Vahap Seçer, the CHP candidate for Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, announced his projects for a second term, emphasizing his confidence and outlining his achievements and future plans. He highlighted the completion of the metro project and blamed the government for delays. The meeting, held under the slogan 'With Pleasure for 5 More Years,' saw high attendance at the Yenişehir Atatürk Cultural Center.

The article explores the opinions of the people in Mersin, Turkey, regarding the newly announced minimum wage of 17,002 lira. VOA Türkçe conducted interviews in the Mezitli district to gather public sentiment on this issue.

The Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi (CHP) announced its mayoral candidates for three metropolitan cities and six provinces for the upcoming local elections on March 31, 2024. Deniz Yücel, CHP's Deputy Chairman and Party Spokesperson, revealed the candidates for Konya, Manisa, and Samsun, as well as six other provinces. The CHP Party Assembly had previously finalized candidates for 227 electoral districts, including major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. Despite expectations, candidates for Adana, Mersin, Hatay, and Aydın were not announced. The CHP criticized a recent operation against Adana's mayor as politically motivated, reaffirming support for Zeydan Karalar.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, during a local election rally in Mersin, criticized the opposition CHP for their lack of contributions to the city. He emphasized the achievements and future plans of his party, AK Parti, and the Cumhur İttifakı alliance, promising increased investments in Mersin post-election. Erdoğan also addressed the ongoing delays in the Çukurova Havalimanı project, assuring that the connection roads would be completed within the year.

An operation was conducted on Adana Metropolitan Municipality over allegations of bribery and tender rigging. Police searched the municipality building and detained several suspects. Adana Mayor Zeydan Karalar criticized the operation as a politically motivated act ahead of elections. CHP officials supported Karalar, denouncing the operation as an attempt by the AKP to start their election campaign. Karalar is expected to run for re-election in the upcoming local elections.

Candidates for the upcoming local elections in Mersin have largely been finalized, with both expected and surprising choices. The current mayor from CHP, Vahap Seçer, is running for re-election, while MHP has chosen Serdar Soydan as their candidate. Notably, Haluk Bozdoğan, the former mayor of Tarsus, resigned from CHP and announced his independent candidacy after not being re-nominated. This move, along with other candidate selections, could significantly impact the election dynamics in Mersin.

Serdar Soydan, the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Mayor candidate from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and the Cumhur Alliance, introduced his 100 projects, prioritizing transportation initiatives. The presentation, attended by MHP and AK Parti members, highlighted plans for a metro project, smart traffic systems, and new road connections. Soydan's approach was less critical of the current administration compared to President Erdoğan's recent rally. The projects were detailed in a 130-page book, focusing on themes like economy, agriculture, and tourism. The promise of 10 GB of free internet for youth received significant applause. The Cumhur Alliance's choice of an MHP candidate reflects their strategic belief in winning Mersin.

A storm and heavy rainfall that affected many provinces in Turkey also hit Mersin. The storm and intense rain that were effective at night left these scenes in the morning. Tree branches and logs carried by streams were washed ashore by waves. Streams carrying mud from the mountains also changed the color of the sea.

Turkey has played a significant role in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan offering to act as a mediator even before the war began. Turkey facilitated several key meetings and agreements, including the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and the Grain Corridor Agreement, which helped transport 32 million tons of grain and reduce global food prices. Despite these efforts, some initiatives, such as ceasefire calls, have not been successful. Turkey's balanced approach, selling drones to Ukraine while opposing sanctions on Russia, has led to both challenges and opportunities. The country's role as a facilitator is seen as crucial by experts, although the ultimate outcome depends heavily on Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies. Turkey's position has also been influenced by its relationships with Western countries and NATO, as well as its economic ties with Russia and Ukraine.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of cooperation between central and local governments for effective city development, using Hatay as an example of failure due to lack of local vision. He criticized the CHP for its handling of Hatay and promised new housing projects. Erdoğan's statements received backlash from İYİ Parti's Turhan Çömez, who accused him of conditional service delivery.

The Milliyetçi Hareket Partisi (MHP) held its first rally for the upcoming local elections on March 31 in Mersin. MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli addressed the public, asking if they would present Mersin to the President.

