Eleonore Laloux has battled all her life to be treated like others. Now the 34-year-old is waging a new campaign: to become one of the first women in France with Down's syndrome to win a local council seat in this month's municipal elections.

Today Tonight: Laloux- A candidate with a difference

Louis Vuitton wrapped up Paris Fashion week on Tuesday (March 3) with a mix-up of retro-chic, sporty and futuristic looks set to a baroque soundtrack sung by a choir in costume.

Louis Vuitton unveils eclectic collection against live backdrop

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of&nbsp;worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further.

They are refusing handshakes, and are avoiding hugging. Instead, they are looking for alternatives such as&nbsp;fist bumps&nbsp;or&nbsp;a hand gesture.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1500-new-cases-of-coronavirus-outside-of-china-who-283848">1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO</a>

In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting.

In Iran, where 66 people have been killed by the virus,&nbsp;the footshake is becoming famous as the new handshake.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-team-arrives-as-death-toll-in-coronavirus-climbs-to-66-in-iran-283841">UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran</a>

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged Australians to kiss with caution and suggested a pat on the back instead of a handshake.

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Newly adopted greetings for Corona instead of a handshake <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/corona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#corona</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manchester?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manchester</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusUpdate</a> <a href="https://t.co/1sjYz8y3TK">pic.twitter.com/1sjYz8y3TK</a>
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In France, newspapers are&nbsp;advising people&nbsp;on to replace kissing on the cheek and handshaking with&nbsp;looking into a person's eyes can suffice as a greeting.

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Check out the new anti-corona handshake ! <a href="https://t.co/n27AYrUgcK">pic.twitter.com/n27AYrUgcK</a>
— Clive Sutton (@clivesutton) <a href="https://twitter.com/clivesutton/status/1234105456957808640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar, are advising citizens to stop the traditional "nose to nose" greeting.

The country also suggested&nbsp;that people shouldn't shake hands or kiss. Greet each other "by waving only", it said.

Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000&nbsp;&nbsp;and infected more than 89,000 globally.

&nbsp;

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further.

People around the world are changing their habits at work, home and at the place of worship as well to reduce the risk of contracting the new coronavirus and prevent it from spreading any further. They are refusing handshakes, and are avoiding hugging. Instead, they are looking for alternatives such as fist bumps or a hand gesture. Also read: 1,500 new cases of coronavirus outside of China: WHO In Beijing, the capital of the country where the outbreak began, red hoardings tell people not to shake hands but to join their own hands together in a sign of greeting. In Iran, where 66 people have been killed by the virus, the footshake is becoming famous as the new handshake. Also read: UN team arrives as death toll in coronavirus climbs to 66 in Iran New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged Australians to kiss with caution and suggested a pat on the back instead of a handshake. Newly adopted greetings for Corona instead of a handshake #corona #Manchester #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/1sjYz8y3TK — VIMTO 🍷 (@visitorsin) March 1, 2020 × In France, newspapers are advising people on to replace kissing on the cheek and handshaking with looking into a person's eyes can suffice as a greeting. Check out the new anti-corona handshake ! pic.twitter.com/n27AYrUgcK — Clive Sutton (@clivesutton) March 1, 2020 × The United Arab Emirates, as well as Qatar, are advising citizens to stop the traditional "nose to nose" greeting. The country also suggested that people shouldn't shake hands or kiss. Greet each other "by waving only", it said. Coronavirus has killed more than 3,000 and infected more than 89,000 globally.

Handshake? No thanks! Coronavirus changes global habits

France has once again extended its support for India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The matter was discussed during the India-France Bilateral Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Export Control that took place in Delhi last week.

France has once again extended its support for India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The matter was discussed during the India-France Bilateral Consultations on Disarmament, Non-Proliferation & Export Control that took place in Delhi last week. A French source while confirming the discussion on the issue said," It was another occasion for us to reaffirm our support towards India". India is keen to be part of the multilateral export control regime and New Delhi is engaged closely with the NSG members on the way forward on its membership. The only country which is opposing India's membership is China. Barring NSG, India is part of all other export control regimes-- Australia Group, Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) and Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) The Indian delegation was led by Additional Secretary (Disarmament and International Security Affairs) Indra Mani Pandey at India's Ministry of External Affairs while the French delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for Strategic, Security and Disarmament Affairs, French Foreign ministry David Bertolotti. A release by MEA said, "Both sides reiterated the importance of the Dialogue as an important mechanism between the two countries" The next round of dialogue will take place in Paris in 2021.

France reiterates its support for India's NSG bid 

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war.

A top French diplomat said Colombo could not wish away the 2015 Human Rights Council resolution which the previous Sri Lankan administration co-sponsored with the unanimous support of UN's rights body.

"Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw from the co-sponsorship of the resolution does not mean that the resolution has disappeared. The resolution is still on the table.

"It is legally binding. The objective is still there. Reconciliation has to be a key priority," Thierry Mathou, director of Asia and Oceania for the French foreign ministry told reporters in Colombo after talks with local leaders.

At least 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's drawn-out Tamil separatist war which ended in May 2009.

The end of the conflict also sparked allegations that troops killed 40,000 minority Tamils while crushing Tiger rebels who were known for their trademark suicide bombings.

"We have heard and read that economic development will lead to reconciliation (in Sri Lanka). I tend to say that in order to reach economic development, you have to get reconciliation. So, the fight against impunity is obviously an important objective."

Sri Lanka on Wednesday formally told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that it was pulling out of the 2015 resolution.

Current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas. His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time.

Sri Lanka's Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the UNHRC that the resolution was "a blot on the sovereignty and dignity of the people of Sri Lanka".

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war.

France Thursday asked Sri Lanka to end impunity and ensure ethnic reconciliation a day after Colombo withdrew from a United Nations resolution investigating alleged atrocities during its decades-long separatist war. A top French diplomat said Colombo could not wish away the 2015 Human Rights Council resolution which the previous Sri Lankan administration co-sponsored with the unanimous support of UN's rights body. "Sri Lanka's decision to withdraw from the co-sponsorship of the resolution does not mean that the resolution has disappeared. The resolution is still on the table. "It is legally binding. The objective is still there. Reconciliation has to be a key priority," Thierry Mathou, director of Asia and Oceania for the French foreign ministry told reporters in Colombo after talks with local leaders. At least 100,000 people were killed in Sri Lanka's drawn-out Tamil separatist war which ended in May 2009. The end of the conflict also sparked allegations that troops killed 40,000 minority Tamils while crushing Tiger rebels who were known for their trademark suicide bombings. "We have heard and read that economic development will lead to reconciliation (in Sri Lanka). I tend to say that in order to reach economic development, you have to get reconciliation. So, the fight against impunity is obviously an important objective." Sri Lanka on Wednesday formally told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva that it was pulling out of the 2015 resolution. Current Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa was president when Sri Lankan troops defeated Tamil Tiger guerrillas. His brother Gotabaya, who is now president, was defence secretary at the time. Sri Lanka's Foreign minister Dinesh Gunawardena told the UNHRC that the resolution was "a blot on the sovereignty and dignity of the people of Sri Lanka".

France asks Sri Lanka to honour UN pledges on rights

Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman who spent years on death row after a 2010 conviction of blasphemy, said Monday that she was seeking political asylum from the French government.

"My great desire is to live in France," Bibi said in an interview with RTL radio, her first trip to France since fleeing with her family to Canada in 2018.

Her visit comes a few weeks after the publication of her book "Enfin Libre!" (Finally Free) in French last month, with an English version due in September.

"France is the country from where I received my new life... Anne-Isabelle is an angel for me," she said, referring to the French journalist Anne-Isabelle Tollet, who waged a long campaign for her release and later co-wrote Bibi's book.

On Tuesday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is to bestow an honorary citizenship certificate granted to Bibi by the city in 2014, when she was still behind bars.

She said she did not have any meeting scheduled with President Emmanuel Macron, but "obviously I would like the president to hear my request." In her book, Bibi recounts the nightmare conditions she was subjected to in prison until her release in 2018, amid an international outcry over her treatment.

The acquittal sparked fierce rioting in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where Christians are often the target of persecution.

She later fled with her family to Canada, where she has been living in an undisclosed location under police protection.

"Obviously I am enormously grateful to Canada," Bibi said, adding that she now wanted to work "hand in hand" with Tollet to urge Pakistan authorities to free others imprisoned over the country's anti-blasphemy laws.

