*) Blinken, Lavrov to meet next week if Russia doesn't invade Ukraine US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has accepted an invitation to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov next week. The State Department has said the meeting will happen "provided there is no further Russian invasion of Ukraine". Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden will host a call on Friday about the Ukraine crisis. The leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Britain, the European Union and NATO will take part. *) Police arrest Canadian trucker-led protest leaders Canadian police have begun arresting leaders of a trucker-led protest that has choked Ottawa's streets for three weeks. A video shared to Twitter showed protest leaders Tamara Lich and Chris Barber being taken into police detention. Busloads of police officers have arrived near Parliament Hill to break up the demonstration against Canada’s Covid-19 restrictions. Authorities have installed security barriers and restricted access to the downtown area occupied by protesters. *) US, Iran can reach nuclear deal 'within days' if Tehran 'shows seriousness' The United States has said "substantial progress" has been made during negotiations in Vienna to save the Iran nuclear deal. It believes an "understanding on mutual return to full implementation" of the 2015 deal could be reached within days if Iran is serious. The Vienna talks involve Iran, as well as Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia. The United States is involved indirectly. *) Boy trapped for three days in Afghan well has died A five-year-old boy trapped for three days in an Afghan village well has died. Taliban Interior Ministry senior adviser Anas Haqqani said “with great sorrow, young Haidar is separated from us forever". On Tuesday, the child slipped to the bottom of a well being dug in Shokak, a village in Zabul province. The incident took place around two weeks after a similar attempt to rescue a boy from a Moroccan well, which also ended with the child found dead. And finally … *) Eileen Gu makes history with third medal at Beijing Winter Games Chinese superstar Eileen Gu has capped her successful Beijing Olympics by winning freeski halfpipe gold. With this, the Californian-born Gu became the first action-sports athlete to pick up three medals at the same Winter Games. Earlier, the 18-year-old claimed gold in Big Air and silver in slopestyle in Beijing.

Daily News Brief by TRT World

February 18, 2022

*) US Treasury warns of global fallout if West sanctions Russia US Treasury chief Janet Yellen is warning of "some global fallout" if the West sanctions Russia. Yellen said President Joe Biden made it clear that the US intends “to impose very significant costs on Russia if they invade Ukraine". Meanwhile, the US dismissed reports that Russia was withdrawing troops from Ukraine's border. Instead, it’s accused Moscow of sending more soldiers as fears of an invasion grow. *) Death toll from Brazil mudslides rises Rescue workers are racing against time in their search for survivors after deadly flash floods hit Brazil’s Petropolis. Over 180 firefighters and 400 soldiers are scrambling through the remains of houses that were washed away. At least 94 bodies have been recovered so far, with 35 still unaccounted for. *) Canadian police warn truckers to leave A showdown may be shaping up in Ottawa’s siege between truckers protesting vaccine mandates and authorities. Police are threatening to arrest and prosecute truckers, and also seize their vehicles and cancel their licences. But big rigs remain parked outside Parliament, which is said to represent the movement's last stronghold. *) EU top court clears way to cut billions of funds to Poland, Hungary The European Union's top court has cleared the way to cut billions in funding to Poland and Hungary. The rulers in these countries are accused by the bloc of violating democratic rights. The EU has been pouring funds into former communist countries to help develop their economies since they joined in 2004. *) Largest blue diamond to be auctioned off Sotheby's says it will auction off the world’s largest blue diamond in Hong Kong in April. The auction house said it expects the 15.10 carat De Beers Cullinan Blue diamond to sell for more than $48 million. Sotheby's says the jewel is remarkable on many levels and is the largest internally flawless step cut vivid blue diamond that’s ever been graded.

