English LCCC Newsbulletin For Lebanese, Lebanese Related, Global News & Editorials
For June 11/2023
Compiled & Prepared by: Elias Bejjani
#elias_bejjani_news

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15 آذار/2023

Bible Quotations For today
Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 14/21-27/:”They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.’Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, ‘Lord, how is it that you will reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?’Jesus answered him, ‘Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words; and the word that you hear is not mine, but is from the Father who sent me. ‘I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on June 10-11/2023
Saint Rafqa/Saint Of The Day Face Book Page
Michel Aoun's visit to Damascus./Etienne Saqr- Abu Arz/June 10, 2023
FPM denies remarks attributed to Bassil on Baroud, Azour
Lebanon's Presidential Election: Are Amal-Hezbollah Capable of Disrupting the Quorum?
Culture Minister: Our candidate preserves Lebanon's identity and unity
Al-Bizri to LBCI: We are coordinating to ensure a third option in the Presidential election session
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve Director affirms southern coast is a habitat for sea turtles
Are Public Sector Salaries at Risk Amid Quorum Concerns?
Mikati calls for cabinet session on Tuesday
Ibrahim says he sees no president on the horizon, purpose of nominating Azour is to block Franjieh
Hamieh: Iraqi Transport Minister informed Speaker Berri of Iraq's invitation to Lebanon to be part of "development path"
Taymour Jumblatt: For a rational approach to entitlements, review of consensual, inclusive options
Boushkian commissions Chantal Akl to assume duties of Industry Ministry Director General
Mekdad, Abdollahian discuss bilateral relations, latest developments
Salam in Riyadh heading Lebanon's delegation to largest Chinese-Arab business gathering

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on June 10-11/2023
Iran's Raisi and France's Macron discuss promotion of ties
US says Iran helping Russia build drone factory east of Moscow
France warns Iran on drone deliveries to Russia
Israelis march against government's contentious plan to overhaul judiciary
Russians are cheering defeats of Western-made tanks. Their optimism may prove premature.
Zelensky says counteroffensive 'taking place' as Trudeau visits Kyiv
Sudan ceasefire brings rare respite for Khartoum civilians
Latest Sudan truce begins amid civilian skepticism
Turkiye investigates fatal explosion at munitions factory which killed 5/Investigation launched into cause of explosion
Egypt begins requiring visas for all Sudanese after detecting ‘unlawful activities’: MFA spokesman
UK politics reels from shock of ex-PM Johnson's departure
How Trump indictment could impact White House race
Former Wall Street exec named head of Turkey central bank
Saudi Crown Prince threatened to damage US economy – media
Somali security forces end Al Shabaab attack on Mogadishu beach hotel
Colombia plane crash: Four children found alive in Amazon after 40 days

Titles For The Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on June 10-11/2023
No Joke': The Baffling Silence by The Biden Administration, UN and EU on Iran's Human Rights Abuses/Majid Rafizadeh/Gatestone Institute/June 10, 2023
Biden’s Iran Gamble/A Risky New Strategy to Keep Tehran From Going Nuclear/Eric Brewer and Henry Rome/Foreigin Affairs/June 10/2023
Morocco leads the way in building a sustainable future/Hafed Al-Ghwell/Arab News/June 10, 2023
Full steam ahead for both Democrats and the Republicans/Yossi Mekelberg/Arab News/June 10, 2023

Latest English LCCC Lebanese & Lebanese Related News & Editorials published on June 10-11/2023
Saint Rafqa
Saint Of The Day Face Book Page
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/116856/life-summary-of-saint-rafca-the-blind-mystic-of-lebanon-the-lily-of-himlaya/
Rafqa El-Rayess was born on June 29th 1832, in Himlaya, one of the northern Metn villages. She was the only child to her parents Mourad Saber el-Chobok el-Rayess and Rafqa Gemayel.
On July 7th 1832 she was baptized and christened Boutroussieh. Her mother died when she was seven.
Her father sent her to serve at Assad Badawi’s in Damascus in 1843. Rafqa came back after four years; her father was remarried to a woman named Kafa who wanted her to marry her brother, while her aunt wanted her to marry her son. In order to resolve the conflict, Rafqa chose to enter the monastic life.
In Our Lady of Delivrance monastery in Bekfaya and in front of her Icon, Rafqa asked God for help and hears His voice saying: ’’You’re becoming a nun’’.
Rafqa wore the initiation Robe on St Joseph day on March 19th 1861.
On March 19th 1862, Rafqa presented the monastic vows in the monastery of Ghazir. She became a nun in the Congregation of St Mary.
Rafqa stayed in Ghazir’s clericalism, amongst the clergy were Patriarch Elias Houwayek and Archbishop Boutros el-Zoughbi. She studied arabic, calligraphy and calculation.
Rafqa was sent to Deir el-Kamar to teach catechism in 1860. During the bloody event that took place in the Mont of Lebanon back then, Rafqa saw a lot of people getting killed and she saved a child by hiding him under her robe.
In 1864, she was transferred to Maad village where she stayed seven years and established a school to teach girls.
Crisis arises in the Congregation of St Mary in 1871, Rafqa prayed and saw in her dream St Anthony the Great, father of the monks, saying to her: ‘’ Become a nun in the Lebanese Order’’.
In the monastery of St. Simon el-Qam in Aito, Rafqa wore the Initiation Robe on July 12th 1871 and then presented her vows on August 25th 1872.
In October 1885, Rafqa asked God to make her a part of his divine pains. Pain started in her head then in her eyes, an American doctor pulled her right eye by accident while doing a surgery. Doctors considered treatments useless as her left eye was affected too.
She suffered unbearable pains for 12 years in patience, silence and prayer.
In 1897, she was sent to the new monastery of St. Jospeh al-Dahr in Jrabta, Batroun.
In 1899, she became blind. Her right hip and leg were disjointed, her shoulder dislocated.
On March 23rd 1914, Rafqa rested in peace.
Pope John Paul II declared her:
Venerated on February 11th 1982.
Beatified on November 17th 1985.
Role model in the adoration of the Eucharist in the Jubilee year 2000.
Saint for the whole church on June 10th 2001.