The allegations against Bibi date back to 2009, when Muslim field labourers who were working alongside her refused to share water because she was Christian. An argument broke out and a Muslim woman later went to a local cleric and accused Bibi of committing blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed.

But despite her dramatic acquittal by Pakistan's chief justice, activists warned that freedom for Bibi would likely mean a life under threat by hardliners who have long called for her death.

Last May, she was spirited away to Canada, where Tollet was the only reporter to have met with Bibi since her arrival.

In her book, Bibi tells of the humiliating and horrendous conditions in prison, and the daily torments suffered by the country's Christian minority. She also recounts the difficulty of adjusting to her new life, and the pain of having to leave without seeing her father or other members of her family. "Pakistan is my country. I love my country but I am in exile forever," she wrote.

Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman who spent years on death row after a 2010 conviction of blasphemy, said Monday that she was seeking political asylum from the French government.

Asia Bibi, the Pakistani Christian woman who spent years on death row after a 2010 conviction of blasphemy, said Monday that she was seeking political asylum from the French government. "My great desire is to live in France," Bibi said in an interview with RTL radio, her first trip to France since fleeing with her family to Canada in 2018. Her visit comes a few weeks after the publication of her book "Enfin Libre!" (Finally Free) in French last month, with an English version due in September. "France is the country from where I received my new life... Anne-Isabelle is an angel for me," she said, referring to the French journalist Anne-Isabelle Tollet, who waged a long campaign for her release and later co-wrote Bibi's book. On Tuesday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is to bestow an honorary citizenship certificate granted to Bibi by the city in 2014, when she was still behind bars. She said she did not have any meeting scheduled with President Emmanuel Macron, but "obviously I would like the president to hear my request." In her book, Bibi recounts the nightmare conditions she was subjected to in prison until her release in 2018, amid an international outcry over her treatment. The acquittal sparked fierce rioting in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where Christians are often the target of persecution. She later fled with her family to Canada, where she has been living in an undisclosed location under police protection. "Obviously I am enormously grateful to Canada," Bibi said, adding that she now wanted to work "hand in hand" with Tollet to urge Pakistan authorities to free others imprisoned over the country's anti-blasphemy laws. The allegations against Bibi date back to 2009, when Muslim field labourers who were working alongside her refused to share water because she was Christian. An argument broke out and a Muslim woman later went to a local cleric and accused Bibi of committing blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed. But despite her dramatic acquittal by Pakistan's chief justice, activists warned that freedom for Bibi would likely mean a life under threat by hardliners who have long called for her death. Last May, she was spirited away to Canada, where Tollet was the only reporter to have met with Bibi since her arrival. In her book, Bibi tells of the humiliating and horrendous conditions in prison, and the daily torments suffered by the country's Christian minority. She also recounts the difficulty of adjusting to her new life, and the pain of having to leave without seeing her father or other members of her family. "Pakistan is my country. I love my country but I am in exile forever," she wrote.

Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi asks France for asylum

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he would hold a summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany on March 5 to discuss the situation in Syria's last rebel enclave of Idlib.&nbsp;

"We will come together on March 5 and discuss these issues," Erdogan said in a televised speech, following a phone call on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his teleconference with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.&nbsp;

The Turkish leader did not say where the summit would be held but his announcement comes a day after Macron and Merkel called for a four-party Syria summit also involving the Russian leader. &nbsp;

A months-long offensive by Russia-backed Syrian troops against rebels backed by Turkey in northwest Idlib has seen close to one million civilians fleeing the violence.

The two European Union heavyweights on Friday "expressed their willingness to meet President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan to find a political solution to the crisis," the chancellor's office said.

Russia on Wednesday objected to the UN Security Council adopting a statement that would have called for a ceasefire in Idlib, diplomats said, after a tense closed-door meeting.

Turkey, which has threatened an "imminent" operation in Idlib after its troops have come under intense fire from regime forces, has given Damascus until the end of this month to drive back its army positions.

Syrian regime fire has killed 17 Turkish personnel this month alone, sparking a war of words between Ankara and Moscow, a key Damascus ally.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he would hold a summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany on March 5 to discuss the situation in Syria's last rebel enclave of Idlib.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday said he would hold a summit with the leaders of Russia, France and Germany on March 5 to discuss the situation in Syria's last rebel enclave of Idlib. "We will come together on March 5 and discuss these issues," Erdogan said in a televised speech, following a phone call on Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his teleconference with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Turkish leader did not say where the summit would be held but his announcement comes a day after Macron and Merkel called for a four-party Syria summit also involving the Russian leader. A months-long offensive by Russia-backed Syrian troops against rebels backed by Turkey in northwest Idlib has seen close to one million civilians fleeing the violence. The two European Union heavyweights on Friday "expressed their willingness to meet President Putin and Turkish President Erdogan to find a political solution to the crisis," the chancellor's office said. Russia on Wednesday objected to the UN Security Council adopting a statement that would have called for a ceasefire in Idlib, diplomats said, after a tense closed-door meeting. Turkey, which has threatened an "imminent" operation in Idlib after its troops have come under intense fire from regime forces, has given Damascus until the end of this month to drive back its army positions. Syrian regime fire has killed 17 Turkish personnel this month alone, sparking a war of words between Ankara and Moscow, a key Damascus ally.

Erdogan to hold Syria summit with Russia, France and Germany

Thomas Sureau and his partner Lisa Buisine took possession of the keys to an abandoned cafe in the village of Congrier faced with the task of breathing life back into a small corner of "La France Oubliee", or "Forgotten France".

Restoring the heartbeat of forgotten France, one cafe at a time

Recent&nbsp;reports claimed that ski resorts in France were closing down simply because there wasn't enough snow.

However, it looks like they've found a short-term and controversial solution.

A ski resort in France used a helicopter to move the snow from higher altitudes to lower places after a spell of mild 'cold' that has rendered the slopes skiless, The Guardian reported.

Luchon-Superbagnères in the Pyrenees took up the challenging task on Friday night while referring to it as ''exceptional''.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-warming-impacts-ski-resorts-in-france-280553/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Over the course of two hours, 50 tonnes of snow was dropped over the bare slopes via helicopters.&nbsp; 
Hervé Pounau, the director of the local department council, suggested that the cost of shutting down the resort was much higher than gathering snow.

“It will cost us between €5,000 and €6,000, in the knowledge that over the long term we will get at least 10 times’ return on that investment,” Pounau said in a statement.

With livelihoods of more than 50 to 80 people at stake, the authorities decided to settle for this measure.

“We’re not going to cover the entire ski station in snow, but without it we would have had to close a huge part of the ski domain, and it’s during the holidays that we have the most activity for beginners and the ski schools,” Pounau said.

At ski resorts, the common job profiles are lift operators, ski teachers, childcarers, the staff of the equipment rental shop, and restaurant owners.

Considering the fact that is disrupting the natural flow of snow, or its lack, many critics have called the practice ecologically inept. ''We won't be doing it again... This time we didn't have a choice''.

<img alt="ppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fc01396c-f30f-4f8f-a235-f76d3328c47d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_38.jpg" />

Recently, visuals from Antarctica went viral whereby there was a large stretch without snow, highly unusual for the region.

Bastien Ho, a French ecologist told a television channel, ''Instead of adapting to global warming we’re going to end up with a double problem: something that costs a lot of energy, that contributes heavily to global warming and that in addition is only for an elite group of people who can afford it. It is the world upside down”.

France witnesses an influx of tourists during February-March, and makes it the busiest season for mountain resorts in the country.&nbsp;

At the resort where the task was undertaken, only six of its 28 slopes are now operational, owing to the lack of snow.

It's imperative to note here that is not the first time such a task has been undertaken. Similar snow moving operations were undertaken in the Alps.

With the risk of loss of livelihood out of the way, the resort would be able to function minimally. 
&nbsp;

Recent reports claimed that ski resorts in France were closing down simply because there wasn't enough snow. However, it looks like they've found a short-term and controversial solution.