February 17, 2022

Biden: Russian attack on Ukraine 'still very much a possibility' President Joe Biden says the US is yet to confirm if Russia has withdrawn some of its troops from Ukraine's border, adding that an invasion is still possible. He’s warning Moscow that the US is ready to "respond decisively" if an invasion goes ahead. His comments come after Russia said it had started withdrawing some of its forces from the Ukraine border. *) Police stations, checkpoints targeted in Somalia's Mogadishu Police in Somalia have thwarted an assault by al Shabab militants who attacked a police station and checkposts in Mogadishu. Somalia's minister for internal security said the assailants targeted the suburbs of Mogadishu early Wednesday morning. The militants were pushed back, with police saying they'll release more details on the operation later today. *) Erdogan wraps up visit to UAE Tuesday marked the final day of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the United Arab Emirates. The trip was aimed at strengthening relations between the countries. Erdogan also used the occasion to deepen economic ties, as he and the crown prince signalled an end to a years' long rift between the nations. The Turkish president also visited the Turkish pavilion Dubai Expo 2020. *) Ex-Honduras president arrested The former president of Honduras Juan Orlando Hernandez has been arrested on drug charges, after the US requested his extradition. Police surrounded his home for several hours to prevent his escape while they waited for an arrest warrant to be approved by the country's supreme court. The former president is accused of being involved in a drug-trafficking ring. And finally … *) Emirati singer releases song to promote Türkiye-UAE ties Renowned Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi released a Turkish song as a gift to the people of Türkiye. The song’s release coincided with the visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the UAE. The artist released a four-minute video of himself performing the song on his YouTube channel.

February 16, 2022

*) Russia says there’s 'chance' of a deal with West over Ukraine Russia has held the door open to further talks on resolving its standoff with the West. It says some of its military drills are ending, signalling a possible easing of the crisis over Ukraine. Russia says US has offered to conduct dialogue on limits for missile deployments in Europe and other confidence-building measures. *) Canada invokes emergency powers to quell blockades Canada's PM Justin Trudeau invokes emergency powers to end a truckers' protest that's disrupted life in capital Ottawa. The demonstrations against vaccine mandates is entering its third week. The Emergencies Act allows authorities to declare protests illegal, and police to tow away vehicles blocking roads. *) Schools reopen In Karnataka after hijab ban protests Schools in India's Karnataka reopen following protests over female students not being allowed to wear hijabs on campus. Three schools in the state have banned the entry of hijab-wearing students in the past week. Human rights advocates say the ban violates the students' rights and freedoms. *) Türkiye, UAE sign 13 agreements to revive relations Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues his visit to the United Arab Emirates where he's signed a series of trade and bilateral agreements with the crown prince. Over the past year, the two countries have been working to improve relations. The countries have expressed their desire to leave disagreements in the past and forge a strong friendship. And finally … *) Ancient mummies of children found in Peru Six mummified children thought to have been sacrificed hundreds of years ago, have been unearthed in a tomb near Lima. The tiny skeletons, wrapped tightly in cloth, were found in a grave of possibly a political figure. Archaeologists say the children were apparently sacrificed to accompany the man to the afterlife.

February 15, 2022

*) US warns Russia troops near Ukraine border tops 130,000 Ukraine's president has urged for calm amid intensified warnings of a possible Russian invasion within days, saying he had yet to see convincing evidence of that. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also invited his US counterpart Joe Biden to Kiev after the US reported that Moscow positioned more than 130,000 of its troops closer to Ukraine's borders. Some EU airlines have cancelled flights to Kiev amid warnings of an invasion. *) Israeli troops on home demolition mission kill Palestinian teen Israeli troops have shot dead a 17-year-old Palestinian in the occupied West Bank. Mohammed Abu Salah was shot and killed during clashes while trying to stop the demolition of a Palestinian home near the town of Jenin. Palestine’s Health Ministry said at least 10 people were wounded during clashes. *) Saudi-led coalition 'destroys' Houthi drone-control centre in Yemen The Saudi-led coalition says it destroyed a telecommunications system in Yemen's Sanaa used by Houthi rebels to control drones. Ahead of Sunday's strike, the coalition asked civilians in Yemeni ministries and government institutions in the Houthi-controlled capital to immediately evacuate. The coalition said Iran-backed Houthis used the system to launch hostile operations. *) Key US-Canada bridge reopens after police clear protesters The busiest US-Canadian border crossing reopened late Sunday after protests against Covid-19 restrictions closed it for almost a week. The crossing normally carries 25 percent of all trade between the two countries. Police in Windsor, Ontario, said that more than two dozen people had been peacefully arrested, several vehicles seized. Canadian officials meanwhile held back from a crackdown on a larger protest that paralysed downtown Ottawa. And finally … *) New York Fashion Week kicks off amid Covid Experimentation, play, and glitter: a coronavirus-impacted New York Fashion Week has begun with Fall/Winter 2022 shows by Proenza Schouler and Christian Cowan. Cowan, who has dressed Lady Gaga and rappers Cardi B and Lil Nas X, presented his collection in the observatory atop the One World Trade Center skyscraper that replaced the Twin Towers. The show had the atmosphere of a nightclub, highlighting the British designer's taste for glitz and glamour.

