Politics
Erdoğan, Macron agree Iran cease-fire must include Lebanon
French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said he spoke to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan over the phone and discussed the Middle East situation and the Ukraine war with him.
“We initially discussed the situation in the Middle East, and called for all parties to respect the cease-fire and to make sure this applies to Lebanon, and for all parties to respect the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz, and we highlighted the importance of getting a strong and lasting diplomatic solution,” wrote Macron on X.
Erdoğan and Macron discussed bilateral relations, as well, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate confirmed the phone call in a statement.
The leaders reviewed bilateral ties, with Erdoğan stating that advancing cooperation “in all areas, especially in the defense industry,” would be beneficial for both countries, the directorate said.
Erdoğan told Macron the process triggered by attacks on Iran has negatively affected the global environment, adding that diplomatic efforts supported by Türkiye and other countries have played “an important role” in achieving a ceasefire.
He stressed the need to protect the truce, warning that initiatives which could “sabotage the ceasefire process” must not be allowed, particularly in reference to attacks on Lebanon.
Erdoğan said Ankara will continue contributing to efforts aimed at maintaining stability.
He also emphasized the importance of launching the second phase of the Gaza peace plan, stating that the momentum achieved “should not be lost.”
The leaders further discussed ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz “on the basis of international law,” along with developments in Syria, support for peace in the Caucasus, and efforts to revive negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for lasting peace.
Two suspects testifying at an investigation into the Üsküdar municipality of Istanbul run by the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) detailed how they paid off municipal bureaucrats in exchange of permits.
The deputy mayor of the Istanbul district and 20 others were detained earlier this week in a corruption probe against the municipality. Deputy Mayor Filiz Deveci and eight others were remanded in custody, while 10 others were released with judiciary control and another one was released.
A report published by the Sabah newspaper on Sunday disclosed how municipal officials thrived on bribes. The report is based on testimonies of those who bribed the officials. A broader investigation focuses on statements of witnesses and the transactions between suspects, including construction companies that reportedly bribed officials to secure permits for new buildings.
Yılmaz Kozan, a contractor who was among the detained, agreed to collaborate with authorities. Kozan told investigators that he was reluctant to bribe but Alperen Uçar, a municipal official in charge of issuing building licenses, threatened them. “(Municipal officials) told me that they needed $10,000 for legal fees of the municipality and needs of the personal aide of Mayor Sinem Dedetaş. I paid it and they issued me a building permit,” he said. Kozan said he also wired TL 250,000 to the account of a sports subsidiary of the municipality as part of the bribe.
Ceyhan Han, who acted as a middleman between companies and the municipalities, confessed he personally handed over foreign currency worth TL 1 million to Uçar in the latter’s office. He said Uçar did not have the final say in bribes and his superior was Nazım Akkoyunlu, another suspect who served as head of a subsidiary of the Üsküdar municipality. “His approval is needed first. Then, they ask payments piece by piece and ultimately, they transfer the money to Akkoyunlu,” he claimed.
A statement by the Chief Prosecutor’s Office said Akkoyunlu, director of the municipality’s subsidiary Kent A.Ş., was assigned as “deputy mayor” at the municipality, though he was not the official deputy. The statement said the subsidiary acted as a front company for “illegal revenues” collected from contractors seeking building permits from the municipality. Akkoyunlu and other suspects from Kent A.Ş. are also accused of acting like members of the municipal department in charge of issuing building permits, greenlighting or rejecting permits, though they were not authorized.
Prosecutors say the suspects set up a secret database and assigned colors to contractors, determining how much they were supposed to pay. They also held meetings with Deveci to decide on the amount of (bribes) to be asked from contractors in exchange for permits.
More than 20 mayors governing CHP municipalities were detained or arrested in the past two years on charges of corruption, along with dozens of municipal bureaucrats. The CHP won the municipal elections in Üsküdar for the first time in more than two decades in 2024.
By-election debate
The CHP claims the charges against its mayors are politically motivated and has long campaigned for an early election. When this campaign had limited support, it has now turned its focus to a “by-election” to fill the vacant seats in Parliament. The party’s leader, Özgür Özel, launched a tour of opposition politicians for support of the by-election. The CHP believes this may force the government to reschedule the general election as well, though President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has flatly rejected any plans for an election of any kind earlier than the scheduled 2028 vote.
Özel on Sunday visited the far-right Victory Party (ZP) led by Ümit Özdağ, a politician who sought ministerial posts from former CHP chair and 2023 presidential candidate Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu in exchange for supporting him. Özdağ expressed his support to the CHP’s by-election campaign, joining a growing chorus of the opposition politicians aligning with the main opposition. However, so far, this does not necessarily translate into a broader opposition alliance in case of any early election or the 2028 elections. Özdağ notoriously withdrew his support for Kılıçdaroğlu when their negotiations collapsed and instead, joined another opposition alliance against incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, only to see its candidate withdraw from the race early.
Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz on Thursday accused Greek Cypriot authorities of lacking sincerity in efforts to reach a settlement on the island, saying their approach shows no willingness to share political power or prosperity with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).
Yılmaz made the remarks in Ankara alongside TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel during a signing ceremony for the 2026 Türkiye-TRNC Economic and Financial Cooperation Agreement.
“We see that the mentality that has been trying to intimidate the Turkish Cypriot people with inhumane embargoes for decades is now confronting us in different and hostile ways,” Yılmaz told reporters, arguing that Greek Cypriot leaders “are not sincere about a solution.”
Cyprus has been split since 1974 when a Greek Cypriot coup aimed at Greece’s annexation of the island led to Türkiye’s military intervention as a guarantor power to protect Turkish Cypriots from persecution and violence. The TRNC was founded in 1983 and is recognized only by Türkiye. The Greek Cypriot administration, widely recognized internationally, has long supported a bi-communal federation model, while the Turkish Cypriot side has increasingly emphasized full sovereignty for the TRNC. United Nations-led talks over decades have so far failed to produce a comprehensive settlement.
Yılmaz claimed Greek Cypriots continue to reject equal political partnership, saying they view Turkish Cypriots as a minority rather than coequal stakeholders on the island. “They have never wanted, and do not want, to share political power and prosperity on an equal basis,” he said.
Yılmaz said Ankara supports a two-state framework as the only viable path to a lasting settlement, adding that proposals that do not reflect the sovereign equality of both sides cannot succeed. He also said cooperation between the two communities remains possible in areas that benefit the entire island, but insisted political realities must be acknowledged.
“No one can produce any solution by closing their eyes to the realities on the island,” he said.
He further warned that rising geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean are increasing risks for the island, pointing to wider global conflicts and regional rivalries that are reshaping security dynamics.
Security concerns in the region have also intensified following recent spillover effects from broader Middle Eastern conflicts. The island was indirectly affected after an Iranian-made drone struck a British military facility in Cyprus last month amid retaliatory exchanges involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Following the incident, Türkiye deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the TRNC as part of what officials said was a phased plan to strengthen security. Ankara has also increased its naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Üstel used his remarks to sharply criticize the Greek Cypriot administration, saying regional developments have turned the island into a front line of wider conflict. “Today, warships, aircraft, and weapons from seven countries are deployed in the south of Cyprus,” he said, adding that the island has “virtually become part of the war” due to Greek Cypriot policies.
He said instability has made Turkish Cypriot security more dependent on Türkiye, stating, “If we are living in peace while we are surrounded by fires on all sides, it is thanks to Türkiye.” He added, “It should be known that we will never give up on our security and guarantees.”
Tensions have also risen over continued Western military use of facilities in southern Cyprus, including the Royal Air Force base at RAF Akrotiri, which has played a key logistical role in Middle East operations.
Üstel also accused Greek Cypriot authorities of drawing the island into broader geopolitical rivalries through expanding military cooperation with Western partners and unilateral defense moves. He said such policies undermine stability and reinforce the need for a two-state framework.
Israel killed 254 people in Lebanon on the same day a cease-fire was declared, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Friday, criticizing it for continuing attacks on civilians and disregarding international law.
Speaking in Istanbul after hosting participants of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Women’s Wing meeting, Erdoğan said Israeli attacks in Lebanon have continued despite the cease-fire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.
He said Israeli strikes targeting civilian areas since March 2 have displaced around 1.2 million people in Lebanon, while more than 1,500 people have been killed and 4,700 injured. Erdoğan emphasized that 254 people were killed on the very day the cease-fire was announced, describing the attacks as a clear violation of humanitarian principles.
The Turkish president said women and children have been disproportionately affected by ongoing conflicts across the Middle East, pointing to Gaza, where he said the majority of more than 72,000 civilians killed by Israel were women and children.
He also referenced regional instability, including the war in Syria and recent attacks in Iran, saying civilians, particularly women and children, continue to pay the highest price in conflicts across the region.
Erdoğan strongly criticized Israel’s policies, describing them as discriminatory and in violation of international law, and likened recent decisions to institutionalized forms of injustice. He called for global awareness and solidarity, stressing that the international community must take a clearer stance against actions targeting civilians.
Erdoğan’s remarks come amid growing criticism of recent Israeli decisions, including proposals to impose the death penalty specifically on Palestinian prisoners and the approval of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, moves widely viewed as violations of international law and further setbacks to peace efforts.
He added that Türkiye will continue to speak out on such issues and advocate for justice on international platforms, expressing confidence that stronger collective action, particularly led by women, could help bring an end to ongoing suffering and conflict.
Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen underscored Türkiye’s strategic importance within NATO, highlighting its crucial role in both regional security and alliance cohesion ahead of the bloc’s next summit, expected to be held in Ankara.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Berendsen emphasized that NATO faces a range of security challenges across its territory, not limited to the east. Türkiye’s role on the alliance’s southern flank, particularly in counterterrorism efforts, remains critical, he said.
