015. (AP Photo/CTK, Michal Kamaryt) SLOVAKIA OUT

Czech President Milos Zeman has voiced opposition to Turkey‘s bid to become a member of the European Union, saying that although Turkey is a NATO member, it sometimes acts as if it is an ally of the radical terrorist Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a Czech news agency reported.

In his remarks made at the end of his three-day visit to north Bohemia on Wednesday, Zeman reportedly criticized the EU’s recent offering to Turkey of 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in financial aid in exchange for keeping Syrian refugees on its soil.

“The Roman Empire, before it collapsed, too, paid tribute money to barbarians [for them not to pilfer its territory],” Zeman was quoted by the Czech news agency as saying.

Zeman argued that Turkey is able to accept Syrian refugees because both Turkish and Syrian nations share the same religion. “The danger does not rest in Islam as such but in transferring these [Muslim] habits to Europe,” he reportedly said.

The Czech leader also said that Turkey must be approached with “caution.”

The EU recently offered Turkey 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in financial aid to keep Syrian refugees on its soil in return for accelerated EU accession talks and speeded-up visa liberalization for Turks visiting Europe.

Turkish Mass Media on Alert as Russia ‘Encircles’ Turkey With Combat Armor

December 10, 2015 By administrator

Turkish media outlets are concerned that Russia is beefing up its military presence around the country following the shootdown of a Russian bomber over Syrian airspace, according to Hurriyet Daily News.

In particular, it says, “Russia sent 14 helicopters to Armenia and deployed them to the Erebuni Air Base near the capital Yerevan on December 8.Seven of these helicopters are armored Mi-24 attack helicopters and the others are Mi-8 model transport helicopters.

The number of Mi-24 attack helicopters could reach 15 by the end of the year.”

Another concern is a submarine in the Mediterranean Sea.

“Russia has sent a submarine called the “Rostov-on-Don” to the Mediterranean Sea, where Russia also maintains a naval base in Tartus. The “Rostov-on-Don” has been equipped with Caliber cruise missiles.

Russia had previously sent two submarines and the “Moskva” cruiser carrying an air defense systems similar to S-300 missiles to Eastern Mediterranean.”

The newspaper also mentioned Russian combat unit in Syria, Hmeymim airbase, outside Latakia.

“Russia has been using the Hmeymim Air Base outside Latakia, one of the strongholds of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

There are an estimated 55 fighter jets in the base, including SU-30 fighter jets and SU-24, 2U-25 and SU-34 bombers along with seven Mi-24 and five Mi-8 helicopters.

The air defense systems of the base include Pantsir-S1, Buk-M2, S-200, Pechora-2M and S-400 batteries. The electronic Krasukha platform, whicymijmh jams radar-guided systems, has also been deployed to the Hmeymim.”

Source:sputniknews.com

Terrorist State of Turkey Urges All Citizens to Leave Iraq Immediately

December 9, 2015 By administrator

Citing security risks, the Turkish government has warned any of its citizens traveling in Iraq

On Wednesday, Turkey’s foreign ministry issued a statement calling for any citizens in Iraq to leave immediately.

“We strongly advise those whose stay is not essential to leave those provinces as soon as possible,” the statements reads. “The scope of our travel warning to Iraq has expanded to include all provinces.

The foreign ministry cites increased security risks, such as threats targeting Turkish businesses, as well as concerns over violence, abduction, and other attacks.

In addition, the statement warns any Turkish citizens currently residing in the Iraqi Kurdish region to avoid any area where anti-terror operations are being carried out against Daesh, also known as ISIL/the Islamic State.

The statement comes amid rising tensions between Ankara and Baghdad. Last week, hundreds of Turkish troops and artillery units entered northern Iraq. Viewing the incident as a breach of sovereignty, the Iraqi government gave Turkey 48 hours to remove the military units.

“The Iraqi government confirms its firm and categorical rejection of any action of this kind issued by any country and violates our national sovereignty and we will treat any foreign ground combat troops sent by any country as a hostile act and deal with it on that basis,” reads a statement on Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s website.

Baghdad has said it will file a complaint with the United Nations Security Council over the matter.

“Many states are really upset with Ankara and that could well show up in a UN discussion,” Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East Forum, told Sputnik.

“Nominally the NATO allies of Turkey have supported it in the confrontation with the Russian air force, but in fact there’s a lot of grumbling; no one is happy about this confrontation.”

Iraqi Kurdistan people protesting Turkish deployment in Mosul

December 9, 2015 By administrator

People are taking to the streets to protest the dispatchment of Turkish military forces to the Mosul region, which political parties describe as an occupation of Kurdistan.

