Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal

The latest developments after phase one of the Gaza ceasefire deal, which began on Jan. 19, ended on March 2 and was not extended, nor did it move into the second phase.

On Tuesday, the Hamas movement called on ceasefire mediators to pressure Israel into fulfilling its commitments under the Gaza agreement, including immediately reopening border crossings to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid and ending collective punishment policies.

White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff was set to visit Qatar on Tuesday to push for a breakthrough on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas as Tel Aviv continues to refuse progress on the second phase.

Results of US-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia regarding Moscow-Kyiv conflict

US-Ukraine talks held in Jeddah, attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, as part of his March 10–12 visit to Saudi Arabia.

“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation,” said a joint statement released following the talks held in Jeddah.

The US will immediately lift the pause on its intelligence sharing with Ukraine, and will also resume security assistance to Kyiv, it said.

The Ukrainian delegation, during the talks, reiterated that Kyiv’s partners in Europe shall be involved in the peace process.

“Lastly, both countries’ presidents agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine’s economy and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security,” it added.

Humanitarian and security situation in Gaza

Humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel escalated its attacks across Gaza last week after the expiry of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

At least six Palestinians were killed and others injured in new Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, in the latest violation of a ceasefire deal.

Israel provided the Gaza Strip with only five megawatts of electricity since last November before its recent decision to cut off power to the enclave, a Palestinian spokesman said on Tuesday.

Israeli raids in West Bank

Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank with the army deploying tanks in the northern parts of the territory for the first time in over two decades.

Four Palestinians were killed in an ongoing Israeli military raid in the northern West Bank on Tuesday, the Health Ministry said.

The new deaths came as the Israeli army has continued a deadly military offensive in the northern West Bank since Jan. 21, killing at least 69 Palestinians and displacing thousands.

Israel's violations in southern Lebanon following incomplete pullout

Aftermath of the incomplete Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

Israel has begun negotiations with Lebanon to demarcate their border and withdraw from five outposts in southern Lebanon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday evening.

The declaration followed a four-way meeting in Naqoura involving representatives from the Israeli military, the US, France, and Lebanon, Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

The Red Cross received five Lebanese detainees previously held by the Israeli army during the war on Lebanon, according to the state-run agency NNA.

One Lebanese was killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Tuesday despite a ceasefire agreement, the Health Ministry said.

Under the ceasefire deal, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Israel refused to comply. It still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

Security developments in Syria

Latest security developments and updates in Syria following days of clashes between security forces and Assad’s loyalists.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met on Tuesday with a delegation from Suwayda province in the south of the country to discuss national and local issues, local media said.

The state news agency SANA, citing the Telegram channel of the Suwayda governor’s office, said attendees “exchanged discussions on significant national and local matters.”

As of yet, no official statement had been issued regarding reports of an agreement for Suwayda's integration into state institutions.

A Syrian investigation committee into violence in the coastal cities of Latakia and Tartus vowed Tuesday to bring those involved in violations to accountability.

Following all topics through translation from Arabic wire, official accounts, and relevant websites in addition to giving breakings about related possible important developments.

Erdogan's scheduled meetings with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus president and Polish premier

Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to meet with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar at the Presidential Complex in capital Ankara.

Erdogan also to host Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the Presidential Complex and hold a bilateral meeting and attend a joint press conference with Tusk after the official welcoming ceremony.

Trump hosts Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin

US President Donald Trump will host Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Northern Irish leaders at the White House for a St Patrick's Day celebration. Trump and Martin are expected to hold a bilateral meeting as well.

US Envoy Witkoff in Qatar for Gaza ceasefire extension

US Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff began talks Tuesday in Qatar to push for progress on releasing Israeli hostages amid a proposal by Tel Aviv to extend a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip for 60 days.

US' 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports - entry into force

Developments as 25% additional tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports take effect Wednesday under an executive order signed by Trump. On Tuesday, Trump announced a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum from Canada. However, the White House later stated that the plan was halted after Ontario temporarily suspended its plan to cut off electricity.

UN Security Council - Iran nuclear activity discussed

Security Council will hold a private meeting to discuss the latest reports from the IAEA regarding Iran's nuclear activities. France, Greece, Panama, South Korea, the UK, and the US requested the meeting, citing Iran’s increased production of highly enriched uranium. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari is expected to brief.

Guterres address on UN80 initiative

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will hold a press briefing on the launch of his UN80 Initiative, which has a large focus on reform issues.

G7 foreign ministers - Quebec meeting

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will chair the first meeting of G7 counterparts in Canada as part of the country's presidency. Main discussions to take place on Thursday and Friday.

