Day: March 9, 2024

ANKARA: At least seven people are missing after a fishing boat capsized off the southern coastal city of Tongyeong in South Korea on Saturday, local media said. Nine crew members, including seven Indonesians, were on board when the 29-ton vessel overturned in the morning in waters 68 kilometers (42 miles) south of an island in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported, citing Coast Guard officials. Two crew members were found unconscious inside the vessel and were taken to the hospital, while the search for the remaining crew continues. Authorities did not provide any additional information about the nationalities of the two other crew members. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken invited Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to attend bilateral strategic mechanism meetings in the US last week. Before the meetings, Trkiye's intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, had visited the US, signaling an attempt to strengthen Turkish-US relations. While the NATO allies seem to have found ways to improve their cooperation in various areas, unresolved issues that led to the deterioration of the relationship in the first place mean they can only go so far. Until these issues are addressed, progress will not achieve its full potential. Thorny ties In recent years, the relationship between Ankara and Washington hit an all-time low. Trkiye saw America's support for the YPG terror group as a national security threat, and the fact that the leader of the terrorist group FETO was being harbored in Pennsylvania after the 2016 coup attempt worsened the situation. On the other hand, the US was concerned about Trkiye's engagement with Russia, particularly the purcha se of the Russian S-400 air defense systems. This led to the imposition of CAATSA sanctions on Trkiye and their expulsion from the F-35 fighter jet program. However, Russia's war on Ukraine changed things for both countries. While Trkiye maintained communication with Moscow, it rejected Russia's assaults and provided Ukraine with strategic weapon systems and supplies. Trkiye fully implemented the Montreux agreement as the gatekeeper to the Black Sea, preventing Russian warships from entering. Furthermore, by providing military supplies to Ukraine, Trkiye demonstrated its role in NATO's collective security. The US and Trkiye agreed to produce 155mm shells in Texas, and Turkish fighter jets helped secure allied nations' airspace in the Black Sea against potential Russian incursions. The Russian invasion highlighted Trkiye's strategic importance and led to increased economic and energy cooperation between Trkiye and the US. Trkiye adjusted its energy relationship with Russia, and Trkiye became one of the large st importers of American LNG. A recent memorandum of understanding between Trkiye and Turkmenistan on exporting Turkmen gas to Trkiye could significantly reduce Europe's dependence on Russian gas. The relationship between Ankara and Washington gained momentum after Trkiye accepted Sweden's NATO bid and the US Senate approved Trkiye's purchase of F-16 fighter jets. This decision paved the way for implementing a new and different approach. In the past, the two nations tried to resolve their disputes first via negotiations between their executive branches. However, they are now attempting to do it in reverse. They first agree on new areas of cooperation and then try to resolve disputes. This means that areas of collaboration are the first item on the agenda, which helps rebuild trust and partnership. To further facilitate this new approach, Turkish authorities are communicating with the White House and the US Senate. This is a significant change from the past, where communication was limited to the executive branch. Two US senators, Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Murphy, visited Trkiye shortly after the F-16 deal was greenlighted and met with the Turkish president. They emphasized the new momentum in the relationship and signaled that both sides are working to resolve the dispute over Syria. During his visit to the US, Fidan met with Benjamin Cardin, head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and other members of Congress. Can relations improve? The relationship between Trkiye and the US has the potential to improve if they increase cooperation in certain areas, but there are limitations. Syria hangs as the sword of Damocles over the heads of Trkiye and the US. If they cannot resolve the dispute over US support for the terrorist group YPG in Syria, this limit will continue to exist, and the full potential of their relationship will not be realized. The conflict over Syria remains a major source of tension between Trkiye and the US. The current relatively stable situation in Syria enables the current approach of prioritizing areas of cooperation. However, any new escalation of the conflict could destroy progress. The terrorist YPG recently announced a new social contract and is planning to hold pseudo-elections in April. This move is being made to establish an autonomous entity in Syria. The YPG also signed a new contract with a US lobbying firm to work on US recognition of its so-called 'Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.' It is evident that Trkiye would strongly oppose any such move. Even if the situation in Syria remains calm and the US doesn't support separatist agendas, there is still a potential for disruption in the future. The US is currently considering plans to withdraw from Syria, and pressure from Baghdad may force them to withdraw from Iraq as well. If he is returned to the Oval Office, Biden's opponent Donald Trump is likely to withdraw from Syria. An uncoordinated withdrawal from Syria would not only mean ceding influence to Iran but also damaging Turkish-American relations. Both Trkiye and the US have a shared interest in finding a political solution for Syria and combating Daesh/ISIS terrorists, but their policies and methods must align. If they can overcome their differences in Syria, the potential for their relationship is limitless. Economic collaboration, geopolitical joint action, energy cooperation, and collective defense investments are all areas that could help