June 23, 2022

*) Casualties soar as Afghanistan reels from deadliest earthquake in decades A powerful earthquake devastated a rural, mountainous region of eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 1,150 people and injuring 1,600 more. The magnitude 6.1 temblor hit near the Pakistan border, but quakes of that strength can cause severe damage in areas where buildings are poorly constructed. Rescue workers continue clearing the rubble to release the injured and recover bodies. *) Ukraine crisis sounds alarm for humanity — China The conflict in Ukraine has “sounded an alarm for humanity,” Chinese leader Xi Jinping said, as China continues to assume a position of neutrality while backing its ally Russia. “Countries will surely end up in security hardships if they place blind faith in their positions of strength, expand military alliances, and seek their own safety at the expense of others," Xi said. In other comments, Xi said imposing sanctions could act as a “boomerang” and a “double-edged sword,” and that the global community would suffer from “politicising, mechanising and weaponising” global economic trends and financial flows. *) Türkiye, Saudi Arabia stress 'new era of cooperation' in boost to ties Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman declared their determination to launch a new era of cooperation in bilateral ties, including in the political, economic, military, security and cultural spheres. According to a joint declaration, the leaders emphasised the countries' determination to start a new era of comprehensive cooperation in many areas. Ankara and Riyadh decided to deepen consultation and cooperation in regional issues to strengthen stability and peace, it said. *) UN: Greece creates 'atmosphere of fear' for migrants, rights organisations Human rights defenders in Greece are “under severe pressure” while trying to protect the refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in the country, the UN human rights body said. “Geopolitical circumstances and a lack of support by