Morning Briefing: Dec. 15, 2024

ISTANBUL

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Sunday, including the Turkish Embassy in Damascus resuming operations after 12 years, the Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria expressing a commitment to support a peaceful and Syrian-led political transition that represents all political factions and the lifeless bodies of 12 people found in the dormitory of a restaurant at the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia's Kazbegi municipality.

TOP STORIES

• Turkish Embassy in Damascus resumes operations after 12 years

The Turkish flag was raised at its embassy in the Syrian capital as the mission resumed operations following a hiatus of 12 years.

The embassy, which had suspended operations in 2012, officially reopened in Damascus with Burhan Koroglu, Türkiye's ambassador to Mauritania, as acting charge d’affaires.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan formally assigned Koroglu to the new post on Thursday.

• Arab Contact Group reiterates support for Syrian-led political transition

The Arab Ministerial Contact Group on Syria expressed its commitment to supporting a peaceful and Syrian-led political transition that represents all political and social factions.

The Group, consisting of Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and the head of the Arab League, convened Saturday in Jordan, to discuss the evolving situation in Syria.

It said it would provide necessary support during this “critical phase” while respecting the will and choices of the Syrian people.

• 12 bodies found at Georgian ski resort of Gudauri

The lifeless bodies of 12 people were found in the dormitory of a restaurant at the Gudauri ski resort in Georgia's Kazbegi municipality.

The bodies were found by police in the dormitory of an Indian restaurant in Gudauri, said the Interior Ministry.

Preliminary investigations found no trauma was that were reported to the bodies and 11 of the victims were foreigners and one a Georgian citizen.

NEWS IN BRIEF

• At least 55 more Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll to 44,930 since October 2023, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.
• Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Syrians are hopeful for the future after 13 years of civil war.
• South Korea’s Constitutional Court began the process of deliberating a parliamentary decision to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol for his botched martial law attempt.
• Former Georgian national footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected the country's sixth president.
• More than 3,000 protesters gathered in central London to honor the victims of Israel's assault on Gaza and demand the UK Labour government withdraw support for Tel Aviv as it commits genocide.
• Israeli airstrikes targeted and destroyed approximately 20 sites belonging to the Information Technology (IT) Corps of Syria’s deposed regime, Israeli army radio reported.
• Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt congratulated Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) head Abu Mohammad al-Jolani on the fall of the Assad regime, according to Lebanon's NNA news agency.
• British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed efforts with partners to foster a more "hopeful, secure and peaceful Syria."

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• Turkish Airlines to resume flights between Benghazi, Istanbul in January

Türkiye's flag carrier, Turkish Airlines, announced it would resume flights between the Libyan city of Benghazi and Istanbul starting next year.

The carrier had suspended flights to the city a decade ago due to domestic tensions but will resume operations on Jan. 14.

Turkish Airlines will operate three flights per week.

SPORTS

• Liverpool, Arsenal both draw at home in Premier League

Liverpool and Arsenal both drew Saturday at home in the English Premier League week 16 matches.

Ten-men Liverpool settled for a 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield.

In another English Premier League week 16 match, Arsenal settled for a goalless draw with Everton.