May 18, 2023

*) Ukraine grain deal extended Russia has agreed to extend the Türkiye-brokered Black Sea grain deal, allowing Ukraine to resume grain exports halted after the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the two-month extension, saying Ankara hoped to “see the days when the war between Russia and Ukraine will end”. The deal, renewed a day before it was set to expire on May 18th, eases a global food crisis exacerbated by the conflict. *) Pakistan ex-PM's bail extended Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan has secured an extension to his protective bail until May 31st. According to Khan’s lawyer, the extension came as the prosecutor requested more time to produce details of the case against him. As for his supporters, involved in violent protests over his arrest, the information minister for Punjab province said they would be tried by military courts. *) Iran, Russia transport network agreement Iran and Russia have agreed to collaborate on the construction of the final part of the International North-South Transport Corridor. Iran’s Transport Minister signed the agreement with his Russian counterpart in Tehran, saying the 164-kilometre railway in Iran's north would be completed within three years. The commercial transport network passes from northeast Russia via Azerbaijan to Iran's southern coastline and on to India by sea, steering clear of Western sea lanes. Russia and Iran are both under international sanctions that restrict trade. *) 843,000 internally displaced in Sudan conflict The International Organization for Migration has announced that more than 843,000 people have been internally displaced since the start of the conflict in Sudan. In a statement, the organisation warned that 1.8 million more are expected to be internally displaced if the war persists. Nearly 259,000 people have escaped from Sudan to nearby countries since clashes began mid-April amid a power struggle between Sudan’s army and paramilitary force. *) Next five years will see hotte