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(TASS) Ankara has been taking all possible measures in order to prevent any military incidents with Russia and the Free Syrian Army, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on a plane on his return journey from Pakistan.

Our goal is to do everything possible in order to prevent such incidents. I hope they do not occur because we do not want such mistakes to happen, he said. Erdogan made this statement while commenting on some expert opinions that military incidents between Russia and Turkey were possible in Syria where they both countries have been carrying out military operations with the line of contact between Turkish, the Free Syrian Army, Russia and the Syrian troops lying near the city of al-Bab.

When asked about the prospects of the Euphrates Shield operation that Turkey has been conducting in northern Syria together with the Free Syrian Army since August 24, 2016, Erdogan said that the town of Manbij, where Kurkish units from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces are, would be the next goal of the Turkish air force and FSA. Turkey considers some of these units to be terror groups.

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I cannot say that the new US administration has made up its mind concerning Raqqa and Manbij and the possible operations there. However, we believe that the Syrian Democratic Forces should not participate. Our forces will head to Manbij next. This town should be liberated (from the Kurds) because it belongs to the Arab people living in Syria, Erdogan said.

Erdogan plans to discuss cooperation with Russia in the struggle against the Islamic State (outlawed in Russia) in Syria when he visits Moscow on March 9-10. According to Haberturk TV, he made a statement to that effect to journalists on board a plane while returning from Pakistan.

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We will be able to go ahead with the struggle against the Islamic State together, if a corresponding request comes from Russia. In March I will pay a visit to Moscow. We will have a chance to discuss these themes in detail at our negotiations, he said. Erdogan will arrive in Moscow on March 9 for participation in a meeting of the High Level Russian-Turkish Cooperation Council, he said.

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Turkey referendum: Erdogan rallies not welcome in Austria BBC News Austria has said the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan cannot campaign in Austria ahead of April's referendum in Turkey on giving him greater powers. Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz said he was not welcome to hold rallies as this could ... Erdogan sews up Turkey's 'second revolution'Financial Times Turkey angry after Erdogan is told he can't campaign in AustriaThe Local Austria Erdogan's Turkey: Towards a New Sultanate?The National Interest Online (blog) U.S. News & World Report -New Vision -Al-Monitor all 107 news articles »

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Turkey referendum: Erdogan rallies not welcome in Austria - BBC News

A chilling fog cloaked Istanbul this week, creeping up slowly, making a mess of daily life.The thick shroud offered an obvious metaphor in thecountry that has the highest number of jailed journalists in the world,and came just as President RecepTayyipErdogantook questions from reportersin Turkey's largest city.

Responding to an uproar this week about a headline in the well-known Turkish daily Hurriyet, Erdogan was unequivocal:

"The headline is vulgar, worthless," Erdogan said.

The offending words, this time, translate roughly to "The Commanders are Uneasy," and were splashed on the front page of the paper's Saturday edition.

The article cited military sources saying the military had not been consulted ona recent decision to allow female soldiers to wear headscarves. If the goal of the article, as the paper and Firat have said, was to clear up misconceptions about the army, it instead seemed to allude todiscord between the military and Erdogan's government.

"Neither this newspapernor its bosses have the power to publish a headline like that,"Erdogansaid, adding legal action has been taken.

With more than 150 journalists and writers in jail here and criticism regularly lobbed at many others, Erdogan's comments may not come as a surprise. What is a surprise is that the article was written by a journalist considered to be close to the government.

Hande Firat became a household name in Turkey on the night of the failed coup attempt onJuly 15 last year. She got Erdogan on the CNN Turk news network, live via theFacetime app, as the coup was unfolding. In that appearance, the president called on Turks to fill the streets in response to the rogue soldiers and they did.

She has beena pro-government media star ever since.

Firatherself once said being a journalist doesn't ensure special protection, that a journalist can be charged with a crime just like anyone else.

Within hours of Erdogan's comments on Tuesday, the newspaper published an apology and explanation. By Wednesday afternoon, the paper's editor was removed from his job, and Firat wasfacing an investigation.

Turkish journalist Hande Firat faces investigation for an article she wrote in the Hurriyet newspaper that angered the country's president. (STR/AFP/Getty Images)

"Those who are trying to turn us against each other are going to pay a heavy price," Erdogan said, referring to his government and the military. "I don't find it forgivable."

It's worth noting the headline's phrasing recalls major historical events in Turkey. Some journalists have pointed out that similar headlines were published before past military coups. The scars of last summer's coup attempt have not healed for many in this country, and certainly not for Erdoganor hissupporters;the symbolism of the words clearly crossed the lines they've drawn.

Firat may emerge unscathed, but German-Turkish reporter Deniz Yucelis facing a potential 10-year sentence for whatprosecutors allege ispublishing terrorist propaganda.

Yucel, who writes for the German daily newspaper Die Welt, is the first German reporter to be arrested in Turkey. He is also a Turkish citizen. His article referenced emails purportedly from the account of the country's energy minister, obtained by hacktivists. That minister is also Erdogan's son-in-law.

Long before the developments of this week, international organizations were sounding the alarm about treatment of the media in Turkey.

