Day: March 2, 2024

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A) FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 02/03/2024 UNTIL 0600 03/03/2024 Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards. Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times. Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1013hPa (hectopascal) Weak low pressure is starting to affect the area. The weather will be mainly fine however increased medium and high cloud will be present at times. Late afternoon locally increased cloud will be present over western and northwestern areas with isolated showers and/or thunderstorm. Thin dust in suspension, the concentrations of which may be temporarily increased. Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers Sea surface temperature: 19°C Warnings: NIL Source: Cyprus News Agency ISTANBUL: Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) counterpart, Tahsin Ertugruloglu, discussed bilateral relations Saturday. 'Within the framework of the contacts held on the margins of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, two ministers, representing the friendly and brotherly countries of the TRNC and Azerbaijan, assessed the strengthening and advancing relations between the two nations in various fields,' TRNC's Foreign Ministry said on Facebook. Ertugruloglu extended his thanks to Bayramov for Azerbaijan's support to the Turkish Cypriot people on the Cyprus issue. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Trkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidential Council's Bosniak Member Denis Becirovic, Croatian Member Zeljko Komsic and Serbian Member Zeljka Cvijanovic on Saturday discussed Trkiye-Bosnia Herzegovina relations as well as regional and global issues. President Erdogan and the council's members met on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. 'President Erdogan expressed in the meeting that it is crucial for Trkiye to maintain the unity, peace, and stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and deepen the relations between the two countries,' Trkiye's Communications Directorate said on X. Erdogan also underlined Ankara's determination to make sincere and constructive contributions in these matters, emphasizing that these contributions will continue to increase, the directorate said. 'President Erdogan stated that the steps taken for the increase of the bilateral trade volume and collaborations in all fields will continue,' it added. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: In the persistent pursuit of a global antidote to terrorism, Somalia emerges as a compelling case study, underscoring the indispensable role diplomacy can play in not just countering but precluding the seeds of extremism. Having experienced the brutal aftermath of terrorism firsthand, Somalia advocates for a proactive approach that addresses the root causes through diplomatic channels. Somalia's call for diplomacy and international collaboration as the primary line of defense is not a mere theoretical stance; it's a pragmatic lesson derived from its tumultuous history. The genesis of al-Shabaab, a sophisticated terror entity linked to al Qaeda, can be traced back to the ill-conceived Ethiopian intervention in 2006. This intervention, lacking regional consensus and a nuanced understanding of the context, triggered frustration and hopelessness, creating fertile ground for extremist groups to manipulate nationalist sentiments. The devastating impact of the 2006 invasion cannot be overstated. The inte rvention resulted in the loss of over 20,000 lives, displaced countless families, and contributed significantly to the rise of al-Shabaab. The Somali narrative serves as a stark reminder that diplomatic miscalculations can have far-reaching consequences. Terrorism, as exemplified by al-Shabaab, respects no borders, and the repercussions of diplomatic missteps reverberate across entire regions. Yet, Somalia not only offers a cautionary tale but also a glimmer of hope in the anti-terrorism crusade. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the challenge, Somalia has embraced a comprehensive strategy extending beyond military measures. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's second term marked a diplomatic reset, focusing on four pivotal pillars: nurturing international relations, fostering regional consensus, countering extremist narratives, and empowering local communities. Through strategic alliances with key partners like Trkiye, Qatar, US, UK, China, Russia, UAE, and EU, Somalia has secured crucial political and economic backing. Building regional consensus became pivotal, urging neighboring nations to unite against the common threat of al-Shabaab. Diplomacy also involved delegitimizing extremist ideologies through Islamic scholar conferences and engaging religious communities in countering false narratives. Empowering local communities has proven especially effective, with grassroots forces actively combating al-Shabaab at the local level. This multifaceted diplomatic approach, coupled with the development of professional security forces, has yielded tangible results. Over the past year and a half, Somalia, with international support, has liberated over 100 villages and towns from al-Shabaab's occupation. As Somalia steadily weakens al-Shabaab and reclaims its future, the global community must internalize the lessons learned. The fight against terrorism demands a sustained diplomatic marathon rather than a fleeting sprint. International collaboration, the exchange of best practices, and respect for each nation's i nternal affairs are paramount. Simultaneously, addressing the root causes of extremism remains crucial alongside the ongoing battle to degrade and dismantle terrorist organizations worldwide. Forums like the Antalya Diplomacy Forum provide a timely opportunity to construct a world where rules-based principles prevail. Somalia's journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of diplomacy in the face of terrorism. * Opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Anadolu Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: At least 17 Palestinians were killed in attacks by the Israeli army on three houses in central and northern Gaza Strip. The Palestinian official news agency, WAFA, said warplanes targeted two houses in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, which killed at least 15 Palestinians and left numerous injuries. The wounded were taken to the al-Aqsa Hospital with civil defense personnel continuing search and rescue operations in the rubble, it said. It was reported that the Israeli army also bombed a house in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza where 70 Palestinians had sought shelter. That strike killed at least two victims, according to initial assessments. Teams were said to be continuing their work at the house. Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, which Tel Aviv said killed less than 1,200 people. At least 30,035 Palestinians have since been killed and 70,457 injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation. The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Saturday, including the ongoing Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Trkiye, the US's decision to begin airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza, and UN chief's call for independent investigation into killings of Palestinians. TOP STORIES Gaza crisis a testament to collapse of current global order, says Turkish President Erdogan The Gaza crisis is a testament to the collapse of the current global order, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday, pointing to conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Ukraine. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erdogan said the current century has been turning into an era of crises as the rules-based international order has lost meaning, becoming "no more than a slogan." "The current international system, devoid of fundamental concepts such as solidarity, justice, and trust, cannot fulfill even its minimum responsibilities," he added in his speech at the event, held on Trkiye's southern Mediterranean co ast. US to begin airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza: Biden US will begin airdropping humanitarian aid into Gaza with Jordan and other countries, President Joe Biden announced on Friday, a day after Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid. "Innocent people got caught in a terrible war, unable to feed their families and you saw the response when they tried to get aid," Biden said ahead of his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House. "But we need to do more and the United States will do more in the coming days," Biden said. The US will provide airdrops of additional food and supplies. UN chief calls for independent investigation into killings of Palestinians awaiting aid in Gaza The UN chief has called for an "independent and credible investigation" into Israeli killings of more than 100 Palestinian civilians awaiting aid in Gaza, said his spokesperson on Friday. "The Secretary-General (Antonio Guterres) said himself yesterday, t hat there needs to be an independent and credible investigation into what happened," Stephane Dujarric said in a briefing. There needs to be "accountability for everything (that) has happened since October 7," said Dujarric. NEWS IN BRIEF Hundreds of protesting farmers clashed with police in the Spanish city of Zaragoza on Friday as they tried to push their way into the La Aljafería Palace, where a government meeting was taking place. At least 193 Palestinians were killed and 920 others were injured in the last 24 hours as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said. Four people were killed in an apparent family shooting in northwestern Germany, media reported. The Jordanian army said that it carried out three airdrops of food aid in northern Gaza. Italy's right-wing coalition government allegedly exported weapons to Israel in October-November 2023, despite previously stating no arms had been sent after Oct. 7. China has sent the first of the interne t satellites it plans to position in High Earth Orbit into space. The US destroyed drones launched by Yemen's Houthi group, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said. The Spanish parliament did not approve anti-Israel motions, which included articles such as "severing diplomatic relations and imposing an arms embargo." Israeli settlers established a new settlement outpost on the lands of the Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya village, south of Nablus, in the northern West Bank. An adviser to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard was killed in an Israeli attack on the Syrian port city of Banias, according to Iran's IRNA news agency. Tens of thousands of people have rallied across Germany, calling on the government to invest in climate protection and social security. French farmers took to the streets, parking tractors in front of the iconic Palace of Versailles to protest the government's agricultural policies. Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, said that seven Israeli hostages were killed in airstrikes on Gaza, bringing the death toll of hostages to 70. Ghana's parliament experienced a power outage during a debate on the President's State of the Nation Address. SPORTS Paris Saint-Germain, Monaco ended in goalless draw French Ligue 1 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco ended Friday in a goalless draw. Neither team was able to produce a goal in the 24th-week match at the Stade Louis-II stadium. Paris Saint-Germain are atop the French top-tier table with 55 points. Monaco are third with 42. Second-place Brest, who has a match in hand, have collected 43 points. Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison out for 'two or three weeks' due to knee injury Tottenham Hotspur said on Friday that striker Richarlison would be out for two or three weeks due to a knee injury. "Going through from the last game, Richy picked up a bit of a knee injury so he's going to missing for two or three weeks," manager Ange Postecoglou said in a statement. The 26-year-old Brazilian, who has also played for Fluminense, Watford, and Everton, scored ni ne goals in his last 10 Premier League appearances. BUSINESS and ECONOMY China's manufacturing activity on contraction course for 5-month period China's manufacturing industry is seeing a contraction that started in the fourth quarter of 2023, as per leading economic data from the country. As announced by China's National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the manufacturing industry's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 49.1, down 0.1 points in February compared to January. There was a rise in the first three months of 2023 when the signs of post-pandemic recovery were seen. However, the manufacturing PMI started to contract in March, exceeding the growth threshold of 50 points for the first time in five months in September, only to enter a contraction course once again in the last quarter of the year. Global markets follow positive course Global markets followed a positive course as the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index soared 0.4% month-on-month and 2.8% annually in January, th e lowest yearly increase recorded since March 2021, according to data released in the US on Thursday. Considered to be the indicator of inflation, the core PCE price index continued to slow down and came in line with expectations, giving hope for the Fed's interest rate cuts to take place in the first half of 2024, analysts say. They added that Thursday's weekly jobless claims exceeded estimates with 215,000, pointing to a softening in the labor market. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANTALYA: - Advisor to Azerbaijan's president stresses Azerbaijan's dedication to peace, regional cooperation - Georgian deputy foreign minister backs peace talks between Armenia, Azerbaijan, highlighting Trkiye's regional significance - EU representative praises Trkiye's peace efforts in South Caucasus At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Friday, Trkiye's envoy to Armenia, Serdar Kilic, called for the need for trust-building and unity with Armenia to achieve normalization. During the "Peace, Development, and Connectivity in the South Caucasus" panel at the 2024 Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ambassador Serdar Kilic, Trkiye's Special Representative for Normalization with Armenia, discussed the importance of achieving full normalization between the two countries. Our ultimate goal is to achieve full normalization (with Armenia). There are, of course, certain conditions required for this full normalization, and we must adhere to these conditions," he said. He emphasized the need for trust-building measures in discu ssions with Armenia's Special Representative, Ruben Rubinyan, and stressed the significance of focusing on unity rather than division. Kilic highlighted the longstanding conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, advocating for learning from past failures. He underscored the importance of considering the welfare of the region's people for positive outcomes in the normalization process and peace talks. Kilic cautioned against imposing unilateral solutions, emphasizing the necessity of mutual dialogue and cooperation. He also expressed hope for the opening of the Trkiye-Armenia border, suggesting that presenting this as a precondition could create issues. In addition, Kilic offered to meet with Rubinyan in Yerevan in the upcoming week. 'Armenia is ready to do its best for our present and future' Ruben Rubinyan, Armenia's Deputy Speaker of Parliament, noted ongoing peace talks with Azerbaijan, particularly regarding border delineation based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration. He expressed Armenia's readiness f or peace and clarified that they do not make regional claims within Azerbaijan. Rubinyan highlighted agreements not to interfere in each other's internal affairs and emphasized adherence to international law principles. He mentioned Armenia's defense improvements, stressing that these efforts do not indicate aggression. Despite historical ties, he acknowledged challenges in relations with Trkiye. Rubinyan announced plans to open the Trkiye-Armenia border for third-world citizens by July 2024, aiming for greater integration. "For our present and future, Armenia is ready to do its best," he said. He emphasized the sensitivity of normalization talks with Trkiye, acknowledging both positive and negative outcomes. Rubinyan questioned the closure of borders, especially during prosperous times, advocating for integration. "We should be able to open our borders not only in happy times but also in prosperous times. Now at this point, I cannot see a reason why the border between Trkiye and Armenia should be clo sed," he said. He confirmed no preconditions for negotiations with Trkiye and denied discussions of freezing relations with the Eurasian Economic Union in Armenia. 'Peace can be achieved between Baku and Yerevan' Hikmet Haciyev, Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan, said that the war in Karabakh has ended for his country, stating that peace and regional cooperation are on their agenda. Noting that they have presented five principles to Armenia for peace, Haciyev said this reflects his country's willingness and determination to achieve peace. He emphasized peace negotiations will take place between Baku and Yerevan, not in foreign places like Paris or Brussels. Referring to the article in the Armenian Constitution regarding the unification of Karabakh with Armenia, Haciyev said they expect an appropriate explanation on this matter. He said they do not intend to interfere in Armenia's internal affairs, stating that some articles in the Armenian Constitution could affect Azerbaijan's territorial integri ty. Emphasizing that their country has collaborations in terms of energy in the South Caucasus region, Haciyev said they will take steps in the energy field in the Black Sea and Caspian regions. He also added that they want to facilitate access to Nakhchivan and that Armenia would benefit from connectivity. 