Morning Briefing: Dec. 14, 2024

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Saturday, including the Turkish Embassy in Damascus set to open; a cholera outbreak in South Sudan claiming nearly 60 lives since it began Oct. 28 and the French president naming Francois Bayrou as new prime minister.

TOP STORIES

• Türkiye says its embassy in Damascus to open on Saturday

The Turkish Embassy in Damascus is set to open, Türkiye's foreign minister announced.

“They (embassy staff) are on their way as a team. The embassy will start operations tomorrow,” Hakan Fidan told private broadcaster, NTV.

• Cholera outbreak kills 60 in South Sudan: Minister

A cholera outbreak in South Sudan has claimed 60 lives since it began Oct. 28, a government minister announced.

Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Minister of Information and Communication, Michael Makuei Lueth, said more than 6,000 cases have been recorded nationwide.

• French President Macron names Francois Bayrou as new prime minister

The French president named Francois Bayrou as the country’s new prime minister, the presidency said on X, more than a week after parliament voted to oust Michel Barnier and his government in a no-confidence vote.

Emmanuel Macron named the new premier in hopes of forming a new government and extricating the country from the political crisis it has been facing since June.

After days of talks with some political parties, Macron also held consultations early Friday, and met Bayrou, 73, for nearly an hour and 45 minutes, sources told broadcaster BFMTV.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to assume control of the territory.
• Turkmens in Syria's western province of Latakia gathered for their first Friday prayers following the collapse of the 61-year Baath regime.
• The European Commission announced the launch of a new Humanitarian Air Bridge operation to deliver critical health care and essential supplies to those most in need in Syria.
• G7 leaders agreed that Syria’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty must be respected throughout the transition process, according to a statement by the British government.
• The NATO chief and numerous European leaders are set to discuss a potential cease-fire in Ukraine, Polish media reported.
• Gukesh Dommaraju, an Indian 18-year-old player, became the youngest World Chess Champion after defeating former Chinese world champion Ding Liren.
• The BBC has been suspended from operations in Niger for three months after it was accused of running false news
• Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announced she does not recognize the legitimacy of the presidential election scheduled Saturday.
• US national Travis Timmerman has been flown out of Syria by the US military after being freed from regime captivity earlier this week, according to published reports.
• The UN Security Council adopted a resolution renewing sanctions against the al-Shabaab terror group in Somalia until Feb. 28.

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• Chip producer Broadcom's market value exceeds $1T

Broadcom's market value exceeded $1 trillion for the first time.

After increasing its share prices by around 24.4%, the market value of the US-based chip manufacturer hit $1.05 trillion.

The price is trading at $224.8 per share as of its weekly close of the markets.

• Turkish Airlines to resume flights between Benghazi and Istanbul in January

Türkiye's flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, announced it would resume flights between the Libyan city of Benghazi and Istanbul next year.

The carrier had suspended flights to the city a decade ago due to domestic tensions but will resume operations Jan. 14.

Turkish Airlines will operate three flights per week.

SPORTS

• Former Chinese men's football head coach Li Tie jailed for bribery

Former Chinese men's football head coach Li Tie has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery, state media reported Friday.

The former midfielder with English Premier League side Everton reportedly acknowledged earlier this year that Li was mixed up in fixing matches and accepting bribes.

Several officials from the Chinese Football Association (CFA) were also jailed earlier this week for bribery.