Mersin has become a preferred destination for middle-class Syrian refugees due to its investment opportunities and port access. Nashvan Zamo, a Syrian entrepreneur, relocated to Mersin in 2015 and established a successful tahini and halva production business, now exporting to 25 countries. Despite facing misconceptions about receiving undue support, Zamo emphasizes the challenges and resilience of Syrian refugees. The article also touches on the broader issue of refugee integration and the potential for returning to Syria if conditions improve.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Turkey and leader of the AK Parti, criticized the opposition CHP during a local election rally in Mersin. He emphasized the need for alignment between central and local governments for effective development, accusing the CHP of failing to contribute to Mersin's progress. Erdoğan promised increased investments in Mersin post-election and highlighted ongoing projects, including the long-delayed Çukurova Airport. The rally underscored Erdoğan's call for voters to support the Cumhur İttifakı for continued development.

Selahattin Demirtaş's trial, which was expected to reach a decision, has been postponed to May 15, 2024. Demirtaş and his lawyers argued that the prosecution ignored evidence in his favor and manipulated evidence against him, claiming discrimination based on his Kurdish political identity. The trial involves ten charges consolidated into one case, related to speeches made by Demirtaş in 2015 and 2016. The prosecution accuses him of publicly insulting the Turkish government and its institutions under Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code. The court accepted the defense's request for additional documents and postponed the trial.

The Companion House in Mersin, which serves patients and their companions from distant districts or villages, will remain open throughout the Kurban Bayramı holiday, offering 24/7 services. Operated by the Social Services Department of the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality, the facility has been in service for over two years. Social Services Specialist Yusuf Yazgı highlighted that guests receive free breakfast, dinner, transportation, and psychological counseling during their stay, and these services will continue uninterrupted during the holiday.

In Antakya, which experienced the most significant destruction during the earthquake, voters are casting their ballots with specific expectations. They are primarily seeking solutions to immediate issues in the new term. VOA Türkçe correspondent Onur Erdoğan spoke with voters in the central district of Hatay to understand their priorities.

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the CHP leader and presidential candidate of the Millet İttifakı, pledged to send Syrian refugees back to their country within two years if elected. Speaking at a rally in Mersin, he emphasized that this would be done without racism and with the help of European Union funds for infrastructure. The rally saw high participation, and Kılıçdaroğlu reiterated his promises to earthquake victims and outlined plans to boost the local economy. Mansur Yavaş, the Mayor of Ankara, also spoke at the rally, criticizing Interior Minister Süleyman Soylu for his stance on LGBT issues.

Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, the leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and presidential candidate of the Nation Alliance, stated during a rally in Mersin that if they come to power, they will send Syrian refugees back to their country within a maximum of two years.

Özgür Eskiocak, a dog trainer from Antakya, Hatay, was involved in rescue operations with the Köpek Eğitmenleri Derneği following an earthquake. The team faced hostility from locals who mistook them for AFAD, a government agency that had not arrived yet. Despite the lack of equipment and the challenging conditions, Eskiocak's team managed to reach 18 survivors on the first day, largely thanks to the dogs assisting them. Eskiocak emphasized the importance of a dog's character and training over breed for search and rescue work. He also noted the scarcity of rescue dogs in Turkey and suggested that many lives could have been saved if more abandoned dogs had been properly trained for rescue operations.

The February 6 earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş caused widespread destruction across 11 provinces, with a subsequent quake on February 20 in Hatay exacerbating fears. VOA Türkçe's Mersin correspondent Onur Erdoğan, who experienced the quakes firsthand, reported from heavily affected areas like Hatay, İskenderun, and Antakya, highlighting the devastation and the delayed aid response. His footage from the first week post-quake captures both the scale of the destruction and the frustrations of the survivors.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) has contested the unofficial election results for the Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, citing irregularities and questions about invalid votes. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and its candidate Serdar Soydan introduced their projects for Mersin, emphasizing the metro. The article also discusses the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine War and its impact on Turkey, a tornado in Mersin causing damage, President Erdoğan's comments on local governance, the MHP's first local election rally in Mersin, the mystery of bodies washing up on Turkish and Northern Cyprus shores, the finalized list of candidates for the upcoming local elections in Mersin, the public's opinion on the minimum wage in Mersin, and the CHP's announcement of mayoral candidates for three metropolitan cities and six provinces. Additionally, an operation was conducted at the Adana Metropolitan Municipality over allegations of bribery and tender rigging.