Michel Aoun's visit to Damascus.
Etienne Saqr- Abu Arz/June 10, 2023
https://eliasbejjaninews.com/archives/118997/%d8%a7%d8%aa%d9%8a%d8%a7%d9%86-%d8%b5%d9%82%d8%b1-%d8%a3%d8%a8%d9%88-%d8%a3%d8%b1%d8%b2-%d8%b2%d9%8a%d8%a7%d8%b1%d8%a9-%d9%85%d9%8a%d8%b4%d8%a7%d9%84-%d8%b9%d9%88%d9%86-%d9%84%d8%af%d9%85%d8%b4/
President Aoun inaugurated the pilgrimage season to Syria, and some believed that the goals of the visit were to discuss urgent national files:
1- The file of the displaced Syrians, which has become disturbing the Lebanese and threatens the Lebanese entity in its existence.
2- The file of the Lebanese who have been missing for decades in Syrian prisons, which is still stuck in the corridors of Mezze and the torture cellars in Saydnaya, Palmyra and other Syrian death camps.
3- The file of demarcating the sea and land borders with Syria, and closing the illegal crossings that drain the Lebanese economy...
However, according to informed sources, nothing of the kind happened. Rather, the "son-in-law" was the focus of the conversation regarding the issue of his problems with "Hezbollah" and his choice to support Azour's candidacy for the presidency.
Lon Live Lebanon.
Abu Arz

FPM denies remarks attributed to Bassil on Baroud, Azour
Naharnet/June 10, 2023
The Free Patriotic Movement has denied remarks attributed to FPM chief Jebran Bassil by al-Jadeed TV as “totally baseless” and “misleading.”“The channel is carrying out a distortion campaign for known and exposed objectives,” the FPM said. Al-Jadeed had reported overnight that Bassil had told a number of FPM lawmakers that “his presidential choice in the second stage is ex-minister Ziad Baroud.”The channel also said that Bassil “had told FPM legislators that he would drop ex-minister Jihaz Azour’s nomination if they get a pledge from Hezbollah to give up Marada Movement chief Suleiman Franjieh.”

Lebanon's Presidential Election: Are Amal-Hezbollah Capable of Disrupting the Quorum?
LBCI/June 10, 2023
The Lebanese presidential election set for Wednesday teeters on uncertainty as the Parliament grapples with electing a new president. Both Sleiman Frangieh and Jihad Azour are in the running, but there are signals suggesting that the quorum could be lost, either in the first or second round.
In Lebanon's political landscape, the opposition parties and the Free Patriotic Movement collectively wield a significant portion of parliamentary votes. They have the power to disrupt the quorum if they decide it is necessary. But how strong is the support behind Frangieh? Do his backers secure one-third of the Parliament—43 MPs—to potentially disrupt the session in its first or second round by exiting the voting hall? Frangieh's backing team is composed of 30 MPs from the Amal Movement and Hezbollah blocs, including Speaker Nabih Berri. This faction is further fortified by the four MPs of the independent national bloc, considered as Frangieh's allies. It also includes the five deputies from the national consensus bloc, and MPs Jihad Samad, Haider Nasser, George Bushikian, and Jamil El Sayyed. In total, 43 MPs back Frangieh and could destabilize the session. Now the question is, will the Amal Movement and Hezbollah duo risk entering the session with this "bare minimum" number, or will they attempt to broaden their base by attracting MPs from other parties? The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Tashnaq) deputies have yet to settle their stance, which will be taken on the eve of the session. Nonetheless, Tashnaq acknowledges the importance of seriously considering any candidate's received votes, especially if they reach an absolute majority. On the other hand, MP Karim Kabbara told LBCI that his position is firm, and he will not participate in disrupting the quorum of any electoral session. The Change bloc deputies and the independent deputies are fundamentally opposed to the principle of disrupting the quorum. In conclusion, the outcome of Wednesday's session remains uncertain by all standards. The true situation will only be revealed after the parliamentary votes are counted.

Culture Minister: Our candidate preserves Lebanon's identity and unity
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Lebanon's Caretaker Minister of Culture, Mohammad Mortada, confirmed that June 14th marks the electoral session, where presidential candidates will present themselves, including one of their own. These statements were delivered during the opening ceremony of Tyre's summer activities in 2023. He stated, "Our candidate is very serious and highly qualified to preserve the Lebanese formula and the constitution, and to safeguard the resistance, one of the most important pillars of our entity, against Israeli aggression and ambitions." He added, "Our candidate is qualified not only to preserve coexistence but also to protect the Lebanese formula and the entity itself and to counter various divisive projects […] We are waiting to see what will be presented during the session."

Al-Bizri to LBCI: We are coordinating to ensure a third option in the Presidential election session
LBCI/June 10, 2023
MP Abdel Rahman al-Bizri confirmed that a group of deputies is looking for a third option for the presidency who best represents its choices. He indicated that "if we find him, we can vote for him, and the nomination may be from the first or second round, and there may also be voting with a slogan or a specific phrase." Al-Bizri explained, in an interview on LBCI's "Naharkom Said" TV show, that they are coordinating among themselves to ensure the third option because they are convinced that the presidential election session may not produce a president, considering that there must be a "balanced voice" calling for moderation and change. He saw that the head of the Marada Movement, Sleiman Frangieh, and the former minister, Jihad Azour, are paying the price for the tensions, asking: "What guarantees that the "divorce" that took place between the two largest Christian blocs will not be repeated?" He stressed the need to find a formula that takes into account the common denominators of all parties in the country and enjoys the reassurance of the Lebanese people and Arab countries, refusing to impose a president on the Christians. Regarding Army Commander General Joseph Aoun, al-Bizri considered him a "comfortable" figure who had a crucial role in preserving the military institution, but his election faces many obstacles, the most important of which is the constitutional amendment that needs 86 deputies.

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve Director affirms southern coast is a habitat for sea turtles
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve Director Ali Badreddine announced the discovery of dozens of nests belonging to a Loggerhead Sea Turtle along the sandy beaches stretching from Adousiyeh Beach to Abbasieh Beach, as well as within the various sections of Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, all the way to Mansouri.
He pointed out that the scientific monitoring team affiliated with Tyre Coast Nature Reserve launched a campaign to monitor the sandy beaches. In a statement, he added that since the beginning of the nesting season, the team had been tasked with monitoring the nests, protecting them, and creating a suitable environment until the hatchlings safely emerged without being exposed to any risks. Badreddine stated, "The increase in the number of discovered nests confirms that the southern coast serves as a sanctuary for turtles, and it is crucial to maintain its cleanliness and remove any pollutants that threaten marine life."
He reiterated the call to beachgoers "not to leave behind any waste that affects the cleanliness of the beaches." He also urged horseback riders "to adhere to the guidelines and avoid bringing horses onto the sandy beaches during the nesting season, as they directly contribute to the destruction of the nests, which poses a danger to the eggs laid by turtles in the sand, depriving them of reproduction and increasing their numbers for the sake of biodiversity in the sea."