SULAIMANIA – ANF

Turkish state’s deployment of military forces in Mosul has caused reactions acros South Kurdistan.

People are taking to the streets to protest the dispatchment of Turkish military forces to the Mosul region, which political parties describe as an occupation of Kurdistan.

Police have denied permission for a demonstration in Bağê Gışti area of Sulaimania at 15:00 this afternoon. Security forces withdrew from the area after talks with political officials.

PUK Politburo member Hero İbrahim Ahmed, some deputies and Tevgera Azadi executives are also joining the demonstrators.

Protest demonstrations against the Turkish deployment of military forces will be staged in Kelar tomorrow and in Kirkuk on Friday.

Iraq: Shia Forces Threaten Turkey Over ‘Incursion’ Into Iraq

December 9, 2015 By administrator

Shia militias with ties to Iran on Wednesday threatened to attack Turkish forces deployed to Iraqi territory unless Ankara withdraws its troops from the region.

Last week, Turkey deployed troops to a camp in Mosul in northern Iraq. Baghdad condemned the move as a violation of sovereignty and asked NATO to intervene. It also set a 48-hour deadline to withdraw, which has since expired.

Now, the threat by Shia militias adds to the mounting pressure on Turkey, which says the forces are there to train Iraqi troops battling Daesh, also known as ISIL/The Islamic State.

Karim al-Nuri, a spokesman for the Badr Brigade, the largest coalition of Shia militias, likened the Turkish incursion with the occupation of Iraq by Daesh militants and said “all options” were available.

“We have the right to respond and we do not exclude any type of response until the Turks have learned their lesson,” Nuri said. “Do they have a dream of restoring Ottoman greatness? This is a great delusion and they will pay dearly because of Turkish arrogance.”

Turkey on Tuesday said it will not withdraw its soldiers, but it also would not send anymore. Baghdad said it never invited the forces in the first place.

Iraqi parliament members on Wednesday unanimously approved a motion to support the government in taking whatever measures against the incursion it viewed as appropriate.

Several MPs suggested Iraq could wage “economic war” on Turkey, but Jafaar Hussaini, a spokesman for one of the Shia armed groups, Kata’ib Hezbollah, said violence was likely, Reuters reported.

“We say that they military option is still probable and we might reach a stage in the next few days where we start carrying out operations against the Turks, be it against their soldiers or Turkish interests in Iraq.”

Source: sputniknews.com

Syrian Kurd leader Saleh Moslem: Turkey’s policy focused on maintaining ties with ISIS (Turkey Dark plan)

December 9, 2015 By administrator

(ANF – SERKAN DEMİREL)

PYD (Democratic Union Party) co-chair Saleh Moslem described the deployment of Turkish troops near Mosul as an unacceptable case and a violation of another country’s sovereignty. Moslem underlined that; “Those who consider any act rightful when it is a matter of their own sovereignty, are freely violating the sovereignty of others. It is not clear why Turkey has sent troops to Mosul. Could this deployment be aimed for Shengal and Rojava?”.

PYD co-chair Saleh Moslem spoke to ANF regarding the recent developments in the region.

‘DEPLOYMENT OF TROOPS IN MOSUL UNACCEPTABLE’

Moslem said Turkey’s deployment of military forces in the peshmerga-held Beshika town of Mosul is under no circumstances acceptable, adding; “Those who defend downing the Russian plane for “violating our borders and sovereignty” are openly violating another country’s sovereignty within the scope of their own plans. Those who talk about sovereignty when they themselves are in question, are never talking about the sovereignty of others as they send their troops to the lands of another country. Do you have sovereignty and others do not?”

‘IS THE DEPLOYMENT AIMED FOR SHENGAL AND ROJAVA?’

Remarking that Iraqi government’s reaction to the Turkish deployment is not taken into consideration, Moslem said it is not clear what exactly Turkey aims with this deployment. “Turkey might be after a dark plan. They say the military forces are there for training but it is not clear what they will do there. There is a complex situation. Might this deployment be aimed for Shengal and Rojava?”

‘DOWNING OF THE RUSSIAN JET WAS A PART OF THE PLAN’

PYD co-chair said Turkey’s downing of the Russian jet wasn’t because of a border violation but rather an action aimed to protect the groups affiliated to itself that have been deployed in the area called Turkmen Mountain for 2-3 years, and hinder a political resolution for Syria.