Protestors gather outside the Turkish Embassy in Berlin on Feb. 28 to support German-Turkish journalist Deniz Yucel, who was arrested in Turkey. (Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters)

Members of advocacy group PEN International visited Istanbul in January to meet with some of the country's government officials and with some of theimprisoned journalists and writers here.PEN says Turkey is thebiggest jailer of journalists in the world.

Canadian philosopher and writer John Ralston Saul, who was part of the delegation, told CBC Newsthe groupwarned officials that censorship will compromisetheupcoming referendum on a presidential system in Turkey.

The country of 80 million is set to vote April 16 on whether to approve greatly expanded powers for Erdogan.

"The authorities said to us repeatedly 'After the referendum everything will be quiet, everything will be fine,'" Saul said. "We said to them, 'Look, we can tell you that from our experience, this will backfire.If you force a vote withoutfreedom of expression, the peopleinside the country who disagree with you will reject it. You've actually set the table for disorder,"he said.

Another PEN member, Turkish novelist and once jailed journalist Burhan Sonmez, cautioned against the misconception that Turkey's situation is anisolated one. He pointed specifically to the United States.

"Trump?" he asked. "We've already got a more powerful Trump in Turkey. If America would like to see their future if they don't change their road, maybe they have to study the history of the recent Turkish political system."

Though the number isshrinking, there are stillmany journalists and news outlets who freely report on what is happening in Turkey. Why are some targeted and others not? In some cases, it is tied to the media ecosystem here. Journalists write articles the government's supporters don't like, and are attacked on social media. After that, pro-government news outlets chime in. Thenthe government intervenes.

Istanbul was shrouded in fog Tuesday and much of Wednesday; the rules for covering the current administration are also hazy. (Turgut Yeter/CBC News)

And while few would argue the importance of tackling sensationalist or unethical journalism, the government's rules don't appear to apply to media outlets that are closest to the administration.

Sothe rules are hazy.

In Istanbul, the fogfinally began to lift on Wednesday evening. Life started to goback to normal for most.

Just not for the journalists still awaiting their fate.

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Erdogan slams 'vulgar, worthless' headline, promises punishment - CBC.ca

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The Union of European Turkish Democrats had been due to hold one rally later Thursday in the western town of Gaggenau, with Turkeys Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag as the guest speaker.

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But Gaggenau authorities withdrew an earlier agreement for the group to rent a hall for the event, saying it did not have the capacity to host so many people.

Because the event is now known across the region, the city expects a large number of visitors. However, the Bad Rotenfels hall, parking lots and access road are insufficient to meet that demand, the towns authorities said in a statement.

Due to these reasons, the hall rental agreement with the UETD has been revoked, it added.

Separately, Cologne city authorities said they would no longer allow the UETD to use a hall on Sunday, when Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci is expected to make a rally speech.

The event can and will not happen there, a spokeswoman for Cologne city authorities told AFP.

It was unclear if Zeybekci would be able to find an alternative site.

The UETD had earlier reserved a room in the city hall of the Cologne-Porz district for a theatre event, said the spokeswoman.

But on Wednesday, the group said it would now host an information event.

The city said however that it would no longer make the site available to the group, citing difficulties in guaranteeing security at such short notice.

Turkish politicians including Prime Minister Binali Yildirim have sparked controversy over their visits to Germany to hold political rallies.

Germany is home to about three million people of Turkish origin, the legacy of a massive guest worker programme in the 1960s and 70s and the biggest population of Turks in the world outside of Turkey.

And Erdogans government is keen to harness their votes for the April 16 referendum, which would discard the post of prime minister for the first time in Turkeys history.

Critics say the new presidential system will cement one-man rule in the country.

Berlin-Ankara relations have been strained by a series of disputes since the failed coup that aimed to oust Erdogan last July.

The latest issue dogging ties is Ankaras provisional detention of a German journalist on terrorism-related charges.

Deniz Yucel, 43, a correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt, has been held since February 18 in connection with news reports on an attack by hackers against the email account of Turkeys energy minister.

Berlins sharp criticism of Ankaras massive crackdown after the failed putsch has also irked Turkey.

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German Local Authorities Halt Pro-Erdogan Turkish Islamist Rallies - Breitbart News

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan has called for better cooperation in the field of energy and more connectivity among member states to strengthen the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

Speaking at the 13th ECO Summit in the Pakistani capital Islamabad Wednesday, Erdoan said Turkey would support all initiatives aimed at realization of such an objective.

The president said despite the fact the ECO includes more than 6 percent of the world's total population, its share in global trade is a mere 2 percent.

First of all, we have to take steps to increase intra-trade among member states. Activating the ECO trade agreement is an important means for the liberalization of trade among us," Erdogan said.

He said the over 400-million population of the 10-nation bloc has great potential.

The ECO also represents our common values, deep-rooted history and brotherhood. The summit gives us a very important opportunity to look at the general picture of the organizationsee our deficiencies and strengthen our vision accordingly," the president said.

He also called for reforms in the ECO, especially in terms of strengthening the member states' human resources, and a mechanism for ownership of projects and budgets.

