Morning Briefing: Sept. 30, 2023

ANKARA (AA) – Here’s a rundown of all the news you need to start your Saturday, including the EU's considering “punitive measures” against Serbia over Kosovo, the Russian president facilitating the entry of Ukrainian citizens to the country and the Turkish foreign minister's remarks on Black Sea grain deal.

TOP STORIES

• EU ready to consider 'punitive measures' against Serbia over Kosovo: Borrell

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said that the EU is ready to consider “punitive measures” against Serbia if the country does not comply with the union’s requests.

“Measures have been taken in connection with Kosovo. These are political and financial measures, among which are the suspension of high-level visits and events, except for the dialogue led by the EU. Those measures also have an impact on financial support for Kosovo.”

Borrell's remarks came after the weekend clashes in the northern part of the country which left one police officer dead.

• Putin facilitates entry of Ukrainians into Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Friday that facilitates the entry of Ukrainian citizens to Russia.

A Ukrainian can cross into Russia without a visa on an internal or foreign Ukrainian passport, diplomatic or service passport, or an identity card of a sailor or an aircraft crew member, according to the decree published on the government's portal.

• Revival of grain initiative main agenda in Türkiye's diplomatic efforts at UN: Turkish foreign minister

The revival of the Black Sea grain deal was on the main agenda in Türkiye's diplomatic efforts on the sidelines of the 78th General Assembly in New York, the Turkish foreign minister said Friday.

Hakan Fidan said at a news conference during a visit to Mugla province in southwestern Türkiye that the Russia-Ukraine war was at the forefront of several diplomatic meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in New York. He said the war had the potential to disrupt trade in the Black Sea region.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• Serbia is in the midst of carrying out an "unprecedented" military deployment along its border with Kosovo, the White House said Friday as it called on Belgrade to withdraw its forces.
• A Bahraini military officer died on Friday, taking the death toll from a drone attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels to four, the Gulf country said.
• Germany and Central Asian states held their first-ever summit on Friday and voiced support for developing of the ‘Middle Corridor’ route connecting the region with Europe.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in Libya and the region in a meeting with the commander of the eastern Libyan forces, Khalifa Haftar, in Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
• France's meteorological institute announced Friday that this month is the hottest September ever recorded in France, with an average temperature well above normal.
• The EU and Moldova signed an agreement Friday that made Chisinau a party to the bloc's Civil Protection Mechanism.
• Dozens of people were killed and many others injured in blasts that hit two provinces in Pakistan on Friday, health and police officials said.
• US House Republicans failed to pass a temporary spending bill, known as a CR, to keep the government open until Oct. 31.
• The Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) said Friday that 25 police officers were injured in riots caused by Lebanese of Armenian origin who tried to attack the Azerbaijani Embassy in Beirut.
• Türkiye on Friday condemned Sweden for allowing an act targeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan near the Turkish Embassy in Stockholm.
• Anadolu conveyed enthusiasm Friday for Türkiye’s premier technology and aerospace festival to the world and offered visitors an unforgettable experience: to be a reporter at TEKNOFEST.

SPORTS

• Benfica beat 10-man Porto 1-0 in Portuguese Primeira Liga

Benfica defeated a 10-man Porto team 1-0 on Friday in the seventh week of the Portuguese Primeira Liga.

Fabio Cardoso received a straight red card after bringing down David Neres in the 19th minute at Estadio da Luz.

• Barcelona get narrow win against Sevilla as Ramos scores own goal

Barcelona played to a narrow win Friday against Sevilla on matchday eight of the Spanish La Liga.

Neither team was able to produce a goal in the first half but Sergio Ramos scored an own goal in the 76th minute at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• S&P upgrades Türkiye's outlook from 'negative' to 'stable,' affirms 'B' rating

US-based credit ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) on Friday affirmed Türkiye's credit rating at B and revised its outlook from "negative" to "stable."

The agency said the stable outlook reflects "balanced risks" on Türkiye's creditworthiness after a return to orthodox monetary policy settings as the Central Bank raises interest rates.

• US Fed's inflation indicator softens to 3.9% in August, from 4.3% in July

The US Federal Reserve's preferred inflation indicator softened in August both annually and monthly, according to Commerce Department figures released Friday.

The core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 3.9% annually in August, down from the revised 4.3% year-on-year gain in July, and came in line with market expectations.