Morning Briefing: July 30, 2023

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) — Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including the latest on the attempted military coup in Niger, a racism scandal in the Finnish government, and continued protests in Israel concerning passing the judicial reform.

TOP STORIES

• EU 'does not and will not' recognize coup administration in Niger

The EU "does not recognize and will not recognize" the authorities that took power in this week’s coup in Niger, said the bloc's foreign policy chief.

Underlining that President Mohamed Bazoum "remains the only legitimate" leader, Josep Borrell said in a statement: "His release must be unconditional and without delay."

Stressing that the "unacceptable attack" on the integrity of Niger will not be without consequences, Borrell said all security cooperation and budget support would be suspended indefinitely with immediate effect.

International outcry continued to roll in, with the African Union telling the coup leaders to return to their barracks and restore constitutional authority.

• Finnish economy minister under fire over growing racism controversy

Finland's right-wing coalition government faces yet another racism-related controversy as the country's economy minister comes under fire over private messages uncovered by the media.

The disclosed messages from 2016 reveal Wille Rydman's use of racist language and sharing of racially offensive content in private conversations with his then-girlfriend. He is the second Finnish economy minister in a row to be embroiled in such a scandal.

The report shows Rydman made derogatory remarks about different ethnic backgrounds and wants to ban people who wear headscarves. When his then-partner suggested giving their future children traditional Hebrew names, Rydman replied: "We Nazis do not really like that kind of stuff."

• Tens of thousands take to streets in Israel’s Tel Aviv after overhaul law passed

Protest in Israel continued after parliament approved a controversial bill as part of the government’s judicial overhaul plan.

Hundreds of thousands participated in demonstrations at dozens of points across the country, including Tel Aviv, West Jerusalem, Haifa, Birussebi, Herzliya and Rehovot.

The protests have drawn huge crowds in many Israeli cities, especially the capital Tel Aviv, where the opposition accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on trial on corruption charges, of using the judicial overhaul to protect him from the courts.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Four Australia military personnel went missing off the country's northeastern coast after an army helicopter crashed into the ocean.
• US and South Korean naval forces staged joint anti-submarine drills, involving a US nuclear-powered craft, in waters off the Korean Peninsula.
• The Wagner paramilitary group has said it has no plans to downscale its presence in African countries following an aborted mutiny against Russia's military chiefs.
• Poland said about 100 Wagner fighters in Belarus have moved to areas near the border between the teo countries.
• Senegal's opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, charged with conspiracy against the state, faces multiple counts including ‘calls for insurrection, endangering state security,’ says public prosecutor.
• Anti-government protests were held across Bangladesh, with the main opposition party claiming that dozens of its members were arrested or injured.
• A new fire broke out on Greece’s Peloponnesian Peninsula, even as the country is already struggling with forest fires.
• A young French Muslim is now being hailed as a hero after risking his life by entering a burning building to rescue 17 people, including a baby.
• North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to further bolster ties with Beijing, praising Chinese President Xi Jinping for sending a delegation to Pyongyang's "Victory Day" celebrations.
• The son of Colombia's president was arrested for alleged money laundering and illicit enrichment.

SPORTS

• France beat Brazil 2-1 in Women's World Cup with goals from Le Sommer, Renard

France defeated Brazil 2-1 Saturday in Group F of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Eugenie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard scored in the 17th and 83rd minutes, respectively, at Australia’s Brisbane Stadium. The Brazilian national team's only goal came from Debinha in the 58th minute.

• Belgium to host Formula 1 Grand Prix on Sunday

Belgium is set to host round 13 of the 2023 Formula One World Championship on Sunday.

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot will host the Belgian Grand Prix, which will be raced on 44 laps on a 7-kilometer (4.3-mile) track. The race will start at 1300GMT on Sunday, preceded by a sprint session at 1430GMT on Saturday.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

• Twitter blue bird X'd out, but San Francisco building inspectors cry foul

The unauthorized installation of a giant X sign on the roof of Elon Musk's Twitterheadquarters is being challenged by San Francisco building inspectors.

According to Patrick Hannan, building inspector spokesman, permission from the California city's planning commission and a building permit are both required in order to ensure the sign's structural integrity and safe installation, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.