Following the devastating earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, Mersin has become a primary refuge for survivors. The Mersin Orthodox Church, led by Priest İspir Coşkun Teymur, quickly transformed into a crisis center, offering temporary residence and distributing aid. The church has accommodated and fed approximately 120 people, later distributing them to homes in Mersin. The Mersin Latin Catholic Church, with Priest Roshan Cordeiro, is also providing for the basic needs of around 60 individuals. The Christian community in Hatay has suffered significant losses, with confirmed casualties in Samandağ, Antakya, and İskenderun. Edel Aşkar, a survivor from Samandağ, described the town as being completely destroyed, with a lack of medical supplies and general hardship.

Adana, along with Pazarcık and Elbistan districts of Kahramanmaraş, was relatively less affected by two separate earthquakes. Despite this, the death toll in the city is significant. The earthquake victims in Adana primarily blame the contractors for the collapse of buildings amidst others that remained standing.

In Osmaniye, nearly 100 lifeless bodies were recovered from the rubble of the 9-story Metin Tamer Site. Halil Esen, a volunteer from AFAD, highlighted the dire situation and the collapse of other buildings in the area. Search and rescue operations, primarily conducted by professional teams, include AFAD, AKUT, and the Balıkesir Fire Department.

In Adana, regional destruction was limited, with most damage occurring in the Çukurova district's Güzelyalı and Yurt neighborhoods. Post-earthquake rescue operations and aid were more efficient compared to heavily affected areas like Hatay. AFAD set up tents in parks, gardens, and marketplaces, and while local earthquake victims were generally satisfied with the aid, the collapse of a few buildings amidst many that remained standing has directed public anger towards contractors.

Following the earthquake, AFAD quickly established a tent city in Osmaniye, supported by Kızılay, the Ministry of Family and Social Services, and various other organizations. The camp provides essential supplies such as hot meals, water, milk, blankets, and donated clothing. Gülizar Orhantekin from the Ministry of Family and Social Services emphasized the importance of psychological support alongside physical needs, with psychosocial support teams active in all affected areas including Kahramanmaraş, Hatay, and Gaziantep.

Following the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş and surrounding provinces, residents of Barış Sitesi in İskenderun anxiously await the rescue of their loved ones trapped under the rubble. Speaking to VOA Türkçe, relatives of the victims expressed their frustration over the lack of aid for more than 30 hours. One resident criticized the government for neglecting Hatay, while Mehmet Doğan shared that they had to rescue his mother on their own, but unfortunately, she did not survive.

Zeynep Rüya Alaşahan, one of the many earthquake victims staying in temporary shelters in Osmaniye, expressed her fear during the earthquake and the uncertainty of her family's future. She mentioned that many of her neighbors were trapped under the rubble and highlighted that their food needs are being met in the tent city.

Following two major earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, many people in various provinces have been left homeless. In İskenderun, earthquake victims are waiting in line to receive donated aid. The situation was documented by VOA Türkçe reporter Onur Erdoğan.

In Osmaniye, affected by the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, residents in the AFAD tent city express satisfaction with food and shelter support. Fatma Evleksiz mentions their house didn't collapse but they are afraid to enter due to cracks. Yahya Evleksiz acknowledges some shortcomings in aid services but overall finds them good.

The article discusses the activities of the Gamaredon group, an advanced persistent threat (APT) based in Russia, known for targeting Ukrainian state institutions and Western government entities in Ukraine. The group, attributed to the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB), uses malicious office files and PowerShell beacons to execute malware. The research highlights the network infrastructure, domain registration patterns, and malware types used by Gamaredon, providing detailed analysis and actionable intelligence for cybersecurity professionals. The article underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.