Reports Khashoggi's body dissolved in acid must be investigated: Turkish VP

Khashoggi's sons plead for father's body return

The sons of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi delivered an emotional appeal on Sunday asking for the return of their father's body in an interview with CNN.In their first interview since their father was murdered, Salah and Abdullah Khashoggi said that the past few weeks have been painful for them as they continue to wait for more information on the death of their father.Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post, disappeared Oct. 2 after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to receive paperwork he needed to get married.Once inside, he was immediately strangled and then dismembered, according to the Istanbul Prosecutor’s office.Without having the body, their family is unable to properly have a funeral service and achieve closure, the two sons noted."All what we want right now is to bury him in Al-Baqi [cemetery] in Medina with the rest of his family," Salah told CNN.According to Salah and Abdullah, their father was being misinterpreted and misrepresented due to political reasons.In an interview with Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and Middle East adviser, and John Bolton, national security adviser, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Khashoggi a sympathizer of the Muslim Brotherhood and a dangerous Islamist, however Khashoggi's sons pushed back on this."It's just labels and people not doing their homework properly, and reading his article and going in depth. It's easier to stick a label on him," Abdullah said in response to these claims."Jamal was never a dissident. He believed in the monarchy that it is the thing that is keeping the country together. And he believed in the transformation that it is going through," Salah said.As the eldest brother, Salah has been made the point person by Saudi authorities, and the strain of that along with receiving calls from all of Khashoggi's relatives shows in his deeply sunken eyes.Khashoggi's fiancee says killers must be brought to justiceErdoğan says top Saudi officials ordered Khashoggi hitNorway summoned Saudi ambassador over Khashoggi murderHowever, being the point person with the Saudi government has not given Salah any more information than the rest of the world."Our source is the same source that you have. It is a mystery. This is putting a lot of burden on us -- all of us. That everybody is seeking for information just as we do. They think that we have answers, and unfortunately we don't," Salah said.The younger sibling Abdullah, who lives in the United Arab Emirates, said he was the last child of Khashoggi to see him alive. He went to Turkey in September to visit him and his fiancee Hatice Cengiz."He was happy. It was a very good opportunity for me to see him. We hung out in Istanbul, we had fun," Abdullah said. "I was really lucky to have last moment with him. I feel very grateful."The death of Khashoggi was an unusual one, and with that the brothers are facing not only grief but also confusion."It's difficult, it's not easy. Especially when the story gets this big. It's not easy, it's confusing. Even the way we grieve, it's a bit confusing," Abdullah said. "We're trying to be emotional and at the same time we're trying to get the story -- bits and pieces of the story to complete the whole picture. It's confusing and difficult. It's not a normal situation and not a normal death.""I still can't believe he is dead. It's not sinking in with me emotionally," Salah added. "The emotional burden that is coming with the puzzle, is really big."Salah said he was waiting for the investigation to be concluded and for the truth to come out, and believed in Saudi King Salman bin Abdelaziz."The King has stressed that everybody involved will be brought to justice. And I have faith in that. This will happen. Otherwise Saudi wouldn't have started an internal investigation," Salah said.Turkey praised for handling of Khashoggi affairUS mourners gather at service for Jamal KhashoggiAmnesty places Khashoggi sign outside Saudi embassy in UK

Turkey praised for handling of Khashoggi affair

The chief of a Qatari daily said Friday that Turkey had refrained from politicizing the killing of a Saudi journalist and was dealing with the issue in a professional manner.Jaber al-Haremi, director general of Dar al-Arab, told Anadolu Agency that while Turkey had endeavored to uphold good relations with the Saudi kingdom since the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, Riyadh had continually rejected Ankara’s positive approach.Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post, disappeared on Oct. 2 after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to receive paperwork he needed to get married. Once inside, he was immediately strangled and then dismembered, according to the Istanbul Prosecutor’s office.Al-Haremi said Oct. 2 would remain a day of sorrow for the press, emphasizing that Khashoggi was targeted for his ideas, ideals and aspirations as well as his advocacy for jailed journalists in Saudi Arabia and throughout the world.'Khashoggi’s body was dismembered, dissolved in acid'Saudi prince disparaged Khashoggi in US calls: reportGermany hardening line on Saudi Arabia and KhashoggiArab media covers Turkey's Khashoggi statement

