July 20, 2022

*) Leaders of Türkiye, Russia, Iran vow to oppose terrorist presence in Syria Leaders of Türkiye, Russia and Iran have condemned the increased presence and activities of terrorist groups and their affiliates in various parts of Syria. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin and Iran's Ebrahim Raisi met in Tehran on Tuesday for the seventh summit in the Astana format. During the talks, they "rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground...including illegitimate self-rule initiatives" in the war-torn country. *) Six-time PM Wickremesinghe wins Sri Lanka presidency Six-time prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been elected president of crisis-hit Sri Lanka by the country's parliament. The 73-year-old takes charge of a bankrupt nation that is in bailout talks with the IMF, with its 22 million people enduring severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine. Wickremesinghe’s election risks reigniting political turmoil as he is the backed by the party of ex-leader Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled abroad after his palace was stormed by protesters. *) ​​UK hits hottest temperature on record as Western Europe sizzles Soaring temperatures continue across much of Western Europe, with Britain recording its highest-ever temperature of more than 40 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, deadly wildfires in France, Portugal, Spain and Greece have forced thousands of people to leave their homes. Experts blame climate change for the latest heat wave and warn the extreme weather will only worsen in years to come. *) US alleges Russia 'laying groundwork' to annex eastern Ukraine regions The United States has accused Russia of moving ahead with plans to annex additional Ukrainian territory. John Kirby, the chief National Security Council spokesperson, said the Russians are preparing to install proxy officials, establish the rouble as the default currency and force residents to apply for citizenship. Kirby said the areas targeted for annexation include Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and al