Morning Briefing: May 21, 2023
Anadolu's recap of top stories from around globe
ISTANBUL
Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including new sanctions on Russia, Turkish expats starting to cast their votes in a presidential runoff, and the latest on the Sudan conflict.
TOP STORIES
The Group of Seven (G-7) leaders announced additional sanctions on Russia as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Japan on Saturday to join a leaders' summit.
In a statement from Hiroshima, where the G-7 summit kicked off Friday, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to stand against Russia and support Ukraine as long as necessary.
Greece is heading to the polls Sunday to determine who will govern the country for the next four years, with the opposition hopeful for a win despite surveys suggesting the ruling New Democracy (ND) party could emerge victorious.
In recent weeks, surveys have pointed to a rebound in the popularity of the ND, which saw a downward trend in the aftermath of a deadly Feb. 28 train accident that killed at least 57 people near the northern town of Tempi.
Turkish nationals living abroad started casting votes at foreign missions and customs gates Saturday in the second round of Türkiye's presidential election scheduled for May 28.
Voting overseas will continue until May 24. Those who want to vote at custom gates will be able to cast ballots until May 28.
Moscow has prohibited entry to Russia for 500 US citizens, including former President Barack Obama.
The Foreign Ministry published the list Friday, saying the decision was made in response to a new package of anti-Russian sanctions, announced May 19, by the White House.
The cease-fire agreed on Saturday between the army and Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group will take effect 48 hours after it was signed.
NEWS IN BRIEF
- The death toll from ongoing clashes in Sudan between the army and RSF has risen to 850 since April 15, according to local medics.
- Qatar condemned the storming and vandalism of its embassy in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.
- The head of the Wagner paramilitary group and the Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Russia took full control of Ukraine's Bakhmut city.
- Türkiye's flag carrier Turkish Airlines, established in 1933 with five aircraft and 28 seats, celebrated its 90th anniversary with a 415-piece fleet.
- Qatar on Saturday dispatched medical aid to Sudan as part of relief efforts.
- Manchester City were crowned English Premier League champions for the third straight season after second-place Arsenal lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest
- The International Criminal Court expressed deep concern about Russia issuing an arrest warrant for its prosecutor