US ratchets up pressure on Iran with resumption of sanctions

The United States reimposes oil and financial sanctions against Iran on Monday, significantly turning up the pressure on Tehran in order to curb its missile and nuclear programs and counter its growing military and political influence in the Middle East.The move will restore U.S. sanctions that were lifted under a 2015 nuclear deal negotiated by the administration of President Barack Obama, and add 300 new designations in Iran's oil, shipping, insurance and banking sectors.President Donald Trump announced in May that his administration was withdrawing from what he called the "worst ever" agreement negotiated by the United States. Other parties to the deal, including Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia, have said they will not leave.Details of the sanctions will be released at a news conference scheduled for 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT) with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.China, India, South Korea, Japan and Turkey - all top importers of Iranian oil - are among eight countries expected to be given temporary exemptions from the sanctions to ensure crude oil prices are not destabilised.Rouhani says Iran to sell oil, break US sanctionsUS resumes all pre-nuclear deal sanctions on IranThe countries will deposit Iran's revenue in an escrow account, U.S. officials have said.Washington has said it will ensure a well supplied global oil market, with help from ally Saudi Arabia, as Iran oil is cut back. Front-month Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $72.53 per barrel on Monday.The reimposition of the sanctions comes as the United States is focused on U.S. congressional and gubernatorial elections on Tuesday. Campaigning in Chattanooga, Tennessee, late on Sunday, Trump said his "maximum pressure" policy against Iran was working."Iran is a much different country than it was when I took office," said Trump, adding: "They wanted to take over the whole Middle East. Right now they just want to survive."Earlier, thousands of Iranians chanted "Death to America" at a rally to mark the anniversary of the seizure of the U.S. Embassy during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday that Iran should implement policies to safeguard its macroeconomic stability in the face of sanctions.Senior Iranian officials have dismissed concerns about the impact to its economy."America will not be able to carry out any measure against our great and brave nation ... We have the knowledge and the capability to manage the country's economic affairs," Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi told state TV on Friday.Second wave of US sanctions on Iran starts MondayIranian marchers chant 'Death to America' on eve of US oil sanctionsBahrain court overturns acquittal of opposition leaders

Rouhani says Iran to sell oil, break US sanctions

Iran will sell its oil and break sanctions reimposed by the United States on its vital energy and banking sectors, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told economists at a meeting broadcast live on state television on Monday."America wanted to cut to zero Iran's oil sales ... but we will continue to sell our oil ... to break sanctions," Rouhani said.The United States said on Friday it will temporarily allow eight importers to keep buying Iranian oil when it re-imposes sanctions on Monday aimed at forcing Tehran to curb its nuclear, missile and regional activities.China, India, South Korea, Japan and Turkey - all top importers of Iranian oil - are among eight countries expected to be given temporary exemptions from the sanctions to ensure crude oil prices are not destabilised.US resumes all pre-nuclear deal sanctions on IranThe restoration of sanctions is part of a wider effort by U.S. President Donald Trump to force Iran to curb its nuclear and missile programs as well as its support for proxy forces in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon and other parts of the Middle East."Today the enemy (the United States) is targeting our economy ... the main target of sanctions is our people," Rouhani said.In May, Trump exited Iran's 2015 nuclear deal with six powers and Washington reimposed first round of sanctions on Iran in August.The deal saw most international financial and economic sanctions on Iran lifted in return for Tehran curbing its disputed nuclear activity under U.N. surveillance.U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday the penalties set to return on Monday "are the toughest sanctions ever put in place on the Islamic Republic of Iran."However, Iran's clerical rulers have dismissed concerns about the impact of sanctions on the country's economy."This is an economic war against Iran but ... America should learn that it can not use the language of force against Iran ... We are prepared to resist any pressure," Rouhani said.To keep the deal alive, the remaining parties to the Iran nuclear deal are trying to maintain trade with Tehran despite scepticism this is possible despite U.S. sanctions to choke off Iranian oil sales.

Turkey neutralizes 45 terrorists over past week

At least 45 terrorists including two so-called senior figures have been neutralized in counter-terrorism operations across Turkey over the past week, the country’s Interior Ministry said Monday.Turkish authorities often use the word "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the terrorists in question either surrendered or were killed or captured.The ministry said in a statement that a total of 2,143 anti-terror operations were conducted between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5.A total of 25 terrorists were killed, 10 were captured, while another 10 terrorists surrendered to Turkish security forces, the statement said.Selim Demiroglu codenamed Firat Celi, who was on the orange category of the Interior Ministry's wanted list and Ilyas Karakoc codenamed Baran, who was being sought on the gray category – were among the neutralized terrorists.The wanted list is divided into five color-coded categories, with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and gray.Security forces also arrested 740 people for aiding and abetting terror organizations, 3,698 people for crimes linked to drugs and smuggling and 139 others for human trafficking crimes.In nine provinces, 38 shelters of the terrorist organization and 15 improvised explosives and mines were destroyed, while security forces seized 42 hand grenades, 895 kilograms of explosive materials, 29 guns including long-barreled weapons and 746 rounds of ammunition.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of nearly 40,000 people, including women and children.As part of anti-narcotics operations, security forces also seized over 6 tons of drugs across the country.Meanwhile, a total of 3,970 irregular migrants were caught during the operations.Erdoğan calls on terrorists to leave Syria's ManbijTurkey may position howitzer batteries in Syria, says defense analystTurkey calls on US to terminate engagement with PYD/YPG

