Erdogan approves voting on powerful presidency
AP, Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved holding a national referendum on constitutional reforms that would usher in a powerful presidency.
Erdogan approved the bill on Friday, paying the way for the country’s electoral board to set a date for the referendum.
Parliament approved the reform package in hotly, and at times violently, debated sessions last month.
Winter snow storm lashes northeast US
AFP, New York
A heavy winter snow storm lashed the northeastern United States Thursday, subjecting New York to near blizzard-like conditions and forcing flight cancellations as schools and the United Nations closed.
Snow began falling overnight, following record high temperatures for February in New York on Wednesday, with as much as 10 to 14 inches (25 to 35 centimeters) expected to accumulate during the day.
‘Aman-17’ naval exercise kicks off in Karachi
Dawn.com, Karachi
The multinational ‘Aman-17’ naval exercise kicked off in Karachi Friday morning with 37 countries, including Pakistan, taking part in the event.
Nine of the visitors – Australia, China, Indonesia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan and Russia – are participating with naval assets.
CIA Chief, Turkish PM discuss anti-terror cooperation
AP, Ankara
Officials say Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim has met CIA chief Mike Pompeo and they agreed on closer cooperation against terrorism and organized crime.
During their discussions Friday, Yildirim renewed a request for U.S. support for Turkey’s struggle against the movement led by U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, including his extradition, the prime minister’s office said. Gulen is wanted in Turkey for masterminding a failed coup attempt. He denies the accusation.
