POLITICS > Iran suspends visa privileges for Turks

ISTANBUL

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi (L) and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu arrive for a meeting in Ankara, on August 7, 2012. Turkey can play a "major role" in freeing 48 Iranian pilgrims abducted in Syria because of its links with the Syrian opposition, Iran's foreign minister said on Tuesday. AFP PHOTO/ADEM ALTAN

Iran recently suspended arrangements that allowed Turkish citizens to visit the country without first obtaining visas, daily Milliyet reported.

Iran's suspension, active between August 5 and 31, follows on the heels of rising tension in bilateral relations and different point of views regarding the Syrian crisis.

Tehran claimed the changing regulations were caused by the upcoming international Non-Aligned Movement meeting. However, previous meetings held in Iran did not result in similar alterations to visa-free travel.

Travel without visa privileges is set to be restored by Sept. 1.

August/09/2012

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Aryeh Rapaport

8/9/2012 8:21:15 PM

The original point made was Turkey should start bashing Israel again. It was a strategy before and after the Marmara. It was a strategic policy that made sense for Turkey. 6mm people vs 300mm people. The strategic change took place and one of benefits were closer relations with Iran and Syria. It looks like these 2 countries were a bad bet to depend on. Diren, I say Turkey supported because when Turkey doesnt want to allow a rally - there is no rally (Are you shy about being Hamas supporters? )

Aryeh Rapaport

8/9/2012 7:45:56 PM

Diren, Turkey openly recognized the Hamas govt as well as openly supported, encouraged and backed the Marmara flotilla where IHH terrorists (people who want to die Jihad) found there death. There was even talks if Hamas would set up headquarters in Turkey. No one can deny this. Large rallies after the flotilla where Turkish, Hamas flags are flown is a Hamas rally. Why would you deny this? Arduan is proud of Turkeys "Unique humanitarianism".

Rimon Tree

8/9/2012 4:57:27 PM

@ Right Ariyeh! And sending over IHH terrorists, who had got nothing to do than to provocate and attack Israel over a legitimate blockade is a rally as well! The esteemed PM should send a ship to Egypt now protesting the blockade and the sealing of the tunnels and the killing of more than 40 fellow Muslims by now (though the attack was allegedely done by Mossad, LOL!)

Turk Uzan

8/9/2012 4:43:56 PM

@ Levent and Diren, Turks go to Iran mostly on business, so this hurts trade @ Aryed Rapaport, a large group of people waving hamas flags in Turkey, is exactly that. A large group of people protesting Israel. This doesn't mean the government organized it. Don't be ignorant.

Diren Sesel

8/9/2012 4:22:44 PM

You said Turkey like it was state funded , its a group of people waving flags,etc, that doesn't represent the state,

Aryeh Rapaport

8/9/2012 3:04:42 PM

Diren, a large group of people in Turkey waving Turkish and Hamas Flags, shouting Alla wakbar constitutes a rally.

Diren Sesel

8/9/2012 2:34:58 PM

Turkey has never organized Hamas rallies

Aryeh Rapaport

8/9/2012 2:06:04 PM

Maybe Turkey should start bashing Israel again or organize big Hamas rallies; it helped a lot to grow relations with Iran... Turkey once again is not a decision maker but pushed into a corner.

Diren Sesel

8/9/2012 12:04:23 PM

Turks rarely visit Iran any ways..

stella maris

8/9/2012 11:29:45 AM

@ Levant that goes for "anyone" like you and me with some logic left, but I am sure the esteemed AKP crew will be outraged!

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