NATO is in close contact with Finland, Sweden, and Turkiye, the alliance’s chief said on Thursday.

- We are addressing the concerns that Turkey has expressed - Jens Stoltenberg told a joint press conference with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Copenhagen.
- Because when an ally, an important ally as Turkey, raises security concerns, raised these issues, then, of course, the only way to do that is to sit down and find ways to find a common ground and an agreement on how to move forward - he added.
NATO’s enlargement has been a great success, Stoltenberg said, adding that "every country has the right to choose its own path, that of course also includes Finland and Sweden."- We are 30 allies from both sides of the Atlantic with different history, geography, political parties in government, and sometimes there are some differences. But we have a long track record in NATO of being able to overcome differences - the alliance chief said.

Turkiye, a longstanding NATO member, has voiced objections to Finland and Sweden joining the alliance, criticizing them for tolerating and even supporting terror groups, including the PKK/YPG.

Over the last five years, both Helsinki and Stockholm have failed to agree to Ankara’s requests for the extradition of dozens of terrorists, including members of the PKK and FETO, the group behind the 2016 defeated coup in Turkiye.
Senior representatives of Finland and Sweden are set to visit Ankara in the coming days to discuss their accession process, which requires unanimous approval from all 30 NATO member states.

We are addressing concerns Turkiye has expressed, says Stoltenberg

Stoltenberg: NATO in close contact with Finland, Sweden, Turkiye

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called a mass shooting at a supermarket in the state of New York "domestic terrorism."

- What happened here is simple straightforward; terrorism, domestic terrorism - Biden said at a news conference in Buffalo where a gunman killed at least 10 people Saturday in a racially-motivated attack.
Biden's remarks came after meeting families of the victims of the shooting at Tops Supermarket.

What happened here is simple straightforward; terrorism, domestic terrorism, says president

Biden calls Buffalo supermarket shooting "domestic terrorism"

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that Germany lost its independence since the new government came to power.

Speaking at an educational marathon New Horizons in Moscow, Lavrov said French President Emmanuel Macron is now the last European leader who speaks about the political autonomy of the EU.
- Since the current government came to power, Germany has lost the last signs of independence.

- In the European Union now only, probably, (French) President (Emmanuel) Macron is still trying to somehow talk about the strategic autonomy of the EU - the minister said.

Lavrov also expressed surprise about German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's mild reaction to "impolite remarks" by Ukraine's Ambassador to Germany (Andriy Melnyk).
This came after Scholz's refusal to visit Kyiv with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who was refused a meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy because of his "proximity to Russia."
However, later Zelenskyy and Steinmeier had a phone talk and settled "misunderstandings."

<h2>New centers of a multipolar world</h2>

Lavrov then said the West is unhappy to see that some states beat it in its own game, and in the first turn China, which is now playing by the West's own rules.

- In the West, they directly say that it is time to reform economic institutions, because they were created by the West, created on the basis of those mechanisms that the Americans offered to everyone else and forced them to accept.&nbsp;It was on the basis of these mechanisms in world trade and finance that China, following these same rules, beat the West and the US and came out on top as the world economy - the minister said.However, he expects that despite the attempts to counteract, the big states like China, India, Brazil will continue to develop and grow and will form new centers of a multipolar world.

He says China beat US and West, playing their game by their rules

Sergey Lavrov says Germany lost its independence since new gov't came to power

Uganda will pull out its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in two weeks, the military said on Tuesday, following a joint operation against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels since December last year.

Uganda blames the ADF for three suicide bombings in the capital Kampala on Nov. 16, 2021, in which seven people lost their lives and more than 37 injured.
- Operation Shujaa will officially cease in about 2 weeks according to our original agreement - Lt. Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the commander of land forces, said on Twitter.
- It was supposed to last for 6 months. Unless I get further instructions from our Commander-in-Chief or CDF (chief of defense forces), I will withdraw all our troops from DRC in 2 weeks - Kainerugaba added.
No update was provided on the status of the operation against the ADF.

Troops were deployed in DR Congo for joint operation against ADF rebels since December last year

Uganda blames the ADF for three suicide bombings in the capital Kampala on Nov. 16, 2021

Ugandan military announces withdrawal from DR Congo

The European Union's foreign policy chief on Tuesday voiced the bloc's "full support" for Sweden and Finland's NATO membership bid.

