Erdogan: Biden Meeting to Mark New Era for Relations, Mafia Boss Threatens to Spill More Beans

LOCAL NEWS

• Erdogan says meeting with Biden on the sidelines of NATO (14 June) will mark a new era in relations with Washington.
  • Praising the US-Turkey alliance for overcoming differences, Erdogan stressed Ankara's care for "long-standing, rooted and multi-dimensional alliance."
  • Also noted scope for cooperation on terrorism, energy and trade/investment following his call with US businesses – vowing to improve/simplify incentive structures for investors
• Turkish mafia Boss Sedat Peker declared all out war on Turkey, accusing govt of being dishonourable and threatening to spill more government secrets after Erdogan gave support to Interior Minister Soylu amid allegations of cooperation with the mafia
• Southern Cyprus leader Nicos Anastasiades says he is ready to veto the EU's plans for a positive agenda with Turkey – pointing to Turkey's East Med drilling says Turkey is trying to turn norther Cyprus into a puppet state.
  • Turkish Cypriot leader slammed these remarks, saying they will not submit to blackmail, threats and will continue to pursue a two-state solution.
  • Notes a partial reopening of Maras and work related to gas reserves in the East Med will continue
• Experts voice concerns about vaccine hesitancy in Istanbul saying 170,000 vaccination appointments are open every day but only 20-30k arrive at their appointments.
  • Health officials say the age limit on vaccinations should be lowered rapidly to increase vaccination rates