Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):

Iranian reactions to E3 group's decision to activate the ‘snapback mechanism’ for reinstating UN sanctions

More Iranian reactions after Germany, France, and the UK triggered the “snapback mechanism” for reinstating UN sanctions in the dispute over Iran's nuclear program, as the three countries said they believe Iran does not abide by its commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

2nd phase of arms collection from Palestinian camps in Lebanon

The second phase of arms collection from Palestinian camps in southern Lebanon began Thursday under a Cabinet plan to place all weapons by the Lebanese army -- including Hezbollah’s -- under state control. The phase is expected to last for the coming few days. Hezbollah has rejected the move and refused to disarm.

Israeli-Houthi attacks

Expected Houthi retaliatory attacks on Israel after Tel Aviv launched a new round of airstrikes on the Yemeni capital Sanaa, claiming it hit a Houthi military target in the city.

Turkish parliament to convene extraordinary session on Israel's genocide in Gaza

The Turkish parliament will convene an extraordinary session under the chairmanship of Speaker Numan Kurtulmus to discuss Israel's attacks on Gaza, its acts of genocide and oppression against the Palestinian people, famine policies, and the current situation in the region.

Steve Witkoff - meeting with Ukrainian officials

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff will hold talks with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov in New York. Witkoff had previously said discussions would focus on peace proposals and security guarantees, as well as a future bilateral meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

E3 to deliver statement at UN

Representatives of France, Germany, and the UK will hold a press encounter at the UN. The British official will read a statement on behalf of the three nations, known collectively as the E3.

UN Security Council to hold meeting on Ukraine

The UN Security Council will hold a meeting on the maintenance of peace and security in Ukraine.

Palestinian envoy to UN to address reporters

Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the UN will hold a press encounter.

Rubio to visit US SOUTHCOM

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit the US Southern Command headquarters in Doral, Florida. The visit is currently listed as closed to press coverage.

EU defense and foreign ministers meet in Copenhagen

The defense and foreign ministers from EU member states are gathering in Denmark’s capital for informal meetings on international security issues. The agenda includes military support to Ukraine, potential sanctions on Russia, and discussions on the recent developments in the Middle East and Gaza.

Franco-German Ministerial Council convenes

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will co-chair the Franco-German Ministerial Council in Toulon. The meeting will focus on strengthening bilateral relations, enhancing EU economic competitiveness, and bolstering European defense capabilities.

EU Commission chief visits Latvia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Latvia as the first stop in a seven-country tour focusing on security issues and threats posed by Russia. In Riga, she will meet with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, and together they will tour an EU-supported drone manufacturing facility.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman to hold weekly press briefing

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy. Her press briefing is expected to particularly touch on the situation surrounding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, as well as other international issues.

Polish Consulate General in Kaliningrad to cease operation

In a retaliatory move, the Russian Foreign Ministry closed a Polish diplomatic mission in its most western region. On Friday, the General Consulate of Poland in Kaliningrad will cease its operations.

Japanese, Indian premiers hold talks in Tokyo

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi holding talks in Tokyo, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation, particularly in trade, as both countries face pressure from US tariffs. The summit is also expected to see boost in security ties between Tokyo and New Delhi.

North Korean leader's trip to China likely to trigger reaction

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s trip to China next week, to attend commemoration events for the end of World War II expected to trigger reaction from regional nations. The rare visit would be the first multilateral diplomatic event attended by Kim, since he was made the head of state in 2011. Pyongyang is also expected to discuss the itinerary of Kim while he is in Beijing.

Thailand’s top court to deliver verdict in premier case

Thailand’s Constitutional Court set to deliver verdict in the case of alleged ethics violations by suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The court suspended Paetongtarn over contents of a voice call between her and Cambodian leader Hun Sen, following a border dispute.

THE ECONOMY

German inflation

Destatis to announce monthly consumer price index figures for August. In July, the consumer inflation was at 2% annually. Markets expect it to rise to 2.1% in August. Germany will also announce retail trade and unemployment rate figures.

US foreign trade

US to share monthly foreign trade figures for July. In June, the country posted a foreign trade deficit of $84.85 billion. Markets expect a deficit of $90.7 billion in July. The country will also share consumer sentiment figures.

TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland

The Turkish premier tech event TEKNOFEST's naval version Blue Homeland to take place in Istanbul. The program will include naval ship model exhibitions, virtual reality experience zones, demonstrations by SAT and SAS commandos, boat races, and a ship design workshop.

SPECIAL REPORTS

Peace on pause? Why DR Congo’s deal with rebels may stall

Report on peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels in Doha, where missed deadlines and unresolved disputes threaten to derail progress.

The story highlights how both sides accuse each other of violating the July 19 ceasefire, and their diverging demands as prerequisites for moving forward with a broader agreement. Analysts warn that these sticking points, along with continued fighting, undermine trust and risk prolonging Congo’s decades-long conflict.

The report includes perspectives from Rwanda-based governance analyst Raphael Nkaka, Evariste Kamba of the Congo Interreligious Council, and a diplomatic source close to the mediation.

Geneva plastics talks: Total breakdown or treaty still possible?

Report analyzing why UN-led negotiations in Geneva failed to deliver a global plastics treaty, and what this means for the future of the fight against plastic pollution.

The story explores how fossil fuel and petrochemical interests blocked progress on key issues such as production caps, chemicals, and financing, leaving experts warning of worsening environmental and health crises.

The report includes interviews with Graham Forbes, head of Greenpeace’s delegation at the talks; Amy Youngman, legal and policy specialist at the Environmental Investigation Agency; and Oregon State University academic Susanne Brander.