May 25, 2023

*) Ron DeSantis announces 2024 White House bid in Twitter event with Musk Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has entered the 2024 presidential race, stepping into a crowded Republican primary contest. The 44-year-old Republican revealed his decision in a Federal Election Commission filing before addressing his decision in a video posted on social media. DeSantis vowed to build a wall on the border with Mexico and not restrict usage of Bitcoin. *) Pakistan’s Imran Khan softens demand for snap vote as allies quit party Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan has softened his year-long demand for early election. Khan said he is forming a committee for talks with the government to end the country’s lingering political turmoil. The offer, if accepted by the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, may help ease political tensions amid the country’s stalled talks with the International Monetary Fund. Although not a member of parliament, Khan leads a broad opposition movement against the government. *) US approves $285M sale of NASAMS air defence system to Ukraine The United States has announced the approval of a $285 million sale of a NASAMS air defence system and related equipment to Ukraine as Kiev seeks to boost protection against Russian strikes. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said the sale will support US foreign policy national security goals by “improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.” The sale would not require any additional US government employees or contractors to be assigned to Ukraine, the agency said. *) Türkiye rescues nearly 100 refugees and migrants pushed back by Greece Türkiye has rescued 96 irregular refugees and migrants in separate incidents in an Aegean province, the country’s Coast Guard Command said. Fifty refugees and migrants on two lifeboats off Mugla’s Datca district were saved after being pushed into Turkish territorial waters by Greek forces, the coast guard said in a statement. Sepa