Defense Min Denies Use of Chemical Weapons in Syria, F-16 Talks Deemed 'Positive'

LOCAL NEWS

• Defense Min Akar denies Turkish use of chemical weapons against Kurdish PKK & YPG fighters, saying the military does not have such weapons in its inventory.
  • Akar also addressed criticism from lawmakers that it had not used the $2.5bn S-400 system. Here, Akar said that the S-400s met Turkey's needs but fell short of saying whether the system had been used or not
• Turkey Defense Committee says talks on F-16s in Washington were positive, with the next round of talks planned to be held in Turkey
• MHP leader Bahceli denies rumours of cracks within the ruling People's Alliance that were caused by his own remarks claiming that the MHP was actually an opposition party, despite its links with the AKP.
  • Bahceli quickly backtracked these comments yesterday, saying there is no rift in the party. Also notes that the 50+1 election rule debate was unnecessary and that the rule would ensure legitimacy and democracy
• Turkish Pharmacists association urges Govt to drop its drug pricing policies as the sharp depreciation of the lira leaves them unable to supply medicine at the state fixed price of 4.57 vs the current spot EUR/TRY rate of ~11.78. The association warns of an impending drug shortage in Turkey