Author: Anadolu Agency

Türkiye’s permanent representative to the U.N. on Wednesday urged the removal of sanctions and delisting measures against Syria, emphasizing the need to foster the country’s path toward recovery and stability following the ousting of the Assad regime. “While the end of the (Bashar) Assad regime brings hope for the Syrian people and the region, the challenges ahead remain immense,” Ahmet Yıldız said at a U.N. Security Council session on Syria. He said that Syrians endured “years of unimaginable suffering and widespread destruction” under the Assad regime. “We must ensure accountability for the human rights violations and uses of chemical weapons…

A quick resolution to the Ukrainian crisis remains unlikely, even with potential mediation by US President-elect Donald Trump, according to Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council. “I’m not sure what Trump will be able to accomplish during his second term, but one thing is clear — he doesn’t get bored. Rapid progress in resolving the Ukrainian conflict is highly doubtful. Meanwhile, the US economy continues its sluggish pace, and even efforts to combat migration are unlikely to yield significant victories,” Medvedev wrote on his Telegram channel. As for Trump’s comments about annexing Greenland and Canada, Medvedev,…

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba began his official visit to Malaysia and Indonesia on Thursday. “In an international society where uncertainty is growing, our relationship with Southeast Asia is extremely important,” Ishiba said in a statement before departing for Kuala Lumpur, his first stop, where he will stay until Friday before continuing to Indonesia. Ishiba highlighted Japan’s focus on security and energy, stating that Tokyo aims to “work to further strengthen cooperation” with Malaysia, the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Indonesia, the largest economy and population in the region. Ishiba is scheduled to hold…

US tech billionaire Elon Musk on Thursday reiterated his strong support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the Feb. 23 general elections in Germany. “If you are unhappy with the situation, you must vote for change. And that is why I’m really strongly recommending that people vote for AfD. That’s why that’s my strong recommendation. And I think this is simply the sensible move,” Musk said in an online talk on X with AfD leader Alice Weidel. “In fact, I, as I’ve said publicly, I think only AfD can save Germany. And I just want to…

Turkish automotive company Karsan’s fully electric vehicles are now operational in Italy’s historic city of Florence, contributing to the city’s sustainability and environmental objectives. The company recently delivered 12 e-JEST model mini-size buses to the Florence Metropolitan Municipality during a ceremony at the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo. Chosen for their compact design, the e-JEST vehicles are ideal for navigating Florence’s narrow, historic streets. They will play a crucial role in improving the efficiency of public transport while preserving the city’s cultural and architectural heritage. – KARSAN’S GROWING PRESENCE IN EUROPE Karsan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Okan Bas described Florence as a…

The Ukrainian defense chief had a meeting with his US counterpart ahead of the 25th meeting of the group of Western countries on the coordination of arms supplies to Kyiv, scheduled for Jan. 9 at the Ramstein air base in Germany, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry announced on Thursday. Citing Rustem Umerov, the ministry said on Telegram that the leaders of the coalition approved roadmaps for each of the eight areas of cooperation, which will fix strategic goals and key needs for military assistance to Ukraine at least until the end of 2027. “I started work at the next meeting in the…

Doctors Against Genocide (DAG) has called for the US to halt aid to Israel after their colleagues were detained last month by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. DAG, a global coalition of health care workers, mobilized more than 50 medical professionals on Capitol Hill to advocate for the release of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, who was detained by Israeli forces along with others during a Dec. 27 raid on the health facility. The delegation visited members of the House of Representatives and Senate on Wednesday to advocate for urgent congressional…

Authorities in the Central African nation of Chad denied that an exchange of gunfire near the presidency in the capital N’Djamena on Wednesday night was a terror attack. Abderaman Koulamallah, government spokesman, said in a televised statement that the attackers were “drugged” and equipped with “knives and numerous amulets,” according to Alwihda Info News. According to government figures, at least 19 people including 18 attackers and a government official were killed during the attack, which lasted for around an hour. However, Koulamallah said it was “no terror attack.” Earlier, unconfirmed reports claimed Boko Haram terrorists were involved in the attack.…

Former EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said Thursday that banning Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, in Europe is “legally possible,” though such a move would require a clear legal basis. Speaking to French broadcaster LCI, Breton clarified that EU countries could impose a ban under specific legal grounds, rather than as an arbitrary action. He emphasized that compliance with the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) would be the determining factor. Breton referenced X’s prior suspension in Brazil as an example, noting that a similar ban within the EU could carry significant financial consequences…

The death of Jean-Marie Le Pen, co-founder of France’s far-right National Front (now the National Rally), prompted celebratory protests across the country. Hundreds of opponents marked the passing of the divisive political figure with chants, fireworks, and demonstrations in cities including Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, France 24 reported on Wednesday. In Paris, approximately 650 people gathered at Place de la Republique, holding placards and chanting anti-fascist slogans. “This dirty racist is dead,” read one sign, as participants climbed the square’s central statue, lit smoke bombs, and set off fireworks. Police arrested three individuals during the gathering, which was closely monitored…