Erdogan also highlighted the need for greater cooperation in environmental, agricultural and tourism sectors.

He said Turkey has carried out many large-scale transportation projects such as Istanbul's Marmaray, Eurasia Tunnel, Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, Osman Gazi Bridge, and high-speed rail lines, which have strengthened the transportation capacity of not only Turkey but also ECO members.

He said member states need to work hand-in-hand to overcome regional problems.

- Iran's Rouhani backs ECO

In his speech, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the ECO can play a vital role in building the economic future of the region, but he too called for restructuring of the organization.

"Connectivity will help development and prosperity in the region," Rouhani said.

Mustafa Akinci, president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus which has an observer status in the bloc, said his country wants to contribute more effectively to the organization's work. He asked the ECO for its support in tourism and education sectors.

"We want to find a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus issue," Akinci added.

- Vision 2025

The ECO's 13th summit concluded after the leaders adopted the Islamabad Declaration and Vision 2025, which called for greater regional cooperation and integration over the next decade.

Speaking later at a press conference, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the ECO Vision-2025 sets pragmatic and realistic goals along with listing an implementation framework.

Sharif said the 13th summit emphasizes on the need for regional cooperation in the energy field, focus on infrastructure development and intra-regional energy corridors.

ECO has taken important steps to promote connectivity and regional trade and tourism, Sharif added.

China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui also joined the summit and put emphasis on connectivity.

Strict security measures were taken in Islamabad for the summit. All main roads leading to the summit venue had been closed off to traffic. A public holiday was also declared in the capital due to the summit.

The ECO was founded by Turkey, Iran and Pakistan in 1985. In 1992, the organization expanded to include seven new members, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoan has vowed to increase trade between Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) countries by upgrading air, land and sea transport. "My country is ready for any innovation that may increase the trade volume because we are giving big importance to the 2023 targets of Turkey," Erdoan said during the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit that opened on Wednesday in the Pakistani capital Islamabad. Erdoan also called on ECO countries to take bigger steps, adding that political approaches are closely associated with investments.Erdoan arrives in Pakistan to attend economic summit "I also believe that it is important to touch on the problems that Azerbaijani is facing due to the Armenian occupation in Nagorno-Karabakh," Erdoan said. "The Armenia occupation continues despite 20 years of diplomatic efforts. We should propose this issue for the agenda more often and take determined steps as the Islamic Cooperation Organization," he said. Erdoan also mentioned the significance of ECO member countries' role in stopping bloodshed, particularly in Syria, Iraq and Yemen Leaders from Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are attending the summit.Erdoan welcomed to Pakistan with official ceremony The ECO was established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. It succeeded the Regional Cooperation for Development, which was founded in 1964 to promote cooperation among member states. In 1992, the organization welcomed seven new members: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. The Treaty of Izmir, signed in 1977 and subsequently amended in 1996, was the group's legal foundation. Following Erdogan's arrival, the ECO Council of Ministers issued a statement on the adoption of the ECO Vision 2025, which will serve as a guideline for the organization's medium-term strategy.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoan arrived in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Tuesday evening to attend the 13th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit, state-run Pakistan Television said.The live broadcast showed Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal receive Erdoan at the Noor Khan air base following a 21-gun salute. First Lady Emine Erdoan also accompanied the president. The summit will open Wednesday. Erdoan was also presented with a guard of honor by a contingent from the Pakistani armed forces. He is due to meet heads of states and representatives from ECO member states on the sidelines of the summit.He later met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan separately.Leaders from Turkey, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are attending the summit, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria told Anadolu Agency. The ECO was established in 1985 by Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. It succeeded the Regional Cooperation for Development, which was founded in 1964 to promote cooperation among member states. In 1992, the organization had welcomed seven new members: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan. The Treaty of Izmir, signed in 1977 and subsequently amended in 1996, was the group's legal foundation. Following Erdogan's arrival, the ECO Council of Ministers issued a statement on the adoption of ECO Vision 2025, which will serve as a guideline for the organization's medium-term strategy.

Relations between Pakistan and Turkey are excellent" and will deepen with a coming free-trade agreement (FTA) a senior Pakistani official said on Tuesday. A long-pending FTA between the two nations is in the final stages, Sartaj Aziz told Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of a foreign ministers' meeting of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Islamabad. Trade volume between the two countries stood at around $610 million in 2016, with exports from Turkey recorded at $346 million and imports from Pakistan at $263 million, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute. Commenting on claims ECO cooperation had not reached optimal levels, Aziz said a lack of resources to build infrastructure was being discussed. According to Aziz, China's One Belt, One Road initiative will help the organization achieve its objectives. The ECO was founded by Turkey, Iran and Pakistan in 1985. In 1992, the organization expanded to include seven new members, namely Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Speaking at the ECO foreign ministers' meeting earlier on Tuesday, Aziz said a lack of regional connectivity was a major impediment to economic cooperation. He said joint efforts were needed to transform the ECO into a formidable economic bloc through full exploitation of its resources. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to arrive to Islamabad late on Tuesday to attend the 13th summit of the 10 ECO countries on Wednesday.

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Erdoan in Pakistan urges closer ties among ECO states - Yeni afak English