Friday, August 14, 2020 - a podcast by TRT World

Netanyahu talks of 'history' but Palestinians call UAE-Israel deal 'betrayal' and world's oldest captive alligator celebrates 83 years in Serbia

*) Netanyahu calls Israel-UAE deal 'history' but Palestinians call it 'betrayal'

The United Arab Emirates has become the first Gulf Arab country to normalise relations with Israel.

US President Trump announced the accord, which drew strong criticism from Palestinians.

President Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas both denounced the agreement.

*) Afghan authorities release 80 of final 400 Taliban prisoners

Kabul has begun releasing the final 400 Taliban prisoners, the last hurdle in launching long-delayed peace talks between the two warring sides.

Authorities said the release of a group of 80 inmates would "speed up efforts for direct talks and a lasting, nationwide ceasefire".

Both sides have said they are ready to begin talks in Qatar within days of the prisoners being freed.

*) UN experts demand Beirut explosion probe

UN human rights experts have demanded a swift, independent investigation into the catastrophic Beirut explosion.

They cited deep concern about irresponsibility and impunity in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Lebanon's parliament approved a two-week state of emergency in Beirut, giving the army greater powers to suppress protests.

*) Turkey warns against attack on Oruc Reis vessel

Turkey's President Erdogan said the only solution to the dispute over energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean is dialogue.

Tensions between NATO allies and regional rivals Greece and Turkey over offshore oil and gas exploration rights have recently escalated.

His statements come after a Turkish research vessel began surveying for energy resources in contested areas of the eastern Mediterranean.

And finally,

*) World's oldest captive alligator celebrates 83 years in Serbia

Belgrade’s Muja, the world's oldest captive alligator, is celebrating his 83rd birthday.

While his exact hatch date is not known, the reptile arrived in Belgrade this week in August of 1937 from a German zoo.

He officially became the world's oldest captive alligator when Moscow zoo's famous Saturn, born in 1936, died in May.

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