- The news of the day is Swedish and Finnish ministers explaining us and updating us about their policy deliberations on NATO membership - Josep Borrell told a news conference after EU's Foreign Affairs Council's meeting on defense in Brussels.

<h2>They will hand over NATO membership applications on Wednesday</h2>

Noting that both Sweden and Finland could "count on the full support of the EU," Borrell said membership to the military alliance would "strengthen and increase the cooperation and the security in Europe.

- So let's hope that this membership will come soon - he added.
The Finnish and Swedish governments are expected to hand over their NATO membership applications on Wednesday. They need unanimous support of NATO’s 30 member states to join the military alliance.

<h2>Turkiye has voiced its objections</h2>

Turkiye, a longstanding NATO member, has voiced its objections to Finland and Sweden’s membership bids, criticizing the two Nordic countries for tolerating and even supporting terror groups like the YPG/PKK and FETO.In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkiye, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the US and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of over 40,000 people. The YPG is PKK’s Syrian offshoot.

Meanwhile, FETO and its US-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkiye, in which 251 people were killed and 2,734 injured.
Ankara accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

EU's foreign policy chief says Sweden, Finland becoming NATO members would increase regional cooperation, security

Borell: Sweden, Finland can count on EU's "full support" for NATO membership

Somalia's new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday met with his predecessor Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo for the first time since his weekend election in the Horn of African country.

Mohamud, who was sworn in after Sunday’s presidential election, is also the first ex-president Somalia has ever returned to office.
A statement by the country's presidency said that the former president reassured Mohamud of his support for smooth assumption of office ahead of his formal inauguration.
- H.E. Farmaajo congratulated President Hassan &amp; reassured his support for smooth assumption of office ahead of inauguration as he prepares to serve #Somalia &amp; fulfill our Citizens’ hope - said the statement.
In a separate tweet, Somalia's state house said the presidency got congratulatory messages for Mohamud and thanked "our friends &amp; partners for the solidarity &amp; willingness to further our diplomatic ties &amp; work closely with our newly elected President, the gov't &amp; the people of Somalia.”
Mohamud, who previously served as president in 2012-2017, was born in 1955 in the small town of Jalalaqsi in the central Hiran region. He studied at Somalia's national university before civil war broke out in the country in the early 1990s and then at Bhopal University in India.

Sheikh Mohamud's predecessor gave reassurances of his support for smooth assumption of office ahead of inauguration

Somalia's new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (L) and former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed (C) in Mogadishu, Somalia

Incoming Somali president meets with predecessor for 1st time since election

US President Joe Biden will host Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson and Finland's President Sauli Niinisto regarding their bid to join NATO, the White House said Tuesday.

During the meeting Thursday, "the leaders will discuss Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO applications and European security, as well as strengthening our close partnerships across a range of global issues and support for Ukraine," it said.
Sweden’s government signed a formal request to join NATO on Tuesday, while Finland’s parliament is expected to hold a vote later in the day on the country’s application for NATO membership.
For any new member to join NATO, all of its members must unanimously agree, including Turkiye.
Turkiye, a longstanding NATO member, has voiced objections to Finland and Sweden’s membership bids, criticizing the two Nordic countries for tolerating and even supporting terror groups like the YPG/PKK.

Leaders will discuss Finland’s and Sweden’s NATO applications and European security, says White House

Biden to host Sweden, Finland leaders on NATO applications

As Kenya gears up for general elections on Aug. 9, the East African nation may get its first female deputy president after one of the leading presidential candidates picked a woman as his running mate. 

Martha Karua was named as the preferred deputy presidential candidate by Kenya’s opposition leader and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who is running for the presidency.
Odinga, 77, who is the candidate under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance party, announced Karua, 64, as his running mate at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, calling her “a fighter and not a quitter."
- History is calling us to produce our first female deputy president. This woman has a beautiful soul, as exhibited by her love for her children and grandchildren. She will make a great co-worker - Odinga said.

Odinga lauded her for being appointed as a magistrate at the age of 24 and going ahead to become one of the youngest female lawmakers in her later years.