February 14, 2022

Canada truckers' protest grows, fuels similar campaigns abroad Trucker-led protests against Covid-19 curbs in Canada have shut down another US border crossing. The key Ambassador Bridge linking Ontario and Detroit is out of service. A second crossing in Alberta is blocked. Protesters have now closed down a third border point in central Manitoba. The two-week protest has mushroomed into an international movement, from New Zealand to France and Belgium. *) Libya PM Dbeibah: Tobruk parliament trying to take Tripoli by force Libya's prime minister has said that the eastern-based parliament's selection of a new government and premier is an attempt to enter Tripoli by force. Abdul Hamid Dbeibah also said he may announce an initiative by his government to solve Libya’s political crisis. He said he is willing to withdraw from running for the presidency to make his initiative succeed. The east-based parliament, aligned to warlord Khalifa Haftar, has named former interior minister Fathi Bashaga to replace Dbeibah. The UN said it still recognises Dbeibah as Libya's prime minister. On Thursday, Dbeibah escaped unharmed from an assassination attempt when shots were fired at his car in Tripoli. *) Russia-Ukraine talks fail to produce breakthrough Nearly nine hours of talks between Ukraine and Russia have failed to produce a breakthrough on signing a joint document. Ukrainian and Russian officials met in the German capital for talks on ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Russia said the latest round of talks with Ukraine, France and Germany fell short of any new agreement. However, both sides have agreed to keep talking. *) Quad allies meet to deepen bulwark against China Top diplomats of the United States, Australia, Japan and India have opened talks in Melbourne on strengthening their Quad alliance. The meetings are aimed at boosting cooperation across fields like information, technology and fighting Covid-19. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that even though Russia's threat to Ukraine occupies Washington right now, the longer-term challenge is China's advance. And finally … *) Apple aims to thwart secret AirTag tracking with tweaks Apple has announced updates to AirTag tracking devices to prevent them from being used to secretly track people. AirTags are designed to be affixed to things people tend to lose such as wallets and keys to track them. But there have been allegations that AirTags are used for criminal activity, such as being secretly stuck on a car to later steal it. Now, newer iPhone models will alert owners of an "unknown accessory detected" when they sense an unidentified AirTag in range.

February 11, 2022

*) Russia begins joint military drills with Belarus Russia and Belarus have launched joint military drills. This comes despite Western concerns that Moscow is plotting an escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry says the exercises would centre around "suppressing and repelling external aggression.” The exercises are scheduled to continue until February 20 in Belarus. Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is in Moscow for talks with her Russian counterpart. She will urge the Kremlin not to attack Ukraine or face “massive consequences” from Western sanctions. *) Libya PM Dbeibah survives 'assassination' bid Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah has escaped unharmed from an assassination attempt. Unidentified persons shot at his car in the capital Tripoli, media reports said. The assailants managed to escape the scene. The attack comes as factional wrangling over control of the government intensifies. *) UN court orders Uganda to pay DRC $325M in war damages The UN's top court has ordered Uganda to pay the Democratic Republic of Congo $325 million in reparations over a brutal war two decades ago. Uganda must pay $225 million for damage to persons, $40 million for damage to property, and $60 million for damage to natural resources. The International Court of Justice’s ruling comes after a long battle for compensation over the conflict that left thousands dead between 1998 and 2003. *) Ford plant shuts down as Canada truck blockade hardens Truck blockades of Canada's capital and US border crossings have forced the shutdown of a Ford plant. The company has warned the protests against Covid-19 rules could have widespread implications for the North American auto industry. The blockade by people mostly in pickup trucks has affected the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The bridge carries 25 percent of all trade between the two countries. And finally … *) Dozens of SpaceX satellites tumbling out of orbit after solar storm SpaceX’s newest fleet of satellites has been falling out of orbit after being struck by a solar storm. Up to 40 of the 49 small satellites launched last week have either reentered the atmosphere and burned up, or are on the verge of doing so. SpaceX said a geomagnetic storm last Friday made the atmosphere denser. Ground controllers tried to save the flat-panel satellites by putting them into a type of hibernation and flying them in a way to minimise drag. But the atmospheric pull was too great, and the satellites failed to awaken and climb to a higher orbit, according to the company.

