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Carney Tempers Expectations on U.S.-Canada Trade Talks

                                             Carney says U.S. tariff reprieve 'unlikely' to happen before CUSMA review talks. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has downplayed the likelihood of a near-term trade deal between Canada and the United States, signaling that any progress will likely be folded into the upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) scheduled for 2026. Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, Carney explained that efforts to secure sector-specific agreements—particularly in industries such as steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber—have stalled since U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly ended negotiations in October. The talks were derailed after Ontario aired a controversial anti-tariff advertisement featuring former President Ronald Reagan, which drew sharp criticism from Washington. Carney emphasized that while Canada...
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Turkey Converts Former Byzantine-Era Church into Mosque: A Controversial Move

 

 On Monday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan formally opened the former Byzantine church of St. Saviour in Chora, known as Kariye in Turkish, as a mosque. This move comes four years after the Turkish government designated it a Muslim house of prayer, despite criticism from neighboring Greece1.

Historical Context

The Church of St. Saviour in Chora has a rich history. Dating back to the fourth century, it underwent significant transformations over the centuries. The current structure took shape during the 11th and 12th centuries. It served as a mosque during Ottoman rule before being converted into a museum in 1945. Like Istanbul’s iconic Haghia Sophia, which also underwent a similar transformation, the Chora Church is listed as a U.N. World Heritage Site.

Controversy and Criticism

Greece and other countries had urged Turkey to protect these important Byzantine-era monuments. The decision to convert both Haghia Sophia and the Chora Church back into mosques drew praise from Muslim faithful but raised concerns internationally. Critics accused Ankara of “insulting the character” of these World Heritage Sites. The moves were seen as part of an effort to consolidate the conservative and religious support base of Erdogan’s ruling party amid an economic downturn.

Restoration and Formal Launch

The formal launch of the Chora Church as a mosque was delayed due to restoration work. Erdogan presided over the ceremony remotely from a conference hall at his palace complex in Ankara. The church, located near Istanbul’s ancient city walls, is renowned for its elaborate mosaics and frescoes. Despite the controversy, Erdogan expressed hope that the conversion would bring good fortune.

Turkey’s decision to convert historical sites like the Chora Church and Haghia Sophia has sparked debates about cultural heritage, religious identity, and political motivations. As the world watches, these monuments continue to be at the center of a complex and multifaceted discussion.

The Associated Press, founded in 1846, remains a trusted source of factual reporting and essential news services worldwide. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s latest move adds another layer to the ongoing dialogue about the intersection of history, religion, and national identity.


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