In her nomination acceptance speech, an elated Karua said Monday that "this a moment for Kenyan women. Women are instrumental in pursuing change, and this is why this is the moment to usher more women in at the national and county level to these leadership positions."- I am ready, able and willing to work with you, Raila Odinga and I will not let you down because I will be diligent in pursuit of our common dreams.

This is a moment for Kenyan women, says Martha Karua, shortly after being named as a candidate

Kenyan woman in running for post of deputy president in historic first

Residents of the Ukrainian town of Ivankiv, which suffered heavy damage in Russian airstrikes, await help so they can restart their lives. 

The town, about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from the capital Kyiv, came under attack by Russian forces in their very first assault on Ukraine on Feb. 24.
The Russian bombing heavily damaged the bridge at the entrance and rendered many houses unusable.

Dwellers of the town, which was used by Russian forces as a ground base for reinforcements in their push towards Kyiv, told Anadolu Agency of the days of the Russian occupation as well as the current conditions they have to endure.

Ivan, a dweller who did not specify his last name due to security concerns, said that a Russian rocket hit his house.
He said 18 people hid in the basement of his house during the Russian push to the town.
Thanking God for saving their lives, he said one of his neighbors whose home caught fire during the Russian bombing died from a heart attack.

- Not only did we lose our homes and vehicles but our psychological situation also significantly worsened because of the Russian attack - he said, adding they need aid to restart their lives.

Ivan claimed that Russians opened fire on civilians who were trying to flee from the town and executed the town’s priest.
- They claim that they came Ukraine to liberate us, but they brought only killings and destruction - he said.
He added that Russian forces sought individuals who might cooperate with them but they were rejected.
Another dweller, Valentia, maintained that the only thing they were able save was their lives.
- Our houses are unfit to live in now - she said, adding urgent aid is needed in order for things to return to normal in the town.
Noting that she has some relatives in Russia, Valentia claimed that Russian media spreads lies which prevent ordinary Russians from seeing what is really going on in the war.
- I even don’t know whether I will be able to see my grandkids, who are the future of this country, fighting for the Ukrainian army again. Our country’s future is being destroyed - she said.At least 3,668 people have been killed and 3,896 injured in Ukraine since Russia began its war on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is believed to be much higher.
Over 6.2 million people have fled to other countries, with some 7.7 million people internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

Town suffered heavy damage in Russian airstrikes

Over 6.2 million people have fled to other countries

Residents of Ukrainian town of Ivankiv await help to restart their lives

Russian assets of French automaker Renault have become state property, the Industry and Trade Ministry said on Monday after France decided to leave Russia due to Moscow's war on Ukraine.

The ministry said asset transfer deals were signed between the Renault Group, the Russian Federation, and the Moscow government.
The Moscow government will own 100% of Renault Group's shares in Renault Russia and its 67.69% shares in AVTOVAZ will become the property of the Russian Federation represented by NAMI (the Central Research and Development Automobile and Engine Institute).
The remaining shares of the AVTOVAZ concern will be retained by Rostec.
The agreement provides an option for Renault Group to repurchase its interest in AVTOVAZ, exercisable at certain times during the next six years.
- The transfer of a share of the Renault Group to the state will ensure the preservation of the controllability of AVTOVAZ and the possibility of continuing the operation of the enterprise in conditions, sanctions, restrictions. In this way, we will preserve key competencies, the production cycle and jobs - said Denis Manturov, Russia’s industry and trade minister.
Russia’s war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has led to thousands of deaths, millions of people being displaced, and a broad range of sanctions on Moscow, in particular by the EU and US.
It has also spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia, ranging from technology to automotive, energy, retail, and various others sectors.

Moscow says deal provides for option for Renault Group to repurchase its interest in AVTOVAZ, exercisable during next 6 years

The ministry said asset transfer deals were signed between the Renault Group, the Russian Federation, and the Moscow government

Russian assets of France’s Renault become state property

Sweden will send a delegation of diplomats to Turkiye to discuss the Scandinavian country’s decision to apply for NATO membership, the government announced Sunday.

