Baghdad airport, Iraq. Reuters
Baghdad airport, Iraq. Reuters
Baghdad airport, Iraq. Reuters
Baghdad airport, Iraq. Reuters

Iraq extends flight suspension to Turkey until October


Mina Aldroubi
  • English
  • Arabic

Iraq said that it extended its flight suspension to Turkey until October 1, without giving any explanation.

Authorities reopened Baghdad and southern airports last month for international travel after months of closure caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“Iraqi citizens who are stranded in Turkey will need to go through diplomatic measures to return home,” a statement by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICCA) said on Monday.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc in Iraq and has shown no signs of abating despite orders to stay at home and other protective measures imposed since mid-March.

Iraq has recorded nearly 220,000 infected cases and more than 6,740 deaths since the outbreak of the virus.

Daily tallies have increased rapidly in the past few weeks, with cases topping nearly 4,000 every day.

Tensions between Baghdad and Ankara heightened in June after Turkey started a cross-border operations against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq.

Ankara launched the ground offensive, dubbed Operation Claw Tiger, that helped Turkish troops advance deeper into the neighbouring country.

Iraq summoned the Turkish ambassador several times and said the move was in response to Ankara's “violations and breaches" that included a drone attack in Erbil, Kurdistan, which killed two officers and a soldier in August.

Iraq’s foreign ministry then said Baghdad cancelled a visit by Turkey’s defence minister to the country and summoned the ambassador again to inform him of “Iraq’s confirmed rejection of his country’s attacks and violations”.

Turkey has regularly attacked the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), both in its mainly Kurdish south-east and in northern Iraq, where the group is based.

The PKK, designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Turkey's south-east.

Test series fixtures

(All matches start at 2pm UAE)

1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday

2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18

3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31

4th Test Manchester from August 4-8

Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

Famous left-handers

- Marie Curie

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- Albert Einstein

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NBA Finals so far

(Toronto lead 3-1 in best-of-seven series_

Game 1 Raptors 118 Warriors 109

Game 2 Raptors 104 Warriors 109

Game 3 Warriors 109 Raptors 123

Game 4 Warriors 92 Raptors 105