Are Public Sector Salaries at Risk Amid Quorum Concerns?
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Roughly twenty days ago, a month before due, Lebanon's Ministry of Finance made a candid announcement from the Grand Serail: there would be no salaries if the Parliament did not approve the appropriations. This decision has implications for approximately 310,000 state employees, including retirees and military personnel, whose salaries hinge on a preoccupied Parliament tackling a presidential session on June 14. Two weeks following the Ministry of Finance's warning, it reiterated its position, confirming that nothing has changed and the salary problem is stuck pending a legislative session. Will the Speaker of the Parliament call a legislative session to solve the salary issue after the government approves it? Sources from Ain el-Tineh confirmed that the priority is the presidency, and no other issue will be discussed before Wednesday. So, what happens after the presidential session? The same sources hinted that the Speaker of the Parliament will not call a legislative session until it's assured that the legislative quorum—half plus one—is met. This leads us back to the constitutional issue regarding the Parliament's ability to exercise its legislative powers, a problem that was put under the spotlight after the session concerning the extension for municipalities. Among those who oppose attending legislative sessions before the election of a president, opposition deputies, some independents, and the change-makers boycotted after 46 deputies signed a petition refusing to attend any session not dedicated to electing a president of the republic. However, the Free Patriotic Movement attended the session, considering that the country cannot be paralyzed with the local authorities' operations at a halt. What about the salary session? Will the goal of the session justify its convening this time? The Strong Republic bloc, the Renewal bloc, and the Change deputies will not attend the session. The Kataeb deputies and other deputies, despite their clear stance of not attending any legislative parliamentary session before electing a president, have not yet decided on their position regarding the salary session. The Free Patriotic Movement's stance remains inaccessible. With around 20 days left until Eid al-Adha, will public sector employees have to celebrate without their salaries? The question remains open as Lebanon continues to navigate a multifaceted crisis.

Mikati calls for cabinet session on Tuesday
NNA/June 10, 2023
Prime Minister Najib Mikati called today for a cabinet meeting in the Grand Serail at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, to discuss the issue of the displaced Syrians and the Ministry of Justice's request to approve concluding a consensual agreement with French lawyers to assist in the case submitted by the French state in the file of Kosakova and her comrades.

Ibrahim says he sees no president on the horizon, purpose of nominating Azour is to block Franjieh
NNA/June 10, 2023
Major General Abbas Ibrahim indicated that he "does not see a president of the republic on the horizon, and whoever nominated former minister Sleiman Franjieh will not back down," adding that "the other team's nomination of former minister Jihad Azour was for the purpose of blocking Franjieh."Major General Ibrahim confirmed, during his meeting today with the Vice-President of the National Media Council and the Supervisor of the "Diaspora" Website, Ibrahim Awad, that "it would have been better for Azour not to get involved in all this confusion." On the issue of the return of the displaced Syrians to their homes, being the first to have initiated this and facilitated the return of thousands to their country before this process stopped, Ibrahim deemed that the return has not yet matured and requires significant internal and external efforts. "It is also important that the requirements for the return of Syrians to their land be available, in terms of money and shelter, and this entails tremendous aid that Damascus must obtain," he said. Finally, Ibrahim concluded: "How can Lebanon recover and rise if Syria does not recover?!"

Hamieh: Iraqi Transport Minister informed Speaker Berri of Iraq's invitation to Lebanon to be part of "development path"
NNA/June 10, 2023
Caretaker Minister of Public Works and Transport, Ali Hamieh, indicated in an issued statement today, that the meeting with House Speaker Nabih Berri came as a conclusion to the round of meetings and tours with the Iraqi Minister of Transport and the accompanying delegation during their visit to Beirut. He added that they briefed the Speaker on the outcomne of their talks, especially with regard to the "path of development" and Iraq's call for Lebanon to be part of it, through branching inside Syria, where they looked into the possibility of making the ports of Beirut and Tripoli its sea outlet.

Taymour Jumblatt: For a rational approach to entitlements, review of consensual, inclusive options
NNA/June 10, 2023
Head of the "Democratic Gathering", MP Taymour Jumblatt, stressed the need for a rational approach to the current entitlements, while avoiding the language of challenge and the tense positions related to it. In a statement on the sidelines of his Saturday meetings at Al-Mukhtara Palace, Jumblatt said: "Acceptance of the logic of democratic action based on the foundations of dialogue alone guarantees the continuation of the search for consensual and inclusive options that serve the interest of the country and its future."

Boushkian commissions Chantal Akl to assume duties of Industry Ministry Director General
NNA/June 10, 2023
Caretaker Minister of Industry, MP George Boushkian, issued Saturday Decision 42/1 by which he commissioned Acting Head of Technical Affairs and Industrial Services Authority - Head of the Cities and Industrial Zones Department in the Industrial Licensing Authority at the Ministry of Industry, Engineer Chantal Abdel-Nour Akl, to assume the duties of Director General at the Industry Ministry, alongside her main functions.

Mekdad, Abdollahian discuss bilateral relations, latest developments
NNA/June 10, 2023
Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Faisal Al-Mekdad, discussed today with his Iranian counterpart, Hussein Amir-Abdollahian, during a phone call, bilateral relations between the two countries and positive developments on the Arab and regional arenas. During the call, they also discussed a number of issues of common concern and the importance of focusing on implementing the agreements between both countries, which were discussed and signed during Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi's visit to Syria. The depth of the relations between the two friendly countries was also emphasized during the phone call.

Salam in Riyadh heading Lebanon's delegation to largest Chinese-Arab business gathering
NNA/June 10, 2023
Caretaker Minister of Economy and Trade, Amin Salam, arrived in Riyadh on Saturday, where he is representing Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the head of Lebanon's delegation to the largest Arab-Chinese business gathering held under the auspices of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. Salam was received by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Hasna, at King Khalid Airport (Riyadh).

Latest English LCCC Miscellaneous Reports And News published on June 10-11/2023
Iran's Raisi and France's Macron discuss promotion of ties
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in a lengthy phone call on Saturday discussed ways to promote ties, state media reported. "The 2 sides discussed how to promote relations esp about ongoing negotiations & regional developments," IRNA state news agency quoted Raisi's deputy chief of staff Mohammad Jamshidi as saying in a tweet in English. "They agreed on a roadmap for engagement," Jamshidi added, saying that the call lasted 90 minutes. A 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers gave the Islamic republic relief from international sanctions in return for curbs on its nuclear programme. But in 2018 the United States withdrew unilaterally from the deal and reimposed sanctions, prompting Tehran to suspend implementing its own commitments to restrict nuclear activity including uranium enrichment. Efforts to revive the deal have been fruitless so far. Saturday's call comes after the UN nuclear watchdog reported progress in Iran's cooperation with the agency, resulting in the closure of the file on the discovery of nuclear material at an undeclared site, an issue which has long exacerbated relations between the two. However, the International Atomic Energy Agency has also noted that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months. The IAEA said that as of May 13, Iran's total stockpile of enriched uranium was estimated at 4,744.5 kilograms (10,459 pounds), much higher than the limit in the 2015 deal of 202.8 kilos. Iran has always denied any ambition to develop a nuclear weapons capability, insisting that its activities are entirely peaceful.