Recent reports claimed that ski resorts in France were closing down simply because there wasn't enough snow. However, it looks like they've found a short-term and controversial solution. A ski resort in France used a helicopter to move the snow from higher altitudes to lower places after a spell of mild 'cold' that has rendered the slopes skiless, The Guardian reported. Luchon-Superbagnères in the Pyrenees took up the challenging task on Friday night while referring to it as ''exceptional''. Over the course of two hours, 50 tonnes of snow was dropped over the bare slopes via helicopters. Hervé Pounau, the director of the local department council, suggested that the cost of shutting down the resort was much higher than gathering snow. “It will cost us between €5,000 and €6,000, in the knowledge that over the long term we will get at least 10 times’ return on that investment,” Pounau said in a statement. With livelihoods of more than 50 to 80 people at stake, the authorities decided to settle for this measure. “We’re not going to cover the entire ski station in snow, but without it we would have had to close a huge part of the ski domain, and it’s during the holidays that we have the most activity for beginners and the ski schools,” Pounau said. At ski resorts, the common job profiles are lift operators, ski teachers, childcarers, the staff of the equipment rental shop, and restaurant owners. Considering the fact that is disrupting the natural flow of snow, or its lack, many critics have called the practice ecologically inept. ''We won't be doing it again... This time we didn't have a choice''. Recently, visuals from Antarctica went viral whereby there was a large stretch without snow, highly unusual for the region. Bastien Ho, a French ecologist told a television channel, ''Instead of adapting to global warming we’re going to end up with a double problem: something that costs a lot of energy, that contributes heavily to global warming and that in addition is only for an elite group of people who can afford it. It is the world upside down”. France witnesses an influx of tourists during February-March, and makes it the busiest season for mountain resorts in the country. At the resort where the task was undertaken, only six of its 28 slopes are now operational, owing to the lack of snow. It's imperative to note here that is not the first time such a task has been undertaken. Similar snow moving operations were undertaken in the Alps. With the risk of loss of livelihood out of the way, the resort would be able to function minimally.

'Mild weather': French ski resort airlifts snow to avoid closure during peak season

French police held a Russian activist and his girlfriend for interrogation after the former claimed he released sex videos that brought down President Emmanuel Macron's favoured candidate for Paris mayor.

The artist was arrested on Saturday in connection with a fight at a New Year's party.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-lieutenant-benjamin-griveaux-out-of-paris-mayoral-race-for-sexting-280720">Emmanuel Macron's lieutenant Benjamin Griveaux out of Paris Mayoral race for sexting</a>

Pyotr Pavlensky, who received asylum in France in 2017 after his radical protests in Russia, leaked screenshots of an online chat in which centrist ruling party's Benjamin Griveaux was allegedly sexting a woman. Pavlensky also said that the woman was not Griveaux's wife.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Pavlensky's French girlfriend, Alexandra de Taddeo, believed to be the recipient of the videos sent in 2018.

Police, on Sunday, however, turned their attention to the video released this week online that showed a man masturbating, and racy messages sent to a woman.

The videos led to Griveaux abruptly calling off his campaign, a first in France, where politicians in the past tried to brush off sex scandals as private matters.

French politicians, cutting across party lines, also denounced the leak of the videos, which many believe is an unacceptable Americanisation of politics in France. French media has also criticized the act.

"Everyone has the right to their secret garden," the speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Ferrand, told the Journal du Dimanche weekly.

Taddeo has also been arrested on the grounds of invasion of privacy and publishing sexual content without consent.

On Friday, Pavlensky said that he leaked the video in order to expose the "hypocrisy" of 42-year-old Griveaux and intended to post similar videos to expose the newly created "political porn platform".

Griveaux "is someone who constantly brings up family values, who says he wants to be the mayor of families and always cites his wife and children as an example. But he is doing the opposite," Pavlensky had said.

After Griveaux's pull out, French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn run from Macron's party for the post of mayor.

(with inputs of AFP and Reuters)

&nbsp;

French police held a Russian activist and his girlfriend for interrogation after the former claimed he released sex videos that brought down President Emmanuel Macron's favoured candidate for Paris mayor.

French police held a Russian activist and his girlfriend for interrogation after the former claimed he released sex videos that brought down President Emmanuel Macron's favoured candidate for Paris mayor. The artist was arrested on Saturday in connection with a fight at a New Year's party. Also read: Emmanuel Macron's lieutenant Benjamin Griveaux out of Paris Mayoral race for sexting Pyotr Pavlensky, who received asylum in France in 2017 after his radical protests in Russia, leaked screenshots of an online chat in which centrist ruling party's Benjamin Griveaux was allegedly sexting a woman. Pavlensky also said that the woman was not Griveaux's wife. Pavlensky's French girlfriend, Alexandra de Taddeo, believed to be the recipient of the videos sent in 2018. Police, on Sunday, however, turned their attention to the video released this week online that showed a man masturbating, and racy messages sent to a woman. The videos led to Griveaux abruptly calling off his campaign, a first in France, where politicians in the past tried to brush off sex scandals as private matters. French politicians, cutting across party lines, also denounced the leak of the videos, which many believe is an unacceptable Americanisation of politics in France. French media has also criticized the act. "Everyone has the right to their secret garden," the speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Ferrand, told the Journal du Dimanche weekly. Taddeo has also been arrested on the grounds of invasion of privacy and publishing sexual content without consent. On Friday, Pavlensky said that he leaked the video in order to expose the "hypocrisy" of 42-year-old Griveaux and intended to post similar videos to expose the newly created "political porn platform". Griveaux "is someone who constantly brings up family values, who says he wants to be the mayor of families and always cites his wife and children as an example. But he is doing the opposite," Pavlensky had said. After Griveaux's pull out, French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn run from Macron's party for the post of mayor. (with inputs of AFP and Reuters)

Russian activist, girlfriend held after leaked sex videos that ended Macron ally's campaign

Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-one-person-dies-as-heavy-flooding-and-high-winds-hit-uk-280997">Storm&nbsp;Dennis</a>, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend.

The second severe storm in a week to hit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">Britain </a>brought high winds of more than 90 miles an hour and more than a month's worth of rain in 48 hours in some places, leading officials to issue rare "danger to life" warnings.

The storm also pummelled much of France, with some 20,000 people still without electricity on Monday after suffering power cuts in the northwest of the country and rail traffic disrupted.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-one-person-dies-as-heavy-flooding-and-high-winds-hit-uk-280997">Storm Dennis: One person dies as heavy flooding and high winds hit UK</a>

"This is not yet over," warned James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, which is responsible for flood protection in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">England</a>.

"We still have many flood warnings in force and we may still see significant flooding in the middle of this week from larger rivers," he told BBC radio.

Bevan said more than 400 homes in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-one-person-dies-as-heavy-flooding-and-high-winds-hit-uk-280997">England </a>had been flooded while at least 1,000 agency staff were working around the clock alongside emergency officials "to protect and support those communities which have been hit".

More than 600 warnings and alerts a record number were issued on Sunday, extending from the River Tweed on the border of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">England </a>and Scotland to Cornwall in southwest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">England</a>.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-ciara-storm-dennis-pounds-britain-281139">After Ciara, Storm Dennis pounds Britain!</a>

After a day of torrential rain, major flooding incidents were later declared in south Wales and parts of western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storm-dennis-one-person-dies-as-heavy-flooding-and-high-winds-hit-uk-280997">England</a>.

Some&nbsp;five "severe" warnings denoting lives could be endangered by the flooding remained active Monday on two rivers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire in west-central England.

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on Sunday airlifted to hospital one man pulled from the River Teme, who was in a stable condition on Monday.&nbsp;

But emergency responders suspended the search overnight for a missing woman also swept away by the floodwater near the town of flood-prone town of Tenbury, according to police.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">UK issues rare 'danger to life' warning over Storm Dennis</a>

"The search has continued this morning, including the use of the police helicopter," said Chief Superintendent Tom Harding, from West Mercia Police.&nbsp;

"Sadly, however, due to the circumstances of the length of time in the water and other conditions, we believe that this will now be a recovery rather than a rescue operation."

Two rivers in south Wales burst their banks, prompting rescue workers to launch operations in several places to evacuate people and their pets trapped in their homes.

Police said a man in his 60s died after entering the River Tawe, north of the Welsh city of Swansea but later clarified that the death was not "linked to the adverse weather".

On Saturday, the coastguard said the bodies of two men were pulled from rough seas off the south coast of England as the storm barrelled in.

One is thought to have been the subject of a search triggered when a tanker reported that one of its crew was unaccounted for.

In northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">England</a>, the defence ministry deployed troops in West Yorkshire, which suffered badly from flooding caused by last weekend's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-uk-issues-rare-danger-to-life-warning-over-storm-dennis-280930">Storm Ciara</a>.

