Latest News from Turkey
AK Party Blames PKK Delay for Stalled Legal Steps on Disarmament
AK Party sources state that over two months after a parliamentary report, no progress on legal steps for a terror-free Turkey due to PKK's lack of concrete disarmament actions. MIT chief Ibrahim Kalin briefed the party, noting PKK ignored Abdullah Ocalan's will. Legal steps await MIT confirmation.
49 Detained in Sanliurfa Municipal Tender Corruption Probe
Police in Sanliurfa's Halfeti district detained 49 people, including a former AK Party mayor, for irregularities in municipal tenders. The operation targeted anti-smuggling and organized crime units. This highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts in southeastern Turkey.
CHP Jailed Mayors Reach 23 After Atasehir Mayor's Arrest
Atasehir Mayor Onursal Adiguzel’s arrest raises jailed CHP mayors to 23 since March 2024 elections. Twenty remain imprisoned, including Istanbul's Ekrem Imamoglu; 25 total removed from office. Only one released mayor was reinstated.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Attend Three Seas Summit in Croatia
FM Hakan Fidan will represent President Erdoğan at the 11th Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik on April 28-29. This marks Turkey's first participation as a strategic partner, secured in 2025. Fidan aims to emphasize connectivity and cooperation.
Turkey Joins Three Seas Initiative as Strategic Partner for First Time
At the Dubrovnik summit, Turkey positions itself as a hub for trade and energy linking Europe, Asia, and Middle East. Fidan will highlight multidimensional connectivity ecosystems. Diplomatic sources confirm the visit starting April 28.
Turkish Central Bank Recoups $21 Billion After US-Israel-Iran Ceasefire
Turkey's central bank recovered $21 billion in foreign currency following heavy sales to support the lira amid a ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran. This boosts reserves after market interventions. Reported in the weekly bulletin dated April 27.
Turkish Miners' Protests Escalate into Clashes in Ankara
Protests by Turkish miners in the capital turned violent, raising concerns over workers' rights and economic conditions. The clashes question government response to labor issues. Video footage shows ongoing unrest.
FM Fidan Set for Croatia Visit to Boost European Connectivity Role
Ankara seeks greater involvement in the Three Seas forum via Fidan's attendance. The summit focuses on regional infrastructure and energy projects. Turkey's strategic partner status enhances its European ties.
Turkey's Fidan to Emphasize Cooperation at Three Seas Summit
Representing Erdoğan, Fidan will stress Turkey's readiness to deepen ties in the TSI. The event is the first since Turkey's 2025 strategic partnership. Diplomatic sources highlight the April 28 start.
Ongoing Crackdown on Opposition CHP Leadership Continues
With 23 jailed and 25 removed, CHP faces intensified pressure post-2024 elections. Istanbul Mayor Imamoglu, presidential candidate, remains imprisoned. This reflects political tensions.