ISTANBUL
Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Tuesday, including a phone call between Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and his US counterpart Donald Trump, Denmark’s foreign minister saying there was a “misunderstanding” in Washington over his country’s increased military presence in Greenland, and Japan holding snap elections next month.
TOP STORIES
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa had a phone call on Monday with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, during which they discussed developments in Syria and affirmed support for the country’s unity and counterterrorism efforts.
According to a statement by the Syrian presidency, the two leaders stressed “the importance of preserving Syria’s territorial unity and independence,” and voiced support for “all efforts aimed at achieving stability.” The statement said both sides underscored the need to “guarantee the rights and protection of the Kurdish people within the framework of the Syrian state.”
The two presidents also agreed “to continue cooperation in combating ISIS (Daesh) and ending its threats,” the presidency said.
Denmark’s foreign minister said on Monday that Washington has misunderstood Denmark’s military buildup in Greenland, saying it is aimed at addressing security concerns, not provoking US President Donald Trump.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen said Denmark remains committed to what was agreed with Washington during a meeting last week, including the formation of a working group on Greenland.
"We will do that, and then we have to see what the Americans do," he told Danish media following his meeting with British counterpart Yvette Cooper in London.
Referring to an increase in Denmark's military presence in Greenland, Rasmussen said there was a "misunderstanding" on the American side of recent events in the Arctic territory.
Japan's first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday announced that snap general elections will be held on Feb. 8 after she dissolves the parliament later this week.
Addressing a news conference in Tokyo, Takaichi said the parliament will be dissolved on Friday, when lawmakers meet for a scheduled session.
She was elected last October as the 104th prime minister of the country.
The elections were originally scheduled to be held no later than October 2028.
A party or coalition needs at least 233 seats in the 465-member lower house of Japan’s bicameral parliament to elect a prime minister.
NEWS IN BRIEF
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
The World Economic Forum opened its 56th annual meeting Monday in Davos, Switzerland, with initial sessions focusing on the global economy, technological transformation, artificial intelligence and sustainability amid heightened geopolitical and geo-economic risks.
Held under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” the summit runs through Jan. 23 and is expected to draw nearly 3,000 participants from 130 countries.
International credit rating agency Fitch Ratings said on Monday that a US threat to impose tariffs on European allies over their opposition to Washington’s push to acquire Greenland has increased geopolitical risks in Europe.
"The threat of Greenland-related US tariffs on European allies and European retaliatory measures will be subject to intense discussions and implementation remains highly uncertain. But it signifies a serious upsurge in transatlantic tensions, increasing pressure in Europe to raise defense spending, posing risks to trade and growth, and weakening deterrence against future Russian aggression," Fitch said in a statement.
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