February 10, 2022

*) Macron: Putin told me Russia won't further escalate Ukraine crisis Emmanuel Macron has said that Vladimir Putin told him Russia would not further escalate the Ukraine crisis. Macron's remarks on Tuesday came after the Kremlin denied reports that he and Putin struck a deal on de-escalation. The French President and the Russian President had held a more than five-hour meeting on Monday. And on Tuesday, Macron visited Kiev, where he attended a news conference after meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to Macron, Putin also said there won’t be any “permanent base” or “deployment” by Russia in Belarus. *) Top gas exporters to meet in Qatar amid Russia-Ukraine impasse Qatar will host the biannual summit of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum on February 22. Russia, Iran and Qatar are key members of the forum. The US and Australia, two other leading exporters, are not part of the group. The news comes at a time when Europe is worried about its gas supplies due to the Russia-Ukraine standoff. The US has sought Qatar's help in providing emergency supplies if pipelines to Western Europe are cut due to the crisis. *) Taliban to discuss aid, frozen assets with diplomats in Geneva A Taliban delegation is in Geneva for a week of NGO-hosted talks on humanitarian access and human rights. Afghanistan faces a complex situation due to past overlapping conflicts, Covid-19 and extreme weather, the Geneva Call foundation said on Tuesday. It added that there will be discussions on the protection of civilians, healthcare and the explosive remnants of war. The Taliban delegation will also meet with Swiss and other European officials, plus the Red Cross. *) Iran nuclear deal 'in sight' as talks resume in Vienna Talks to revive a deal with Iran on its contested nuclear programme have resumed in Vienna. Officials have signalled that an agreement could be "in sight". The negotiations were halted at the end of last month. The resumption comes after parties in recent weeks cited progress in seeking to revive the 2015 accord. Britain, China, France, Germany, Iran, Russia and indirectly the United States are part of the negotiations. And finally … *) Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog' leads Oscar nominations Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog" has led the Oscars nominations. The gothic Western released by Netflix earned 12 nominations on Tuesday, including best director and best picture. Sci-fi epic "Dune" landed in second place overall. It got 10 nominations, including best picture. Other directing slots went to Kenneth Branagh for "Belfast" and Steven Spielberg for "West Side Story" . The 94th Academy Awards gala is scheduled for March 27.

