World News: U.S. to leave UN cultural agency UNESCO again

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The United States has announced that it will pull out of the United Nations' cultural and educational agency, UNESCO, once again, as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to withdraw from international institutions.

A White House spokesperson announced on Tuesday that the withdrawal will take effect in December 2026, adding that the country's continued participation in the agency is not in its "national interest."

U.S. officials criticized UNESCO's agenda, highlighting its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and its 2011 acceptance of Palestine, as misaligned with U.S. values.

This marks the third U.S. departure, following exits in 1984 under the Reagan administration and 2017 under Trump, with the U.S. then rejoining in 2003 and 2023, respectively.

U.S. financial contributions currently represent approximately 8 percent of UNESCO's budget, down from over 20 percent previously.

UNESCO's Director-General, Audrey Azoulay, expressed deep regret but emphasized that the agency is prepared, both financially and operationally.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned on Tuesday that Türkiye will directly intervene to stop any attempt to fragment Syria or allow militants to gain autonomy.

Fidan addressed reporters in Ankara at a joint news conference after recent clashes between the Druze and Bedouin groups in the city of Sweida

He also accused Israel of seeking to destabilize Syria and push for separatism in the south.

The minister specifically warned Kurdish groups that any moves toward autonomy or independence would be seen as a "big strategic catastrophe" and a direct threat to Türkiye's national security.

Following a push by U.S. President Donald Trump, Coca-Cola announced on Tuesday that it will introduce a new version of its flagship product in the U.S. this fall, sweetened with domestic sugar cane.

CEO James Quincey confirmed that to align with consumer demand, Coca-Cola will launch a U.S. cane sugar variant this fall, following Trump's appeal for "REAL Cane Sugar" instead of corn syrup.

The new product will complement the core recipe, rather than replacing the classic formulation.

Coca-Cola also reported robust second-quarter profits, beating estimates for quarterly results.

The company's comparable revenue beat estimates by increasing 2.5 percent in the 3 months up to June 27.

In the United Kingdom, Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath known as the "Prince of Darkness," died on Tuesday at the age of 76.

No immediate cause was given, though he had been battling Parkinson's disease since 2020.

His final performance took place only recently, on July 5, at Villa Park stadium in his hometown of Birmingham, with the proceeds donated to organizations such as Parkinson's UK.

Over his five-decade career with Black Sabbath and as a solo artist, Ozzy Osbourne sold more than 100 million records and earned a revered place in rock history.

Tributes poured in worldwide, with Elton John calling him "a true legend."

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.