There are fears rivers there could burst their banks later on Monday.

Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from Storm Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend.

Britain on Monday grappled with the fallout from Storm Dennis, with several major incidents declared due to flooding and hundreds of warnings still in place after it battered the country over the weekend. The second severe storm in a week to hit Britain brought high winds of more than 90 miles an hour and more than a month's worth of rain in 48 hours in some places, leading officials to issue rare "danger to life" warnings. The storm also pummelled much of France, with some 20,000 people still without electricity on Monday after suffering power cuts in the northwest of the country and rail traffic disrupted. Also read: Storm Dennis: One person dies as heavy flooding and high winds hit UK "This is not yet over," warned James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment Agency, which is responsible for flood protection in England. "We still have many flood warnings in force and we may still see significant flooding in the middle of this week from larger rivers," he told BBC radio. Bevan said more than 400 homes in England had been flooded while at least 1,000 agency staff were working around the clock alongside emergency officials "to protect and support those communities which have been hit". More than 600 warnings and alerts a record number were issued on Sunday, extending from the River Tweed on the border of England and Scotland to Cornwall in southwest England. Also see: After Ciara, Storm Dennis pounds Britain! After a day of torrential rain, major flooding incidents were later declared in south Wales and parts of western England. Some five "severe" warnings denoting lives could be endangered by the flooding remained active Monday on two rivers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire in west-central England. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service on Sunday airlifted to hospital one man pulled from the River Teme, who was in a stable condition on Monday. But emergency responders suspended the search overnight for a missing woman also swept away by the floodwater near the town of flood-prone town of Tenbury, according to police. Also read: UK issues rare 'danger to life' warning over Storm Dennis "The search has continued this morning, including the use of the police helicopter," said Chief Superintendent Tom Harding, from West Mercia Police. "Sadly, however, due to the circumstances of the length of time in the water and other conditions, we believe that this will now be a recovery rather than a rescue operation." Two rivers in south Wales burst their banks, prompting rescue workers to launch operations in several places to evacuate people and their pets trapped in their homes. Police said a man in his 60s died after entering the River Tawe, north of the Welsh city of Swansea but later clarified that the death was not "linked to the adverse weather". On Saturday, the coastguard said the bodies of two men were pulled from rough seas off the south coast of England as the storm barrelled in. One is thought to have been the subject of a search triggered when a tanker reported that one of its crew was unaccounted for. In northern England, the defence ministry deployed troops in West Yorkshire, which suffered badly from flooding caused by last weekend's Storm Ciara. There are fears rivers there could burst their banks later on Monday.

Storm Dennis wreaks havoc across United Kingdom, parts of France

The French Riviera town of Nice welcomed the 136th edition of the King's Carnival on Saturday night (February 15), with fashion as its primary theme.

Fashion legends lord over 136th Nice Carnival

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia. According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province. She had arrived in France in January and was kept in quarantine in a hospital since January 5.

Coronavirus Outbreak: First coronavirus death confirmed in Europe

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia.

According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province. She had arrived in France in January and was kept in quarantine in a hospital since January 5.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547">Also Read:&nbsp;United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic extend flight ban to China</a>

Only three deaths have so far been recorded outside mainland China -- in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan.

More than 2,600 new cases of a&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;have been confirmed i<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-143-new-deaths-reported-in-china-as-toll-rises-to-1523-280766">n China with deaths up by 143</a>, health officials said on Saturday.

Most of the new deaths in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-grips-chinas-capital-despite-reduced-emissions-from-coronavirus-economic-slowdown-280690">central Hubei province </a>and in particular the provincial capital of Wuhan, a city of 11 million people where the outbreak began in December.

The total number of infections across mainland China was 66,492 after 2,641 new cases were confirmed as of Friday, the National Health Commission said.

China is confident the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-quarantines-returning-residents-as-china-struggles-to-pick-up-economy-280760">epidemic will be over soon</a>, its vice minister of foreign affairs said.

Watch : Coronavirus Outbreak - What India stands to lose?

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"The impact of the epidemic on the Chinese economy will be short term and temporary," Qin Gang said at the Munich Security Conference.

"When the epidemic is over, the subdued consumer demand will be released rapidly and the economy will rebound strongly."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/thousands-of-couples-are-married-in-mass-wedding-ceremony-braving-the-fears-of-ncov-279212">In Pics: Couples get married in South Korea braving coronavirus fears</a>

The virus is killing about 2% of those infected and has spread faster than other respiratory viruses that emerged this century.

A WHO-led joint mission with China is due to start its outbreak investigation this weekend, focusing on how the new&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;is spreading and its severity.

(With inputs from Reuters)

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia. According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province.

An 80-year-old Chinese woman died in France due to coronavirus, the first death confirmed outside of Asia. According to a report, the victim was a tourist from China's Hubei province. She had arrived in France in January and was kept in quarantine in a hospital since January 5. Also Read: United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic extend flight ban to China Only three deaths have so far been recorded outside mainland China -- in the Philippines, Hong Kong and Japan. More than 2,600 new cases of a coronavirus have been confirmed in China with deaths up by 143, health officials said on Saturday. Most of the new deaths in central Hubei province and in particular the provincial capital of Wuhan, a city of 11 million people where the outbreak began in December. The total number of infections across mainland China was 66,492 after 2,641 new cases were confirmed as of Friday, the National Health Commission said. China is confident the epidemic will be over soon, its vice minister of foreign affairs said. Watch : Coronavirus Outbreak - What India stands to lose? × "The impact of the epidemic on the Chinese economy will be short term and temporary," Qin Gang said at the Munich Security Conference. "When the epidemic is over, the subdued consumer demand will be released rapidly and the economy will rebound strongly." In Pics: Couples get married in South Korea braving coronavirus fears The virus is killing about 2% of those infected and has spread faster than other respiratory viruses that emerged this century. A WHO-led joint mission with China is due to start its outbreak investigation this weekend, focusing on how the new coronavirus is spreading and its severity. (With inputs from Reuters)

France confirms first coronavirus death outside Asia as China toll rises to 1,500

February 13th in History: France's first atom bomb test, assassination of Kim Jong-nam and more!

This year winter in France has so far remain mildest and this had a direct impact on key resorts which is situated in France. Tha lack of snow has forced resorts to shut down its key runs in midseason.

Global warming impacts ski resorts in France

Most amazing landscapes in Google Earth viewed from space

Storm Ciara disrupts life in Europe

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-halts-long-distance-rail-services-in-several-states-as-storm-ciara-batters-279609">Germany halts long-distance rail services in several states as Storm Ciara batters</a>

More than 200 flood warnings were issued across Britain, which recorded a maximum wind speed of 93 miles per hour in wales. One severe flood warning was put in place in Yorkshire in northern England, where water was predicted to overflow flood defences and potentially threaten lives.

<h6><img alt="car in flood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a3a11d84-d91f-44e4-9493-d22615825990" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%285%29_24.jpg" /> 
A car is seen submerged in floodwater in the streets of Hebden Bridge, northern England, on February 9, 2020, as Storm Ciara swept over the country.| AFP</h6>

The historic English county of Yorkshire has been among the worst hit. This as floodwaters entered the county's Dales National Park.

<h6><img alt="geese" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="738edd5e-32a2-4d45-b8e2-deb782b51938" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%284%29_33.jpg" /> 
Geese take advantage of the conditions as floodwater fills the streets of Hebden Bridge, northern England, on February 9, 2020, as Storm Ciara swept over the country| AFP</h6>

Floodwaters submerged cars in Lancashire. Several commuters remained stranded as the inclement weather affected transport services.

Watch Video:

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&nbsp;

Vehicles were seen driving through flooded roads in the northern English town of Brighouse as storm Ciara swept in.

Strong winds and waves yellow and amber weather warnings across Wales and Scotland.

<img alt="Pedestrian" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="39e331d0-8f6f-4077-b043-3e10de1077d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%287%29_24.jpg" />

Meanwhile, a plane aborted landing at London's Heathrow airport after hurricane-force winds prevented pilots from making a safe touch down.

The landed safely during a second attempt.

The storm has also wreaked havoc in other parts of Europe. &nbsp;Thirty-five regions in northern France, have been put on alert as strong winds destroyed properties.