February 9, 2022

*) International efforts to ease Russia-Ukraine tensions intensify World leaders have been speeding up efforts to ease the Russia-Ukraine tensions. French President Emmanuel Macron called for de-escalation as he held talks with Russia's Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Monday. Putin hailed France’s role in shaping European security. He added that he appreciates Macron's efforts to broker a settlement in the Ukraine crisis. *) Europe in ‘most dangerous’ moment since Cold War Europe is facing its most serious security threat since the Cold War, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned. He was speaking at a joint news conference in Washington on Monday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Borrell said they shared "a strong concern" about the situation on Ukraine's borders. He also voiced hope for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine standoff with Russia. *) Iraq presidential vote postponed indefinitely amid political deadlock Iraq's parliament has indefinitely postponed a vote for the president after most major political blocs boycotted the session. On Monday afternoon, only a few dozen MPs were in the chamber. The vote had been set for noon. The sweeping no-show deepens a political crisis in the war-scarred country. Almost four months after a general election, it still hasn't chosen a new prime minister. It is the task of the president to formally name a prime minister from the largest bloc in parliament. *) ‘The son of us all’: Morocco bids farewell to Rayan Rayan Oram, a five-year-old Moroccan boy who spent five days trapped down a well, has been laid to rest. Hundreds arrived at a cemetery near Rayan’s village in Chefchaouen province for his funeral on Monday. "I am over 50 years old and have never seen as many people at a funeral. Rayan is the son of us all," a villager said. The boy had fallen down a dry well last Tuesday, sparking a complex rescue operation. On Saturday night. rescuers reached him as crowds cheered. But the joy turned to grief when authorities announced that the boy was dead. And finally … *) World’s glaciers 'contain less ice than thought' Mountain glaciers shrinking due to climate change have been found to be less voluminous than previously understood, according to researchers. This puts millions of people who depend on them for water supply at risk. Researchers published their findings on Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience. The new estimate also lowers the potential contribution of glaciers to sea level rise from about 33 to 26 centimetres (or 13 to 10 inches).

February 8, 2022

*) Ukraine warns against "apocalyptic predictions" Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has warned against "apocalyptic predictions" on an imminent Russian invasion. He says his country is strong and has unprecedented international support. His statement came after US officials said Russian forces could take over Kiev within 48 hours in case of a full invasion. *) DPRK using cyberattacks to fund its nuclear programme A UN report says cyberattacks on cryptocurrency exchanges funded North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. The report says hackers stole more than 50 million dollars worth of digital assets between 2020 and mid-2021. The report cites that cyberattacks remain an important revenue source for Pyongyang's nuclear programmes. *) African Union condemns wave of coups The African Union has condemed the recent wave of coups that resulted in four member states being suspended from the bloc in one year's time. The 55-member body held a two-day meeting to discuss a range of issues affecting Africa, including the pandemic and the conflict in Ethiopia. Participants also discussed Israel's highly controversial observer status to the bloc. Members states called for civilian rule to be restored in the four West African countries hit by military coups in the last 18 months. *) Tunisia judicial watchdog rejects president’s move Tunisia's Supreme Judicial Council has rejected the president's move to dissolve it, saying they will continue to carry out their duties. However, hundreds of people came out to support President Kais Saied on Sunday, following his overnight announcement to dissolve the council. He has already sacked the parliament, and the prime minister has often criticised the judiciary, accusing it of delays in ruling on corruption and terrorism cases. The head of the body has called this latest power move illegal and warns that judicial officials won't remain silent. *) Senegal wins Africa Cup Senegal has won its first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Egypt in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde The match went to penalties, after full time and extra time both ended goalless. Mo Salah's men were hoping to lift the trophy for a record eighth time, but his Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane, ended that dream. He made the spot kick that sealed the deal for the Senegalese, beating The Pharoahs 4-2 on penalties.

February 7, 2022

*) Leaders of Russia, China to meet amid tensions with West over Ukraine Chinese President Xi Jinping is set for his first face-to-face meeting with a world leader in nearly two years. Xi will host Russia's Vladimir Putin amid tensions with the West over the Ukraine crisis. The two leaders will meet in Beijing before releasing a joint statement reflecting their "common views" on security and other issues, says the Kremlin. Both sides say they coordinated their positions on Ukraine during a meeting between both countries' foreign ministers. *) Biden: Qurashi killed in northwest Syria operation US President Joe Biden has confirmed Daesh leader Abu Ibrahim Al Hashimi al Qurashi killed himself following a raid by US Special forces in Northwest Syria. Biden monitored the mission from the White House. He described al Qurashi's suicide as a "final act of desperate cowardice". The Daesh leader detonated a suicide vest, which also killed other members of his family- including his two wives and one child. Several other people are reported to have died during heavy gunfire and shelling. *) Deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi facing new charges Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is facing additional charges brought by the military. She's remained in detention since the junta forcefully removed her and other democratically elected leaders last year. The new charges are linked to bribery, while she's already been sentenced for six years on other charges. *) Hundreds of migrants protest in Mexican city of Tapachula Hundreds of migrants have been protesting in the Mexican city of Tapachula over the slow pace of visa approvals. Many have threatened to form a new caravan heading towards the US border. Mexican authorities have tried to stem the flow of Central American migrants amid pressure from Washington. But migrant numbers have been growing in Mexico because of lengthy federal procedures. And finally … *) Winter Olympics begins with opening ceremony The Winter Games in Beijing gets under way amid “closed loop” restrictions for participants and without international fans. The Chinese capital is now the only city to host both the Winter and Summer games. Covid-19 infections among personnel have spiked, but officials say the event will continue as planned.

