Anadolu Agency’s Morning Briefing - Jan. 7, 2023

ANKARA (AA) - Anadolu Agency is here with a rundown of the latest developments around the world.

Russia started a 36-hour unilateral cease-fire in Ukraine on the occasion of Orthodox Christmas.

The US announced an additional tranche of military assistance of over $3 billion for Ukraine and European partners.

Türkiye will continue its efforts to pave the way for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the Turkish presidential spokesman said.

Just days after his internationally condemned visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, Israel’s new far-right national security minister announced a new harsher policy towards Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Amid normalization talks between the special representatives of both countries, Türkiye and Armenia have lifted barriers and began direct air cargo trade as of Jan. 1, diplomatic sources said.

Calling on Greece to not impede on Türkiye's offer of a hand of friendship, the country's defense minister affirmed that Ankara will not leave any harassment or provocation by Athens without a response.

At least 29 people have been killed in the aftermath of the violence following the recapture of Ovidio Guzman, a prominent leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and son of the cartel's former leader, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera, according to the Mexican Defense Ministry.

China said the COVID-19 situation in the country is under control and many European Union member states welcome Chinese travelers.

Almost all train journeys across the UK are still on hold as the unions reject backing off from their demand of a “decent pay.”

Shorter workdays and more flexible work schedules, like those utilized during the COVID-19 pandemic, can benefit economies, enterprises and workers as well as pave the way for a better and healthier work-life balance, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said.

The European Commission has identified Cameroon as a "non-cooperating country," banning imports of seafood caught in waters of the Central African country.

Italian football legend Gianluca Vialli passed away after a long battle with pancreatic cancer, his former clubs confirmed. He was 58.