improve the relationship. However, without a roadmap for Syria, building lasting trust and partnership will be difficult. While the visits of Trkiye's top diplomat and intelligence chief are part of a mutual strategy to rebuild trust and partnership, they are unlikely to work miracles. A roadmap for Syria is needed to turn this new momentum into a stable level of cooperation. *Opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Anadolu Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: The Neuroscience and Neurotechnology Center of Excellence (NOROM), Trkiye's first multidisciplinary neuroscience center, will make a "significant contribution" to protecting and improving brain health, as well as developing new methods to combat diseases such as Alzheimer's, autism and migraine. NOROM head Hayrunnisa Bolay Belen at a press briefing in Ankara provided details about the center, which was established in collaboration with Gazi University and Middle East Technical University in Ankara. Using Siemens Healthineers' MRI system, NOROM aims to advance brain research in Trkiye. The system, which can obtain detailed brain images and is the first of its kind in Trkiye, is critical for measuring brain activity, understanding the interactions between brain regions, and diagnosing, treating, and researching brain diseases. NOROM and Siemens Healthineers Trkiye are preparing to sign a research contract to contribute to the development of medical imaging technology in the near future. Leading hub for researchers worldwide Belen said the center will attract researchers from all over the world. Despite being a "very new center," with infrastructure that can be preferred by the "best in different parts" of the world, she emphasized that NOROM aims to actively engage in neuroscience and neurotechnology research globally. 'We prioritize discovering molecular, biochemical, imaging and electrophysiological fingerprints specific to neuropsychiatric disorders and brain diseases and defining new treatment targets,' she added. NOROM aspires to be a "leading hub" for researchers worldwide, attracting talent through its mission, infrastructure, and diverse research opportunities, Belen pointed out. Metehan Cicek, the head of the NOROM Neuroimaging Unit, said on the occasion that Trkiye's three important universities have "very strong teams in different fields." They have formed a "great union of forces," Cicek emphasized, adding, "NOROM is a national center, open to all researchers and scientists with projec ts. Anyone with a project can use this center." New agreements on their way Siemens Healthineers Trkiye General Manager Enis Sonemel stated that they are proud to add another first to their list of accomplishments in Trkiye with NOROM, which represents an important first in terms of scientific research. Sonemel said they have installed the MRI system, which is used in a few research centers around the world and is a first in Trkiye. "We are proud to bring this system, which creates excitement for the scientific world and is thought to contribute to important scientific advances in the field of brain health, to our country," he added. Sonemel said the company's medical technology products and services add value to health care professionals, institutions, and patients alike. 'In addition, we have been working for many years to provide the necessary technology, know-how and research areas to realize the potential of the academic world in Trkiye, especially in the field of medical imaging,' he stressed. Th rough partnerships with hospitals and universities, including an upcoming agreement with NOROM, Sonemel noted that they aim to enhance the country's research quality and quantity. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani lawmakers on Saturday elected Asif Ali Zardari, the co-chairman of center-left Pakistan People's Party (PPP), as the country's 14th president. Zardari, 68, the widower of the two-time Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and the candidate of the ruling coalition, defeated Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a veteran politician from the southwestern Balochistan province, and a candidate of the opposition Sunni Ittehad Council, a religiopolitical group and new home to lawmakers belonging to jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Some small political parties, including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazal (JUI-F) and Jamaat-e-Islami, boycotted the election and no MP from these parties cast their votes. The voting started at 10 a.m. local time (0500GMT) at the National Assembly building in Islamabad and all four provincial capitals and continued until 4 p.m. (1100GMT). Zardari is the only politician elected to the country's highest, yet symbolic, constitutional office for a second term. He previously served as the president in 2008-2013 during the government of his own party. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: The European Union recorded the number of nights spent in tourist accommodation at 2.9 billion in 2023, up 6.1% year-on-year and 1.4% from pre-pandemic levels, according to Eurostat. The European statistical office revealed on Friday that Slovakia and the Czech Republic saw the highest growth in the number of nights spent by international guests, with both countries seeing a 22% increase on an annual basis. In terms of domestic guests, Greece led with a 13% increase, followed by Slovakia (11%), and Bulgaria (9%). Slovenia, on the other hand, saw a 17% decrease in domestic guests' accommodations. The number of nights spent at tourist accommodation budged closer and closer in May 2023 to levels before the COVID-19 pandemic, said the report. 'In 2023, only March (minus 4%), June (minus 2%), July (minus 1%), and November (minus 1%) witnessed a decline in numbers compared with 2019, (though) despite these fluctuations, the overall trend for 2023 indicated an increase in total number of nights spent, reaching a record number of nights spent and approaching 3 billion annual nights,' it added. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carried out a fifth joint airdrop humanitarian aid mission Friday for Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip, according to the Emirati news agency, WAM. The mission was part of the Gulf country's "Birds of Goodness" humanitarian aid airdrop operation to Palestinians in Gaza. The operation used Emirati and Egyptian aircraft and dropped 62 metric tons (68 US tons) of food and medical aid, bringing the total to 231 metric tons since the operation was launched, said WAM. Under the directives of Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the UAE, launched its humanitarian operation Nov. 5, named Gallant Knight 3 to provide relief and medical assistance to the Palestinians, under which the Birds of Goodness operation is part of the overall Emirati operation to Palestinians in Gaza. For more than a week, Arab countries, namely Egypt, the Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain have continued to carry out joint operations to drop food aid in Gaza, i n addition to similar operations by the US. Israel has launched a retaliatory offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. The offensive has killed more than 30,800 victims and injured nearly 73,000 amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian enclave, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation. About 85% of Gazans have been displaced by the Israeli onslaught 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, which in 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

WASHINGTON: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan received a high-level US official Friday for talks in Washington. "Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan received Phil Gordon, National Security Advisor to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, at the Turkish Embassy in Washington," the Turkish Foreign Ministry wrote on X. Fidan is visiting the US where the Trkiye-U.S. Strategic Mechanism meeting was held. He met Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss relations and international issues. Regional issues, including the situation in the Gaza Strip, were on the agenda. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: An Israeli rabbi urged the killing of women and children in the Gaza Strip and said he considered it a response to the teachings of halakha, or Jewish law. It came from Eliyahu Mali in a video that was widely circulated Thursday on social media. Mali heads the Shirat Moshe religious school in Jaffa in central Israel, where students serve in the army. 'In our mitzvah (holy) war, in our situation in Gaza, according to what the law says, 'Not every soul shall live,' and the logic of this is very clear: if you do not kill them, they will kill you,' said Mali. He claimed that those described as "vandals" in today's war are 'the children of the previous war whom we kept alive, and in reality, it is the women who produce terrorists.' 'This means that this rule (do not keep alive every soul) is very clear in its concept, either you or them," he said. 'Whoever comes to kill you, kill him first.' 'Whoever comes to kill you with this concept does not only include the young man aged 16, 18, 20, or 30 who is now pointing a weapon at you, but also the future generation (the children of Gaza), and those who produce the future generation (women of Gaza), because there is really no difference,' he said. The leader of the opposition Labor Party, Merav Michaeli, condemned the rabbi's comments. 'Using halakha does not give any rabbi permission to present Judaism or Israel as bloodthirsty and vengeful,' Michaeli wrote Friday on X. 'This statement directly affects the security of the state of Israel, and like other statements distorted in the name of halakha, our enemy will use it in fighting on the international stage,' she said. 'I demand the army and the Ministry of Defense to stop cooperating with the religious school (Shirat Moshe in Jaffa) until the rabbi is dismissed. The Israeli army must not allow such dangerous moral corruption within its ranks.' The Israeli Defamation League wrote on X: 'We strongly condemn the words of Rabbi Eliyahu Mali, the head of Shirat Moshe religious school in Jaffa, who calls fo r killing all inhabitants of Gaza, including women and children.'??????? It added: 'The indiscriminate call to harm the innocent is a serious ethical injustice, which damages the actions of the army in Gaza during the war and distorts the image of the State of Israel in the world.' More than 30,800 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 73,000 injured in Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Palestinian groups estimate that thousands of Palestinians have been detained by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7. Israel has also imposed a crippling blockade on the seaside enclave, 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 C ourt 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

ISTANBUL: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry reviewed efforts to halt fighting in the Gaza Strip on Friday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken according to an Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman. "Both Ministers discussed joint efforts to enforce a truce leading to a cease-fire, detainees swap, as well the necessity to sustain full aid delivery to Gaza strip," Abu Zeid wrote on X about the telephone call from Blinken. It came amid ongoing efforts by both countries, along with Qatar, to bridge differences between Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire and a prisoner swap deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Sunday. Blinken also had a phone conversation with his Saudi counterpart and discussed developments in the Israeli war against Gaza. Israel has launched a retaliatory offensive on Gaza since a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. The offensive has killed more than 30,800 victims and injured nearly 73,000 amid mass destruction and shortages of necessities. Israel has als o imposed a crippling blockade on the Palestinian enclave, leaving its population, particularly residents of northern Gaza, on the verge of starvation. About 85% of Gazans have been displaced by the Israeli onslaught 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, which in 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