The Fitch ratings agency downgraded five eurozone countries -- Italy, Spain and Slovenia by two notches and Belgium and Cyprus by one each -- on Friday, while lowering its outlook on Ireland amid persistent concerns about European debt.
A Turkish oil exploration vessel has set off for northern Cyprus amid
a dispute with Greek Cypriots over rights to hydrocarbon reserves off the divided Mediterranean island.
A Turkish ship set sail for Cyprus Friday on an oil exploration mission, amidst increasing tensions with Greek Cypriots over rights to hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.
US firm Noble Energy has begun exploratory drilling for oil and gas off the coast of Cyprus, despite earlier warnings by Turkey that it will send warships to protect its claims to resources.
Turkey has threatened to retaliate if Greek Cyprus goes ahead with plans to drill off its coast as part of a deal with US energy firm Noble, which leaves out the Turkish part of the island. The EU urged restraint.
Fitch on Wednesday downgraded Cyprus one notch to BBB, stating that the country will likely need an EU bailout. The ratings agency expects Cyprus to struggle to meet its financing requirements into 2012.
The Cypriot centre-left cabinet bowed on Thursday to public pressure after protesters demanded their resignation over a mass explosion of munitions earlier this month that killed 13 people and sent the country to the brink of bankruptcy.
A devastating blast at a Greek Cypriot naval base has left at least 10 people dead and dozens wounded, after a brush fire reached a gunpowder store in a seized Iranian weapons cache.
From the capital Ankara to the beautiful Istanbul, Europe District shows you the various faces of Turkey. Meet the “Anatolian Tigers” who combine Islam and economic success away from Istanbul and its secular elite. We’ll also take you to the mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir in the southeast. And last but not least, a tour of Istanbul by night with Turkish actress Serra Yilmaz.
Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, this vast, mainly-Muslim country started accession negotiations with the EU in 2005. Its candidacy continues to divide EU members but Turkey will "patiently pursue its path", Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told Europe District. Watch his interview and see our reports on prison reforms and the success of Turkish TV series at home and in the Middle East.
