Erdogan Defends Threats to The West, UK & Greece Sign Defence Pact

LOCAL NEWS

• Yesterday, Erdogan stepped back from a diplomatic crisis with the West – rescinding expulsion threats on 10 envoys after Western nations said they would comply with the Vienna conventions.
  • Erdogan later stood by his actions, claiming words from the West were both slanderous and amounted to threats to Turkish sovereignty & Judiciary and he was required to respond in turn.
  • "Anyone who does not respect the the independence of our country and the sensitivities of our nation, no matter what his title is, cannot be accommodated in this country."
• In response, US' Ned Price said Turkey's actions had been noted and that "The Biden administration seeks cooperation with Turkey on common priorities and, as with any NATO ally, we will continue to engage in dialogue to address any disagreements.
  • We believe the best way forward is through cooperation on issues of mutual interest and we know that we have many issues of mutual interest with Turkey."
• UK signs defence deal with Greece, drafting a new framework for to boost trade, security & digital cooperation.
  • The UK joins the US, UAE, France & Egypt who have all signed agreements with Greece while tensions with Turkey in the East Med continue to brew and both sides look to accrue arms
• HDP says it plans to continue activities in four leftist parties in case it is shut down on terror charges in its case at the start of November.
  • The Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP), Green Left Party (YSGP) & Socialist Party of the Oppressed (ESP) are among those chosen