Syrian tribes call for boycott of YPG/PKK in Raqqa

Killing of a local tribal leader in alleged armed attack by the terrorist YPG/PKK group has risen tension in Raqqa city of war-torn Syria.Following the assassination of its leader Bashir Faisal al-Huwaidi, members of Sabha tribe on Sunday called for boycott of YPG/PKK, which is held responsible for the attack, in the region.Al-Huwaidi -- known opposed to the terrorist group -- was killed on Saturday in Raqqa.Many other regional tribes have also joined Sabha's condemnation of the attack, announcing their support for the boycott until the culprit is revealed.Refugees from Raqqah want to return to their homelandTurkey calls on US to terminate engagement with PYD/YPGYPK/PKK terror in RaqqaFor the past year, the YPG/PKK has oppressed and terrorized Raqqa’s local population -- as it has in other areas under its control.It has forcibly recruited civilians into its ranks and has prevented many local residents from rebuilding their homes, many of which were destroyed last year by intense coalition airstrikes.The YPG/PKK, however, does not provide any public services, while residents accused of having links with the opposition frequently face arbitrary detention.In a report published last December, the U.K.-based Syrian Network for Human Rights said a total of 2,323 civilians had been killed in Raqqa in the period from November 2016 to October 2017.Erdoğan calls on terrorists to leave Syria's ManbijUN aid trucks reach remote Rukban camp in SyriaTurkey may position howitzer batteries in Syria, says defense analyst

Erdoğan calls on terrorists to leave Syria's Manbij

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Saturday called on PYD/YPG terrorists to leave the northern Syrian city of Manbij “as soon as possible.”"Our goal is the exit of terror groups PYD/YPG from Manbij as soon as possible," Erdoğan said at a joint news conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko in Istanbul.The joint press conference comes after the 7th meeting of Ukraine-Turkey High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. Erdogan said he will also meet his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on sidelines of international meeting due to be held in Paris on Nov. 10-11.He recalled a Manbij roadmap previously set between Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and his U.S. counterpart Mike Pompeo."However, this road map was not complied," said Erdogan, adding that "now it is time to implement it" and "the process is ongoing".Erdoğan: Turkey works ‘with might and main’ for youthOn Friday, Turkish National Defense Ministry shared a footage of the first round of the Turkey-U.S. joint patrols in Manbij that was conducted as part of the deal between the two countries.The Manbij deal between Turkey and the U.S. focuses on the withdrawal of YPG/PKK terrorists from the city to stabilize the region, which is in the northeast of Syria's Aleppo province.In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU -- has been responsible for the death of some 40,000 people, including those of women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.Upon a question, Erdogan said during their recent phone conversation with Trump, they also discussed the issue of Turkey's state-run lender Halkbank. Erdogan said the U.S. president told him that he would immediately instruct his ministers about it.Ankara shares footage on joint Turkey-US patrols in ManbijSyrians want Turkey to free Tal Abyad from terroristsTurkey-Ukraine tiesRegarding Turkish-Ukrainian relations, Erdoğan pointed out that the number of tourists coming from Ukraine to Turkey has surpassed one million in 2018."We will continue to strengthen our relations with Ukraine," Erdoğan said.He said Turkey wishes early resolution of conflict in eastern Ukraine through “diplomatic and peaceful means.”Turkey has never recognized illegal annexation of Crimea and it will never do in the future, Turkish president added.In March 2014, Russia annexed Crimea after a controversial referendum, which drew the ire of the international community as Russian soldiers occupied the region during the voting process.Erdoğan said Ukraine has supported Turkey after the failed coup attempt in 2016."I believe that our cooperation will continue in the following period in order to totally abolish FETO [Fetullah Terrorist Organization] presence in Ukraine," he said.Regarding political prisoners in Russia, Erdogan said that he was previously notified about two Crimeans in Russian prisons; he said he conveyed the issue to Russian President Vladimir Putin and the two were released."Now a larger list was given and again we immediately conveyed it to the Russian side," Erdogan added.For his part, Poroshenko said Saturday's Istanbul meeting was very "fruitful".He also said the leaders of the two countries have given necessary instructions for signing Free Trade Agreement “as soon as possible.”Earlier on Saturday, Poroshenko also visited Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Istanbul and met with Patriarch Bartholomew.Poroshenko and Bartholomew signed a cooperation agreement regarding the ongoing process for establishing an independent Ukrainian church.On October 11, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was agreed to be independent of the Russian Orthodox Church during a meeting held at the Patriarchate in Istanbul.

Turkey's Vice President Fuat Oktay