Day: July 31, 2022

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has called for establishing normal relations with regional rival Algeria.

"We aspire to work with the Algerian presidency so that Morocco and Algeria can work hand in hand to establish normal relations between two brotherly peoples," the monarch said in a speech marking the 23rd anniversary of his accession to the throne.

He said Morocco’s borders with Algeria won't "separate the Moroccan and Algerian brothers" and will never "be barriers preventing their interactions and understanding."

King Mohammed also urged Moroccans to adhere to the values of "fraternity, solidarity and good neighborliness towards our Algerian brothers."

There was no comment from the Algerian authorities on the king’s speech.

Last year, Algeria severed diplomatic relations with Morocco, accusing Rabat of having "hostile tendencies," an accusation denied by Moroccan authorities.

Moroccan-Algerian ties have been tense for decades against the backdrop of the disputed Western Sahara region between Rabat and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara

Source: Anadolu Agency

Kosovo announced on Sunday that there is no official information that any citizen or police officer was injured in alleged conflicts between Kosovo police and the Serbian Army.

"We appeal to all citizens and the media not to fall for fake news that tends to destabilize the situation and create a panic," the Kosovo police said in a statement.

"Based on official information so far, roadblocks have continued at several locations in the north of Mitrovica in the direction of the Jarinje and Brnjak border crossings (with Serbia), which are closed to traffic," the statement added.

Tension between Serbia and Kosovo rose on Sunday ahead of Kosovo’s new law set to come into effect Monday making it mandatory for everyone, including Serbs living in Kosovo, to have a Kosovo ID card and plate.

According to local media, air raid sirens were heard along near the Kosovo/Serbian border as Kosovo is set to restrict border crossings

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic is expected to address the nation later on Sunday night.

Kosovo, which is predominantly inhabited by Albanians, broke away from Serbia in 1999 and declared its independence in 2008. It is recognized by more than 100 countries, including the US, UK, France, Germany, and Türkiye. Serbia has not recognized this and continues to lay claim to the territory.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Residents of a Turkish village where outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has roots are rooting for him to retain the premiership.

The village of Kalfat in Cankiri, central Türkiye, which started a petition to retain the embattled premier, is the ancestral homeland of Ali Kemal, Johnson's great-grandfather.

"We always stand by Boris Johnson," is the slogan of the nationwide campaign launched by villagers who gathered on Sunday in front of the house where Johnson's forebears once lived.

Speaking on behalf of his fellow villagers, Sinan Karaagac said they have always supported Johnson.

"Having good relations with Türkiye during his time as prime minister, as well as his sincere dialogue with our president, shows that his ancestral land is precious to him," said Karaagac.

Saying that they would welcome Johnson visiting the village, he added: "Today, we show our support as his compatriots so that he doesn't leave office and continues his duties, which he did successfully."

On July 7, Johnson announced he was stepping down after his government faced a political firestorm of scandals and a wave of resignations.

Johnson said he will remain in office until his successor is in place, in a matter of weeks.

Source: Anadolu Agency

English women on Sunday won their maiden European title in football with their 2-1 victory over Germany in the UEFA EURO 2022 final.

The tournament's host nation England broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute as substitute Ella Toone chipped the ball over German goalkeeper Merle Frohms after a long through ball.

But Germany leveled in the 79th minute as midfielder Lina Magull finished in the box after a low pass by Tabea Wassmuth from the edge of the area.

Regular time ended in a 1-1 tie, so extra time had to decide the winner.

In a scramble in the Germany box, England's Chloe Kelly scored the winning goal in the 110th minute, making the Lionesses Europe’s champions.

Following the triumph over the Germans, England forward Beth Mead was named player of the tournament.

It was England's third EURO final after 1984 and 2009.

Germany are still the most successful team in women's EURO tournaments, having won the crown eight times, including the last one in 2013.

In addition, it is England's first major football trophy since 1966, when the English men won the FIFA World Cup.

In 2020, England – also known as the Three Lions – reached the EURO final, but to no avail.

Italy were crowned the EURO 2020 winners in men's last summer, defeating England on penalties at Wembley Stadium.

Source: Anadolu Agency

The US Embassy in Baghdad has called on Iraq’s political rivals to abstain from violence amid tension following the nomination of a new prime minister.

In a statement, the embassy said it is "closely monitoring the unrest in Baghdad ... (and) concerned by reports of violence."

It renewed calls for Iraqi parties "to remain calm, abstain from violence, and resolve their political differences through a peaceful process guided by the Iraqi constitution."

Tension escalated in recent days in Iraq following the nomination of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to form a new government by a coalition of groups close to Iran amid protests by supporters of influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Iraq has been in a political deadlock for nine months following the country’s general elections la October 2021 which failed since then to agree on a new government between the rival parties.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar

Source: Anadolu Agency