North Korea warns against US-South Korea drills; Zelensky and Putin will speak again by phone

North Korea warns US-South Korea drills could affect nuclear talks

South Korean amphibious assault vehicles during a military exercise with the US. Photo: Reuters

“Less than a month after the Panmunjom meeting between the leaders of North Korea and the United States, the US side is preparing to resume the joint military exercises which the top leadership had promised to stop,” the North Korean Foreign Ministry said, calling it a clear violation of the spirit of the June 12, 2018, declaration signed by the two leaders in Singapore and a pressure on Pyongyang. “It is clear that the exercises are training and experimenting for the war that will crush our republic... While the US is not living up to its commitments, our reasons for keeping the agreement are gradually disappearing,” the North Korean Foreign Ministry said.

Mr Zelensky and Mr Putin will speak again by phone.

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky. Photo: Sputnik

Deputy Chief of Staff of Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, Vadim Pristayko, said there was a possibility of another phone call between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents, but said there was no agreement on a date yet.

“There will be a telephone conversation. You know that the basis of this phone call, in fact, 99% of the time was spent on the issue of the release of our sailors and other prisoners. On this issue – the release of our people – we are ready to talk every day, if necessary for progress,” he said. Mr. Pristaiko stressed that contact with Russian leader Vladimir Putin is not a taboo for Mr. Zelensky if it helps free Ukrainian citizens.

Iran says it is ready for dialogue if the US lifts sanctions

Illustration photo: SETA

On July 16, in an interview with the US television channel NBC, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif announced that Tehran is ready to consult with Washington if the sanctions imposed against Iran are lifted. Mr. Zarif stated: "When the sanctions are lifted, then there will be an opportunity for negotiations," while emphasizing that the US sanctions are hurting the Iranian people, especially those in need of medicine and special care.

Iran's top diplomat said that US President Donald Trump does not want to start a war with Iran, but "officials close to the White House owner want this."

Ignoring EU sanctions, Türkiye continues oil and gas exploration

The Turkish Foreign Ministry said on July 16 that the European Union (EU) sanctions against Türkiye will not affect Ankara's oil and gas drilling and exploration activities in the area off the island of Cyprus. This statement by Turkey was made in the context of the EU agreeing on sanctions against Ankara for the "illegal" towing of the drilling rig into Cyprus' exclusive economic zone. The EU sanctions include stopping high-level dialogue between the EU and Türkiye, suspending aviation negotiations between the two sides and cutting 145.8 million euros in EU accession assistance for Türkiye.

The European Investment Bank has been asked to review the terms of its financial support to Ankara. In June, the EU warned Ankara for the first time that it would face sanctions if it did not withdraw its offshore drilling rig from Cyprus, which borders the Turkish-controlled part of the island after the 1974 invasion.

Economic migrants have no way into the US

Migrants sleep outside a church in Mexico on July 14 while waiting for asylum in the US. Photo: Reuters

Reuters news agency on July 15 quoted the announcement from the US Department of Homeland Security and the US Department of Justice that migrants crossing the border from Mexico to the southern border of the US will not be able to apply for asylum in this country. Cases that have never applied for asylum in a "third country" on the way to the US border will also have no chance to apply for asylum in the US.

The new rule only allows exceptions for victims of human trafficking or torture. However, the US considers most migrants from the south to be economic migrants and ineligible for asylum. "The United States is a generous country, but it is completely overwhelmed by the burden of hundreds of thousands of people being detained and processed at the southern border," said Attorney General William Barr, adding that the policy is aimed at restricting foreign migrant workers and those who want to exploit the asylum system to enter the US. Acting US Homeland Security Secretary Kevin McAleenan said the measure was necessary because previous policies had failed to stem the flow of migrants.

Thai Prime Minister declares end to military rule

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha. Photo: Reuters

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha officially announced the end of military rule after 5 years on July 15. Mr. Prayut resigned as head of the military government and declared that Thailand would return to a normal democracy after 5 years, according to Reuters.

In a nationally televised speech, Prayut said the military government had achieved results in many areas, from tackling illegal fishing and human trafficking to the rescue of a football team trapped in a flooded cave last year. “Now, Thailand is a fully democratic country with an active monarchy and a parliament with elected lawmakers. All issues will be handled normally based on the democratic system without using any special powers,” he said.