White House Announces May 14 Elections: Breaking Global News
White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby recently addressed journalists’ questions during an online press conference. In regards to the Turkish elections, Kirby emphasized that Turkey has a longstanding tradition of democracy and democratic institutions. He also stated that the USA generally refrains from commenting on specific elections or candidates, noting that these decisions are left to the Turkish people.
Kirby also expressed concern over Iran’s actions in the Persian Gulf, including 15 threats, attacks and seizures against commercial carriers navigating in international waters in the past two years. The United States strongly condemns actions that threaten and interfere with commercial transportation in the Middle East. Kirby pledged that the USA will not allow the freedom of navigation in the Middle East waters, including the Strait of Hormuz and Babül Mandep, to be jeopardized. He also confirmed that the US Department of Defense will take a series of steps to strengthen its defense position in the Persian Gulf, with Central Command providing detailed information on these “reinforcements” in the near future.
Regarding the situation in Bahmut, Kirby stated that the region continues to be contentious and issued a warning not to believe what the Russians, especially Yevgeniy Prigojin, founder of the Russian security company Wagner, have to say about what is going on in Ukraine.
Finally, Kirby was asked about the allegation that the Republic of South Africa sold weapons and ammunition to Russia in December 2022. He refused to provide detailed comment on the subject but reiterated that the USA frequently and strongly warns other countries against supporting Russia, emphasizing that this is a serious problem.