US says Iran helping Russia build drone factory east of Moscow
Associated Press/June 10, 2023
Iran is providing Russia with materials to build a drone manufacturing plant east of Moscow as the Kremlin looks to lock in a steady supply of weaponry for its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to a U.S. intelligence finding released by the White House. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said U.S. intelligence officials believe a plant in Russia's Alabuga special economic zone could be operational early next year. The White House also released satellite imagery taken in April of the industrial location, several hundred miles east of Moscow, where it believes the plant "will probably be built."
President Joe Biden's administration publicly stated in December that it believed Tehran and Moscow were considering standing up a drone assembly line in Russia for the Ukraine war. The new intelligence suggests that the project, in the Yelabuga region of Tatarstan, has moved beyond conception.
Iran has said it provided drones to Russia before the start of the war but not since. Kirby said that U.S. officials also have determined that Iran continues to supply the Russian military with one-way attack drones made in Iran: The drones are shipped via the Caspian Sea, from Amirabad in Iran to Makhachkala, Russia, and then are used by Russian forces against Ukraine. As of May, Russia had received hundreds of one-way attack drones, as well as drone production-related equipment, from Iran, according to the White House. "This is a full-scale defense partnership that is harmful to Ukraine, to Iran's neighbors, and to the international community," Kirby said. "We are continuing to use all the tools at our disposal to expose and disrupt these activities including by sharing this with the public — and we are prepared to do more." The Biden administration on Friday issued an advisory meant to help businesses and other governments put in place measures to ensure they are not inadvertently contributing to Iran's drone program. The notice from the departments of Commerce, State, Justice and Treasury said it was "critical that private industry be aware of its legal obligations" to abide by U.S. export controls and sanctions.
The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom in recent months all have issued rules designed to cut off the flow of drone components to Russia and Iran. The Biden administration has repeatedly publicized intelligence findings that detail how Iran is assisting the Russian invasion.
The persistent drip of intelligence findings from the administration is intended to detail what U.S. officials say is a deepening defense partnership between Russia and Iran. It's also part of a broader administration effort to spotlight Moscow's prosecution of its war in Ukraine in hopes of further promoting global isolation of Russia. The White House last month said Russia was looking to buy additional advanced attack drones from Iran after using up most of the 400 drones it had previously purchased from Tehran. The Biden administration last year first publicized satellite imagery and intelligence findings that it said indicated Iran sold hundreds of attack drones to Russia. For months, officials have said the United States believed Iran was considering selling hundreds of ballistic missiles to Russia, but White House officials have said they do not have evidence a deal was consummated. The White House has noted that Iran also has weapons flowing its way from Russia. Iran is seeking to purchase additional military equipment from Russia, including attack helicopters, radars and YAK-130 combat trainer aircraft, according to the White House. In April, Iran announced that it had finalized a deal to buy Su-35 fighter jets from Russia.

France warns Iran on drone deliveries to Russia
PARIS (Reuters)/Sat, June 10, 2023
French President Emmanuel Macron warned Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi on Saturday about the consequences of delivering drones to Russia, Macron's office said on Saturday. In a phone call, Macron urged Iran to "immediately cease" the support it is giving Russia in the war against Ukraine. Macron also expressed concerns about the trajectory of the Iranian nuclear programme, the statement said. Britain, France, Germany, the United States and Ukraine say the supply of Iranian-made drones to Russia violates a 2015 U.N. Security Council resolution enshrining the Iran nuclear deal. The White House said on Friday that Russia appeared to be deepening its defense cooperation with Iran and had received hundreds of one-way attack drones that it is using to strike Ukraine.

Israelis march against government's contentious plan to overhaul judiciary
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)/Sat, June 10, 2023
Israelis continued protests Saturday for the 23rd week against plans by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government to overhaul the judiciary in the country. The mass demonstrations started in January shortly after the government, made up of ultranationalist and ultra-Orthodox religious parties, was sworn in. Gaining momentum and seeing large turnouts of more than 200,00 demonstrators at times, protest organizers have said they will not give up until the government cancels the proposed legal changes rather than delaying them. The protests have become a weekly occasion to express on current affairs in the country. In the coastal metropolis of Tel Aviv, where the main protest with tens of thousands is held, protesters held a giant banner reading “Type of citizen: dead,” a reference to surging crimes among Israel’s Arab communities. Other protesters marched behind an effigy of a chained-up Netanyahu amid a sea of Israel’s blue-and-white flags. The plan would weaken the judiciary and limit judicial oversight on laws and government decisions, what critics say poses a direct threat to civil rights and the rights of minorities and marginalized groups. They also warn it will grant the government unrestrained power and upend the country’s system of checks and balances. The government says the judicial plan is meant to rein in what it says is an overly interventionist Supreme Court and restore power to elected legislators.

Russians are cheering defeats of Western-made tanks. Their optimism may prove premature.
Sam Fellman/Business Insider/Sat, June 10, 2023
A terrifying video captures a Russian drone's attack on a German-made Leopard tank below. Russians cheered these defeats. Some believe they are signs Ukraine's counter-offensive is a failure. They may yet be disappointed. Ukraine's counter-offensive has just begun. Scenes from the frontlines of the Ukraine War have recently looked dire for Ukraine's forces as their counteroffensive gets underway, including pile-ups of damaged or wrecked tanks and fighting vehicles. One terrifying video captures a Russian loitering drone's attack on a German-made Leopard 2 tank below. The hit is real but the full damage isn't shown and couldn't be independently assessed. The Leopard is among the more advanced weapons Ukraine has received from its Western backers to aid in retaking its land from Russian invaders. Russians celebrated. "Some prominent Russian ultranationalists claimed that damaged or destroyed Western-provided equipment indicated that Ukrainian forces failed to launch a large-scale counteroffensive," notes the Friday assessment of the Institute for the Study of War think tank, which closely tracks the conflict and the pro-Russian bloggers who shape their public's understanding of it. Accounts and images of the hard fighting are emerging from the Zaporizhia region, where Ukraine is using some of its most powerful weapons to try to punch through Russian lines and is confronting so-called dragon's teeth positions to stop tanks, minefields, relentless artillery, electronic jamming, drones, and even airstrikes. It is not clear if the dire scenes are coming from the fulcrum of Ukraine's counteroffensive, where casualties are likely to be highest as they attempt to press through what could be up to 20 miles of Russia's mutually reinforcing positions. As Insider's Ryan Pickrell has reported, it is in these maelstroms where even the best vehicles can be destroyed and troops killed. "Another Russian milblogger claimed that a counteroffensive can only last up to 10 to 15 days, implying that Ukrainian counteroffensive will soon culminate," according to ISW. That optimism may be misplaced. The counter-offensive is about six days in. Ukraine is advancing in its east and has made limited gains in Zaporizhia — gains that could be built upon in successive waves or supported via other assaults. Russia has parried some of Ukraine's attacks, but will these prove the main effort? Only time will tell.