February 4, 2022

*) Russia calls US troop deployment in Ukraine standoff 'destructive' step With Russia refusing to pull back troops from near Ukraine's borders, the US has decided to deploy 3,000 troops to bolster NATO forces. Russia says the move will increase military tensions and reduce the chances of a political decision on the Ukraine issue. Intense diplomatic efforts between the West and Russia are under way to defuse tensions. As the West looks to mount pressure on Russia, the Kremlin says it has China’s support. *) Turkiye's Erdogan visits Ukraine Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit Ukraine on Thursday. Erdogan and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will discuss possibilities for deepening cooperation and exchange views on regional and international issues. They are also expected to sign various agreements and memoranda of understanding.​​​​​​​ Erdogan has previously said Turkiye does not want a war between Russia and Ukraine and hopes the ongoing standoff will be resolved peacefully. Banks can transfer aid money to Afghanistan: US International banks can transfer money to Afghanistan for humanitarian purposes, the US has said. Billions of dollars in Afghan central bank reserves and international aid were frozen to prevent it from falling into Taliban hands. The United Nations and aid groups have been struggling to get enough money into the country to fund operations. Aid groups can now make direct payments to healthcare workers and teachers in public hospitals and schools. *) UAE destroys 'hostile' drones in its airspace The UAE says it has destroyed three drones that penetrated its airspace over unpopulated areas. The Gulf state has faced several attacks in the past few weeks, including a missile attack during a visit by Israel's president. Yemen's Houthi movement has claimed responsibility for those attacks. The US says it is sending fighter jets to assist the UAE following the missile attacks. And finally … *) Nadal says 21 Grand Slam titles 'not enough' Rafael Nadal has said he is still not satisfied with his 21 Grand Slam titles following his historic triumph at the Australian Open. His victory took him to the top of the all-time men's list, and one clear of the 20 titles won by Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. "...I don't think 21 is enough to be honest. But you never know what will happen in the future," Nadal said at a press conference.

February 3, 2022

*) Putin: Russia will be dragged into war if Ukraine joins NATO US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has spoken to his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov by phone. It is the latest attempt to de-escalate the crisis over Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin says he wants talks to continue. But he also said the United States and its allies are ignoring Russia's security concerns. *) Landslides kill dozens in Ecuador capital At least 22 people have been killed from a massive landslide in Ecuador. Torrential rain caused extensive flooding and mudslides in the capital Quito. More than 45 people are reported injured. Clean-up operations have begun in some streets and rescue crews are searching for survivors. *) 'Many' dead as Guinea-Bissau foils 'attack against democracy’ The president of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, has said he has survived a coup attempt. Embalo said attackers opened fire while trying to break into a government compound during a cabinet meeting. Several security personnel in the West African nation were reportedly killed fending off the gunmen. *) Lebanese ​​Land transport unions call three-day strike over inflation Land Transport Unions have announced a three-day strike across Lebanon from Tuesday. Participants are protesting surging fuel prices and demanding better working conditions. Land transport sector employees have routinely held protests in the last couple of months. And finally … *) NFL superstar Tom Brady retires from American football Tom Brady has confirmed he is retiring from American football. Brady is widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in the NFL. He is the only player to have won seven Super Bowl titles. He played mostly for the New England Patriots but his last victory was for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

February 2, 2022

*) Russia responds to US offer over Ukraine crisis Moscow has responded to Washington's proposal on Ukraine, the State Department said. The Russian response comes amid US pressure to de-escalate tension on the Ukraine border. Earlier, Russia accused the West of "whipping up tensions” during a stormy debate at the UN Security Council meeting. The US ambassador to the UN warned Moscow’s troop build-up along its southern border poses the biggest international security threat in Europe in decades. *) Protests mark anniversary of Myanmar military takeover Myanmar's junta has threatened to jail anti-coup protesters joining a "silent strike" on the anniversary of the military coup. The warnings haven't stopped a small group of protesters from gathering in Myanmar's second-biggest city, Mandalay. Businesses and shops were shut down across the country and people stayed home to avoid possible clashes. *) Biden to designate Qatar as 'major non-NATO ally' US President Joe Biden has promised Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim that he will soon designate Qatar as a major non-NATO ally. The special status is granted by Washington to close non-NATO allies that have strategic working relationship with the US military. Biden said the designation reflects "the importance” of the US’s relationship with Qatar after meeting Tamim in the White House. *) Mali junta tells French ambassador to leave within 72 hours The military junta in Mali has given the French ambassador 72 hours to leave the country. The move comes after French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian called the junta illegitimate and out of control. Mali says France’s comments were 'hostile and outrageous' and that ambassador Joel Meyer would only be allowed to return if the French government clarifies its position. *) Thousands of Haitian homes flood after heavy rain bursts river banks Thousands of homes have been flooded and some 2,500 families were displaced in Haiti after torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks. Rescue teams have begun evacuating people in high-risk zones, the civil protection authority said. Nearly 36 hours of rain caused flooding, primarily in the north of the Caribbean country, with water filling the historic centre of the city of Cap-Haitien.

February 1, 2022

*) US lawmakers warn Russia of 'mother of all sanctions' ahead of UNSC meet The United States has worked to ramp up diplomatic and financial pressure on Russia over Ukraine, promising to put Moscow on the defensive at the UN Security Council. The American ambassador to the United Nations said the UNSC would press Russia hard in a Monday session to discuss its massing of troops near Ukraine and fears it is planning an invasion. The chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bob Menendez, said that in the event of an attack, lawmakers want Russia to face "the mother of all sanctions". *) US seeks direct talks after North Korea tests 'most powerful' missile The United States has urged North Korea to join direct talks about its nuclear and missile programmes after Pyongyang tested what it called “the most powerful missile since 2017”. A senior Biden administration official told reporters the latest test was part of an "increasingly destabilising" pattern and violated UN Security Council resolutions. The official spoke after North Korea confirmed it had tested a Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile, state media reported. *) UN: Over 100 former Afghan forces, officials killed since Taliban takeover The United Nations says it has received “credible allegations” that more than 100 former members of the Afghan government and officials have been killed since the Taliban took over the country. In a report obtained by The Associated Press, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said “more than two-thirds” of the victims were allegedly subjected to extrajudicial killings by the Taliban or its affiliates. The killings were carried out despite the Taliban’s announcement of “general amnesties” for those affiliated with the former government and US-led coalition forces. *) PM Costa's Socialists win re-election in Portugal Portugal's Prime Minister Antonio Costa has said his centre-left Socialist Party has secured a full parliamentary majority of 117-118 seats in snap general election. At the Socialist party's campaign headquarters, supporters stood up cheering as the projected results were published. The ballot took place on Sunday amid a surge in Covid-19 cases, with about 1.2 million people confined at home but allowed to go to polling stations to vote. *) Nadal beats Medvedev in Australian Open, makes history with record titles Rafael Nadal has won a record 21st Grand Slam men's title after beating Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final. Nadal came out on top in the physical war of attrition to move ahead of era rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on the all-time list of men's major winners. It was one of the 35-year-old's greatest title victories in his 29th Grand Slam final winning his second Australian Open - 13 years after his first in 2009.

January 31, 2022

A summary of the today's impactful news stories around the world hand picked by our staff at TRT World.

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Daily News Brief by TRT World

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