Turkey: Pompeo comment on Kurds shows ‘worrying lack of knowledge’

The US is speaking to Turkey to ensure it does not ‘slaughter’ Kurds in Syria as American troops leave, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. (AFP)
Updated 04 January 2019
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Turkey: Pompeo comment on Kurds shows ‘worrying lack of knowledge’

ANKARA: Turkey on Friday hit out at US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for saying Washington will ensure Ankara does not “slaughter” Kurds in Syria as American troops withdraw.
“Pompeo equating the YPG terror organization with Kurds, even if it is not intentional, shows a worrying lack of knowledge,” Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Hami Aksoy said in a statement. Ankara views the US-backed Syrian Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) militia as a “terrorist offshoot” of insurgents inside Turkey.


Oman to host Middle East Space Conference 2026

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Oman to host Middle East Space Conference 2026

  • The three-day event gathers over 450 senior decision-makers, including government leaders and space agencies, to discuss space ecosystem
  • Topics on the agenda for MESC 2026 include national space policies, agency strategies and financing methods for space-related initiatives

LONDON: Oman and Novaspace are organizing the second edition of the Middle East Space Conference in the capital, Muscat, to discuss space development in the region.

The three-day event from Jan. 26-28 brings together over 450 senior decision-makers from 190 organizations across 20 countries, including government leaders, space agencies, investors, and academics, to discuss the Middle East space ecosystem.

Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, in collaboration with Novaspace — a global leader in space consulting — is hosting the high-level conference to promote dialogue and deal-making, strengthening Oman’s role as a key hub for space applications and investments in the region.

“Muscat will serve as a focal point for investors, industry leaders, and policymakers seeking to engage in the next phase of growth of the Middle East space economy,” the statement said.

Topics on the agenda for MESC 2026 include national space policies, agency strategies, satellite program development and financing methods for space-related initiatives.

The program will focus on the impact of space applications, including satellite communications, urban development, and environmental sustainability. It will conclude by bringing together regulators, investors, and startups to discuss regulatory frameworks and talent development, the organizers added.

Oman’s space sector, managed by the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, uses satellite communications, remote sensing, and monitoring to promote economic development, environmental protection, and national security in line with Oman Vision 2040.