<h6><img alt="destroyed property" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f8a04faf-c990-424c-9517-65ccef0b0fdf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%286%29_25.jpg" /> 
A picture taken on February 9, 2020 in Brussels shows rubbles on the ground near a partially collapsed building during the Storm Ciara swept.| AFP</h6>

Part of the building collapsed in the Belgian capital as Brussels as storm Ciara swept across the city.

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Also read: Germany halts long-distance rail services in several states as Storm Ciara batters More than 200 flood warnings were issued across Britain, which recorded a maximum wind speed of 93 miles per hour in wales.

Storm Ciara has triggered heavy rains and floods across Europe with the United Kingdom being the worst affected. Also read: Germany halts long-distance rail services in several states as Storm Ciara batters More than 200 flood warnings were issued across Britain, which recorded a maximum wind speed of 93 miles per hour in wales. One severe flood warning was put in place in Yorkshire in northern England, where water was predicted to overflow flood defences and potentially threaten lives. A car is seen submerged in floodwater in the streets of Hebden Bridge, northern England, on February 9, 2020, as Storm Ciara swept over the country.| AFP The historic English county of Yorkshire has been among the worst hit. This as floodwaters entered the county's Dales National Park. Geese take advantage of the conditions as floodwater fills the streets of Hebden Bridge, northern England, on February 9, 2020, as Storm Ciara swept over the country| AFP Floodwaters submerged cars in Lancashire. Several commuters remained stranded as the inclement weather affected transport services. Watch Video: Vehicles were seen driving through flooded roads in the northern English town of Brighouse as storm Ciara swept in. Strong winds and waves yellow and amber weather warnings across Wales and Scotland. Meanwhile, a plane aborted landing at London's Heathrow airport after hurricane-force winds prevented pilots from making a safe touch down. The landed safely during a second attempt. The storm has also wreaked havoc in other parts of Europe. Thirty-five regions in northern France, have been put on alert as strong winds destroyed properties. A picture taken on February 9, 2020 in Brussels shows rubbles on the ground near a partially collapsed building during the Storm Ciara swept.| AFP Part of the building collapsed in the Belgian capital as Brussels as storm Ciara swept across the city.

Storm Ciara devastates UK; Yorkshire worst hit, flights disrupted

A youtube blogger from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>who was an outspoken critic of the country's President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Ramzan Kadyrov</a>, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room.

According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''.

Reportedly, he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-youtuber-confess-of-faking-his-gfs-death-for-subscribers-277863">Canadian YouTuber confesses of faking his girlfriend's death for subscribers</a>

The 44-year-old ran a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-youtuber-confess-of-faking-his-gfs-death-for-subscribers-277863">YouTube </a>channel which frequently criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>regime which is backed by Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-woman-pardoned-by-putin-flies-home-with-pm-netanyahu-277602">Vladimir Putin</a>.&nbsp;

The police believes that the victim knew his murderer.

They are hunting down the 35-year-old <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Chechen </a>man who police believe is the primary suspect.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/murder-of-anti-kremlin-war-reporter-shocks-russian-opposition-141014">Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition</a>

The police believes the motive behind the murder is political.

The knife found at the crime scene has been sent to a forensic laboratory for assessment.

The murder is warning to others and an attempt to intimidate anyone who criticizes 'Russian protégé' <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chechen-women-go-places-with-female-only-taxi-service-225959">Ramzan Kadyrov</a>, as per Mansur Sadulev, chairman of the Chechen Human Rights Association.

Kadyrov is known for his allegiance to Russian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-woman-pardoned-by-putin-flies-home-with-pm-netanyahu-277602">Vladimir Putin</a>.

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''.

A youtube blogger from Chechen who was an outspoken critic of the country's President Ramzan Kadyrov, was ''violently murdered'' in a French hotel's room. According to French officials, the blogger's name was Imran Aliev and he ''suffered a violent death''. Reportedly, he was stabbed repeatedly in the neck. Also read: Canadian YouTuber confesses of faking his girlfriend's death for subscribers The 44-year-old ran a YouTube channel which frequently criticised the Chechen regime which is backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The police believes that the victim knew his murderer. They are hunting down the 35-year-old Chechen man who police believe is the primary suspect. Also read: Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition The police believes the motive behind the murder is political. The knife found at the crime scene has been sent to a forensic laboratory for assessment. The murder is warning to others and an attempt to intimidate anyone who criticizes 'Russian protégé' Ramzan Kadyrov, as per Mansur Sadulev, chairman of the Chechen Human Rights Association. Kadyrov is known for his allegiance to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Outspoken Chechen blogger murdered 'violently' in French hotel

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significance-of-may-10-in-south-africa-when-democracy-trumped-racial-discrimination-217572">South African</a> court issued an arrest warrant for former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-south-african-president-jacob-zuma-faces-court-on-corruption-charges-255976">Jacob Zuma</a> on Tuesday after he skipped court on grounds of needing medical treatment, but the judge stayed the warrant until his corruption trial resumes on May 6.

Zuma's lawyer presented the judge with a sick note from what he said was a military hospital, but Judge Dhaya Pillay questioned whether the note was valid, as there was no medical number showing if and where the doctor was certified.

"I don't even know if he&nbsp;is a doctor. There is nothing to suggest that he is," she said, before issuing the warrant.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-jacob-zuma-to-face-corruption-trial-after-court-denies-stay-of-prosecution-255215">Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma to face corruption trial after court denies stay of prosecution</a>

The former leader is on trial on 18 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to a $2 billion arms deal with French defence firm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-south-african-president-jacob-zuma-faces-court-on-corruption-charges-255976">Thales </a>in 1999 when Zuma was deputy president. He rejects the allegations as a politically motivated witch-hunt.

Dan Mantsha, Zuma's lawyer, said that he was abroad for medical treatment, without saying where. Local media have suggested he is in Cuba, although it was not immediately possible to verify this.

Pillay concluded that the note was insufficient to excuse Zuma from appearing for the trial, but gave him until it resumes on May 6 to turn up before the warrant kicks in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-south-african-president-jacob-zuma-faces-court-on-corruption-charges-255976">Former South African president Jacob Zuma faces court on corruption charges</a>

Zuma, president from 2009-2018, had previously applied for a permanent stay of prosecution but the court in Pietermaritzburg threw out his appeal in November.

He is accused of accepting 500,000 rand&nbsp;annually from Thales in 1999, in exchange for protecting the company from an investigation into the deal.

Thales, known as Thompson-CSF at the time, has said it had no knowledge of any transgressions by any of its employees in relation to the award of the contracts.

The National Prosecuting Authority initially filed the charges against Zuma a decade ago, but set them aside shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009. Following appeals and lobbying by opposition parties, the NPA reinstated the charges in March 2018.

Pillay also accepted an application by the company on Tuesday to be represented by lawyer Barry Roux, who defended Paralympian athlete <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africas-court-to-hear-states-appeal-against-oscar-pistorius-in-november-20394/amp">Oscar Pistorius</a> over the 2013 murder of his girlfriend.

A South African court issued an arrest warrant for former president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday after he skipped court on grounds of needing medical treatment, but the judge stayed the warrant until his corruption trial resumes on May 6.

A South African court issued an arrest warrant for former president Jacob Zuma on Tuesday after he skipped court on grounds of needing medical treatment, but the judge stayed the warrant until his corruption trial resumes on May 6. Zuma's lawyer presented the judge with a sick note from what he said was a military hospital, but Judge Dhaya Pillay questioned whether the note was valid, as there was no medical number showing if and where the doctor was certified. "I don't even know if he is a doctor. There is nothing to suggest that he is," she said, before issuing the warrant. Also read: Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma to face corruption trial after court denies stay of prosecution The former leader is on trial on 18 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to a $2 billion arms deal with French defence firm Thales in 1999 when Zuma was deputy president. He rejects the allegations as a politically motivated witch-hunt. Dan Mantsha, Zuma's lawyer, said that he was abroad for medical treatment, without saying where. Local media have suggested he is in Cuba, although it was not immediately possible to verify this. Pillay concluded that the note was insufficient to excuse Zuma from appearing for the trial, but gave him until it resumes on May 6 to turn up before the warrant kicks in. Also read: Former South African president Jacob Zuma faces court on corruption charges Zuma, president from 2009-2018, had previously applied for a permanent stay of prosecution but the court in Pietermaritzburg threw out his appeal in November. He is accused of accepting 500,000 rand annually from Thales in 1999, in exchange for protecting the company from an investigation into the deal. Thales, known as Thompson-CSF at the time, has said it had no knowledge of any transgressions by any of its employees in relation to the award of the contracts. The National Prosecuting Authority initially filed the charges against Zuma a decade ago, but set them aside shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009. Following appeals and lobbying by opposition parties, the NPA reinstated the charges in March 2018. Pillay also accepted an application by the company on Tuesday to be represented by lawyer Barry Roux, who defended Paralympian athlete Oscar Pistorius over the 2013 murder of his girlfriend.

