Israel is “a logical, strategic link” and Israeli port facilities will allow DP World to link its ports in Europe to the Middle East, said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, speaking at the inaugural UAE-Israel Future Digital Economy Summit as part of the 2020 Gitex Technology Week at the Dubai World Trade Center.

Bin Sulayem said the initial trade volume between Israel and the United Arab Emirates could reach $5 billion.

DP World is a multinational logistics company that operates facilities and shipment services around the world, including ports in Europe and the UK.

In September, it signed a cooperation agreement with the Israeli group Dovertower on shipping activities between Dubai and Israel's Red Sea port of Eilat in addition to submitting a joint bid on the privatization of Israel’s Haifa Port with Israel Shipyards Ltd.

Following the signing of the normalization deal between the UAE and Israel, dozens of agreements were signed by the two countries in various fields.

On Sept. 15 this year, the UAE and Bahrain signed separate agreements for full normalization of relations with Israel in a move that sparked anger among Palestinians, who say the accords ignore their rights and do not serve the Palestinian cause.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara

Mass evacuation in Vietnam

Vietnam is evacuating 80,000 people, mostly local tourists, from the central city of Danang after three residents tested positive for the coronavirus at the weekend, the government said on Monday. The evacuation will take at least four days with domestic airlines operating approximately 100 flights daily from Danang to 11 Vietnamese cities, the government said in a statement.

The Southeast Asian country was back on high alert after the government on Saturday confirmed its first community infections since April, and another three cases on Sunday, all in the tourism hotspot of Danang.

“Four years ago an attempted military coup perpetrated by FETO terrorist organization was stopped by the Turkish nation. Turkish people united against the traitors and protected their democracy. Turkish people’s #VictoryofDemocracy,” read a tweet by the ministry along with the video.

The video revolves around a young Turkish pupil studying abroad, who delivers a powerful response to his professor’s remarks on coup attempts around the world.

The professor says: “According to an article, there have been 236 successful military coup attempts since 1950. In not one, did the unarmed public who were facing an asymmetric power imbalance, demonstrate a simultaneous civil act of will against the armed forces.”

“Unfortunately, there has been no attempted coup in world history resisted and stopped solely by the nation itself.”

The student challenges the teacher’s assertion with a simple sentence: “Until the 15th of July 2016.”

“That night, the Turkish nation, old and young alike, were all united for democracy and the future of their country. They put their lives on the line, made history, and stopped the dark coup attempt,” he continued.

“The Turkish nation made history that night. This is a milestone in the history of coups, and for democracy.”

Turkey marks July 15 as Democracy and National Unity Day with events nationwide to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.

A number of structures and public spaces were renamed in the immediate aftermath of the coup bid, most notably Istanbul’s Bosphorus Bridge becoming the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

Prosecutors in the capital Ankara demanded the arrest of 60 FETO suspects who were accused of having leaked the questions of civil service recruitment exam, also known as KPSS, in 2011, which they used to infiltrate into state institutions, said the chief prosecutor's office in a statement.

With arrest warrants issued, police conducted simultaneous raids across 30 provinces and arrested 35 suspects, the statement noted.

A hunt for the remaining suspects is underway.

FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.

"Attempted attacks on web pages of the airport were detected in preparatory phases," the airport's spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. "That prevented their spreading and all further phases that could have followed and potentially harm the company."

Several hospitals in the Czech Republic reported attempted attacks on their computer systems on Friday, but said the attacks were successfully blocked.

The Czech cyber-security watchdog NUKIB said on Thursday that it expected attacks aimed at damaging or completely disabling computers and computer systems in the coming days.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Friday the United States was concerned by the threat of a cyber attack against the Czech Republic's healthcare sector, adding that anybody engaged in such activity should "expect consequences."

A Czech official speaking on condition of anonymity said it was not proven who was responsible for the activity the cyber-security watchdog had identified but it was thought to be the work of a "serious and advanced adversary."

Czech Foreign Minister Tomas Petricek said on Saturday the attacks were "extremely ruthless" during the coronavirus pandemic.

"I do hope that our experts will find out who is interested in Czech Republic losing to this disease," he said on Twitter.

The number of overall coronavirus cases rose to 191,726 on Saturday from 188,068 on Friday, it added.

"I will be as Jamal Khashoggi was, loyal to God, then to my country and its leadership,” Salah Khashoggi said on Twitter after highlighting his utmost confidence in the Kingdom’s system to bring the perpetrators of his father’s murder to justice.

“A year has gone since the death of my beloved father. During this time, several enemies of my country in the east and the west tried to exploit his cause to attack my homeland and leader," the late journalist's eldest son said on Twitter, adding that he will not allow his memory to be undermined.

Khashoggi was brutally murdered inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of his whereabouts after he went missing but later attempted to blame his death on a team of rogue operatives carrying out a botched rendition operation and put 11 men on trial.

According to reports by the UN and other independent organizations, he was murdered and dismembered. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accepted responsibility for the killing, but denied ordering Khashoggi’s murder.

The killing has sparked international outcry with the UN calling for an investigation into the role of bin Salman in carrying out the operation. Khashoggi’s remains have not yet been found.

Turkey's state-owned Anadolu news agency reported the call on Wednesday, saying the two leaders agreed to cooperate to protect civilians in the Idlib region.

"We are not seeing this," Engie CEO Isabelle Kocher told BFM Business TV on Wednesday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and French President Emmanuel Macron have been embroiled in a deeply personal and public war of words in recent days, following criticism of Bolsonaro over wildfires in the Amazon.

"SHOCKING"

"It is very, very shocking, when it is about a very close ally and a good friend," Soren Espersen, the foreign affairs spokesman for the hard right Danish People's Party, told Danish news agency Ritzau.

He described Trump's cancellation as an offence to Queen Margrethe, Denmark's head of state, and that he did not expect another visit by the U.S. president would happen.

Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were formally invited to Denmark by Queen Margrethe in July.

"It shows why we now more than ever should consider (fellow) European Union countries as our closest allies. The man is unpredictable," said Morten Ostergaard, leader of the Danish Social Liberal Party. "Reality surpasses imagination."

Trump, whose "America First" policies have resulted in strained relations with the EU over trade and other issues, said on Sunday that a U.S. purchase of Greenland would be "a large real estate deal", though not an immediate priority.

"Denmark is a very special country with incredible people, but based on Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen's comments, that she would have no interest in discussing the purchase of Greenland, I will be postponing our meeting scheduled in two weeks for another time," Trump tweeted on Tuesday.

Greenland, which is gaining attention from world powers including China, Russia and the United States due to its strategic location and mineral resources, is self-governing but depends on Denmark for economic support.

Aaja Chemnitz Larsen, a lawmaker from Greenland's opposition party Inuit Ataqatigiit party, said she was not surprised at the cancellation but it underlined the territory's importance.

"The U.S. is an interesting ally for Greenland, but we also wish for Greenland to remain in the union we have today," she told Reuters.

"Stop killing civilians by the occupation" reads one of the banners held by participants in the rally held at the Erez crossing in the northern Gaza Strip.

"We call on the international community to shoulder their moral and legal responsibility and intervene to end the siege," Faten Lulu, a lawyer with "Lawyers Against Blockade Association, a Gaza-based NGO that organized the rally, told Anadolu Agency.

"We also call for piling pressure on Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying power under international law," she said, going on to call on the UN to "bring Israel to accountability over its crimes against civilians in the Palestinian territories".

Israel has imposed a crippling blockade on the Gaza Strip in 2007 after Palestinian group Hamas seized control of the strip from its rival group Fatah, badly affecting livelihood in the Palestinian enclave.

