Diary

Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

UKRAINE

LUHANSK/ZAPORIZHZHIA - Early elections to be held in Ukraine's Russian-controlled Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions until Sept. 7. In October 2022, Putin signed a decree on introduction of martial law in Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, which were annexed last September following what the West denounced as 'sham' referendums.

KYIV - Following developments in Russia-Ukraine war.

AZERBAIJAN

KARABAKH - Monitoring developments in ongoing tensions, conflict in Karabakh region. On Friday, Azerbaijan said that three of its servicemen were injured in clashes with Armenian forces in Kalbajar district.

BELARUS

MINSK - Military exercises of member states of Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) continue. Russia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus participating in exercises.

MONGOLIA

ULAANBAATAR - Pope Francis' visit to Mongolia, home to one of world's tiniest Catholic communities, continues. Francis, who arrived in country on Friday, is expected to address diplomatic representatives.

SYRIA

DEIR EZ ZOR – Monitoring developments after clashes between branches of PKK/YPG terror group and some Arab tribal elements in the countryside of Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zor province.

LEBANON

BEIRUT - Following rising tensions between Lebanon, Israel amid Tel Aviv accusing Hezbollah of escalating situation along border. Israel is 'nearest to launching military action in Lebanon since 2006 (war),' warned Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan.

SPORTS

MOSCOW - International Grand Skate Tour skateboarding tournament in Gorky Park to conclude today.

SPECIAL REPORT

‘No city like Istanbul’: UK Muslim cycling group pedals to Türkiye

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) - For nearly four exhausting days, a group of dedicated cyclists pedaled all the way from Bulgarian capital Sofia with one goal in mind: reaching their beloved destination Istanbul.

SPECIAL REPORT

‘Perfect parenting’ acute for moms in age of social media: Experts

By Merve Berker

To be a “perfect mother” it takes 100% patience, understanding, devotion, compassion and never-ending energy. That feat is nearly possible for any human if you do not consider what your family wants or needs, according to psychologists.