Zelensky says counteroffensive 'taking place' as Trudeau visits Kyiv
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that counteroffensive action was underway as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visited Kyiv and accused Russia over flooding from the breached Kakhovka dam. "Counteroffensive and defensive actions are taking place in Ukraine: at which stage I will not talk in detail," Zelensky said at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Trudeau. Zelensky commented after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that Kyiv's long-expected counteroffensive was already failing. Russia has reported thwarting Ukrainian attacks in the east and south that some observers have interpreted as the start of a large-scale counteroffensive. "It's interesting what Putin said about our counteroffensive. It is important that Russia always feels this: that they do not have long left, in my opinion," Zelensky said. He added that he was in daily touch with military commanders including armed forces chief Valery Zaluzhny and "everyone is positive now -- tell that to Putin!"Trudeau, 51, and Zelensky, 45, hugged each other and used each other's first names as the Canadian leader made his second unannounced visit to Kyiv since full-scale war broke out in February last year. Canada, which hosts a large Ukrainian diaspora, has been one of Kyiv's key allies since the Russian invasion. It has provided Ukraine with significant military aid, trained more than 36,000 soldiers and adopted sanctions against Moscow.
'Direct consequence'
Trudeau denounced Russia's role in the destruction of the Russian-controlled Kakhovka dam in southern Ukraine on Tuesday. The flooding from the breached dam has forced thousands to flee their homes and sparked fears of humanitarian and environmental disasters. Ukraine accuses Russia of blowing up the dam, while Moscow says Kyiv fired on it. Pledging 10 million Canadian dollars (US $7.5 million) in new funding for flood relief, Trudeau said the dam's destruction was the "direct consequence" of Russia's invasion. "There is absolutely no doubt in our minds that the destruction of the dam was a direct consequence of Russia's decision to invade a peaceful neighbour," Trudeau said. He added he was certain that Moscow would be held accountable for its actions in Ukraine. "Russia's war in Ukraine has devastated infrastructure, has destroyed families and taken lives and is causing economic, food, energy shortages around the world. Russia is responsible and will be held to account."
Pilot training
The Canadian leader said he would provide 500 million Canadian dollars in new funding for military assistance to Ukraine. He also pledged Canada would be part of the multinational efforts to train Ukraine's fighter pilots. Ottawa will also provide 10,000 ammunition rounds and 288 AIM-7 missiles to be repurposed in the United States and used in air defence systems. Earlier in the day Trudeau placed flowers by a wall of remembrance displaying the faces of soldiers killed in combat while a military orchestra played. He also visited an open-air exhibition featuring destroyed Russian military vehicles. Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Oleksandr Polishchuk handed Trudeau a box that he said held shrapnel from a rocket that fell on the Black Sea port city of Odesa. He said the gift was intended to remind Trudeau of Ukraine's suffering from Russian strikes. Three people were killed early Saturday in a fire sparked by debris from shot-down Russian drones in the Odesa region. A group of Ukrainian soldiers who had received training in Canada spoke with Trudeau. One of them, Colonel Petro Ostapchuk, told reporters the troops received specialised training for snipers, engineers and young commanders. "It's a great privilege to meet the prime minister," he said.

Sudan ceasefire brings rare respite for Khartoum civilians
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Khartoum residents reported a welcome lull in fighting in Sudan's capital on Saturday after a 24-hour ceasefire between two warring generals took effect, but few believed it would hold.the war started, this is the first time hours go by and we don't hear the sound of guns," said Hamed Ibrahim, adding that "today was completely different" in his east Khartoum neighbourhood. Fighting has raged in the country since mid-April, when army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), turned on each other.
Multiple truces have been agreed and broken since the conflict flared, and Washington slapped sanctions on both rival generals after the last attempt collapsed at the end of May. The air strikes and artillery bombardments that have rocked greater Khartoum almost daily subsided at least temporarily, allowing trapped civilians to venture outdoors to buy desperately needed supplies. "Today we have witnessed a total calm," said Othman Hamed, a resident of the capital's sister city Omdurman, just across the Nile. In one Khartoum market, people were seen scrambling to stock up on fruit and other basic goods. "The truce is a chance for us to get some food supplies after we lived on rationed quantities in recent days," said one of the shoppers, Mohamad Radwan. Hajar Youssef said she had gone out in search of an open pharmacy to buy insulin for her mother, who has diabetes. "Unfortunately, I did not find one."
Many people expressed disappointment that the promised ceasefire was so limited in scope. "A one-day truce is much less than we aspire for," said Khartoum North resident Mahmud Bashir. "We look forward to an end to this damned war."
Fleeing Khartoum –
Bus station employee Ali Issa said many people were using the truce to flee the capital for the relative safety of the provinces. "Today, numbers... have risen significantly, maybe even doubled," he said. In the conflict's other main battleground, the western region of Darfur, there was no immediate word on observance of the ceasefire. Upwards of 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. Nearly two million people have been displaced, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, the United Nations says. Announcing the latest truce on Friday, US and Saudi mediators warned the warring parties they would break off their diplomatic efforts unless they honoured their commitments this time. "Should the parties fail to observe the 24-hour ceasefire, facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning" talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah which have been suspended since late last month, they said. Sudan specialist Aly Verjee said he saw little reason why this truce should be any better than its predecessors. "Unfortunately, the incentives have not changed for either party, so it's hard to see that a truce with the same underlying assumptions, especially one of such short duration, will see a substantially different result," said Verjee, a researcher at Sweden's University of Gothenburg.
- 'Confidence building' -
The Saudi and US mediators said they "share the frustration of the Sudanese people about the uneven implementation of previous ceasefires". Both the army and the paramilitary RSF have declared their commitment to the latest truce, which they said could support humanitarian efforts, while cautioning against violations by their opponents. "If observed, the 24-hour ceasefire will provide an important opportunity... for the parties to undertake confidence-building measures which could permit resumption of the Jeddah talks," the US-Saudi statement said. Friday's ceasefire announcement came a day after Sudanese authorities loyal to Burhan declared UN envoy Volker Perthes "persona non grata", accusing him of taking sides. UN chief Antonio Guterres later expressed support for Perthes, who is currently in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for talks. Speaking through his spokesman, Guterres said "the doctrine of persona non grata is not applicable to or in respect of United Nations personnel."The fighting has sidelined Perthes's efforts to revive Sudan's transition to civilian rule, which was derailed by a 2021 coup by the two generals before they fell out. It has also complicated the coordination of international efforts to deliver emergency relief to the 25 million civilians that the United Nations estimates are in need.