Palestinians have been staging weekly protests near Gaza border to demand an end to the Israeli siege on the strip that deprived its two million inhabitants of many basic amenities.

Since the Gaza rallies began last year, nearly 270 protesters have been martyred -- and thousands more wounded -- by Israeli troops deployed near the buffer zone.

The terrorist, listed in the grey category of the Interior Ministry's most wanted list , was sought with a 300,000 Turkish lira (around $53,000) bounty on his head.

The list is divided into five color-coded categories, with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and gray.

Turkey has long been conducting operations against the PKK terror group in the region.

The orchestra performed Beethoven’s 8th Symphony, Rachmaninoff's 2nd Piano Concerto, Carl Maria Von Weber's Der Freischutz, and Fusun Koksal's Silent Echoes at the Konzerthaus hall.

Famed Turkish conductor Cem Mansur led the orchestra during the performance for the Young Euro Classic festival.

Impressed by its performance, the audience gave the orchestra a standing ovation.

The Young Euro Classics festival, founded in the year 2000, is one of the world’s most important platforms for international young orchestra musicians in the European classical music tradition.

The festival will last through Aug. 6.

The football clubs which have won the Turkish top-tier Super Lig titles -- Galatasaray, Fenerbahce, Besiktas, Trabzonspor and Bursaspor -- condemned the defeated coup, which was orchestrated by the FETO on July 15, 2016.

Galatasaray said in a Twitter post that it thanked the Turkish people for defending democracy on July 15, 2016 and offered condolences to the families of martyrs and expressed its gratitude to the veterans.

Fenerbahce paid tribute to the Turkish people, who resisted the "treacherous coup attempt", and offered condolences to relatives and families of the martyred people.

The other Istanbul club, Besiktas -- referring to the nation’s resistance against the FETO -- said on social media that the greatest power of Turkey is unity, solidarity and brotherhood.

It also offered condolences to the martyrs.

Visit Turkey's first digital library of the July 15 coup attempt

The other football team from the country's Black Sea region, Trabzonspor thanked Turkish heroes for avoiding the "treacherous" coup attempt.

Trabzonspor put the photo of a national hero named Omer Halisdemir on Twitter, a senior staff sergeant, who was martyred on the night of the 2016 coup attempt.

Halisdemir prevented the capture of the headquarters of the Special Forces Command in capital Ankara, an action considered by many as one of the major reasons for the failure of the attempt that martyred 251 people and injured nearly 2,200 in less than 12 hours.

Video: Erdoğan recites holy Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup attempt

Bursaspor expressed its gratitude to the people, who made history by defending democracy in Turkey. It also offered condolences and wished recovery for the veterans.

In addition to these clubs, Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) condemned the 2016 coup attempt on Twitter.

TFF posted a photo of Halisdemir and the people, who were martyred by FETO terrorists on July 15.

"We won't forget... With respect our martyrs and veterans," TFF said.

Separately, TBF honored the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for Turkey on July 15, the Democracy and National Unity Day.

The TBF President, Hidayet Turkoglu -- a former NBA player -- thanked Turkish people for their determination and unity to defend the Republic of Turkey against the coup plotters on July 15.

"Our people led by our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan showed a unique resistance against the treacherous FETO, who attacked the Republic of Turkey's independence and welfare," Turkoglu said in a Twitter post.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Turks, Kenyans honor martyrs of 2016 failed coup

London event warns of FETO terror threat to democracy

‘The Network’ documentary reveals dark side of FETÖ terror group

Turkish ministers mark defeated 2016 coup attempt

Led by Turkish ambassador to Kenya Ahmet Cemil Miroglu, Kenyans and Turks side by side commemorated the fallen soldiers and unarmed Turkish civilians who died during the attempted putsch.

Students also got a chance to attend a ceremony in honor of Democracy and National Unity Day in Turkey at the Turkish state-run Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) offices.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Miroglu said: "This year, we started our commemoration events by planting trees at the primary school together with our Kenyan friends, Kenyan students."

"Now, we are with the Kenyan press to brief them about what happened three years ago, what we have done and where we have come in our struggle with FETO," he added.

Turkey, Uganda talk handover of FETO terror schools

London event warns of FETO terror threat to democracy

‘The Network’ documentary reveals dark side of FETÖ terror group

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Video: Erdoğan recites holy Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup attempt

Video: Turkey marks third anniversary of deadly coup attempt

“The Ugandan government says the transfer of the establishments should be done within legal means,” Kerem Alp, Turkey’s ambassador to Uganda, told Anadolu Agency on Sunday.

“We told them there is a link between some schools and hospitals operating in Uganda linked to the Fetullah Terrorist Organization [FETO],” he said in Kampala, the capital.

Alp explained that he has held meetings with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, the attorney general, and other officials about the FETO threat.

He said he hopes the Ugandan government will cooperate on the issue so that the schools are transferred into the hands of the Maarif Foundation, a Turkish group created to manage former FETO-run schools.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the failed coup in Turkey of July 15, 2016 which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

FETO has a considerable presence abroad, including private schools and hospitals which serve as a revenue stream for the terror group.

After the defeated coup, Turkey established the Maarif Foundation to assume the administration of overseas schools linked to FETO. It also establishes schools and education centers abroad.

Video: Erdoğan recites holy Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup attempt

Video: Turkey marks third anniversary of deadly coup attempt

The event, organized by the Union of International Democrats, looked back on what happened on July 15, 2016, the perpetrators of the terrorist attack, and the brave people who stood up for Turkey and its democracy. The event exposed FETO’s true intentions and explicitly warned Europe and the world of the dangers of harboring a terrorist group the likes of FETO.

“Three years have passed the since the 15 July coup attempt carried out by the FETO terrorist organization” said Umut Yalcin, the Turkish ambassador to Britain.

The coup attempt was “planned by the FETO terrorist leadership and carried out by members of this heinous organization who infiltrated the army by disobeying the chain of command of the armed forces,” he said.

“This heinous act constitutes the deadliest terrorist attack that Turkey has ever experienced. We have never before witnessed such savagery and treachery in our history as was carried out by the perpetrators of this failed coup attempt,” he added.

Yalcin, who was Foreign Ministry undersecretary during the botched putsch, recalled how he had to explain to his 8-year-old son how the terrorists carrying out this harrowing act were not soldiers and did not represent the Turkish state, but were in fact traitors and enemies of the people.

‘The Network’ documentary reveals dark side of FETÖ terror group

Turkish ministers mark defeated 2016 coup attempt

-Terrorist FETO brainwashing

According to the ambassador, the defeated coup revealed the grave threat and danger posed by the FETO terrorist group to Turkey and its democratic institutions, and so understanding the dark underlying motives of this terrorist movement is essential. Yalcin explained how FETO uses the disguise of a foundation that builds schools and charities to promote and spread its ideology.

By posing as an organization that builds schools, charities, and foundations, FETO was able to brainwash, manipulate, and deceive many of its followers. However, following the defeated coup, it was revealed that these projects were merely a front to strengthen the terrorist group and raise funds to overthrow Turkey’s democratic government.

Zafer Sirakaya, an MP for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party, reviewed Turkey’s historical relationship with six military coups, starting in 1960 with the overthrow and execution of Prime Minister Adnan Menderes to the so-called “post-modern” coup of 1997 that saw the resignation of Prime Minister Necmettin Erbakan, and the most recent attempt in 2016.

“Military coups undermine democratic values and principles, they act as a barrier in the way of a nation’s path to progress and stability, and most importantly they greatly undermine the people’s trust in governmental institutions whose ultimate purpose is to serve those very same people” Sirakaya said.

