Opposition MP Urges AKP to Reconsider $20bn Russian Nuclear Plant

LOCAL NEWS

• Opposition MP urges Turkey to reconsider the country’s first nuclear power plant ($20bn), citing its 51% ownership and operation by Russia’s state owned Rosatom. Says Ankara should cut ties to the plant, which is currently under construction and due to be completed by 2023 – Ahval
• Turkey & US set to activate ‘strategic dialogue mechanism’ aiming to deepen ties between the nations at a meeting on 05 March.
  • Statement showed, that although some differences exist, the US has a larger positive agenda with Ankara – including trade and military considerations. Turkey also reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and called on both parties to achieve a peaceful solution in a weekend Erdogan -Putin call – Hurriyet Daily, Millyet
• Israeli official say they’re on the lookout for public traps in President Herzog’s visit to Ankara on Wednesday this week as Turkey seeks to patch ties in the region.
  • Differences remain over Turkey’s support of Hamas and Israel’s treatment of Palestinians, which make for a difficult effort to restart relations, but Turkey’s current BOP difficulties necessitate an improvement in the regional investment climate and may trump prior disagreements
• FinMin Nebati says Inflation is expected to remain high through 2022 due to cost pressures, the lagged effect of the exchange rate and the effects of global energy prices. “However, inflation is expected to enter a permanent downward trend by the end of the year.”
• Local Analyst says in a Cold War scenario, Turkey should begin to pivot back towards the West over intensifying relation with Russia. However, Turkish will fall just short of returning to the club of democracies, but make small baby steps that will be looked upon favourably by the West, such as re-opening negotiations over the Russian S-400 missile system or releasing political prisoners – Ahval

Data:

• 1430GMT: Feb Cash budget balance, -37.8bn prior