Morning Briefing: Sept. 17, 2023

By Seda Sevencan

ISTANBUL (AA) — Here's a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan saying the EU is "trying to break away" from Ankara, comments by Germany's president on racism and Islamophobia, and aid to Libya by the World Health Organization.

TOP STORIES

• EU trying to 'break away' from Türkiye, says President Erdogan

After the European Parliament passed a report on Türkiye that Ankara has called "unjust," Turkish President Erdogan said the EU is "trying to break away" from the country.

"During this period in which the European Union has taken steps to sever ties with Türkiye, we will assess these developments, and after these assessments, if necessary, we can part ways with the European Union," said the Turkish leader.

His remarks came before departing for New York to attend this year's UN General Assembly session. Erdogan also said Sweden is failing to fulfill its obligations not to allow terrorist activities under a deal to ease its NATO accession.

• Germany's President Steinmeier says Islam belongs to Germany

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Islam belongs to Germany amid increasing racism and Islamophobia driven by far-right groups and parties that have exploited the refugee crisis.

"Islam, the Muslim religion, Muslim life, Muslim culture have taken root in our country," Steinmeier said at the celebration of the 50th founding anniversary of the Association of Islamic Cultural Centers (VIKZ) in Cologne.

"Today the diversity of Islam, the diversity of over 5 million Muslims, is also part of our country," he said.

• WHO sends 29 tons of aid to flood-stricken Libya

The World Health Organization (WHO) sent 29 tons of aid material to Libya following devastating floods that left thousands dead.

"With enough supplies to reach almost 250,000 people with health aid, the shipment reflects an intensified emergency response to the unprecedented flooding in eastern Libya in the aftermath of Storm Daniel," the UN agency said in a statement.

"The supplies include essential medicines, trauma and emergency surgery supplies, and medical equipment. There are also body bags for the safe and dignified movement and burial of the deceased," it added.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Turkish forces destroyed 31 targets in northern Iraq in airstrikes on hideouts of terror groups, including PKK, "neutralizing" senior members.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's spokesman said she will travel on Sunday to Lampedusa, where a crisis is unfolding after thousands of migrants landed on the tiny Italian island.
• Russia said it thwarted Ukrainian drone strikes in the western regions of Kaluga and Tver.
• The bodies of at least 3,000 flood victims in the Libyan city of Derna have been buried in mass graves, according to an Anadolu reporter on the ground.
• Police in the southern German city of Stuttgart said at least 10 officers were injured as they attempted to stop clashes between Eritrean immigrants who support the African nation's government and those who oppose it.
• A Moroccan official denied that French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the country.
• Somalia said its forces killed at least 30 al-Shabaab terrorists during a military operation and liberated two villages with the help of locals.
• Iran said its security forces arrested a cell of "counter-revolutionaries" who entered the country from northern Iraq’s Kurdish region planning "unrest" on the first anniversary of the death of Mahsa Amini, an ethnic Kurd, while in police custody.
• Israel shut the flashpoint Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank city of Hebron to mark Jewish holidays, according to the mosque director on Saturday.

SPORTS

• Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz claims pole position for F1 Singapore Grand Prix

Ferrari's Spanish driver Carlos Sainz took the pole position for Sunday's Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.

Sainz, 29, beat Mercedes' British racer George Russell by 0.072 seconds for the spot after the Ferrari driver finished the Q3 in 1 minute and 30.984 seconds at Marina Bay Street Circuit.

• Inter hammer AC Milan 5-1 in derby

Inter Milan thrashed AC Milan 5-1 in Saturday's rain-hit Italian Serie A derby at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium.

The goals came from Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Thuram, Hakan Calhanoglu, and Davide Frattesi for Inter, while Rafael Leao scored AC Milan's only goal.

Inter topped the Serie A standings with 12 points in four games. Archrivals Milan have nine points to be in the third position.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Poland extends embargo on Ukrainian grain, agricultural products

Poland's government decided to maintain an embargo on Ukrainian grain and agricultural products, with the decree taking effect on Saturday, Minister of Development and Technology Waldemar Buda said.

The move came after the EU failed to prolong bloc-wide curbs on wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower from Ukraine put in place to prevent market distortions in neighboring member states.

Besides Poland, Hungary also extended its embargo on Ukrainian agricultural goods, while measures were lifted at the Bulgarian border on Thursday and Slovakia followed suit. Romania has yet to make a decision on the matter.