June 24, 2022

*) US welcomes Türkiye's efforts in Ukraine grain The United States welcomes Türkiye's involvement in brokering an agreement to get grain out of Ukraine, John Kirby, the national security spokesman said. Kirby said that the US is working with allies and partners to get some grain out of Ukraine, exports that have been thwarted by Russia's incursion on Ukraine. *) Athens fuels up crisis with naval base expansion in Crete Island Athens is ramping up its ongoing armament programme, with plans to step up the military buildup on the island of Crete and upgrade its arsenal, according to a Greek media report. Greece will allocate about $200 million to upgrade and expand a naval base at Souda Bay, the daily Kathimerini reported. Greek Defense Minister informed the Parliamentary Committee on Defense Affairs about the additional allocation for the naval base, the report said. *) Tunisia's police arrest former PM Jebali over money laundering allegations Tunisian police arrested former prime minister Hamadi Jebali, who is also a former senior member of the Ennahda party, on suspicion of money laundering, his lawyer said. Police in the city of Sousse seized Jebali's phone and his wife's phone and took him to an unknown location, according to a statement by his family. Jebali's arrest raises opposition concerns over human rights record since President Kais Saied seized control of executive power last year. *) UK Tory party chairman resigns after twin by-election losses The chairman of Britain's ruling Conservatives quit after the party lost two parliamentary by-elections. Oliver Dowden wrote in a resignation letter to Prime Minister and Tory leader Boris Johnson that party’s supporters are distressed and disappointed by recent events, and I share their feelings. He added, "We cannot carry on with business as usual. Somebody must take responsibility and I have concluded that, it would not be right for me to remain in office." And finally… *) FIFA increases squad limit to 26 players for 2022 Qatar World Cup