ISTANBUL

Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Thursday, including US wants to "move forward" on F-16 jet sale to Türkiye, Ukraine’s NATO membership amid war "not on agenda," Saudi Arabia and Canada restore diplomatic ties, and iconic singer Tina Turner dies at age of 83.

TOP STORIES

• US wants to 'move forward' on F-16 jet sale to Türkiye

The US government said on Wednesday that they want to "move forward" on the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Türkiye.

"The president's position has not changed. We still would like to move forward on that," National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said in reply to a question about receiving any indication from Congress ahead of Sunday’s presidential runoff election in Türkiye.

In October 2021, Ankara requested Washington for sale of 40 F-16 jets and modernization kits, and has been waiting for approval from the US Congress.

• Saudi Arabia, Canada restore diplomatic ties after 5 years

In a major diplomatic development, Canada and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore full ties and appoint new ambassadors, according to statements released by the two countries.

The move came after Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Bangkok last November.

In 2018, Saudi Arabia expelled the Canadian ambassador and froze investments, after the country urged Riyadh to release imprisoned civil society and women’s rights activists.

• Ukraine membership 'not on agenda,' says NATO chief

Ukraine's membership in the middle of the war is "not on the agenda," said NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, during the annual Brussels Forum on Wednesday.

He stressed that the most urgent matter was to ensure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign independent nation, "Because if Ukraine doesn't prevail, then there's no membership issue to discuss.”

The top official hoped that member states will agree to NATO to help Ukraine's transition from Soviet-era doctrines to their standards.

• Tina Turner: Queen of rock 'n' roll dies at 83

Legendary singer Tina Turner died at her home in Switzerland after battling a long illness. She was 83.

"With her, the world loses a legend of music and a role model," the singer’s representative announced in a statement.

One of the most popular artists of all time, the American-born singer gave popular hits like What's Love Got to Do With It, The Best, and Private Dancer.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis formally announced Wednesday that he is running for the US presidential race in 2024. "We need the courage to lead and the strength to win," he said in a minute-long video posted on social media.

• The Turkish presidential election runoff saw a higher voter turnout at missions abroad and customs gates as of Wednesday, outpacing the first round of the polls.

• China on Wednesday said it has set up three navigation markers, known as buoys, in the disputed South China Sea to “ensure the navigation and operation safety of ships.”

• The US' Biden administration approved Wednesday a potential $285 million National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System sale to Ukraine.

• African governments, represented by their health ministers, launched a regional initiative to the health effects of climate change on the continent, in collaboration with the World Health Organization.

• At least 35 mosques were attacked in Germany last year, with the majority of these attacks motivated by Islamophobia, says report by the Turkish-Muslim group DITIB.

SPORTS

• Brighton draws with champions Man City, secure place in Europa League

Brighton & Hove Albion clinched a spot in the second-tier UEFA Europa League next season after a 1-1 draw with Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday.

The match ended 1-1 as Brighton ended Man City's 12-match winning run.

• Real Madrid players offer support to Vinicius Jr after racist abuse

Real Madrid players showed their support for their teammate Vinicius Jr on Wednesday after the Brazilian star forward was targeted with racist abuse last weekend.

Appearing in Vinicius Jr's No. 20 shirt in a show of solidarity, the players held a red banner that said: "Racists, out of football.”

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Microsoft reports attack by hackers in China on US infrastructure

Microsoft reported Wednesday that alleged China-backed hackers have conducted a cyberattack on "critical infrastructure," raising concerns about potential disruptions to communications infrastructure.

"Microsoft has uncovered stealthy and targeted malicious activity focused on post-compromise credential access and network system discovery aimed at critical infrastructure organizations in the United States," it said in a statement.

• Top banks violate competition law, says UK watchdog

Five major banks have potentially violated competition laws by engaging in unlawful exchange of sensitive information regarding British government bond trading through online chatrooms, a UK watchdog said Wednesday.

The Competition and Markets Authority said the alleged behavior occurred at various times between 2009 and 2013 by Citi, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, and Royal Bank of Canada.