“In Turkey we have experienced six major coup attempts, with four being successfully carried out. In these cases we see the three main factors of a democratic government; the legislature, judiciary, and executive lose their independence and thus their legitimacy in upholding the freedoms they grant to the people and this is what would’ve occurred had FETO been successful in their attempt,” he added.

-Democracy defeating terror

According to Sirakaya, the 2016 defeated coup strengthened and enhanced Turkish democracy. Turkey’s transition from a parliamentary republic to a presidential republic is one such example, as a presidential republic strengthens the nation’s institutions, provides stability to the legislature and executive, and prevents the government from being weakened, he said.

Sirakaya praised the Turkish government for defeating FETO within Turkey while maintaining its democratic institutions but warned the EU that “FETO exploits European political system to spread terror.”

The event also featured Abdurrahim Boynukalin, the AKP’s U.K. representative, and Enes Babacan, a witness of the resistance to the failed coup attempt.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Video: Erdoğan recites holy Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup attempt

Video: Turkey marks third anniversary of deadly coup attempt

Produced by public broadcaster TRT, the documentary was screened in an event to mark the third anniversary of the coup attempt. The event was organized by Turkey's Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and attended by a number of foreign diplomats and Turkish officials.

Speaking at the opening of the event, Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said FETO group has made fake propaganda about Turkey.

"Their aim is to undermine the facts," Pekcan said.

She also highlighted the sacrifices rendered by people to defend democracy in the country.

"If we can tell these facts to the world as how they were […] we will protect the legacy of those brave people," she added.

The film -- directed by renowned British journalist Andrew Wilson -- analyzes the secret structures of the terrorist organization, its leader Fetullah Gulen and why Turkey is demanding that he be extradited to be held accountable for his role in the coup attempt.

For his part, Ibrahim Eren, director general of TRT recalled the defeated coup attempt saying terror group's "goal was to take control of the homeland and government elected by the people's will."

The documentary will be screened in nine languages in several countries, according to Eren.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup, which martyred 251 people and injured nearly 2,200 others.

Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the legitimate state apparatus, through infiltrations into Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

"Thank you Narendra Modi [Indian Prime Minister] thank you India, for your support and for standing with Israel at the UN," Netanyahu tweeted late on Wednesday.

In a rare move, India voted in favor of an Israeli motion in a UN forum to deny observer status to Shahed, a Palestinian organization based in Lebanon, at the UN last week.

According to Israel’s Foreign Ministry, it had initiated a motion at the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) against a proposal made by Shahed to obtain observer status in the UN.

The motion was approved with a 28-14 vote on June 6.

Shahed works on humanitarian issues. However, Israel recognizes it as a “terrorist organization”.

This was the first time when India, which believed in two-state solution of the Israel-Palestine conflict, voted in favor of Israel.

Besides India, the countries which supported the Israeli motion were the U.S., the U.K., Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Ghana, Norway, Netherlands, South Korea, Ukraine, Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Eswatini, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Luxembourg, Malawai, Malta, Mexico, Paraguay, Philippines, Andora, Togo and Uruguay.

The countries which voted against the motion were Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Sudan, Yemen, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Belarus, Angola, Morocco, China and Russia.

The drills, which started on May 1, are held in accordance with the agreement on military cooperation between the two countries, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a written statement.

The tactical live-fire exercises aim to improve coordination between the two armed forces, by preparing joint headquarters plans, increasing the level of combat readiness of military personnel and developing their skills in conducting joint operations, according to the statement.

The military exercise will end on Friday and is being carried out with troops, armored vehicles, artillery batteries, mortars, combat and transport helicopters , air defense units and anti-aircraft missile units .

Video: Turkey, Azerbaijan hold joint military drill

"We should promote our tourism sector in a proper way, we have to raise tourism revenue per visitor from $670 to $1,000," Ramazan Becer, the head of digital technology and tourism firm CRM Group, told Anadolu Agency.

Turkey can host tourists from high income groups by taking steps in the tourism sector to ensure customer satisfaction, Becer said.

He underlined that the digital transformation of tourism companies would provide better marketing opportunities and more customer satisfaction.

"Thanks to digital technologies, tourism companies can provide more quality services for customers by learning their food, entertainment and accommodation preferences."

Becer said several tourism companies have either no websites or with those failing to meet the requirements of the digital world.

"Tourism firms should have social media accounts, communicate with customers and follow the new technologies," the firm head urged.

He reminded that customers learn every detail via online platforms before their visits.

Besides digital technologies and advertising, Becer said, call centers also bear great importance in the tourism sector.

"The key factor is a synchronized and optimized working for a successful marketing process," he stressed.

Becer said the customer companies' revenue of CRM Group raised at least 25% thanks to digitalization.

Turkey hosted around 39.5 million visitors and earned $29.5 billion revenue last year. The country targeted to host 50 million tourists in 2023.

The TurkStream project is an export gas pipeline consisting of two 930-km (577.8-mile) lines each with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters.

The pipeline is set to cross beneath the Black Sea from Russia to Turkey and also further extend to Turkey's borders with neighboring countries.

TurkStream's first line is intended for gas supplies to Turkish consumers, while the second is to supply gas to south and southeastern Europe.

Russian gas giant Gazprom is exploring different options regarding further transportation of the TurkStream gas to Europe, Putin told Serbia's dailies Politika and Vecernje Novosti prior to his visit to Belgrade.

"One of the options is to transport fuel via Bulgaria, Serbia, and Hungary to the gas hub in Baumgarten, Austria. In this case, Serbia will not only use Russian gas but also facilitate its transit. This will greatly benefit the Serbian economy, help create new jobs and strengthen energy security in your country and, more broadly, in central and southeastern Europe," he said.

A final decision will be made depending on the position of the European Union.

Russia needs guarantees "that the plans to extend the TurkStream will not be thwarted by an arbitrary political decision on the part of Brussels," he said.

The 2nd meeting of European Muslims in the German city of Cologne came to a close after a three-day-long gathering.

Announcing the final declaration, Ali Erbas, the head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, said terrorist groups exploit Islamic concepts and humanitarian values.

"It is impossible to find any kind of reference in the religion of Islam that will deteriorate the environment of peace and tranquility ," Erbas said.

It is not acceptable to have an anti-Islamic attitude towards women and children, putting psychological pressure on people and limiting their daily lives, the declaration stressed.

It also emphasized that attacks on mosques, educational buildings and work places increase every day.

"This approach, which diminishes the hopes of people towards a better future, poses a threat to Europe's multi-culturalism, the law of living together as a community and peace. This kind of attitude must be rejected, whatever the aim is," the statement said.

The final declaration, which Erbas read, said written, visual and digital literature and publishings should be made in a way to establish the correct models of religious education in Europe.

It was also decided the European Muslims meetings should be held every two years, and that a secretariat will be established under the auspices of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate.

Javid said there had been an increase in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel from France and last week he declared the situation a "major incident".

On Monday, following a meeting of officials in London, he said two the additional ships would join three other vessels already working in the channel.

He said 230 migrants had attempted to cross one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in December, although almost half were prevented from leaving France.

The number is a tiny fraction of those regularly attempting to reach European Union territory by crossing the Mediterranean from northern Africa and Turkey, many of whom are fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East and Africa.

But, their attempts to cross into Britain have attracted extensive domestic scrutiny amid a febrile political atmosphere less than three months before Britain leaves the European Union after a referendum in which immigration was a major theme.

"This will help both with the human side of this situation but also to better protect our borders," Javid said of the deployment.

The last three months accounted for around 80 percent of all attempts in 2018, Javid said, adding crossings were up in 2018 compared to 2017.

The interior ministry said the majority of those who had arrived in Britain in the recent period were Iranian but said it did not routinely publish data and would not be providing a running tally or exact comparisons with previous years.