Latest Sudan truce begins amid civilian skepticism
AFP/June 10, 2023
KHARTOUM: A 24-hour cease-fire took effect Saturday between Sudan’s warring generals but, with fears running high it will collapse like its predecessors, US and Saudi mediators warn they may break off mediation efforts. With the fighting now about to enter a third month, civilians trapped in the battlegrounds in greater Khartoum and the flashpoint western region of Darfur are desperate for relief from the bloodshed but deeply skeptical about the sincerity of the generals. Multiple truces have been agreed and broken since fighting erupted on April 15, and Washington had slapped sanctions on both rival generals after the last attempt collapsed at the end of May. The nationwide truce announced by US and Saudi mediators on Friday took effect at 6:00 a.m. “Should the parties fail to observe the 24-hour cease-fire, facilitators will be compelled to consider adjourning” talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah which have been suspended since late last month, the mediators said. Civilians voiced disappointment that the promised cease-fire was so limited in scope. “A one-day truce is much less than we aspire for,” said Khartoum North resident Mahmud Bashir. “We look forward to an end to this damned war.”
Issam Mohamed Omar said he wanted an agreement that required fighters of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) who had occupied his home in Khartoum to leave so that he can return there from his temporary lodgings across the Nile in Omdurman. “For me, a truce that doesn’t kick the RSF out of the home they kicked (me) out of three weeks ago, doesn’t mean anything to me,” he said. Sudan specialist Aly Verjee said he saw little reason why this truce should be honored any more than its predecessors. “Unfortunately, the incentives have not changed for either party, so it’s hard to see that a truce with the same underlying assumptions, especially one of such short duration, will see a substantially different result, said Verjee, a researcher at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg. Upwards of 1,800 people have been killed in the fighting, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project.
Nearly two million people have been displaced, including 476,000 who have sought refuge in neighboring countries, the United Nations says. The Saudi and US mediators said they “share the frustration of the Sudanese people about the uneven implementation of previous cease-fires.”
The army, led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, said it has “agreed to the proposal,” adding in a statement it “declares its commitment to the cease-fire.” The paramilitary RSF, commanded by Burhan’s former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, said: “We affirm our full commitment to the cease-fire.”
Both statements said the truce could support humanitarian efforts, while cautioning against violations by their opponents. “If observed, the 24-hour cease-fire will provide an important opportunity... for the parties to undertake confidence-building measures which could permit resumption of the Jeddah talks,” the US-Saudi statement said. Friday’s announcement came a day after Sudanese authorities loyal to Burhan declared UN envoy Volker Perthes “persona non grata,” accusing him of taking sides. UN chief Antonio Guterres later expressed support for Perthes, who is currently in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa for a series of talks. Speaking through his spokesman, Guterres said “the doctrine of persona non grata is not applicable to or in respect of United Nations personnel” and is contrary to Khartoum’s obligations under the UN charter. The fighting has sidelined Perthes’s efforts to revive Sudan’s transition to civilian rule, which was derailed by a 2021 coup by the two generals before they fell out. It has also complicated the coordination of international efforts to deliver emergency relief to the 25 million civilians that the United Nations estimates are in need. Alfonso Verdu Perez, outgoing head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Sudan, warned on Friday that “health care may collapse at any moment.”“The needs are immense and much more remains to be done” in both Khartoum and Darfur, he told reporters in Geneva.

Turkiye investigates fatal explosion at munitions factory which killed 5/Investigation launched into cause of explosion
June 10/2023
ANKARA: Five people were killed in an explosion at a military factory in Ankara’s Elmadag district early on Saturday. The bodies of the victims have been recovered and judicial and administrative investigations into the cause of the explosion are underway. Vasip Sahin, the governor of Ankara province, said initial investigations suggest the blast was caused by a chemical reaction. According to the Turkish Ministry of Defense, the explosion occurred in the manufacturing unit of the Machinery and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE), a subsidiary of the ministry. Fatal accidents have previously occurred at the factory, which produces rockets and explosives for the defense and interior ministries. In 2018, Health and Safety Labor Watch (ISIG), a civil watchdog, issued a report about workplace fatalities at the factory after an explosion on May 24 that year left one worker dead and six others injured. The official investigation blamed the explosion on a technical fault, ruling out sabotage. ISIG criticized the factory for not having sufficient workplace security measures in place. On May 20, 2013, an explosion at the factory left two workers dead. Petrol-Is, Turkiye’s petroleum, chemical and rubber workers union, has long demanded improved working conditions at the same factory. Workers staged a three-day strike in November 2012 to draw the government’s attention to the situation. In July 2013, Petrol-Is claimed there were serious issues with the factory, that its technological infrastructure had not been modernized, and that more explosions could occur. Work at the factory was temporarily halted at that time so improvements could be made.

Egypt begins requiring visas for all Sudanese after detecting ‘unlawful activities’: MFA spokesman
Reuters/June 10, 2023
CAIRO: Egypt instituted a new policy requiring all Sudanese entering the country to obtain visas prior to entry, after detecting “unlawful activities” including the issuance of fraudulent visas, foreign ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid told Reuters.
The decision is a reversal of a longstanding exemption for children, women and elderly men. More than 200,000 Sudanese have entered Egypt since fighting erupted in April, Abu Zeid said.

