News Scan for Turkey, July 24th 2016
Opposition CHP’s rally brings Turkish parties together in Istanbul’s Taksim Square
The bloody coup attempt launched by Gülenist Terror Organization (FETÖ) elements nestled within Turkish military have produced one good in all that evil, which was a common stance by all political parties against the coup.
In a historic first, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) officials and voters will attend the mass democracy rally organized by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) following 15 years of bitter political rivalry.
On Friday, CHP officials announced that the meeting will be open for all political parties and groups. The same day, AK Party spokesman Yasin Aktay announced that AK Party will attend to the rally.
http://www.dailysabah.com/politics/2016/07/24/opposition-chps-rally-brings-turkish-parties-together-in-istanbuls-taksim-square
Turkey keen for mention in G20 communique, but rejected
Turkey wanted the final communique of the world’s financial leaders meeting in China this weekend to include an endorsement of the current government after the failed coup attempt last week, but did not succeed, G20 officials said.
Turkey’s Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek, attending the meeting, denied Ankara had sought such a reference, tweeting: “We have no such initiative.”
But European Commissioner for Economic Affairs confirmed on Sunday that Turkey had sought such a mention.
“It is true that Turkey wanted a line on that, that was debated in the drafting sessions but the minister, after talking to a few of us, estimated that it was wiser not to raise this issue in the G20 session itself. That was wise,” Moscovici told a news conference.
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-g20-china-turkey-idUSKCN1030FZ
Turkey Wants Pakistan to Close Down institutions, Businesses Linked to Gulen
Pakistan is under renewed pressure from Turkish authorities to shut down educational institutions in the country and other business concerns run by Fethullah Gulen, the alleged mastermind of last week’s failed coup plot in Turkey.
Officials in Islamabad revealed Saturday they have been “for sometime examining options” for administrative actions against the Gulen-linked educational group.
But Ankara has apparently stepped up the pressure since the abortive coup.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has blamed followers of the U.S.-based cleric for the rebellion and has demanded for his extradition, though Gulen has denied his involvement and Washington has asked for evidence.
“Turkey is a friendly country and we should accommodate their concerns within the ambit of law and propriety,” a senior Pakistani foreign ministry official told VOA on condition of anonymity when asked whether Islamabad is considering Turkish demands.
http://www.voanews.com/content/turkey-pakistan-schools-gulen/3431742.html
Athens aims for delicate balance in Turkey ties
The government is keeping a low profile as it braces for what it expects to be a rough ride ahead in Greek-Turkish relations, given the asylum application of eight soldiers that Ankara wants extradited to Turkey to stand trial as “traitors.”
With analysts predicting the possibility of a spillover in the punitive aftermath of the neighboring country’s failed coup, the Greek government is trying to strike a delicate balance between Turkish demands and the international legal rights of the soldiers, whose lawyers say run the risk of being tortured or killed if they are extradited.
Matters could be further complicated if Turkey reinstates the death penalty.
http://www.ekathimerini.com/210705/article/ekathimerini/news/athens-aims-for-delicate-balance-in-turkey-ties
Turkey’s Akfen eyes 1,000 MW renewable capacity with EBRD, IFC support
Akfen Holding, a Turkish infrastructure group, is set to increase its renewable energy portfolio to 1,000 megawatts (MW) with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, according to a press release by the company on July 24.
The two international financial institutions each acquired a 16.67-percent stake in Akfen’s recently established subsidiary, Akfen Renewable Energy.
Their capital injection of $200 million will help the company become one of the largest producers of renewable energy in Turkey, the statement read.
Akfen’s current portfolio of renewable projects, including operational hydro and solar power plants and several wind, solar and hydro projects under development, has a total operational capacity of 210 MW.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkeys-akfen-eyes-1000-mw-renewable-capacity-with-ebrd-ifc-support-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102008&NewsCatID=345
Turkey to shut down all Gülen-linked companies
Turkey will investigate and shut down all companies linked to the supporters of U.S.-based Islamic scholar Fethullah Gülen, who is accused of attempting to overthrow the government and being behind the failed July 15 military coup attempt, Customs and Trade Minister Bülent Tüfenkci said on July 24.
“Companies that sponsor the Fethullah Terrorist Organization [FETÖ] and provide financial resources to it will be identified one by one. Investigations will be opened into them and they will be closed, or necessary procedures will be applied against them,” Tüfenkci added.
His comments come after the government shut down more than 2,000 Gülen-linked institutions across Turkey following the deadly July 15 coup attempt.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-to-shut-down-all-gulen-linked-companies–.aspx?pageID=238&nID=102009&NewsCatID=341
This is a news-scan from major Turkish papers and internet sites. However, we do not verify above stories neither do we vouch for their accuracy.
23.07.2016
compiled by Editor BTT