Local media reported that 12 people arrived at a beach in southeast England by small boat on Monday.

Javid cut short a holiday to oversee the response to the situation and is seen as one of those jostling to replace Prime Minister Theresa May after she said earlier this month she would step down before the next scheduled nation election in 2022.

Concern over both legal migration and illegal immigration was seen as an important driver of the 2016 vote to leave the European Union.

"I don't want people to think that if they leave a safe country like France, that they can get to Britain and just get to stay," Javid said, outlining a desire to work with France to return as many of the migrants as possible.

UNHCR urges members to offer ports to stranded migrants

Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and over 2,200 injured.

The arrests were carried out during simultaneous anti-terror raids in nine provinces, said the source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The raids were carried out in the Aegean province of Izmir as well as capital Ankara and other provinces such as Mersin, Mugla, Manisa, Siirt, Konya and Sivas.

The suspects arrested are among those 30 people, including three suspended cadets and two retired personnel of Turkish army, sought with warrants.

Police search is underway for fugitive suspects.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Speaking at a news conference in Berlin, Foreign Minister Heiko Maas stressed that Germany expects a “full investigation” into the killing of Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

“We have supported the investigation done by the Turkish authorities. And we also think that the Saudi authorities should have supported the investigation more than they did. Many questions remain open,” he said.

Maas stressed that all those responsible for the murder should be brought to justice and punished.

“We expect that those responsible for this crime will be held responsible. Not just the perpetrators, but also those who ordered this murder, if indeed there were such people,” he added.

Journalists in UK call for action against Saudi Arabia

Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post, was killed on Oct. 2 inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

After weeks of denying involvement, the kingdom admitted that Khashoggi had been killed at the consulate but claimed that the Saudi royal family had no prior knowledge of a plot to murder him.

So far, 18 people, including security officers, have been arrested in Saudi Arabia in connection with the murder.

Last week, Turkish prosecutors announced their preliminary findings, saying Khashoggi was strangled to death in a premeditated killing soon after he entered the consulate.

The Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office said Khashoggi's body was disposed of after being dismembered.

Saudi authorities have so far claimed that they do not know the whereabouts of his remains.

Stavros Kontonis "froze the extradition process ordered by a Greek court earlier this year," reported Greek news agency AMNA.

Turgut Kaya, 45, a suspected member of the extreme-left terrorist TKP/ML, was arrested this February while trying to enter Greece.

According to Greek judicial procedures, the final decision on Kaya --for whom there is an Interpol red notice-- is to be made by Kontonis.

Europe sizzles as heatwave intensifies across continent

Greece votes for compulsory retirement of Thrace muftis

In a written statement, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said: “The end of the state of emergency in place in Turkey since the coup attempt of 2016 is a welcome step.”

“At the same time, we believe the adoption of new legislative proposals granting extraordinary powers to the authorities and retaining several restrictive elements of the state of emergency would dampen any positive effect of its termination,” she added.

Her remarks came after Turkey lifted its two-year-old state of emergency as of Thursday at 01.00 a.m. local time (2200 GMT Wednesday).

Turkish government declared a state of emergency for the first time on July 20, 2016, following a defeated coup attempt orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

In April, the government renewed the state of emergency for the seventh time.

In her statement, Mogherini also reaffirmed the EU’s expectations that “Turkey implements the key recommendations of the Council of Europe, the Venice Commission and other relevant institutions and to respect the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.”

“We also expect Turkey to follow through and reverse all measures that continue to impact negatively on the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and the fundamental freedoms that are at the core of any democratic state,” she noted.

She also stressed that “concrete and lasting improvements in the area of rule of law and fundamental freedoms remain essential to the prospects of EU-Turkey relations.”

Turkish airstrikes ‘neutralize’ 9 terrorists

European body hails end of emergency rule in Turkey

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Spokesman for the Secretary-General of Council of Europe, Daniel Holtgen, said: “It is a good thing that it has not been extended again and finally it has coming to an end.”

Also stating that the council was aware of the new proposals on anti-terror measures in Turkey, he said: “The secretary-general [Thorbjorn Jagland] emphasize that all such legislation should be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.”

He added that the Council of Europe was ready to assist Turkey in this regard.

Turkey's state of emergency enforced in the wake of the defeated 2016 coup attempt will be lifted in a few days.

Turkey declared a state of emergency for the first time on July 20, 2016 following a defeated coup attempt orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

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"We have been watching these traitors for two years and have brought the leading figures of FETO to our country. Some of these were covered by press while some others weren't at the request of some countries. I could frankly say that more than 100 of FETO affiliates have been brought to Turkey," Cavusoglu said in an interview with the CNN Turk on Sunday evening.

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On Sunday, Turkey marked the second anniversary of the defeated coup, orchestrated by the FETO, that left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 others injured.

Cavusoglu said that the coup attempt would never be forgotten and the traitors would pay for what they did no matter where they are.

FBI’s investigation into FETO

Lamenting that Europe hadn't done enough against FETO, the minister said: "We have witnessed some mobility in the U.S. over the past 5-6 months. We find the investigations, particularly those launched by FBI, meaningful but we expect them to be real and conclusive. We have conveyed this to the secretary of the state [Mike Pompeo].”

'End of emergency rule not to deter anti-terror fight'

Cavusoglu says that the U.S. distracts Turkey (regarding FETO) by simply spending time on irrelevant things, they don't focus on the major points of FETO investigation.

"We have told [the U.S. officials] that the evidence provided were real and they were in accordance with the international law and related agreements. We expressed that we wanted the extradition of FETO chief. Our president, during the NATO summit, shared this with Trump. We follow the process," he said.

"FETO is a shady organization, it is a terror group which has a network that spread to more than 360 countries," he said, noting that Germany and Africa realized how dark this organization was.

Emphasizing that Turkey had provided numerous evidence to the U.S, the minister said: "With the working group, the period of postponement and distraction is over," he said.

"In fact, the U.S. itself knows, better than anyone, to whom a man in their country talks and what he does [referring to Fetullah Gulen, the head of FETO terror group]. In addition, those who coordinated the coup attempt on behalf of FETO confessed at the U.S. airport that they were going to FETO’s place in Pennsylvania [Where Gulen has resided since 1999]. Now, the U.S. needs to fulfill our demands, not to find any other excuses," he asserted.

New members appointed to 2 judicial bodies

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

The event started with a minute of silence observed in the honor of the victims of July 15 defeated coup, followed by singing of the Turkish national anthem.

In his opening speech, Turkey's Ambassador to the U.S. Serdar Kılıç said Turkish democracy, constitutional order and its democratically elected leader came under "an unprecedented attack by a heinous group [FETO]" on the night of coup attempt.

"But on that night, they did not take into account the Turkish people who displayed a glorious resistance against the terrorist coup plotters by taking to the streets," he added.

Mosques across Turkey say prayers in memory of July 15

He said Turkey is a "dedicated and determined" country in its fight against FETO and other terrorist organizations.

"And we expect the necessary steadfast solidarity and support from our allies and partners in this fight," he added.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan Ambassador to the U.S. Elin Suleymanov Eminoglu, U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elisabeth I. Millard, former Commander of the Turkish Land Forces General Salih Zeki Colak, heads of different NGOs, embassy staffers and Turkish-Americans.

Erdoğan says nation has closed the chapter of coups, never to be reopened again

On July 15, 2016 FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated a defeated coup in Turkey which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Since the coup attempt, Turkey has sought Gulen's extradition from the U.S., and complained that the U.S. is not moving fast enough.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

FETÖ has a considerable presence outside Turkey, including private educational institutions that serve as a revenue stream for the terrorist group, including in the U.S.