UK politics reels from shock of ex-PM Johnson's departure
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Former British prime minister Boris Johnson's angry departure from parliament over Covid lockdown-breaking parties sparked fevered speculation Saturday over his and the current government's future, with allies and enemies trading barbs. Johnson announced he was leaving as a member of parliament on Friday, claiming he had been forced out in a stitch-up by his political opponents. One of Johnson’s allies quit earlier Friday, while another resigned on Saturday, triggering three by-elections for a government languishing in the polls and heaping pressure on current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The 58-year-old Johnson has been under investigation by a cross-party committee about whether he deliberately lied to parliament over parties when he was in office. In evidence earlier this year, he insisted he had not. But as the committee prepares to make public its findings, he said they had contacted him "making it clear... they are determined to use the proceedings against me to drive me out of parliament". The Privileges Committee, which has a majority of MPs from his own Conservative party, has powers to impose sanctions for misleading parliament, including suspension. By quitting, Johnson avoids the consequences of a humiliating fight to remain an MP in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency in northwest London where he holds a slim majority of just over 7,000. He denounced the committee, chaired by veteran opposition Labour MP Harriet Harman, as a "kangaroo court". "It is very sad to be leaving Parliament -- at least for now -- but above all I am bewildered and appalled that I can be forced out, anti-democratically... with such egregious bias," he said. He claimed the committee's report, which has not been published, was "riddled with inaccuracies and reeks of prejudice", adding he had "no formal ability to challenge anything they say". Their "purpose from the beginning has been to find me guilty, regardless of the facts", he said. Responding to the resignation, the Privileges Committee said Johnson "impugned the integrity of the House by his statement".
- 'Good riddance' –
Johnson loyalist Nadine Dorries also quit as an MP on Friday, while fellow supporter Nigel Adams announced on Saturday that he was leaving, meaning current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whom Johnson partly blames for his downfall, faces three daunting election tests. Johnson’s ability to generate strong feelings of admiration or hate was reflected in the reaction to his shock announcement. The Daily Mirror likened him to "a criminal who refuses to come to court for his sentencing."Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner said the public -- battling a cost-of-living crisis -- had had enough of the "never-ending Tory soap opera" while her opposite number with the smaller Liberal Democrats, Daisy Cooper, said it was "good riddance". But Johnson's supporters rallied behind him, lauding his achievements in pushing through Brexit and galvanising support for Ukraine. Conservative-leaning tabloid The Sun hailed his "unique magnetism and historic achievements" which "dwarf those of the pygmies who set out to expel him as an MP and, appallingly, have succeeded".
- Revenge –
There was, however, widespread agreement that Johnson will remain a looming presence and a problem for Sunak. "He may have resigned as MP but he made very clear in his statement that he does not see this as the end of his political career," the Times wrote. The BBC added that "the ghost of Boris Johnson haunts Rishi Sunak. It is the last thing the prime minister needs". Johnson led the Tories to a thumping 80-seat majority in the December 2019 general election on a promise to "get Brexit done". That allowed him to railroad through parliament his divorce deal with the European Union, unblocking years of political paralysis. But he was undone by his handling of the Covid pandemic, "Partygate" and a succession of other scandals that led to a ministerial rebellion in July last year. He quit as prime minister and left office in September last year, though rumours persisted that he wanted another shot at the top job.
Sunak, who was one of Johnson's top team who quit, has been trying to steady the ship since becoming prime minister in October, after the turbulent tenure of his former boss and the short-lived premiership of Liz Truss. Johnson's resignation will likely be seen as his revenge on Sunak, whose Tories are well down in the polls with a general election looming next year.  "When I left office last year the government was only a handful of points behind in the polls. That gap has now massively widened," Johnson said in his letter, lashing out at Sunak. Johnson became an MP in 2001 until 2008, then quit to serve two four-year terms as London's mayor. He became an MP again in 2015, going on to be foreign secretary under Theresa May.

How Trump indictment could impact White House race
Agence France Presse/June 10, 2023
The latest twist in Donald Trump's attritional war with U.S. law enforcement, as with so much else in the former president's story, throws the United States into unprecedented territory. Facing multiple federal charges over his hoarding of government secrets, the mercurial Republican presents the country with the possibility of a winning candidate moving into the White House while under indictment -- or running the government from a jail cell. The defiant billionaire has dismissed the notion that he would ever drop out of his party's primary contest, reverting instead to a favored tactic of accusing his "corrupt" political adversaries of election interference. "It likely won't sway undecided voters but it will galvanize Trump supporters who might be wavering or looking to a candidate with less baggage," Matt Shoemaker, a national security analyst and former intelligence officer, told AFP. Prosecutors in both the federal documents case and the state-level financial fraud probe targeting Trump in New York will hope to have him face justice before the country goes to the polls in 17 months. But there is no guarantee of either case wrapping up that quickly and Trump also faces federal and state-level probes into his efforts to subvert the 2020 election. He would likely torpedo any outstanding federal prosecutions were he reelected, by attempting to pardon himself -- an unprecedented scenario that would almost certainly spark a constitutional crisis. But he would have little influence over state-level cases and his more immediate worry is the damage his legal woes could do to his campaign to win the Republican nomination in the first place.
- Going for the jugular? -
The latest indictment allows Trump's primary challengers -- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former vice president Mike Pence and others -- to level the criticism that the runaway frontrunner is unfit for office. But they run the risk of alienating Trump's loyal base, whose support has only grown more fervent since the Manhattan indictment. As a result, many rivals have rallied to Trump's side, perhaps hoping to keep their powder dry until he is finally taken out of the running by further indictments expected in the coming months. Trump is under federal investigation over his role in the January 6, 2021 US Capitol insurrection and media reports suggest racketeering and conspiracy charges are set to drop in Georgia in August over the tycoon's campaign to overturn the election there. "They are hoping Trump is eventually knocked out of the race by a series of indictments, including those concerning January 6 and the attempt to overturn the election," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato."That's it. That's their strategy... They won't do anything. Go for the jugular? Trump's teeth will be in their jugular before they can do the same to him."Prosecutors on Friday said Trump had been charged with almost 40 counts filed under multiple charges, including illegal retention of government secrets, obstruction of justice and conspiracy.
- 'Serious crime' -
In a recent YouGov poll only half of respondents said it was a "serious crime" to falsify business records to conceal hush money payments to a porn star -- the case that he faces in Manhattan. But two-thirds said the same about removing classified government secrets from the White House and obstructing efforts to retrieve them. The figures are 28 percent and 42 percent respectively among Republicans -- a gap that suggests Trump's latest scandal could mark a turning point in his primary campaign. DeSantis -- who has been polling a distant second to Trump -- has exercised restraint in comments over his rival's legal woes but the rhetorical hand grenades lobbed between the camps have become more bellicose in recent weeks. Meanwhile Chris Christie, a political knife-fighter who has indicated he'll take on Trump more directly than the rest of the pack, has jumped into the race since the Manhattan indictment. "DeSantis would most benefit from Trump dropping out of the race but he seems to have calculated that they have many of the same potential voters so doesn't want to alienate them," Shana Gadarian, a professor of political science at Syracuse University, told AFP. "It may take someone like... Christie to shake up that narrative," she added. "Christie's candidacy is about bringing the mainstream back to the party and he may see the benefit of attracting former Republicans who were turned off by Trump's presidency."