South African court issues arrest warrant for ex-president Zuma in graft trial

French police on Tuesday cleared the last migrant tent camp in northeast Paris, moving 427 people to shelters as part of a plan to take migrants off the streets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-cant-host-everyone-says-macron-in-new-toughening-of-migration-stance-251947">'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance</a>

The migrants, who included four women, were living in&nbsp;266 tents and makeshift shelters in a canal-side camp "strewn with waste and refuse, overrun by rats and giving off a pestilent and foul-smelling odour of urine and excrement", according to the authorities.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-signals-tougher-line-on-immigration-250237">Bourgeois have no problem with immigration, they don't come up against it: Macron</a>

The operation to tear down the camp began at 6:00 am (0500 GMT) and lasted two hours, the regional prefecture said.

Dozens of informal settlements have sprung up in recent years around the French capital.

Many of the migrants have their sights on the northern Channel port of Calais, a jump-off point for crossings to Britain.

The authorities regularly tear down the camps, saying they pose a health hazard.

Last week, police moved more than 1,400 migrants, including 93 children, from another camp in northern Paris.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had promised to clear all migrant camps from the city by the end of last year, in part by opening more shelters for asylum seekers but also by deporting those whose claims are rejected.

Police are being deployed to ensure migrants do not return to the razed camps or set up new ones.

"We are not going to resume a never-ending cycle of evacuations followed by new installations," Paris police chief Didier Lallement said last week.

But critics say that unless the government provides long-term lodgings or the prospect of legal residency, many migrants will just return to the streets.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../venezuelas-juan-guaido-meets-emmanuel- macron-on-charm-offensive-276546">Emmanuel Macron</a> said last year that France must end its "lax" approach to immigration.

French police on Tuesday cleared the last migrant tent camp in northeast Paris, moving 427 people to shelters as part of a plan to take migrants off the streets.

French police on Tuesday cleared the last migrant tent camp in northeast Paris, moving 427 people to shelters as part of a plan to take migrants off the streets. Also read: 'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance The migrants, who included four women, were living in 266 tents and makeshift shelters in a canal-side camp "strewn with waste and refuse, overrun by rats and giving off a pestilent and foul-smelling odour of urine and excrement", according to the authorities. Also read: Bourgeois have no problem with immigration, they don't come up against it: Macron The operation to tear down the camp began at 6:00 am (0500 GMT) and lasted two hours, the regional prefecture said. Dozens of informal settlements have sprung up in recent years around the French capital. Many of the migrants have their sights on the northern Channel port of Calais, a jump-off point for crossings to Britain. The authorities regularly tear down the camps, saying they pose a health hazard. Last week, police moved more than 1,400 migrants, including 93 children, from another camp in northern Paris. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner had promised to clear all migrant camps from the city by the end of last year, in part by opening more shelters for asylum seekers but also by deporting those whose claims are rejected. Police are being deployed to ensure migrants do not return to the razed camps or set up new ones. "We are not going to resume a never-ending cycle of evacuations followed by new installations," Paris police chief Didier Lallement said last week. But critics say that unless the government provides long-term lodgings or the prospect of legal residency, many migrants will just return to the streets. President Emmanuel Macron said last year that France must end its "lax" approach to immigration.

French police clear last migrant camp in north Paris

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;250&nbsp;people&nbsp;from&nbsp;30 countries arrived in&nbsp;France&nbsp;on Sunday after being flown out of the Chinese city of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-evacuates-200-people-from-wuhan-the-epicentre-of-coronavirus-outbreak-in-china-278211">Wuhan</a>, the center of an outbreak of a coronavirus,&nbsp;French&nbsp;officials said.

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;plane&nbsp;landed at a military airbase in Istres, southern&nbsp;France.

Out of the 254 evacuees, 124 were returning to their home countries,&nbsp;French&nbsp;Health Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-may-face-sperm-shortage-under-macron-plan-to-ease-ivf-rules-251763">Agnes Buzyn</a> said.

Sixty-four&nbsp;French&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;will be quarantined either at a holiday resort at Carry-le-Rouet or at the&nbsp;French&nbsp;National Fire Officers' Academy near Aix-en-Provence.

<img alt="Police officers guard an accommodation at a firefighter school, where people will be quarantined as preventive measure in light of the coronavirus outbreak in China, after their evacuation from Wuhan area, in Aix-en-Provence, near Marseille, France" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d3866172-6f56-4bb6-964e-4c071a7b67c6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_18.jpg" />

Sixty non-European&nbsp;nationals, including&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mexico, Brazil, Rwanda, and Georgia, we're staying in&nbsp;France&nbsp;for a 14-day quarantine. Twenty evacuees presented some coronavirus symptoms and stayed at the military airbase until tests show if they had the virus.

Foreign&nbsp;Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-prefer-to-download-black-boxes-iran-after-plane-crash-blamed-on-missile-273396">Jean-Yves Le Drian</a> said the&nbsp;plane&nbsp;carried&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;of 30 countries.

The Czech Republic said it had five citizens onboard and that that they would fly on to Brussels to be taken home on a Czech&nbsp;plane.

Sweden said about 10 of its&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;were on the flight and would be taken on to Sweden. Some British&nbsp;nationals&nbsp;were also on board.

More than 250 people from 30 countries arrived in France on Sunday after being flown out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the center of an outbreak of a coronavirus, French officials said.

More than 250 people from 30 countries arrived in France on Sunday after being flown out of the Chinese city of Wuhan, the center of an outbreak of a coronavirus, French officials said. The French plane landed at a military airbase in Istres, southern France. Out of the 254 evacuees, 124 were returning to their home countries, French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said. Sixty-four French nationals will be quarantined either at a holiday resort at Carry-le-Rouet or at the French National Fire Officers' Academy near Aix-en-Provence. Sixty non-European nationals, including from Mexico, Brazil, Rwanda, and Georgia, we're staying in France for a 14-day quarantine. Twenty evacuees presented some coronavirus symptoms and stayed at the military airbase until tests show if they had the virus. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the plane carried nationals of 30 countries. The Czech Republic said it had five citizens onboard and that that they would fly on to Brussels to be taken home on a Czech plane. Sweden said about 10 of its nationals were on the flight and would be taken on to Sweden. Some British nationals were also on board.

Plane brings more than 250 foreign nationals from epidemic-hit Wuhan to France

Thousands of demonstrators, most of them unionists, filled Paris' streets on Wednesday (January 29) in protest of the French government's planned pensions overhaul, claiming the movement has fallen to President Emmanuel Macron's deaf ears.

Thousands march in Paris against pension reform as support for movement stays strong

European aerospace giant <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-defence-unit-sees-cash-challenge-adopts-efficiency-plan-254715">Airbus </a>said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a> authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation.

Airbus has been the subject of corruption probes in all three countries and said it released the statement in response to press reports.

The Financial Times reported Monday that Airbus, which employs 134,000 staff and contributes significantly to the economic output of its major backers <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/airbus-set-to-close-deal-for-majority-stake-in-bombardier-cseries-143078">France</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-outbreak-deadly-virus-continues-to-spread-outside-china-276966">Germany</a>, might have to pay more than 3.0 billion euros&nbsp; to settle the corruption probes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-beats-goal-with-863-jet-deliveries-in-2019-ousts-boeing-from-top-spot-271445">Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot</a>

The affair began as an internal investigation and was a factor in a more than year-long executive shake-up at Airbus that ended in April 2019 when Guillaume Faury replaced Tom Enders as chief executive.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-not-to-ban-huawei-in-europe-but-to-impose-strict-rules-european-commissioner-breton-277078">United Kingdom</a>'s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and its French equivalent, the PNF, told AFP Tuesday that they would not comment on the statement or report.

"These agreements are made in the context of investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption as well as compliance with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-imposes-record-75-billion-tariffs-on-european-union-256583">US</a> International Traffic in Arms Regulations," Airbus said.