Trial of suspects in Diego Maradona's death

Developments after Argentina began a trial yesterday for the medical team accused of negligence in Diego Maradona's 2020 death. Seven members of the medical team are due in court in a trial expected to last several months.

Defense ministers' meeting for support to Ukraine

Defense ministers from Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and the UK (E5) will meet in Paris to discuss support for Ukraine and building European defense. NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska will also attend the meeting.

UK prime minister faces questions from lawmakers

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to respond to questions from lawmakers in the House of Commons. Questions may include domestic and international issues.

Costa-Scholz meeting

EU Council President Antonio Costa will meet German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. The meeting will be followed by a news conference, which most likely will include questions related to the EU-US relations, war in Ukraine, European defense, among others.

EU commissioner for international partnership to pay 7-day visit to Central Asia

EU Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela to visit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan on March 12-18 to discuss prospects of cooperation, hindering from Russia circumventing Western sanctions.

Meeting of heads of Russia's diplomatic missions in Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Türkiye

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin to chair a meeting of Moscow's heads of diplomatic missions in Central Asian countries, which will focus on the prospects of cooperation between Russia and Central Asian and Turkic states.

Reactions to Ukraine-US meeting in Saudi Arabia

Reactions on the part of Kyiv and Moscow to be followed amid talks between senior officials from Ukraine and the US in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah on finding a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The meeting comes just over a week after a heated argument between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the Oval Office.

Intergovernmental Authority on Development to convene to discuss political tensions in South Sudan

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development to convene the 43rd Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government to address the evolving situation in South Sudan. Clashes erupted in mid-February between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and armed civilian groups in the country’s Nasir County. Tensions escalated after the government announced plans to deploy new forces to Nasir County to rotate troops stationed in the area for several years.

Indian premier in Mauritius as East African nation observes its 57th independence anniversary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Mauritius on a two-day working visit as the coastal East African nation commemorates its 57th independence anniversary from Dutch, French, and British colonial rule with Modi as official guest. He is being hosted by Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam and the two leaders are expected to hold a series of bilateral engagements related to ties between the two nations.

Laos foreign minister to visit China

Foreign Minister of Laos Thongsavanh Phomvihane arrives in Beijing on a 4-day visit to China. Thongsavanh Phomvihane is paying the visit at the invitation of Wang Yi, foreign minister of China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry to hold briefing

China’s Foreign Ministry to hold routine briefing in Beijing. The ministry is expected to deliver statements on recent developments with the tariffs and bilateral relations between US-China.

Philippines’ ex-president transported to Hague for crimes against humanity

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, arrested on Tuesday for alleged crimes against humanity, including his controversial war on drugs. He was later transferred to The Hague, stoking fresh political tensions in the country. The 79-year-old was taken into custody upon his arrival at Manila airport from Hong Kong, following a request from the International Criminal Court.

THE ECONOMY

Turkish current balance

The Turkish Central Bank will release balance of payment figures for January. Türkiye’s current account deficit in December saw the full-year gap narrowing significantly in 2024 on a yearly basis; the balance registered a shortfall of $4.65 in the month, down from $39.9 billion in the same month 2023.

US Inflation

The US will release inflation data for February. It was at 3% year-on-year in January.

OECD unemployment

The OECD will reveal unemployment data for its area.

SPECIAL REPORTS

‘Stay in the US’: Greenland politicians dismiss Trump’s control bid

Report from on the ground in Greenland as it held legislative elections at a crucial time in its geopolitical history, with US President Donald Trump pushing to take over the Arctic island.

The story presents views from Greenlandic politicians about Trump’s aims, with most voicing support for independence from former colonial ruler Denmark and opposing the idea of becoming a US territory.

The report includes comments from Inge Olsvig Brandt, a candidate for the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit party; Bentiaraq Ottosen, a candidate for Attasut; and Doris Jensen, a Siumut party lawmaker and former health minister.

Trump’s tariff wars: Boosting or burdening the US economy?

Report on US President Donald Trump’s latest tariff policies targeting Mexico, Canada, and China, exploring their domestic and global economic and geopolitical implications.

The story examines the Trump administration’s reasoning for the tariffs and how it aims to achieve its stated objective of protecting American industries and curb drug trafficking. It also delves into the criticism being levelled against the measures, with analysts warning of rising consumer prices and strained relations with key trade partners.

The report features insights from Charles Calomiris, an economist from Columbia Business School, and Max Gillman, a professor of economic history at the University of Missouri, on whether these tariffs will drive long-term economic shifts or serve as short-term political tools.

NEW MEDIA

VIDEO - Interviews with Greenlandic politicians in the capital Nuuk about Greenland’s closely watched legislative elections and US President Trump’s aim to take over the island.