According to Moslem, Turkey’s talk with NATO soon after the incident manifests its intention to obstruct a political resolution intended to be developed in Syria. “By shooting the Russian jet down, Turkey has foiled the plans meant by international powers on the future of Syria.”

PYD co-chair said another reason for the downing of the jet is the fact that Turkey was disturbed by the attacks of regime forces and Russia against the groups deployed in this area called Turkmen Mountain, which include Al-Qaeda affiliated Al-Nusra Front, FSA and Chechens.

‘MAIN GOAL TO MAINTAIN TIES WITH ISIS’

According to Moslem, Turkey’s insistence on Jarablus after the exposure by Russia of the oil trade between Turkey and ISIS reveals the fact that Turkey’s whole policy is focused on maintaining its ties and relations with the ISIS, including in trade. He said; “All the excuses put forward by Turkey under the pretext of safety zone and border violation are aimed to keep the path open for trade and other relations with ISIS. Turkey’s policy on Jarablus is also intended to maintain this relationship.”

‘GOAL OF THE RIYADH MEETING IS TO RENDER SOME FORCES LEGITIMATE’

PYD co-chair stressed that the goal of the meeting set to take place in Saudi Arabia capital Riyadh is to eliminate and confront the duty of “determination of terrorist groups fighting in Syria” which was assigned by the International Syrian Support Group to Jordan.

Moslem pointed out that the main goal of the meeting, to which PYD and Syrian Democratic Forces weren’t invited, is to realise the plans of some certain groups, and to render some rebel groups in Syria legitimate and rightful ahead of the decision to be made by Jordan.

While Erdogan & barzani planning new False-Flag operation for Mosul, Turkish jets bombing Kurdish positions

December 9, 2015 By administrator

Ankara carried out airstrikes targeting Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) forces in northern Iraq, the Turkish army said on Wednesday. The action comes in the wake of rising tensions between Ankara and Baghdad over the deployment of Turkish troops in Iraq.

Ten F-16 fighter jets launched an attack between 10pm and 10:50pm on Tuesday, targeting PKK positions in the Kandil, Hakurk, Zap and Avasin-Baysan regions in northern Iraq, the Turkish General Staff said in a statement. It added that the targets were “destroyed in an aerial campaign.”

Tensions have been rising between Ankara and Baghdad after Turkey deployed hundreds of troops equipped with tanks and artillery to Iraq’s northern Nineveh Governorate last Thursday, saying they will train forces battling Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL).

Baghdad said it had not asked for the help of Turkish forces, and demanded their withdrawal after it said Turkey had “illegally” sent the troops into Iraq. Describing the move as violation of sovereignty, the Iraqi government also asked NATO to intervene.

Meanwhile, Shiite paramilitary groups have threatened to use force against Turkey unless it pulls its forces out of Iraq. Likening the Turkish incursion to the occupation of Iraq by IS militants, Badr Brigade spokesman Karim al-Nuri said “all options” were available.

“We have the right to respond and we do not exclude any type of response until the Turks have learned their lesson,” Nuri said on Wednesday. “Do they have a dream of restoring Ottoman greatness? This is a great delusion and they will pay dearly because of Turkish arrogance.”

Also on Wednesday, the Iraqi parliament unanimously approved a motion condemning the Turkish intervention, supporting the government in taking whatever measures it viewed as appropriate.

Russia raised the issue at a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, expressing hope that Ankara will avoid escalating the situation in the region with any further reckless actions. Following the meeting, Russia’s UN envoy Vitaly Churkin said that Moscow expects Ankara to “settle the situation in Iraq in a way that would satisfy the Iraqi government.”

“Now the situation is within the focus of the attention of the Security Council, so we hope it will help resolve [it] to the satisfaction of the Iraqi government, whose sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence will be respected,” he said.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov slammed Ankara’s actions while speaking to Italian media on Wednesday.

Lavrov proposed a thorough examination of how Turkey performs goals set by the coalition in Syria. “We need to examine how a member of the US-led coalition – the Republic of Turkey – performs goals set by the coalition,” the minister said. “Why is it not bombing terrorists as such, but the Kurds instead?”

On Wednesday, Ankara argued that Turkish soldiers were sent to northern Iraq after a threat from IS to Turkish military trainers in the area. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said that the deployment was an act of solidarity, not aggression.

“The [military] trainers in the Bashiqa camp were threatened by Daesh (Islamic State) because it is 15-20 kilometers from Mosul and they have only light arms,” he told media in Istanbul. “So when these threats increased… we sent some troops to protect the camp, not as an act of aggression but as an act of solidarity.”