In the full-page advertisement, Turkish-American National Steering Committee (TASC) recalled the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, orchestrated by FETÖ terror group, and urged the U.S. to extradite its leader Fetullah Gulen to Turkey.

FETÖ and its U.S.-based ringleader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup attempt of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Aerial footage of FETÖ camp in US

The TASC recalled that the coup plotters bombed highways, bridges and the Turkish counterparts of American Congress, the White House, Pentagon, FBI and the office of the directorate of national intelligence

According to TASC's advert, millions of Turkish citizens from all walks of life flowed into the streets and put their lives in danger to defend and protect Turkish democracy and the elected government.

Equating Gulen to Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, who was sentenced to life in prison in the U.S. for plotting and inspiring his followers to bomb the World Trade Center in 1993, TASC said: “Each passing day that the United States delays the extradition of Fethullah Gülen to Turkey, the people of Turkey are denied justice from the horrors they suffered on July 15, 2016.”

Germany urged to take ‘concrete steps’ against FETÖ

Since the coup attempt, Turkey has sought Gulen's extradition from the U.S., and complained that the U.S. is not moving fast enough.

TASC's advertisement also highlighted FETO's involvement in criminal activities in the U.S., including immigration fraud, money laundering, blackmailing, forgery of documents, exploitation of the education system through charter schools, unfair labor practices and deceiving local and federal authorities.

Turkish parliament speaker opens July 15 photo exhibit

"Today we remember and honor those who lost their lives and who were wounded two years ago and urge the United States to prosecute and extradite FETÖ ringleader Fetullah Gulen to Turkey without further delay," it added.

The exhibition titled "the nation said no to the coup" drew a lot of attention from the public.

Binali Yildirim said July 15 marks democracy's victory for Turkey.

"We demonstrated a resistance on July 15, 2016 which could be shown as an example to the whole world," Yildirim stressed.

Turkey’s defeated coup bid marked across world

Key FETÖ suspect brought back to Turkey

Another exhibition regarding July 15 which comprised of photos shot by Anadolu Agency correspondents during the coup attempt was also opened in Ankara's Ulus Square and Kizilay Metro Station.

The exhibitions attracted a lot of attention from the citizens.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Video: July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day

Anadolu Agency flew above the quiet compound where the terror leader has resided since 1999 and took photos and video of the camp out of a helicopter.

Video: Aerial footage of FETÖ camp in US

Sunday marked the second anniversary of a deadly coup attempt staged by FETO in Turkey on July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Erdoğan says nation has closed the chapter of coups, never to be reopened again

Several FETO members, who were wandering inside the camp, were spotted hiding their faces with newspapers while Anadolu Agency was filming the area.

The area is home to one main building where Gulen meets the members of the organization and nine separate residences.

The entrance, strengthened with security surveillance, greets members with a signboard Golden Generation Chestnut Camp Retreat Center written on it.

Those who want to take photo and video of the camp get warned by security officers.

Turkey’s defeated coup bid marked across world

Protesting FETÖ camp

A group of Turks in the U.S. on Sunday staged a protest in the front of the camp.

During the protest organized by the Turkish-American National Steering Committee (TASC) and Assembly of Turkish American Associations, people chanted anti-FETO slogans.

The protesters carried Turkish flags and pictures of July 15 martyrs, calling for the extradition of the FETO leader.

TASC Chairman Halil Mutlu said they faced challenges in taking permission to stage the protest.

"While TASC was making efforts so that the protest could be a large event, unfortunately, it encountered obstacles.

"We held the organization but got caught in security forces' obstacle. We were just allowed for a small march in front of the camp," said Mutlu.

Savas Sahin made a statement on behalf of the Assembly of Turkish American Associations and said Gulen was the murderer of those martyred on the night of coup attempt.

Pointing out that Turkish community in the U.S. was united against FETO, Sahin said: "Protests will continue until Gulen is extradited".

“Our expectation from the German authorities is to demonstrate their support for democracy by concrete action, not merely by words, and bring coup plotters to justice,” Ambassador Ali Kemal Aydin said.

He made the comments during a commemoration event at the Turkish embassy in Berlin, marking second anniversary of the defeated coup, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

The U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen’s shadowy group FETO orchestrated the coup attempt after a long, secretive campaign to infiltrate state institutions in Turkey.

Around 14,000 Gulen followers and FETO members arrived in Germany over the last two years, according to the country’s international broadcaster DW.

Ambassador Aydin warned that the activities of FETO members in the country were not only a threat for Turkey, but also for Germany’s security and democracy.

“We expect from our friends and allies not to protect these coup plotters, traitors, who are the enemies of democracy,” he said.

While German authorities made critical statements in recent weeks about the group and signaled a tougher stance, they have not yet taken any concrete measures.

Ankara is demanding from Berlin to return FETO suspects and coup plotters to Turkey for a fair and transparent trial at home.

Dozens of former soldiers and officials involved in the coup attempt, and ideological forerunners of the group have been living in Germany, according to media reports.

Adil Oksuz, a top suspect in the 2016 coup attempt, also spent some time in Germany after fleeing Turkey, according to several witnesses.

The 51-year-old theology lecturer received support from FETO network in the country.

Since the 1990s, Gulen’s shadowy group has managed to build a large network in Germany, which is home to more than 3 million Turkish immigrants.

The group owns dozens of private schools, businesses, and several media organizations.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan joined the rally at the July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge later in the evening and delivered an address.

Turkish president says nation feels "deep sorrow and immense pride at the same time" on 2nd anniversary of coup bid.

Erdoğan says the 2016 coup attempt is “the revival of Turkish nation”

Turkish president says nation has closed the chapter of coups, never to be reopened again.

Galeri: Turkey’s defeated coup bid marked across the country

The July 15 Martyrs’ Bridge, then called the Bosporus Bridge, was a flashpoint on the night of the coup, where 34 people were martyred, including prominent advertiser Erol Olçok and his 17-year-old son Abdullah Tayyip Olçok.

All but two of the martyrs were civilians; the remaining two were police officers.

Video: July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day

July 15 marks the second anniversary of the defeated coup during which the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ), a clandestine group which infiltrated state offices, especially the military, judiciary, civil service, and treasury, and tried to take over the government as well as attempting the coup in 2016.

The night of the coup attempt saw tanks closing down the July 15 Martyrs Bridge that connects Asia to Europe, and fighter jets and helicopters flying down over Istanbul and Ankara, in addition to the bombing of the presidential complex, parliament building, police and intelligence headquarters, while civilians came out to resist the coup.

Turkey’s defeated coup bid marked across world

S.Africa commemorates July 15 coup attempt in Turkey

Key FETÖ suspect brought back to Turkey

After the attempted coup, Germany becomes safe haven for FETÖ

What happened on July 15, 2016?

We will not allow July 15 to be forgotten, nor will we forget: Erdoğan

Yusuf Inan, a FETÖ-linked social media expert, who fled to Ukraine after the 2016 defeated coup attempt -- was brought to the country following operations conducted by the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

Inan allegedly tried to discredit some political figures and state officials in Turkey by carrying out a perception operation on social media.

He was also wanted in western Izmir province for “being a member of an armed organization".

On Thursday, two more figures; Isa Ozdemir, who was apprehended in Azerbaijan, and Salih Zeki Yigit, in Ukraine, were brought to Istanbul following operations by MIT.

Ozdemir and Yigit are suspected of being members of an armed terror organization. Turkish intelligence officers last March had brought six alleged senior FETÖ members back to Turkey following operations against the terror group’s branch in the Balkans, according to security sources.

In cooperation with Kosovar intelligence, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) arrested the six men, who were said to be in charge of getting FETÖ members out of Turkey to go to Europe and the U.S.

FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

After the attempted coup, Germany becomes safe haven for FETÖ

What happened on July 15, 2016?

Turkish parliament speaker marks July 15

"We offer our deepest condolences to the friends and loved ones of those injured or killed," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Nauert described the defeated coup as "an attack on democracy", saying it is a stark reminder that the preservation of democracy requires perseverance and safeguards for fundamental freedoms.

"We reaffirm the United States’ steadfast support for our NATO Ally Turkey and its democratic institutions," she added.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

After the attempted coup, Germany becomes safe haven for FETÖ

What happened on July 15, 2016?

Around 14,000 people with suspected ties to FETO have arrived in Germany over the last two years, the country’s international broadcaster DW reported this week.

Video: Turkey since the coup attempt on July 15, 2016

“Germany is becoming our new hub,” a senior figure of the group said.

The U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen’s shadowy group orchestrated a coup in July 2016 after a long, secretive campaign to infiltrate state institutions in Turkey. The attempted military takeover left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Despite Turkey’s repeated warnings, Berlin has not yet outlawed the group, arguing that they do not constitute a serious threat to Germany.

What happened on July 15, 2016?

As German authorities tolerated their activities, Gulenists have set up new propaganda outlets and associations in recent months to support FETO suspects who fled Turkey, local media reported.

At least 1,177 Turkish citizens with diplomatic or service passports, including former soldiers, officials, and their family members, applied for asylum in Germany, the country’s immigration authority BAMF has confirmed.

A Berlin-based branch of the group, Aktion für Fluchtlingshilfe, has provided support for these asylum-seekers, according to the reports.

Turkish parliament speaker marks July 15

Most of them were former officials and soldiers wanted by Turkey due to ongoing investigations of their suspected links to the coup attempt or FETO itself.

Tolerance, tension

Ankara has long urged Berlin not to grant political asylum to former officials, and to instead return them to Turkey for a fair and transparent trial at home.

Germany’s tolerance towards the group, and its reluctance to extradite FETO suspects to Turkey, has been a source of tension between the two countries.

While in recent weeks German authorities made critical statements about the group and signaled a tougher stance, they have not yet taken any concrete measures.

Galeri: Turkey commemorates martyrs of failed July 15 coup

Several key figures of the group, who are among Turkey’s most-wanted terrorists, have been living in Germany, according to media reports.

These include ideological forerunners of the group Abdullah Aymaz and Mehmet Ali Sengul.

Adil Oksuz, a top suspect in the 2016 coup attempt, also spent some time in Germany after fleeing Turkey, according to several witnesses.

The 51-year-old theology lecturer received support from the FETO network in the country.

Jerusalem marks anniversary of defeated coup in Turkey

False image

Since the 1990s, Gulen’s shadowy group has also managed to build a large network in Germany, which is home to more than 3 million Turkish immigrants.

The group owns dozens of private schools, businesses, and several media organizations, and claims to have around 70,000 followers on German soil.

FETO members have tried to avoid public criticism in Germany by focusing on "interfaith dialogue" programs and sticking to “moderate” messages.

Galeri: View of 15 July Martyr Bridge from the air

The group’s foundation, Stiftung Dialog und Bildung, has sought to win the trust of media, influential churches, and political institutions.

Ex-FETO members, speaking to German media in recent weeks, stressed that the group has a dual structure, and despite its “democratic” and “moderate” image in public, it has a secretive and strict hierarchy controlled by its ideological leaders.

Ahmet Cemil Miroglu thanked Kenya for its support, as it was one of the first countries to condemn the defeated coup attempt, adding that Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta “was among the first few to show his solidarity.”

Jane Soita, principal of the Starehe Girls High School, said that the tree-planting ceremony was meant to celebrate the lives of those who died.

What happened on July 15, 2016?

“We are very happy to plant the trees, which are a sign of life.”

Also present at the event was Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) coordinator Emre Yuksek, whose agency provided the trees.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen masterminded the defeated coup, which left 251 martyrs and some 2,200 wounded.

We will not allow July 15 to be forgotten, nor will we forget: Erdoğan

Erdoğan recites Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup

What happened night of July 15 at Turkey's parliament?

Galeri: Turkey commemorates martyrs of failed July 15 coup

The night of July 15, 2016, the coup attempt saw tanks closing down a bridge in Istanbul that connects Asia to Europe, and fighter jets and helicopters flying down over Istanbul and Ankara and bombing the presidential complex, parliament building, police and intelligence headquarters, while civilians came out to resist the coup.

Then-Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar was taken hostage by the putschists, as he said he would not support the coup bid.

Turkish parliament speaker marks July 15

During the defeated coup, a total of 251 people including police and civilians were martyred, and nearly 2,200 were wounded.

The coup attempt, orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), led by the U.S.-based so-called “cleric” Fetullah Gulen, aimed at ousting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the government and capturing the state.

In a television appearance at 11.02 p.m., then-Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said it was a revolt and they were evaluating the possibility of a coup attempt. He added: “Those who are involved in this unlawful act will pay the heaviest price."

Galeri: View of 15 July Martyr Bridge from the air

Speaking to CNN Turk at 12.24 a.m., President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, said: “This incident, unfortunately, is the coup attempt of a minority within the Turkish Armed Forces. This is a revolt encouraged and used by the parallel structure (FETO) as its mastermind."

The president called on the Turkish people to take to the streets in order to stop the coup-plotters.

In response, people poured into the squares to protect democracy all around Turkey, especially in the capital Ankara and Istanbul, climbed on tanks, stood against guns, and defeated the heinous coup attempt.

Turkish embassy in Iraq marks July 15

In the legal process in the years since, in 194 cases concluded out of 289, a total of 2,381 people convicted of involvement in FETO have gotten jail terms, including 1,624 life sentences.

Speaking to reporters following his visit to the Karsiyaka Martyrs' Cemetery in Istanbul, Binali Yildirim said, citing Turkey’s current population: “Our aim is to keep the spirit of July 15 alive, make the brotherhood, unity and solidarity of 81 million everlasting.”

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey marks the historic day as Democracy and National Unity Day with events to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.

“We commemorate with mercy and gratitude, our martyrs, who devotedly, willingly sacrificed their lives on July 15 in defense of our land,” Yildirim said.

He added that commemorative events will be held throughout the day by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, government ministers, and various institutions.

Erdoğan will also take part in a march on Istanbul’s July 15 Martyrs' Bridge, where he will make an address.

Turkish embassy in Iraq marks July 15

Turkish embassy in Iraq marks July 15

Erdoğan recites Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup

US media shortchanges FETÖ threat: Film director

“Sacrificing our lives for the sake of homeland is not strange to the Turkish people,” ambassador Fatih Yildiz told the ceremony.

"What makes July 15 so special is that our unarmed people, not just the armed forces, have taken to the streets to defend Turkey's sovereignty and honor," he said.

Sunday’s ceremony was attended by representatives of Turkish companies in Iraq, Turkmen NGOs and embassy staffers.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey marks the historic day as Democracy and National Unity Day with events to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.

Erdoğan recites Quran for martyrs of July 15 coup

What happened night of July 15 at Turkey's parliament?

US media shortchanges FETÖ threat: Film director

Turkey’s great struggle against FETÖ

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the program, and recited the Quran for the martyrs of the coup.

Video: Turkish president recites Quran for July 15 coup martyrs

Following Erdoğan’s recitation, Head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Ali Erbaş recited a prayer.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy President Fuat Oktay, Parliament Speaker Binali Yıldırım, Justice Minister Abdülhamit Gül and Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu among others.

The Fetullah Terror Organization (FETÖ) orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

FETÖ is also behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

What happened night of July 15 at Turkey's parliament?