“Türkiye plays a very important role in NATO’s southern flank, especially in the fight against terrorism,” Berendsen added, underlining that these contributions should be part of discussions at the upcoming summit.
He noted that the alliance’s most recent summit took place in The Hague and that the next gathering is planned for the Turkish capital, a move he said reflects Ankara’s growing significance within the alliance.
“The next NATO summit will be about demonstrating unity,” Berendsen said, adding that European members must also address burden-sharing within the alliance.
He emphasized the need to strengthen what he described as a “robust European pillar” in NATO, with both the Netherlands and Türkiye playing key roles.
Berendsen described Türkiye as a strategic and strong regional power, stressing that its contributions are solid, valuable and significant to NATO’s overall effectiveness.
He also pointed to the importance of unity within the alliance, saying NATO’s strength ultimately derives from cohesion among its members. Reflecting on the 2025 summit, Berendsen said defense spending had been a central issue, alongside concerns over what he called the “Russian threat” on NATO’s eastern flank.
His remarks come at a time when NATO members are seeking to balance multiple security priorities, from deterring Russia in Eastern Europe to addressing instability and security risks in the Middle East and beyond.
As preparations continue for the Ankara summit, alliance members are expected to focus on reinforcing unity, increasing defense commitments and ensuring a coordinated response to evolving global threats.
Turkish, Dutch economic ties
The Dutch official also highlighted the strength of economic relations between the Netherlands and Türkiye, noting that the Netherlands remains the largest foreign investor in Türkiye.
Berendsen said there are significant business opportunities for both countries, adding that highly skilled professionals from the Netherlands and Türkiye are actively working in each other’s companies.
He stressed that bilateral ties extend beyond centuries-old diplomatic relations, pointing to the role of the Turkish-Dutch community in strengthening connections between the two nations.
Berendsen described Turkish-Dutch citizens living in the Netherlands as respected, hardworking and talented individuals, saying their contributions continue to reinforce economic and social ties between the two countries.
On the other hand, on Thursday Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Berendsen met in Ankara, according to official sources.
Berendsen’s visit marked his first trip to Türkiye since taking office.
The meeting was held at the Turkish Foreign Ministry and took place behind closed doors, with no immediate details released on the agenda or outcomes.
The talks come amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two NATO allies, which maintain close cooperation in areas including security, trade and regional stability.
According to the Foreign Ministry sources, the two sides discussed sustaining work to increase bilateral trade volume to $20 billion (TL 893.62 billion).
In 2025, the trade volume was $13.3 billion. The Netherlands ranks first among countries with direct investment in Türkiye, which reached to $33 billion in 2025. Türkiye’s direct investment in the Netherlands exceeded $21 billion. Two countries have a Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), which held its last meeting in Istanbul in January 2025.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas held a phone call to review the latest developments surrounding the ongoing two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, diplomatic sources said Friday.
According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, Fidan and Kallas spoke on the latest situation under the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.
The two officials also exchanged views on the broader global implications of the temporary truce, the sources said.
The U.S. and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, brokered by Pakistan, as a step toward a possible broader agreement to halt the conflict on Iran the U.S. and Israel launched on Feb. 28 that has left thousands dead and wounded.
The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office has completed an indictment against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 34 other officials, accusing them of crimes including genocide, crimes against humanity and torture over a raid on the Gaza-bound Sumud aid flotilla.
Turkish Prosecutors named Netanyahu and 34 other senior political and military figures as suspects for committing genocide, crimes against humanity, torture, looting and unlawful detention.
The case, initiated during the tenure of Justice Minister Akın Gürlek as Istanbul chief prosecutor, has now moved into the judicial phase following the acceptance of the indictment.
According to the prosecution, the operation against the Sumud Flotilla was not an isolated action but a “planned, organized and joint act” carried out at the highest levels of the Israeli state.
The flotilla, described as an international civilian initiative, was transporting humanitarian aid to Gaza when it was intercepted by Israeli forces. Armed personnel boarded the vessels, forcibly stopped their movement and detained civilians on board.
Victims were reportedly taken to Israel, held for a period of time and later deported. Testimonies included in the indictment describe physical violence, degrading treatment and prolonged coercion.
Prosecutors said the acts were systematic, pointing to injuries including fractures and concluding that the treatment amounted to torture under Turkish law.
The indictment also details the seizure of humanitarian aid supplies and personal belongings, which were allegedly taken by force by Israel and not returned, forming the basis for aggravated looting charges. Damage to ship equipment was also cited.
Crucially, prosecutors linked the flotilla raid to broader genocide in Gaza, arguing it forms part of a wider pattern of actions targeting civilians, including deprivation of basic needs and forced displacement.
On that basis, the suspects are charged not only with individual offenses but also under provisions related to crimes against humanity and genocide.
The prosecution emphasized Türkiye’s responsibility to investigate violations of fundamental rights regardless of where they occur, especially when its citizens are affected.
Given that the suspects are abroad, prosecutors requested that the trial proceed under fugitive procedures, allowing the case to move forward in their absence.
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