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde confirmed that the delegation will visit Turkiye and said it will be sent to Ankara very soon to evaluate the ruling Social Democratic Party's decision in favor of joining NATO.
Evaluating Russia's reaction to Sweden's application for NATO membership, Linde said Russia “violated our confluence area” and made disinformation campaigns that Swedish people are Nazis.
Cyberattacks will be increased, she said, adding there will be a movement on the border.
On Saturday, the Social Democratic Party administration decided to apply for NATO membership. With this decision and with the support of right-wing parties in parliament, Sweden's application for NATO membership is considered definitive.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, who met with Linde at an informal meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers in the German capital Berlin over the weekend, said Sweden and Finland openly support the PKK/YPG terrorist organization.
Earlier, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said this would be the best decision for Sweden's security.
After the decision is discussed in parliament on Monday, Sweden and Finland are expected to formally apply together for membership by Wednesday at the latest.​​​​​​​

Delegation to arrive in Ankara very soon to evaluate ruling Social Democratic Party's decision to apply for NATO membership, says Swedish foreign minister

Sweden to send delegation to Turkiye to discuss NATO membership

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected Saturday as the new president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the state news agency WAM reported.

- The Federal Supreme Council elects Mohamed bin Zayed as UAE President - WAM said in a brief Twitter post.
The move came one day after UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan died Friday at the age of 73.
For his part, UAE Vice-President Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum pledged allegiance to the incoming president.
- Today, the Federal Supreme Council elected my brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as President of the State bin Rashid, who is also the ruler of Dubai. We congratulate him, and we and our people pledge allegiance to him.

Move comes after death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed on Friday

Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE’s new president

Price of Bitcoin was struggling to climb above $30,000 on Saturday as demand in the cryptocurrency market continues to be weak.

Bitcoin, the world's biggest crypto by market cap, was trading at $29,060 at 1210 GMT for a daily loss of 4.7%.
The world's largest altcoin Ethereum was also struggling to surpass $2,000, as it was trading at $1,981 for a 5.7% daily decline at the time.
Once-popular cryptocurrency Luna saw its price sinking to almost $0 on Friday, tanking from its top 10 position in just a matter of days. It was up 1500% to $0.00045 at the time, but its price was still far away from $99.24 a month ago.
Luna's sibling TerraUSD, a stable coin referred to as UST that was designed to be pegged one-to-one with the US dollar, was at $0.2029 for a 17% increase.
With the price of UST in free fall in recent days, more and more Luna were burned and that had a negative impact on investors' confidence, which led them to dump the coin that eventually brought its price down to junk level.
Total value of the crypto market stood at $1.24 trillion at the time for a daily decline of 5.5%.

Ethereum below $2,000

Total value of the crypto market stood at $1.24 trillion at the time for a daily decline of 5.5%

Bitcoin struggles to climb above $30K

Russia hit two S-300 defense systems belonging to Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

- Two S-300 air defense missile launch systems and radars were destroyed near Shpilevka in the Sumi region - said ministry spokesperson Igor Konashenkov.
Russian air combat tactical units targeted 32 more areas where Ukrainian soldiers and technical vehicles were located, he added.
- To date, 165 aircraft, 125 helicopters, 879 unmanned aerial vehicles, 306 air defense missile systems, 3,098 tanks and armored vehicles, 381 multi-barrel rocket launchers, 1,525 howitzers and mortars, and 2,934 special military vehicles belonging to the Ukrainian army have been destroyed - said Konashenkov.
At least 3,573 people have been killed and 3,816 injured since Russia launched the war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates. The true toll is feared to be much higher.
Over 6.1 million people have fled to other countries, with some 7.7 million people internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

32 more Ukrainian military targets hit, says Defense Ministry

Two S-300 air defense missile launch systems and radars were destroyed near Shpilevka in the Sumi region

Russia claims hitting Ukraine's 2 S-300 defense systems

Somali lawmakers from both houses of parliament who gathered in a hangar inside heavily fortified Mogadishu International Airport elected Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president Sunday, defeating incumbent President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, also known as Farmajo.

Mohamud, who was Mohamed’s immediate predecessor as president, won 214 out of 327 votes.
The incumbent president received 110 votes, while three votes disqualified, according to Somali parliament speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nuur Madobe, who announced the election results.
The election has been very tense and saw three rounds and 36 candidates contesting.
Mohamed conceded, saying: “I thank all of the members of parliament who voted for me and those who did not vote for me.”
Mohamud was sworn in minutes after the results were announced and thanked his predecessor for transferring power to him peacefully.

