Author: hurriyetdailynews.com

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef: UNESCO Urges Urgent Action In a recent report, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has called on Australia to take immediate action to protect the Great Barrier Reef, emphasizing the need for stronger climate targets. While the reef was not recommended to be placed on the endangered heritage sites list, UNESCO stressed that urgent and sustained action is crucial for its preservation. Australia’s Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek, hailed the decision as a “huge win,” highlighting the country’s efforts to combat climate change, improve water quality, and protect marine…

Enhancing Border Security: Iraq’s Plan with Türkiye and Iran The Iraqi Interior Ministry has revealed an ambitious eight-phase plan to strengthen border security with Türkiye and Iran. Specifically, Iraq aims to secure its 1,493-kilometer border with Iran and its 362-kilometer border with Türkiye. With a focus on combating threats from groups like the PKK, Iraq has already started enhancing security measures in key areas like the Khanaqin district. Recent meetings between foreign and defense ministers from both countries have led to the banning of the PKK within Iraqi borders. To achieve these goals, a joint coordination center will be established…

The AKP Shuffles Provincial Heads Post Executive Meeting The ruling AKP has announced new provincial heads for seven cities following a five-hour executive committee meeting. The changes come after the party’s lower-than-expected performance in the March 31 local elections. President Erdogan chaired the meeting of the Central Executive Committee (MYK) to review the election results and discuss new strategies. The appointment of new provincial heads is seen as a step towards reorganizing the party structure. In a move towards political normalization, the AKP met with a CHP delegation to discuss economic proposals, including adjustments to the minimum wage and pension…

The Risks of Global Conflict: Türkiye’s Warning ANKARA In a stark warning, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has cautioned that ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza could escalate into a regional and global war if not addressed immediately. Urging the international community to prioritize a ceasefire in both conflict zones, Fidan emphasized the need for peace and stability in the region. During a joint press conference with Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky, Fidan highlighted the importance of ending wars and promoting peace globally. Türkiye reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, condemning Russia’s occupation and the risks of further escalation.…

CHP to Hold Massive Rally Against Economic Troubles The main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel has announced a massive rally to be held next weekend in Gebze province of Kocaeli, calling for an increase in minimum wages and pensions. The rally aims to put pressure on the government to address economic issues and provide relief to those struggling financially. Özel criticized the government’s economic policies for not updating minimum wage and pensions despite soaring inflation. He highlighted the need for a fairer tax system, stating that currently, workers and factory owners are paying almost the same tax…

Tragic Road Accidents During Eid Holiday Claim 72 Lives in Turkey The recent Eid al-Fitr holiday in Turkey took a devastating turn as 72 people lost their lives in thousands of traffic accidents. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya shared the grim statistics, revealing that over 7,000 traffic incidents occurred during the nine-day holiday period. These accidents also left 12,000 people injured. Moreover, the minister disclosed that out of the 47,776 buses inspected, 215 were involved in accidents, resulting in one fatality. Additionally, punitive actions were taken against 7,485 buses. The extended holiday period, which saw over 10 million people traveling to…

The Iranian Supreme Leader Urges Maximum Voter Turnout for Presidential Election The Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has called for “maximum” voter turnout in the upcoming presidential election to overcome external challenges and denounced politicians who prioritize relations with the U.S. over national interests. Khamenei’s remarks, while not directly naming any candidates, are seen as a rebuke to reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, who advocates for rejoining the 2015 nuclear deal and improving ties with the West. Khamenei emphasized the importance of candidates loyal to the Islamic system and warned against those aligned with foreign powers. The election, scheduled for…

MHP Supports Government’s Efforts on Tax Justice The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair, Devlet Bahçeli, has expressed his party’s backing for the government’s initiatives towards establishing a more equitable tax system by increasing direct taxes. In his address to the parliamentary group, Bahçeli praised the government’s efforts on tax justice and emphasized the significance of enhancing direct taxes in tax revenues to promote social and economic fairness within the nation. While the specifics of the proposed amendment remain undisclosed to the public, the government aims to finalize and pass it into legislation shortly, expected to be presented to parliament before…

Tragedy Strikes: 10 Relatives of Hamas Chief Killed in Israeli Strike The Gaza civil defense agency reported a devastating event as an Israeli air strike claimed the lives of 10 family members of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, with his sister among the casualties. The Israeli military has not yet confirmed this attack. This tragic incident comes after Haniyeh suffered another loss on April 10 when three of his sons were killed in a similar strike. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza escalated following attacks by Hamas, resulting in civilian casualties on both sides. Hostages were taken, and some are…

ISTANBUL: RENT INCREASES IN TURKIYE Turkiye has seen the highest annual increase in rent prices among European Union members and EU candidate countries, with a staggering 125.1 percent surge between May 2023 and May 2024. Despite the government’s previous cap on rent hikes, experts are now anticipating disputes between landlords and tenants as the cap expires on July 2. Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek has hinted that the rent hike cap will not be renewed beyond July, leading to uncertainty in the rental market. However, a recent report by the Bahçeşehir University’s BETAM revealed a decline in rental prices across Turkiye…