Turkish parliament speaker marks July 15

Jerusalem marks anniversary of defeated coup in Turkey

Turkey’s great struggle against FETÖ

Erdoğan to march in commemoration of second July 15 anniversary

Turkish parliament speaker marks July 15

Most of the lawmakers had returned to their home districts after long, busy working hours.

The lawmakers who were in Ankara during the defeated coup bid saw the jets flying over the capital at around 9:30 p.m. (1830GMT) local time.

By consulting fellow party members through social media, AK Party deputies were able to figure out that it was a coup attempt.

After debating whether to go to AK Party headquarters or parliament, they decided for the latter.

Jerusalem marks anniversary of defeated coup in Turkey

Then-Parliament Speaker Ismail Kahraman was working at parliament and left it at around 9:41 p.m. local time. He learned about the coup attempt only after getting home.

Deputies flock to parliament

The deputies who came to parliament during the coup attempt include Ahmet Gundogdu, Aydin Unal, Julide Sarieroglu, Ayse Sula Koseoglu, Ilknur Inceoz, Lutfiye Selva Cam, Mustafa Sahin, Orhan Atalay, Ayse Kesir, Sema Kirci, and Bennur Karaburun, all from the AK Party.

Later that night, lawmakers from the opposition parties also began to come to parliament.

Kahraman got back to parliament at around 11:26 p.m. and ordered that the General Assembly come back into session. He later left at 11:45 p.m. for the Cankaya Palace -- then the prime minister’s residence -- where a crisis desk was established. Kahraman returned to parliament at 1:20 a.m. local time.

Erdoğan pens letter to families of July 15 martyrs

The first bomb hit the garden of parliament at 2:33 a.m. A second bomb hit a corridor close to the Prime Ministry room, causing severe damage and leaving General Assembly hall swirling with clouds of dust.

After the second attack, Turkish lawmakers moved into the parliament shelter. When the third bomb hit parliament at 3:33 a.m., the deputies had taken shelter.

In the wake of the defeated coup, many foreign leaders visited the parliament building and saw with their own eyes the damage the coup-plotters had done.

Turkey’s great struggle against FETÖ

On July 15, Turkey marks the second anniversary of the defeated coup attempt, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

According to the Turkish government, the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Erdoğan to march in commemoration of second July 15 anniversary

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Mark Hall, director of the 2016 documentary, "Killing Ed," which probed the financial misdeeds of FETÖ-linked charter schools in the U.S., said: “Although I've given many interviews [on the FETO threat] to the media here, very few will accurately represent my statements and most refuse to publish my remarks at all.”

He blamed this lack of attention to FETO having spent “18 years spreading a false image through highly paid public relations and community outreach.”

He said many U.S. political figures, along with academics and journalists, fell for the “false image” created by the terrorist group and believe it “wholeheartedly.”

Now that there have been two years since the 2016 defeated coup attempt in Turkey, more and more facts are being discovered showing that this terrible event was initiated by FETÖ, Hall said, adding that the media has done a poor job covering FETO activities in the U.S. as well as the defeated coup attempt in Turkey.

He said the media ignored the “large amount of money that this group receives from U.S. taxpayers.”

Americans who know the truth about FETÖ also support Turkey in its bid for extradition of the group’s leader Fetullah Gulen, who has been living in Pennsylvania since 1999, he said.

In July 2016, FETÖ and Gulen orchestrated a defeated coup in Turkey which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Since the defeated coup attempt, Turkey has sought Gulen's extradition from the U.S., and complained that the U.S. is not moving fast enough.

FETÖ also has a considerable presence outside Turkey, including private educational institutions that serve as a revenue stream for the terrorist group, including in the U.S.

Jerusalem marks anniversary of defeated coup in Turkey

Erdoğan pens letter to families of July 15 martyrs

Turkey’s great struggle against FETÖ

Addressing the ceremony, Erman Topcu, Turkish temporary charge d’affaires, said July 15 was one of the most important breaking points in Turkey’s history.

"As our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said... the resistance on July 15 has clearly shown to all coup plotters in the world that there is no superior power to the national sovereignty," he said.

He said the Turkish people have shown that they would never accept any attack on the state.

"We respectfully salute all of our martyrs and offer our gratitude for the great efforts our veterans and the Turkish nation have made," he said.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Turkey marks the historic day as Democracy and National Unity Day with events to commemorate those who lost their lives beating back the putschists and to remember the bravery of the nation.

Turkey’s great struggle against FETÖ

Survivors share experiences of Turkey's deadly coup bid

Fearless march

“With pride and excitement, our country today celebrates July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. I express gratitude on behalf of our country and nation to all our injured veterans who fearlessly marched forward that night for our homeland, sovereignty and future,” the letter penned by President Erdoğan read.

Erdoğan will later visit Istanbul's July 15 Martyrs' Bridge and the nearby Monument of Martyrs unveiled last year to honor those who lost their lives while resisting the putsch.

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

FETÖ is also behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Turkey’s great struggle against FETÖ

Erdoğan to march in commemoration of second July 15 anniversary

A promise of a brighter of future ahead

“With God’s help, the prayers of the oppressed and destitute, and our nation’s courage, the blare of bullets fired by jets on that dark night was turned into a promise of even more brighter days to come for our country and nation thanks to the sacrifice of veterans such as yourselves,” the letter continued.

Our struggle continues

The letter sent to the martyrs’ families also read: “The significance of July 15 for those who lost their children, spouses, siblings and loved ones that night is, without a doubt, much more different and special. We look to our martyrs’ relatives as living monuments of sacrifice who said, “When it comes to the homeland, the rest is details. As state and nation, we full well know that no matter what we do, we will never be able to repay our debt to our martyrs’ relatives.”

Galeri: Turkey commemorates martyrs of failed July 15 coup

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was sworn in on Monday under the new system allowing him to issue decrees on executive matters and appoint and remove senior civil servants.

Erdoğan to march in commemoration of second July 15 anniversary

Erdoğan has said the executive presidency is vital to make government more efficient, drive economic growth and ensure security.

Among the latest changes, the General Staff was brought under the authority of the defense minister, a move following Erdoğan's appointment of current Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar as defense minister.

In total, the country's Official Gazette published seven decrees regarding many state institutions, including the secretariat of the National Security Council, the Defense Industry Directorate and the State Supervisory Council.

Survivors share experiences of Turkey's deadly coup bid

The changes coincide with the second anniversary of a failed coup attempt during which at least 250 people were martyred, many of them unarmed civilians, when putschist soldiers from the terrorist FETÖ organization attempted to topple the democratically-elected government.

A state of emergency was declared after the failed coup and is set to expire this week.

Erdoğan's Justice and Development Party (AKP) and its ally Nationalist Action Party (MHP) plan to introduce security regulations to ensure the fight against terrorism will continue after emergency rule ends.

Turkey's MHP to bolster switch to presidential system

Marking the second anniversary of the July 15, 2016 deadly coup attempt -- which was orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and left 251 people martyred while injuring 2,200 others -- Ali Erbas, the head of Turkey’s Religious Affairs Directorate, said:

“A terror network which abused our people’s pure religious feelings launched an attempt against our land, unity, solidarity, brotherhood, independence and future, claiming that this was based on religion.”

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He said today it is crystal clear that FETÖ is a foreign-based terrorist group which tries to hide its sordid plans and dark side behind religion.

Erbas added that the terrorist group is making people whom they trapped by using their religious sensitivities into militias who betray their own land and nation.

“Taking this into consideration, I must say that we, all of us, have to be more vigilant about those who [try to] use us for their interests and target our unity and solidarity, peace and brotherhood,” he warned.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Palestinian Ambassador Faed Mustafa said: “The Turkish nation gave the whole world a lesson in democracy.”

The Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

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Stating that he was serving in Ankara at the time and was at home when news came out of the coup bid, Mustafa said he rushed to the office as soon as he heard.

“The Palestinian people and I learned better that night that Turkey’s bravery and love for their homeland is great, as it has been throughout history,” Mustafa said.

He praised the actions of the Turkish people, saying they had the courage for their freedom, homeland, and democracy.

Stressing that the government’s resolve and unity were pivotal in defeating the coup attempt, he said: “People immediately accepted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s call to take to the streets and squares.

“We witnessed how the people fought without any hesitation.”

Palestine prayed for Turkey

The ambassador said that after Turkey’s president spoke to the nation about the defeated coup, he had many phone talks with his country.

He said as the news spread, Palestinian people took the streets with Turkish flags to support Turkey.

“The whole night, people prayed for Turkey in Jerusalem and many other cities in Palestine,” Mustafa added.

He also said the Turkish people’s resolve to protect their democracy and state “gave great courage to the Palestinian people to resist on their lands.”

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On Turkey’s elections last month ushering in its presidential system, which had a turnout of more than 86 percent, he said: “We see that Turkey has made the transition to a new system without being shaken by the fearful defeated coup attempt.”

He added that this is a sign of Turkey’s strength.

“We love this approach of Turkey,” Mustafa said.

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Erdoğan will first attend a commemoration ceremony to be held in Ankara as part of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day.

The Turkish president will later visit Istanbul's July 15 Martyrs' Bridge and the nearby Monument of Martyrs unveiled by Erdoğan last year to honor those who lost their lives while resisting the putsch.

Erdoğan will join a march on July 15 Martyrs' Bridge and make an address. He will unveil the July 15 Martyrs' Museum which is still under construction.

FETO orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

The Delhi High Court adjourned the case on Thursday to give judges and respondents time to study the petition filed by Nikhil Bhalla, a lawyer and a member of the opposition Congress party, which Gandhi led for seven years until his assassination in 1991.

The series, Sacred Games, is a thriller set in Mumbai with a cast of police officers, spies and politicians. It debuted this month in the first of a series of new shows aimed at the Indian market.

In one scene, Gandhi is referred to as a "fattu", a Hindi slang word for a coward.

Grainy news footage shows him shaking hands with world leaders, while a voice-over accuses him of appeasing Muslim groups in a case involving divorce rights for Muslim women.

"The show 'Sacred Games' has inappropriate dialogues, political attacks and even speeches, which are derogatory in nature and harms the reputation of the former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi," the petition said.

A Netflix spokesman in India did not reply to phone calls and text messages seeking comment.

Gandhi became prime minister after his mother Indira was assassinated in 1984. He lost power five years later and in 1991, still holding the post of Congress party president, was killed by an ethnic Tamil suicide bomber.

His son, Rahul Gandhi, is the current party president.

The petition asks the court to order Netflix to delete derogatory remarks made directly or indirectly against Rajiv Gandhi or his family.

"We cannot afford to, in the name of freedom of speech allow anything to be beamed in every home without regard to its impact on society," the petition said.

The series, based on a 2006 novel by Vikram Chandra, has won critical praise for its gritty portrayal of Mumbai's crime scene and politics.

Both Netflix and its streaming rival Prime Video, owned by Amazon.com, are scrambling to add local content in a bid to woo Indian viewers at home and overseas.

But movies and television shows at times run afoul of Indian viewers and conservative groups.

Last month, American television studio ABC apologised to Indian fans of its show Quantico, after online outrage over a Hindu terror plot. Quantico star Priyanka Chopra also apologised, saying she would always be a "proud Indian".

India does not censor content on the Internet, but movies and television are both heavily censored.

The cyclists said they were doing this act especially for Abdullah Tayyip Olcok .

Abdullah Tayyip Olcok,17, and his father Erol Olcok were among the martyrs of July 2016 defeated coup in Turkey.

In July 2016, Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) and its leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated a defeated coup in Turkey, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

There Macedonian bikers, Daim Muharem, Levent Rifat and Bekim Kalisi, said they decided to do something special for Turkey’s July 15 martyrs and began pedaling from Skopje to Istanbul.

Daim Muharem said he wanted do something for the martyrs, especially for teenager Abdullah Tayyip, who was just 17 when he was martyred at Istanbul’s Bosphorus Bridge.

He said his father Zekeriya Muharem backed his idea.

"My son came to me one night and asked me what could he do for the July 15 martyrs. And suggested we could pedal for them from here to Istanbul and I said OK.

"We didn’t forget those days and martyrs who died on July 15 night for their country’s future. We will never forget them,” Zekeriya Muharem said.

The Chief Public Prosecutor's Office in Ankara said in a statement that arrest warrants were issued for 23 gendarmes, including three still on active duty, over their suspected links to the terrorist group FETÖ.

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FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

A total of 62 defendants were tried in the case about leaking questions ahead of the Police Academy entrance exam in 2012.

Ankara’s 15th Heavy Penal Court handed down jail terms ranging from one year and six months to nine years and seven months to 55 FETO convicts on the charge of being members of an armed terror group.

The court also handed down up to three years and four months to 27 of the total convicts on the charge of committing fraud.

Seven other suspects in the case were released.

Separately, the Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office in Ankara issued arrest warrants for 33 people as part of an investigation into FETÖ suspects running private teaching institutions at seven addresses.

The financial crimes unit of Ankara police had launched simultaneous operations across the capital to nab the suspects.

Over 30 FETÖ suspects arrested across Turkey

According to the government, the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

Twenty-one suspects have been rounded up in southwestern Mugla province as part of an anti-terror operation against alleged attempts to revive the terror network.

According to police sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the suspects allegedly have been playing "active role" in efforts to bring around the terror group, holding frequent meetings, and facilitating and harboring fugitive members of the group.

The sources also said that the suspects have been providing financial assistance to needy FETÖ members in order to keep their ties with the group intact.

In separate raids, eleven FETÖ suspects, including three women, have been arrested in 8 provinces including Usak, Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya, police sources said Wednesday.

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New footage shows FETÖ bombing presidential complex

Police seized computers and documents belonging to the suspects, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to media restrictions.

They were also accused of using the terror group’s encrypted messaging program ByLock.

Another anti-terror operation saw one specialist sergeant arrested in central Eskisehir province for alleged ties with the terror group.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

The security camera footage reveals how the pilot hits the intersection near the complex with two bombs in two minutes on the night of the defeated coup.

In the footage, flames and fumes are seen rising after the bombs are dropped. Also, windows of the General Command of Gendarmerie headquarters, located far from the presidential complex, shatter due to the explosion.

Video: New footage shows FETÖ bombing presidential complex

The images and an expert's report were sent to Ankara 23rd Heavy Penal Court.

The presidential complex and General Command of Gendarmerie headquarters bombings had left 29 people martyred and dozens of civilians injured.

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FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETÖ of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

The defeated coup on July 15, 2016, was orchestrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETÖ) and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen, leaving 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

The 27th High Penal Court issued a verdict for former military officers, including Yalova Air Field Commander ex-colonel Metin Yildirim, former Staff Major Mehmet Gurler, lieutenants Sabri Caliskan and Faruk Simsek, sergeant Hasan Yildirim, and helicopter pilots in the 5th Fleet Command of Air War Academy and former lieutenants Hasan Kaya and Tuncay Yildirim.

They were found guilty of attempting to change the constitutional order by using force. Three other suspects received several prison terms for being member of the terror group and attempting a coup.

The court released six suspects in the same case.

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