'There is no alternative to peace in our region' Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia reminded that the European Union (EU) granted candidate status to Georgia in December 2023, stating that their country has a chance for EU and Euro-Atlantic integration. Expressing hope for the success of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Darsalia emphasized their support for the process affecting the region and other actors. Emphasizing the value they place on both neighboring countries, Darsalia said, "There is no alternative to peace in our region." Pointing out that their partnerships with Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Armenia continue, Darsalia said he believes they can achieve full cooperation in the South Caucasus region. Darsalia appreciated Trkiye's role in the region, underscoring that he wants to underline the role taken by the EU and the US. Trkiye's Role in the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, drew attention to the need for a sustainable agreement for peace to be established, saying, "When we talk about the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, a scenario is possible where all the Caucasus will be revived." He stressed the necessity of reaching an agreement where everyone wins through cooperation between the two sides. "We cannot underestimate the significant role of Trkiye here. (Trkiye) is a neighbor of Georgia and Armenia and has very special relations with Azerbaijan. Trkiye also has a very unique opportunity right now because it can make this peace process much richer." Klaar also said that the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia will shape the cooperation agenda in the South Caucasus, stating, "We will have reached a c ivilian and unarmed population, and in this way, we will actually show our commitment to peace." He emphasized the financial importance of achieving tranquility in the region, stating that this would contribute to trade between Europe and China. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Israeli forces killed a Palestinian teenager during a raid in the occupied West Bank. According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli soldiers conducted a raid on the town of Kafr Ni'ma, west of Ramallah, in the West Bank. During the raid, 16-year-old Muhammed Murad ad-Diq was fatally shot in the head by Israeli soldiers. Israeli forces also carried out raids in the cities of Qalqilya and Hebron, as well as the town of Azzun. In Azzun near Qalqilya city of the West Bank, the Israeli forces, conducting raids for the sixth consecutive day, arrested one Palestinian and caused damage to property in residents' homes. In Qalqilya, the Israeli soldiers raided the house of a released Palestinian detainee, arrested one person, and clashed with Palestinians resisting the raid. In Hebron, the forces raided the towns of Bani Naim, Yatta, and Tarqumiya, as well as the village of As-Samu, forcibly entered houses, damaged property, and detained several people. The military also raided the towns of Sa nur and Jaba in Jenin, seizing a printing press in Sanur and engaging in clashes with Palestinians in Jaba. Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7 attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, which Tel Aviv said killed less than 1,200 people. At least 30,228 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed and 71,377 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation. The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assist ance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: At least 92 Palestinians were killed and 156 others injured in the last 24 hours as Israel continues its onslaught on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory's Health Ministry said on Saturday. 'The Israeli occupation committed 10 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, leaving 92 martyrs and 156 injured during the past 24 hours,' the ministry said in a statement. 'Many people are still trapped under rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,' the statement said. Flouting the International Court of Justice's provisional ruling, Israel continued its onslaught on the Gaza Strip where at least 30,320 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and 71,533 injured since Oct. 7, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas, which Tel Aviv says killed nearly 1,200 people. The Israeli war on Gaza has pushed 85% of the territory's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water and medicine, while 60% of the enclave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Hostilities have continued unabated, however, and aid deliveries remain woefully insufficient to address the humanitarian catastrophe. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: Israel admitted that its forces opened fire at Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid south of Gaza City, killing more than 100 people and injuring over 700 others. 'IDF (Israel Defense Forces) forces did not shoot at the convoy. IDF forces did not shoot at people looting the trucks. IDF forces used fire when masses ran toward them in a way that threatened their lives. They were there in the first place to secure the convoy,' Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy said on X on Thursday. The spokesperson later on deleted his post and repeated claims by the Israeli army, accusing civilians of killing each other in a stampede. 'Those poor people were killed when they were crushed in a stampede and in some cases run over by the Gazan truck drivers as they tried to get out. But go ahead, blame Israel,' Levy said later. On Thursday morning, Israeli forces shelled a crowd of Palestinians waiting for humanitarian aid south of Gaza City at the "al-Nabulsi Roundabout" area, leaving at least 112 Palestin ians dead and 760 others injured, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry. The Israeli military said an initial investigation found that some Palestinians approached a military checkpoint overseeing the entry of the aid trucks with soldiers firing warning shots and shooting at the legs of Palestinians who continued to move toward the troops. Israel has launched a deadly military offensive on the Gaza Strip since an Oct. 7, 2023 cross-border attack led by Hamas, in which nearly 1,200 people were killed. At least 30,228 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have since been killed in Gaza, and 71,377 others injured amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on Gaza, leaving its population, particularly residents in the north where the Thursday shootings took place, on the verge of starvation. The Israeli war has pushed 85% of Gaza's population into internal displacement amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine, while 60% of the encl ave's infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the UN. Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January ordered Tel Aviv to stop genocidal acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Source: Anadolu Agency