Erdogan urges U.S. to hand over SDF chiefOctober 25, 2019 - 13:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday, October 25 urged the U.S. to hand over the commander of a U.S.-backed Kurdish-led force that fought against the militant Islamic State, insisting he was a “wanted terrorist”, The Express Tribune reports. Ties between the United States and Turkey are particularly strained over years-long American support for the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia, viewed as terrorists by Ankara. Much of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who fought against the IS group backed by U.S. air support are Kurdish fighters from the YPG. Mazlum Abdi is head of the SDF. “This codenamed Mazlum is a terrorist sought with a red bulletin (issued by Interpol),” Erdogan said in an interview with state TRT broadcaster. “America must hand over this man.” A group of senators including Lindsey Graham this week urged the U.S. state department to fast-track a U.S. visa for Abdi to enable a visit where he can speak to officials on the situation unfolding in Syria. U.S. President Donald Trump, said in a tweet on Thursday that he had talked with Mazlum Abdi and “really enjoyed” the conversation. “He appreciates what we have done, and I appreciate what the Kurds have done,” the U.S. president said. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |