Kusadasi News | Kusadasi Turkey

British people have been reported missing

British people have been reported missing following the earthquake that struck China killing at least 10,000 people, the Foreign Office has said.

A spokesman confirmed that it is believed British nationals were "possibly" in the area when the earthquake struck on Monday afternoon.

"We have been told through our embassy that there are British nationals possibly in the area. The embassy is now trying to contact people that have been reported missing," he said.

Queen s visit to Turkey

The Queen and Prince Philip are travelling to Turkey for a four-day state visit, their first to the country since 1971. During the trip, they will lay a wreath at the tomb of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern, secular Turkey. They will also be guests at a state banquet hosted by President Abdullah Gul and his wife Hayrunnisa. She is likely to wear an Islamic headscarf despite a ban on them in public and governmental building.

The BBC's royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the controversial issue of the headscarf would confront the Queen as soon as she stepped off the plane. Turkey's staunchly secular military is deeply opposed to headscarves being worn, while the ruling party, which has Islamic roots, believes religious symbols should be more openly accepted

Goldtrail Holidays has expanded its range of Turkish holidays flying from Leeds

Goldtrail Holidays has expanded its range of Turkish holidays flying from Leeds Bradford International Airport. The Turkish specialist tour operator made the decision following the success of its holiday packages to Bodrum and Dalaman leaving from the West Yorkshire airport.

It will now begin offering a new flight service to Antalya departing from LBIA every Wednesday between July 2nd and October 29th this year. Sally Ramsey, marketing and business development manager at LBIA, said: "Demand for Turkey from the people of our region is extremely high and we are delighted that Goldtrail's flights have proved to be so popular. "The introduction of the Antalya service offers passengers a chance to visit a new destination and is a fantastic addition to the ever growing range of destinations available from LBIA."

Turkey to help U.S. operate, transport Iraqi oil

Turkey will help the United States to operate and transport neighbouring Iraq's oil as part of its drive to become an energy hub, Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler told CNN Turk on Friday. Guler visited the United States this week with President Abdullah Gul for talks with U.S. officials dominated by energy.

Turkey is the paradise of sun, sea, mountains, lakes

Turkey has a truly stunning coastline, great weather, fabulous food and the high standard of service that British buyers have come to expect from a second home destination. A wide choice of property, both new-build and resale, is available – and at a very affordable price compared to other, more established, European destinations.

The country also has a feel of the exotic, and the reception from the Turks is never anything less than welcoming. Infrastructure is also good, with good quality roads and a wide choice of airports. In addition, the range of facilities and amenities, from water sports to Ikea, is nothing less than phenomenal. Perhaps the only type of buyer that Turkey won’t appeal to is the golfer, as there is a considerable lack of courses in the south – with the exception of Belek which is building golf resorts at an unprecedented rate.

Turkey's government on Thursday promised a fairer tax system

Turkey's government on Thursday promised a fairer tax system and lower social security premiums for employers in a programme that analysts said was ambitious but lacked detail. Nearly six months after winning a landslide general election that returned it for a second five-year term, the pro-business government unveiled a 145-point "action plan" that seeks to counter criticism that it is drifting, beset by divisions and preoccupied by terrorism threats and a dispute over a new constitution. "We do not make promises that we cannot keep, unlike previous governments," said Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister, who announced the programme. "The winners [from the action plan] will be the country and the people of Turkey."

17,000 British people now own property in Turkey

For property investors looking to put their money into the Mediterranean, Turkey is a cheaper alternative, an expert has said. Paul Collins, BuyAssociation's property editor, made his comments while predicting a growth in popularity for the country over the next year. "The prices are rising, so people are well advised to get in before it gets too expensive," he said. "But there are some great opportunities and some places that are significantly cheaper than anything you’ll find in Cyprus or Greece.

" Mr Collins did, however, say there may be problems with access to the country, noting that there is only one international airport on the south coast. Another one is apparently being built. According to the Guardian, 17,000 British people now own property in Turkey, but this does not mean that new investors should not be careful.

British Airways plans to launch a new service to the Alanya

British Airways plans to launch a new service to the Antalya region on April 10th. The introduction of new flights to Turkey is set to trigger huge interest amongst overseas property buyers. In addition, after its purchase of GB Airways, EasyJet will soon begin offering services to the south coast of Turkey.

A new airport is also being developed in the Gazipasa region, which is likely to help encourage British investors to consider Turkey as a viable market. There has been no confirmation what routes will go to and from the facility, but the introduction of flights will definitely encourage further interest in the region and other surrounding areas.

Turkey had breached three articles of the Geneva

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) on Thursday ruled that Turkey had breached three articles of the Geneva Human Rights Convention in handing down its verdict in a case opened by 18 Greek Cypriots. The court ruled that Turkey had to play compensation to the tune of 4000 Euros to each of the plaintiffs in the case, which dated back to the 1974 military operations of the Turkish armed forces on the island, when

Turkish troops were sent to Cyprus by the government in Ankara to protect Turkish Cypriot civilians from attacks. Of the 18 Greek Cypriots whose names appeared on the do*****ents lodged against Turkey, nine are reported to have gone missing during the 1974 military operations, with the remaining nine being their relatives.

Catholics in Turkey marking 2,000th anniversary of St Paul

Catholics in the majority-Muslim Turkey are preparing to celebrate the 2,000th anniversary of the birth of Saint Paul. Pope Benedict XVI has declared 2008 to be the year of St Paul and Catholics in Turkey are asking the government if they can use St Paul church in Tarsus, the famous missionary's birthplace, as part of the celebrations. Bishop Luigi Padovese, the Catholic Church's apostolic vicar of Anatolia, told E*****enical News International that the anniversary would attract a large number of pilgrims. Senior officials are formally considering the request to use St Paul’s church, which is now a state-owned museum. "This anniversary is certain to attract large numbers of pilgrims, who will obviously need a church where they can feel at home and pray," said Bishop Padovese. "A government commission is now formally considering our request. But senior officials have agreed we should be able to worship here.