Former Wall Street exec named head of Turkey central bank
LBCI/June 10, 2023
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appointed former Wall Street executive Hafize Gaye Erkan as central bank governor on Friday, signalling a possible shift from his unconventional policies against soaring inflation. Erkan -- a former chief executive of US real estate finance firm Greystone, co-CEO of First Republic Bank and managing director at Goldman Sachs -- will be the first woman to head the central bank. She takes over from Sahap Kavcioglu, who lowered rates even though central banks worldwide have done the opposite to fight inflation. Her appointment was published in the official gazette on Friday. Under Kavcioglu's watch, the bank's policy rate was decreased to 8.5 percent. It had been at 19 percent in 2021. The central bank "replaces its puppet banker," Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank, said in a note. She suggested that the new governor would likely return the bank toward a more conventional monetary policy that would require rate hikes. The analyst also expects diminishing foreign exchange market interventions "which will first lead to a further lira depreciation to catch up a year-and-a-half coma -- an expensive coma." The bank is due to make a rate decision on June 22. Erdogan, who was re-elected to a third term in office last month, already signalled a shift on Saturday when he unveiled a new cabinet with Mehmet Simsek, a former Merrill Lynch economist, as finance minister. Simsek -- who worked as finance minister and deputy prime minister in the past ruling AKP governments -- is known to oppose Erdogan's unconventional policies of lowering interest rates to fight inflation. Turkey's inflation rate dropped below 40 percent in May for the first time in 16 months. Independent economists believe it is much higher, above 100 percent. Simsek welcomed the appointment as an "outstanding choice" while Turkish media have for days talked of Erkan as the "brilliant Turk" or "genius." "Her strong academic credentials and extensive experience in international financial markets mean that she is well positioned to guide Turkey through challenging economic times," Simsek tweeted.
'Purged' central bank economists
Analysts say investors are less interested in how talented the new economic team is than in their ability to resist pressure from Erdogan, who once called high rates "the mother and father of all evil". "Simsek & Erkan will be judged on monetary policy moves, inflation and lira," emerging markets economist Timothy Ash said on Twitter. The Turkish currency was down around 1 percent against the dollar on Friday, trading over 23 lira per dollar since Wednesday. One of Erkan's main challenges this year will be to repair the working atmosphere at the central bank, according to Erik Meyersson, chief emerging markets strategist. "Too many bright economists and bureaucrats were purged, reassigned, demoted, ostracized, and there's a talent reserve that she should look to tap into. But would they want to return?" he tweeted. Erdogan in the past sacked central bank governors after disagreements over interest rate policy, in a move that unsettled investors. After taking office, Simsek said Turkey had "no choice but to return to rational ground" -- a sign of turning away from the low-rate policy. Following the lira's latest plunge, he stated his commitment to rules-based policymaking.
"While there are no short cuts or quick fixes, rest assured that our experience, knowledge & dedication will help us overcome potential impediments ahead," he said on Twitter. "Our immediate priority is to strengthen our team and design a credible program."
- US career -

Saudi Crown Prince threatened to damage US economy – media
RT/June 10, 2023
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman privately threatened to harm the American economy after President Joe Biden warned Saudi Arabia of “consequences” for agreeing an oil production cut with Russia, the Washington Post has reported, citing leaked material. The Biden administration had said it would re-evaluate relations with the kingdom following a decision by Riyadh to slash crude production against the wishes of the US. The Crown Prince, who is widely referred to as MBS, warned that he would not deal with the US administration anymore if Biden penalized Saudi Arabia. He also promised “major economic consequences for Washington,” the Post reported on Thursday. The threat was contained in a classified document that was leaked on a Discord server, but it was not clear whether the remark was part of intercepted communications or a message sent privately to the US.
Biden made his dissatisfaction with Riyadh clear last October after the OPEC+ group of major oil producers including Russia agreed to cut production by two million barrels a day. Washington was working to punish Moscow with sanctions on its oil trade over the conflict in Ukraine. “There’s going to be some consequences for what they’ve done with Russia,” the US president said in an interview with CNN at the time, without specifying any possible measures. On the campaign trail before his election, Biden vowed to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” over the Crown Prince’s alleged role in the 2018 murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, which Riyadh blamed on rogue agents. This threat never materialized, with White House insiders indicating that the Biden administration had opted against jeopardizing bilateral relations. Under a decades-old arrangement, the US provides security to Saudi Arabia, and in exchange retains access to its oil, which the kingdom trades for dollars, propping it up as a global currency. A number of top US officials recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken. These relations contrast with the reportedly poor personal chemistry between Biden and MBS, who have not met since last July. The 37-year-old Saudi Crown Prince, who is responsible for the day-to-day affairs of the kingdom in lieu of his father, King Salman, reportedly mocks Biden in private, making fun of his gaffes and mental lapses. Critics of the US president have accused him of caving in to Saudi pressure. --- RT

Somali security forces end Al Shabaab attack on Mogadishu beach hotel
NNA/June 10, 2023
The rebels, affiliated with al Qaeda, have been waging an insurgency against the internationally backed federal government for more than 15 years and have often targeted hotels, which tend to host high-ranking Somali and foreign officials.
The security forces "shot and killed" rebels who carried out "the desperate terrorist attack on the Pearl Beach... in Mogadishu," SNTV reported on Saturday.
It added that security forces had rescued "many civilians from inside the hotel" and "shot and killed" those responsible.

Colombia plane crash: Four children found alive in Amazon after 40 days
BBC/June 10, 2023
Four children have been found alive more than a month after their plane crashed in Colombia's Amazon jungle, the country's president has said. The siblings, aged 13, nine, four and a one-year-old baby, were on board the plane with their mother, a pilot and a co-pilot when it crashed on 1 May. Their mother and the other adults on board the plane died. President Gustavo Petro said finding the children after weeks of searching was "a joy for the whole country". He called it a "magical day", adding: "They were alone, they themselves achieved an example of total survival which will remain in history.
"These children are today the children of peace and the children of Colombia."Mr Petro shared a photograph of several members of the military and Indigenous community tending to the siblings, who had been missing for 40 days. He said the children were receiving medical attention - and that he had spoken to their grandfather, who told him "the mother jungle returned them". The children have since been flown to Colombia's capital Bogota, where ambulances were waiting to take them to hospital for further medical treatment. The Cessna 206 aircraft the children and their mother had been travelling on before the crash was flying from Araracuara, in Amazonas province, to San José del Guaviare, when it issued a mayday alert due to engine failure.  The bodies of the three adults who had been with them were found at the crash site by the army. Preliminary information from the civil aviation authority suggested the children escaped the wreckage and wandered into the rainforest to find help, Reuters news agency reported. A massive search began and in May, rescuers recovered items left behind by the children, including a child's drinking bottle, a pair of scissors, a hair tie and a makeshift shelter. Small footprints were also discovered, which led search teams to believe they had survived the collision and were alive in the rainforest, which is home to jaguars, snakes and other predators. The children belong to the Huitoto indigenous group and members of their community hoped that their knowledge of fruits and jungle survival skills would give them a better chance of surviving. Indigenous people joined the search operation and helicopters broadcasted a message from the children's grandmother, recorded in the Huitoto language, urging them to stop moving to make them easier to locate. Colombia's president came under criticism last month when a tweet published on his account announced that the children had been found. He erased the tweet the next day saying that the information - which his office had been given by Colombia's child welfare agency - could not be confirmed. ---