PUTIN-ERDOGAN TALKS FAIL TO REVIVE BLACK SEA GRAIN DEAL

President Vladimir Putin reiterated his opposition to the Black Sea grain deal, despite international efforts to revive it, after bilateral talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The deal, brokered by Turkey and the UN, allowed Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea. However, Russia withdrew from the agreement in July, citing concerns about Western sanctions hampering its agricultural exports. Russia's attacks on Ukrainian grain facilities and threats to civilian ships continued on Monday, targeting alternative shipping routes.

Both Kyiv and Moscow have proposed revised agreements to bypass the need for each other's participation, while Turkey and the UN have called for a resumption of the original accord. Erdogan expressed hope that UN proposals could form a basis for compromise. Putin insisted that Russia would only return to the deal if Western nations addressed its concerns about agricultural exports.

The deal is crucial for global food supplies, especially in Africa, West Asia, and Asia. Ukraine and Russia are major suppliers of essential commodities to developing nations. The negotiation's outcome will have far-reaching implications for these regions.

UKRAINE'S DEFENCE MINISTER RESIGNS, REPLACED AMIDST LEADERSHIP SHAKE-UP

Ukraine's Defence Minister, Oleksii Reznikov, announced his resignation following President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to replace him, citing the need for "new approaches" in the country's leadership amid ongoing conflicts and corruption investigations within the ministry. While Reznikov defended his record, Zelensky appointed Rustem Umerov, a Crimean Tatar lawmaker, and chairman of Ukraine's state property fund, as the new defence minister. The shake-up is considered the most significant change in Ukraine's war effort leadership since Russia's full-scale invasion last year. The move comes as Ukraine engages in a major counteroffensive, gaining territory in the south and east. Umerov, a prominent negotiator of grain deals and prisoner exchanges, is expected to be endorsed by the parliament.

REPORT: CHINESE GATECRASHERS AT US BASES RAISE ESPIONAGE WORRIES

Chinese nationals, potentially acting as spies, have illicitly accessed US military bases and sensitive locations around 100 times in recent years, according to US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal. The US defence department, FBI, and other agencies conducted a review last year to address these incidents, which ranged from Chinese nationals crossing into a US missile range in New Mexico to scuba divers near a US government rocket launch site in Florida. These unauthorized entries often occurred in remote areas with limited tourism, and those involved were allegedly compelled to report back to the Chinese government. These developments come amid efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease heightened tensions following an incident in which a suspected Chinese spy balloon crossed into the US before being shot down in February.

SUNAK COULD FACE VOTE TO FILL SEAT AFTER LAWMAKER SUSPENSION UPHELD

London : British PM Rishi Sunak may face another challenging election as a lawmaker, Chris Pincher, lost his appeal against an eight-week suspension for inappropriate conduct, including groping two men in a London club. Pincher, who was suspended from the Conservative Party by then-PM Boris Johnson, argued the punishment was disproportionate, but an independent expert panel disagreed. If Parliament approves the suspension, a special election will be needed to fill Pincher's seat. Sunak's Conservative Party has already faced setbacks in recent parliamentary elections, posing challenges for the upcoming national election.

KYIV SAYS RUSSIAN DRONES HIT NATO STATE ROMANIA, BUCHAREST DENIES

Ukraine said on Monday Russian drones had detonated on the territory of Nato member Romania during an overnight air strike on a Ukrainian port across the Danube River, but Bucharest denied its territory had been hit.

“According to Ukraine’s state border guard service, last night, during a massive Russian attack near the port of Izmail, Russian ‘Shakheds’ fell and detonated on the territory of Romania,” foreign ministry spokesperson Oleg Nikolenko said, referring to Iranian-made drones. He published a photo showing flames of an explosion visible from across a river.

The Romanian defence ministry said Romania was not hit: “At no time did Russia’s means of attack generate direct military threats on Romanian territory or waters.”

KIM, PUTIN PLAN TO MEET IN RUSSIA TO TALK ARMS: REPORT

Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, plans to travel to Russia this month to meet with President Putin to discuss the possibility of supplying Russia with more weaponry for its war in Ukraine and other military cooperation, according to American and allied officials. In a rare foray from his country, Kim would travel from Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital, probably by armoured train, to Vladivostok, on the Pacific Coast of Russia, where he would meet with Putin, the officials said. Kim could possibly go to Moscow, though that is not certain.

Putin wants Kim to agree to send Russia artillery shells and antitank missiles, and Kim would like Russia to provide North Korea with advanced technology for satellites and nuclear-powered submarines, the officials said. Kim is also seeking food aid for his impoverished nation. Both leaders would be on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok to attend the Eastern Economic Forum, which is scheduled to run September 10 to 13, according to the officials.

ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS IN PAKISTAN SET OFF BY BID TO FALSELY IMPLICATE THEM FOR BLASPHEMY: POLICE

Last month's violent attacks on churches and Christian homes in eastern Pakistan were triggered by an internal dispute among Christians. Three Christians admitted to throwing pages of the Quran outside a fellow Christian's house to falsely implicate them in a blasphemy case. The scheme aimed to divert attention away from a personal dispute, with Pervez Kodu, who suspected Raja Amir of having an affair with his wife, being the mastermind behind the plan. The attacks resulted in severe damage to at least 17 churches and nearly 100 homes in Jaranwala, Punjab province. The three men involved now face charges related to causing violence and making false accusations.

‘HOSTAGE DIPLOMACY’: EU OFFICIAL FROM SWEDEN IN IRAN JAIL FOR OVER 500 DAYS

Brussels : A Swedish citizen, Johan Floderus, who works for the EU diplomatic corps, has been held in an Iranian jail for over 500 days, marking another case of Iran's "hostage diplomacy." Floderus, 33, was detained in April 2022 during a private tourist trip to Iran. In July of the same year, Iran announced his arrest for espionage, but details have been kept secret by Swedish and EU authorities. This case is unique because Floderus is an EU official, making him a potential bargaining chip for Tehran in negotiations with the West. Iran has been using hostage diplomacy to gain concessions, either through prisoner exchanges or financial deals, with foreign nationals and dual Iranian citizens.

SAUDI TO INVEST $25BN OVER 5 YEARS IN PAK: INTERIM PM

Islamabad : Saudi Arabia will invest up to $25 billion in Pakistan over the next two to five years in various sectors, Pakistan’s caretaker PM Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said on Monday, adding his government would also revive a stalled privatisation process.

The nation is embarking on a tricky path to economic recovery under a caretaker government after a $3 billion loan programme, approved by the IMF in July, averted a sovereign debt default. Kakar said Saudi Arabia’s investment would come in the mining, agriculture and information technology sectors, and was a part of a push to increase foreign direct investment in Pakistan.

There was no immediate response to a request to the Saudi Arabian government for comment on Kakar’s remarks. If confirmed, a series of investments worth $25 billion would be the biggest ever by the kingdom in Pakistan.

WITH E-VISAS AND CURRY, RUSSIA TRIES TO WOO BACK INDIAN TOURISTS

Moscow : India and Russia are making efforts to attract tourists, particularly through e-visas and other initiatives. Russia introduced e-visas on August 1, and they are working on legislation for e-payment solutions to facilitate faster currency exchange between rupees and rubles. India has also introduced e-visas for Russian tourists and is collaborating with Russian social media influencers to promote tourism in India. Despite challenges, including the Ukraine conflict, the number of Indian tourists visiting Moscow has increased by 56% compared to the same period last year. Both countries are working on initiatives to boost tourism and address currency conversion issues faced by Indian tourists.

FRANCE EVACUATES FIVE AFGHAN WOMEN WHO FACED TALIBAN THREATS

France is set to welcome five Afghan women who faced threats from the Taliban due to their roles in Afghan society or connections with Westerners. These women, including a former university director, an ex-NGO consultant, a former TV presenter, and a teacher at a secret school in Kabul, sought refuge in neighboring Pakistan after being unable to leave Afghanistan during the Taliban's return to power in 2021. The evacuations were secured after efforts to obtain visas for them and are aimed at helping women facing restrictions under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Islam.

GABON’S COUP LEADER MOOTS AMNESTY FOR DISSENTERS, ‘FREE’ POLLS

Gabon's coup leader, General Brice Oligui Nguema, was sworn in as interim President and pledged to restore civilian rule through free, transparent, and credible elections after a transitional period. While he did not provide a specific timeline for the elections, he emphasized the importance of involving all of Gabon's core groups in drafting a new Constitution to be adopted by referendum. Additionally, he expressed his intention to instruct the future government to consider amnesty for prisoners of conscience and facilitate the return of exiles. General Nguema, who led the coup ending 55 years of dynastic rule by the Bongo family, is now in charge.

KALSAKAU, VANUATU’S PRO-WESTERN PM, REPLACED IN PARLIAMENT VOTE

PORT VILA: Vanuatu’s pro-western Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau was replaced by former Premier Sato Kilman on Monday. Kilman received 27 votes in Parliament to 23 for Kalsakau, who had been seen as friendly to the West, in a South Pacific region where the U.S. and its allies are wrestling with Beijing for influence.

UAE CREATES FEDERAL AUTHORITY TO MONITOR ‘COMMERCIAL GAMING’

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established a federal authority, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority, to oversee "commercial gaming" and potentially operate a national lottery. While specific details about the authority's structure and operations are scarce, Kevin Mullally has been appointed as its CEO. The move suggests that the UAE may be on the brink of allowing gambling as it seeks to attract major casino operators to boost its tourism industry. Currently, Dubai features duty-free car raffles at its international airport, and the UAE is exploring new avenues for raising revenue.