By Anadolu Agency
May 8, 2023 7:53 amISTANBUL
Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Monday, including Syria’s return to the Arab League, updates from the Ukraine war, and the rising death toll as floods and landslides ravage DR Congo.
TOP STORIES
Over a decade after being expelled for the Bashar al-Assad regime’s bloody crackdown on pro-democracy protests, Syria’s membership in the influential Arab League has been reinstated.
Foreign ministers from the 22-member group voted for Syria’s return at a meeting in Cairo, ahead of the upcoming Annual Arab League summit to be held in Saudi Arabia on May 19.
Syria was removed from the pan-Arab body in 2011. Its reinstatement comes amid the Assad regime’s growing outreach with Arab countries.
After threatening to pull his forces from Bakhmut, the Wagner Group’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said Moscow has “promised” him more weapons. Prigozhin said he received assurances from the Russian Defense Ministry after his tirade against Moscow days earlier.
Another Ukraine-related development came in Türkiye. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu revealed the country rejected a US proposal for Ankara to send its S-400 missile system – which it bought from Russia – to Ukraine.
He said the suggestion was unacceptable and against Turkish sovereignty.
Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains have killed at least 300 people in the eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rescue efforts are underway for missing people, while hundreds injured are being treated. Non-governmental organizations and authorities have called for emergency assistance.
Heavy rainfall last week caused rivers to flood, destroying hundreds of homes and wreaking destruction. The death toll could rise over the coming days as search operations continue in various areas.
NEWS IN BRIEF
SPORTS
Arsenal kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United.
A Martin Odegaard strike and an own goal by Newcastle defender Fabian Schar gave the Gunners a crucial victory.
Arsenal are now on 81 points, just one behind Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand.
Defending Formula One champion Max Verstappen won the Miami Grand Prix, making a remarkable sprint from ninth position to beat Red Bull teammate and pole-sitter Sergio Perez.
Verstappen took the lead with 10 laps to go at the 5.4-kilometer (3.3-mile) Miami International Autodrome.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
China’s electricity consumption is projected to rise by 6% in 2023.
In a report, the country’s electricity council said power consumption will pick up about 6% year-on-year to reach 9.15 trillion kilowatt-hours, with a surge expected in the second quarter.
A majority of Japanese are against an increase in taxes to support defense expenditures, according to a poll.
Although concerned over China’s potential military action against Taiwan, 80% of respondents in a survey by Japan’s Kyodo News Agency said they are not in favor of hikes in taxes to finance the country’s defense spending.
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