Anadolu Agency’s Morning Briefing – Dec. 17, 2022
ANKARA
Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments around the world.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated that his country wants to become a global hub for determining natural gas reference prices.
“Our aim is to transform our country into a global center where the natural gas reference price is determined as soon as possible,” he said at a ceremony marking the completion of a project to expand a subterranean gas storage facility in the Silivri district of Istanbul.
A Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman lashed out at the EU’s foreign policy chief for remarks lacking “any logical thinking” as they targeted Türkiye for its ties with Moscow and urged it to join the bloc’s sanctions imposed in the wake of the war against Ukraine.
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye developed the first locomotive engine using a domestic design that can produce up to 2,700 horsepower and has three different models.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Moscow still had enough missiles for several more massive strikes similar to the one it launched earlier in the day against Ukraine’s electricity generation system.
After the US House and Senate overwhelmingly approved what is known as a short-term continuing resolution, which funds the government at current levels through Dec. 23, President Joe Biden signed the short-term spending legislation to avoid a government shutdown.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that the next US security assistance package for Ukraine is coming and will likely include more air defense capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu said the peace he plans to seek with Palestinians would offer them powers to rule themselves, with security matters in the hands of Israel.
Netanyahu also said he will seek to establish full diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia “as soon as I get into office.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin met members of the Security Council and evaluated Moscow’s relations with neighboring countries.
Putin also had a telephone discussion with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the situation in Ukraine and ties between Moscow and New Delhi.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin said in an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel that a new round of talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency about the situation around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant may soon take place in Moscow.
The EU approved its ninth sanctions package against Russia to step up pressure on the country, targeting the economy and figures who have played instrumental roles in the war against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, a European Commission spokesman said there are growing worries in the bloc about tensions in Montenegro where friction has risen because of controversial legislation that restricts the president’s powers to form a government.
The World Health Organization said climate change has driven an “unprecedented” number of larger and more deadly reported cholera outbreaks in around 30 countries in 2022.
Japan adopted an updated version of its national security strategy that allows its armed forces to acquire what it called “counterstrike capability.”
Twitter suspended the accounts of several prominent journalists who have been covering the social media company and CEO Elon Musk. Among accounts suspended without warning or explanation were Matt Binder of Mashable, Donie O’Sullivan of CNN, Ryan Mac of The New York Times, Drew Harwell of The Washington Post, Micah Lee of The Intercept, Steve Herman of Voice of America and independent journalists Aaron Rupar, Keith Olbermann and Tony Webster.
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