New president sworn in at election venue

Somali parliament elects Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president

Reintroducing a controversial measure from Afghanistan’s 1995-2001 Taliban rule, the interim Taliban regime on Saturday issued a decree barring women from leaving their homes without wearing the burqa, a garment that covers them from head to toe.

The interim Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice unveiled a draft law on the garment which was approved by a decree signed by Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader.

Under the decree, any garment covering a woman’s body is acceptable provided that it is not too tight or thin so as to reveal her body, ministry spokesman Akif Muhajir told Anadolu Agency by phone from Kabul, Afghanistan's capital.

The acceptable garment "covers the entire body," he said, adding that this law is binding on girls who have reached puberty, which can be anywhere from 10 to 13 years old, in line with the girl's development.
The Taliban see the burqa as the oldest traditional attire and the best garment for women, and when they ruled Afghanistan from 1995 to 2001, they also enforced a requirement that women wear burqas.
If women civil servants do not respect the reintroduced law, they will be fired, said Muhajir, adding: "They will be given warnings in the first phase, but if they do not follow the law, they will be dismissed."
He said the same requirement will be enforced in educational institutions, which have been closed since the Taliban retook power last August, prompting the US to withdraw troops ahead of schedule.

<h2>The media is to publicize the law</h2>

Several protests were held in various parts of the country before the Taliban's formation of an interim government seeking a guarantee of equal rights for women. However, the Taliban later banned rallies without prior authorization.

Asked about foreign countries raising concerns about restrictions on women's freedom, Muhajir tried to turn the question around, saying that if no one is raising any questions about bans in Western countries on Muslim face coverings, they do not have the right to question the Taliban making burqas compulsory.
Such bans on Muslim headscarves have been proposed in several European countries, including France.
Under the new Taliban measure, the media is to publicize the law, including its importance and purported benefits, as well as the disadvantages of not wearing burqas.
In phase two, the male guardians of any uncovered woman will be instructed and penalized.
If there are repeated violations, the guardian will be summoned to the relevant department before being taken to court, which will decide on punishment.

If women working in government do not respect new law, they will be fired, says spokesman on new law, which mirrors measure from 1995-2001 Taliban rule

Stoltenberg: NATO in close contact with Finland, Sweden, Turkiye

Biden calls Buffalo supermarket shooting "domestic terrorism"

Sergey Lavrov says Germany lost its independence since new gov't came to power

Ugandan military announces withdrawal from DR Congo

Borell: Sweden, Finland can count on EU's "full support" for NATO membership

Incoming Somali president meets with predecessor for 1st time since election

Biden to host Sweden, Finland leaders on NATO applications

Kenyan woman in running for post of deputy president in historic first

Residents of Ukrainian town of Ivankiv await help to restart their lives

Russian assets of France’s Renault become state property

Sweden to send delegation to Turkiye to discuss NATO membership

Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE’s new president

Bitcoin struggles to climb above $30K

Russia claims hitting Ukraine's 2 S-300 defense systems

Somali parliament elects Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president

Taliban make burqas mandatory for women in Afghanistan

World

Stoltenberg: NATO in close contact with Finland, Sweden, Turkiye

Biden calls Buffalo supermarket shooting "domestic terrorism"

Sergey Lavrov says Germany lost its independence since new gov't came to power

Ugandan military announces withdrawal from DR Congo

Borell: Sweden, Finland can count on EU's "full support" for NATO membership

Incoming Somali president meets with predecessor for 1st time since election

Biden to host Sweden, Finland leaders on NATO applications

Kenyan woman in running for post of deputy president in historic first

Residents of Ukrainian town of Ivankiv await help to restart their lives

Russian assets of France’s Renault become state property

Sweden to send delegation to Turkiye to discuss NATO membership

Mohamed bin Zayed elected UAE’s new president

Bitcoin struggles to climb above $30K

Russia claims hitting Ukraine's 2 S-300 defense systems

Somali parliament elects Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as president

Taliban make burqas mandatory for women in Afghanistan