June 29, 2022

Daily News Brief

*) Türkiye's memorandum with Sweden, Finland Turkiye has lifted its objection to the NATO membership bids of Sweden and Finland, after a breakthrough in talks in Madrid. Ankara had previously blocked the two countries from joining the military alliance over concerns about arms exports and terrorism. In a memorandum, Finland and Sweden agreed to fully co-operate with Türkiye in the fight against terror groups, including the PKK, its offshoots and the FETO. Sweden and Finland also agreed not to impose embargoes on the Turkish defence industry. *) Ukraine's Zelenskyy calls for Russia's expulsion from UN Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Russia's expulsion from the United Nations. Zelenskyy urged the UN to establish an international tribunal to investigate "the actions of Russian occupiers on Ukrainian soil" and to hold the country accountable. "We need to act urgently to do everything to make Russia stop the killing spree," Zelenskyy said. *) US, allies creating 'Asian NATO' – NK media North Korea has said that joint drills by the United States, South Korea and Japan are part of a dangerous prelude to the creation of an "Asian version of NATO". Pyongyang accused the US of having a "sinister aim" toward North Korea. It also accused Washington of fomenting a new Cold War. *) Inmates die in Colombia prison fire At least 52 inmates have been killed and 26 more injured after a fire broke out during a prison riot in southwestern Colombia. The tragedy occurred when rioting inmates set a fire, attempting to prevent police from entering their enclosure at the prison in the city of Tulua. Authorities had initially said they were investigating whether the incident occurred as part of an escape attempt, but later said it was a riot. And finally… *) Hamilton, F1 condemn Nelson Piquet Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton and Formula One have condemned former world champion Nelson Piquet's racially offensive term against the British driver. Piquet reportedly uttered the Portuguese version of the N-word against Hamilton. Hamilton said that these archaic mindsets need to change and have no place in the sport. Formula One backed Hamilton, stressing that discriminatory and racist type of language "has no part in society".