"They remain subject to approval by French and UK courts and (the) US court and regulator."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sale-of-120-jets-worth-11-billion-finalised-airbus-188085">Sale of 120 jets worth $11 billion finalised: Airbus</a>

The amount of the potential settlement is roughly equivalent to the group's 2018 net profit.

Airbus is to release its 2019 results on February 13, when the company may provide more detail on the affair's potential cost.

"For legal reasons, Airbus cannot make any comments on the details of its discussions with the investigating authorities," the statement said.

Airbus has been under investigation for financial irregularities in France and Britain, having approached the authorities itself in 2016.

The US also launched a probe into the company later.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airbus-ups-estimate-of-20-year-demand-for-new-planes-250372">Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes</a>

In 2013, Airbus found irregularities, notably in commission levels, in some transactions carried out by its Strategy and Marketing Organization unit.

Commercial agents for some transactions had not been identified to government export aid agencies.

Meanwhile, US authorities suspect that Airbus did not obtain necessary approval for the export of some military equipment that contained US components.

Airbus manufactures civilian and military aircraft from drones and helicopters to long-haul airliners, along with rockets, satellites and communications systems.

The procedure launched by Airbus in France should allow it to negotiate the amount of possible fines without prolonged legal proceedings that could make the final bill much higher.

The strategy has already been used by British engine maker <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-%26-economy/rolls-royce-soars-as-ceo-east-sets-ambitious-mid-term-goals-144599">Rolls-Royce</a>, which was ordered in early 2017 to pay 763 million euros to Brazilian, British and US authorities in connection with corruption that it had itself reported to the SFO in late 2012.

<hr />

European aerospace giant Airbus said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and US authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation.

European aerospace giant Airbus said Tuesday that it has reached an "agreement in principle" with French, British and US authorities over corruption investigations, which might help it avoid expensive litigation. Airbus has been the subject of corruption probes in all three countries and said it released the statement in response to press reports. The Financial Times reported Monday that Airbus, which employs 134,000 staff and contributes significantly to the economic output of its major backers France and Germany, might have to pay more than 3.0 billion euros to settle the corruption probes. Also read: Airbus beats goal with 863 jet deliveries in 2019, ousts Boeing from top spot The affair began as an internal investigation and was a factor in a more than year-long executive shake-up at Airbus that ended in April 2019 when Guillaume Faury replaced Tom Enders as chief executive. The United Kingdom's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and its French equivalent, the PNF, told AFP Tuesday that they would not comment on the statement or report. "These agreements are made in the context of investigations into allegations of bribery and corruption as well as compliance with the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations," Airbus said. "They remain subject to approval by French and UK courts and (the) US court and regulator." Also read: Sale of 120 jets worth $11 billion finalised: Airbus The amount of the potential settlement is roughly equivalent to the group's 2018 net profit. Airbus is to release its 2019 results on February 13, when the company may provide more detail on the affair's potential cost. "For legal reasons, Airbus cannot make any comments on the details of its discussions with the investigating authorities," the statement said. Airbus has been under investigation for financial irregularities in France and Britain, having approached the authorities itself in 2016. The US also launched a probe into the company later. Also read: Airbus ups estimate of 20-year demand for new planes In 2013, Airbus found irregularities, notably in commission levels, in some transactions carried out by its Strategy and Marketing Organization unit. Commercial agents for some transactions had not been identified to government export aid agencies. Meanwhile, US authorities suspect that Airbus did not obtain necessary approval for the export of some military equipment that contained US components. Airbus manufactures civilian and military aircraft from drones and helicopters to long-haul airliners, along with rockets, satellites and communications systems. The procedure launched by Airbus in France should allow it to negotiate the amount of possible fines without prolonged legal proceedings that could make the final bill much higher. The strategy has already been used by British engine maker Rolls-Royce, which was ordered in early 2017 to pay 763 million euros to Brazilian, British and US authorities in connection with corruption that it had itself reported to the SFO in late 2012.

Airbus strikes anti-corruption deals with France, UK, US

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries.

The Southeast Asian travel and tourism hub, which recorded its lowest growth rate in a decade last year at 0.7 per cent, has reported four cases of the coronavirus that has killed 80 people in China so far.

"We certainly expect there to be an impact on our economy, business, and consumer confidence this year especially as the situation is expected to persist for some time," trade minister Chan Chun Sing said.

The government is considering support measures for hard-hit sectors like tourism which could include property tax, rebates and worker levy cuts, he added.

Chinese nationals make up the largest share of visitors to Singapore, one of the worst-hit countries outside of China in the 2003 outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sars-like-virus-spreading-across-china-amid-140-new-cases-third-death-275342">Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome</a> (SARS) which killed 800 people globally.

Singapore is currently forecasting growth in a wide range of 0.5-2.5 per cent&nbsp;this year.

Chan is part of a government task force set up to tackle the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-declares-coronavirus-emergency-halts-official-visits-to-mainland-china-276488">coronavirus</a> spread in Singapore.

The task force also announced a raft of new measures on Monday to halt the spread of the virus, including urging all school students and staff with a recent travel history to China to stay at home for a fortnight. Families in Singapore, many of which are ethnically Chinese and have relatives in mainland China, are currently traveling for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-cancels-lunar-new-year-parade-due-to-chinas-viral-outbreak-276669">Lunar New Year</a> holidays.

It also issued a new advisory for travelers to defer all non-essential travel to mainland China and said it will start temperature screening all inbound flights to Singapore.

The death toll in China from the coronavirus grew to 80 on Monday as residents of the Hubei province, where the disease originated, were banned from entering Hong Kong amid global efforts to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak.

The virus has so far spread to more than 10 countries including the United States, Japan, and France.

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries.

Singapore said on Monday that the coronavirus outbreak will hurt its economy this year, as it announced new measures to tackle the disease which originated in China and has spread to the city-state and several other countries. The Southeast Asian travel and tourism hub, which recorded its lowest growth rate in a decade last year at 0.7 per cent, has reported four cases of the coronavirus that has killed 80 people in China so far. "We certainly expect there to be an impact on our economy, business, and consumer confidence this year especially as the situation is expected to persist for some time," trade minister Chan Chun Sing said. The government is considering support measures for hard-hit sectors like tourism which could include property tax, rebates and worker levy cuts, he added. Chinese nationals make up the largest share of visitors to Singapore, one of the worst-hit countries outside of China in the 2003 outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which killed 800 people globally. Singapore is currently forecasting growth in a wide range of 0.5-2.5 per cent this year. Chan is part of a government task force set up to tackle the coronavirus spread in Singapore. The task force also announced a raft of new measures on Monday to halt the spread of the virus, including urging all school students and staff with a recent travel history to China to stay at home for a fortnight. Families in Singapore, many of which are ethnically Chinese and have relatives in mainland China, are currently traveling for the Lunar New Year holidays. It also issued a new advisory for travelers to defer all non-essential travel to mainland China and said it will start temperature screening all inbound flights to Singapore. The death toll in China from the coronavirus grew to 80 on Monday as residents of the Hubei province, where the disease originated, were banned from entering Hong Kong amid global efforts to halt the rapid spread of the outbreak. The virus has so far spread to more than 10 countries including the United States, Japan, and France.

Singapore says China virus outbreak will hit its economy this year

Paris, home to two of the three French people taken ill in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wuhan-coronavirus-dos-and-donts-symptoms-276479">China's coronavirus outbreak</a>, cancelled a Lunar New Year parade on Sunday as a "precaution", the capital's mayor Anne Hidalgo said. "Yesterday, I met members of the Chinese community in Paris who themselves wished to cancel the procession" scheduled for Republique square, the mayor told reporters. "The principle of precaution takes precedence," she added.

On Friday, France's health ministry said three people who had recently travelled to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-virus-death-toll-rises-to-56-total-cases-near-2000-276577">China </a>were confirmed to have contracted the virus - the first cases in Europe. One was a patient at a hospital in the southwestern city of Bordeaux and the other two in the capital. All three were "very well", according to France's director-general of health Jerome Salomon. Health officials were tracking other people the three had been in contact with.

The Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar.&nbsp;This year, the start to the Year of the Rat fell on Saturday, but celebrations in China were dramatically scaled down amid a coronavirus outbreak that has killed 56 and infected nearly 2,000.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/coronavirus-outbreak-3-cases-in-france-1-in-australia-us-expecting-more-cases-276474">Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 cases in France, 1 in Australia, US expecting more cases</a>

<img alt="Coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efbecbdf-401a-416a-9646-b2d014be329f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2020-01-24T101537Z_3_LYNXMPEG0M1G4_RTROPTP_3_CHINA-HEALTH.JPG" /> 
[ Nations the world over have been taking extreme measures to protect their citizens - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Hidalgo did not specify whether other New Year's celebrations planned for the coming days would also be called off, including the main, yearly procession in Paris' so-called Asian quarter, set for next Sunday. "We were informed of the cancellation of the festivities last night," said Pierre Ducerf, a representative of the Franco-Chinese Association. Celebrations planned for Bordeaux on Sunday were also cancelled.

The outbreak emerged in late December in Wuhan, an industrial and transport hub of 11 million people in China's centre, spreading to several other countries including the United States.

A precautionary lockdown of Wuhan city has since been expanded too much of the rest of Hubei province. France on Sunday put in place a medical team of several dozen experts at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport to take charge of any arrivals with possible symptoms of infection with the contagious virus.

French carmaker PSA on Saturday said it would repatriate ex-pat staff and their families - 38 people in total - from Wuhan. They would be quarantined in the city of Changsha, 300 kilometres (180 miles) from Wuhan where the virus originated, before being allowed to return "to their countries of origin", the company said in a statement.

The virus has caused global concern because of its similarity to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) pathogen, which killed hundreds across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Paris, home to two of the three French people taken ill in China's coronavirus outbreak, cancelled a Lunar New Year parade on Sunday as a "precaution", the capital's mayor Anne Hidalgo said.

Paris, home to two of the three French people taken ill in China's coronavirus outbreak, cancelled a Lunar New Year parade on Sunday as a "precaution", the capital's mayor Anne Hidalgo said. "Yesterday, I met members of the Chinese community in Paris who themselves wished to cancel the procession" scheduled for Republique square, the mayor told reporters. "The principle of precaution takes precedence," she added. On Friday, France's health ministry said three people who had recently travelled to China were confirmed to have contracted the virus - the first cases in Europe. One was a patient at a hospital in the southwestern city of Bordeaux and the other two in the capital. All three were "very well", according to France's director-general of health Jerome Salomon. Health officials were tracking other people the three had been in contact with. The Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar. This year, the start to the Year of the Rat fell on Saturday, but celebrations in China were dramatically scaled down amid a coronavirus outbreak that has killed 56 and infected nearly 2,000. Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 cases in France, 1 in Australia, US expecting more cases [ Nations the world over have been taking extreme measures to protect their citizens - Representative Image (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Hidalgo did not specify whether other New Year's celebrations planned for the coming days would also be called off, including the main, yearly procession in Paris' so-called Asian quarter, set for next Sunday. "We were informed of the cancellation of the festivities last night," said Pierre Ducerf, a representative of the Franco-Chinese Association. Celebrations planned for Bordeaux on Sunday were also cancelled. The outbreak emerged in late December in Wuhan, an industrial and transport hub of 11 million people in China's centre, spreading to several other countries including the United States. A precautionary lockdown of Wuhan city has since been expanded too much of the rest of Hubei province. France on Sunday put in place a medical team of several dozen experts at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport to take charge of any arrivals with possible symptoms of infection with the contagious virus. French carmaker PSA on Saturday said it would repatriate ex-pat staff and their families - 38 people in total - from Wuhan. They would be quarantined in the city of Changsha, 300 kilometres (180 miles) from Wuhan where the virus originated, before being allowed to return "to their countries of origin", the company said in a statement. The virus has caused global concern because of its similarity to the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) pathogen, which killed hundreds across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002-2003.

Paris cancels Lunar New Year parade due to China's viral outbreak

France will objectively evaluate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../for-pakistan-pm-atrocities-over-2-million- muslims-is-nothing-says-he-wont-criticise-china-because-they-helped-us- ...">Pakistan</a>'s actions on combating terror funding "without any concession" and a report on action taken by the country will be presented during the next month's Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meet in Paris, French diplomatic sources said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-uses-davos-to-pursue-global-digital-tax-goal-276157">France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal</a>

"Meeting of FATF's Asia/Pacific Group, which was held in Beijing, analysed Pakistan's situation from a technical point of view. Report on action undertaken by Pakistan for implementing its plan of action will be presented in February, during its plenary meet in Paris," they said.

"France is determined to continue combating money laundering and terror financing, and on this occasion, will objectively evaluate, without any concession, Pakistan's actions," diplomatic sources added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-can-pakistan-get-off-fatfs-grey-list-275796/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This came after Pakistan recently submitted its action plan report to the joint group of FATF meeting held in Beijing with China expressing satisfaction over the "visible progress" made by Islamabad, leading to speculations that it could be put in "white" list from "grey" list, according to Pakistani media reports.

The FATF in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year.

The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

France will objectively evaluate Pakistan's actions on combating terror funding "without any concession" and a report on action taken by the country will be presented during the next month's Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meet in Paris, French diplomatic sources said.

France will objectively evaluate Pakistan's actions on combating terror funding "without any concession" and a report on action taken by the country will be presented during the next month's Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meet in Paris, French diplomatic sources said. Also read: France uses Davos to pursue global 'digital tax' goal "Meeting of FATF's Asia/Pacific Group, which was held in Beijing, analysed Pakistan's situation from a technical point of view. Report on action undertaken by Pakistan for implementing its plan of action will be presented in February, during its plenary meet in Paris," they said. "France is determined to continue combating money laundering and terror financing, and on this occasion, will objectively evaluate, without any concession, Pakistan's actions," diplomatic sources added. This came after Pakistan recently submitted its action plan report to the joint group of FATF meeting held in Beijing with China expressing satisfaction over the "visible progress" made by Islamabad, leading to speculations that it could be put in "white" list from "grey" list, according to Pakistani media reports. The FATF in 2018 placed Pakistan on the grey list and the watchdog has already granted Islamabad an extension till February 2020 during a meeting in October last year. The body warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

France to 'objectively evaluate' Pakistan's actions on curbing terrorism

French President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-weeks-of-protests-macron-raises-retirement-age-in-pension-reforms-legislation-273472">Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron</a>&nbsp;said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-impeachment-trial-to-begin-in-us-senate-his-defence-team-calls-for-immediate-acquittal-275599">Donald&nbsp;Trump</a>&nbsp;over a&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs.

Macron&nbsp;and&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;agreed to hold off on a potential tariffs war until the end of 2020, a French diplomatic source said, and continue negotiations at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/urgent-international-cooperation-needed-to-address-global-warming-impacts-wmo-251656">Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development</a> (OECD) on the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;tax&nbsp;during that period.

Also watch:&nbsp;France urges US to back OECD proposal

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-urges-us-to-back-oecd-proposal-274971/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"They agreed to give a chance to negotiations until the end of the year," the source said. "During that time period, there won't be successive tariffs."</div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-urges-us-to-back-oecd-proposal-274971">France </a>decided in July to apply a 3 percent&nbsp;levy on revenue from&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services earned in France by firms with revenues of more than 25 million euros&nbsp;in France and 750 million euros worldwide. Washington has threatened to impose&nbsp;taxes on French products in response.

French authorities have repeatedly said any international agreement on&nbsp;digital&nbsp;taxation reached within the OECD would immediately supersede the French&nbsp;tax.

The White House said on Monday both&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the&nbsp;digital&nbsp;services&nbsp;tax.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with US President Donald Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday he had a "great discussion" with US President Donald Trump over a digital tax planned by Paris and said the two countries would work together to avoid a rise in tariffs. Macron and Trump agreed to hold off on a potential tariffs war until the end of 2020, a French diplomatic source said, and continue negotiations at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on the digital tax during that period. Also watch: France urges US to back OECD proposal "They agreed to give a chance to negotiations until the end of the year," the source said. "During that time period, there won't be successive tariffs." France decided in July to apply a 3 percent levy on revenue from digital services earned in France by firms with revenues of more than 25 million euros in France and 750 million euros worldwide. Washington has threatened to impose taxes on French products in response. French authorities have repeatedly said any international agreement on digital taxation reached within the OECD would immediately supersede the French tax. The White House said on Monday both Trump and Macron agreed it is important to complete successful negotiations on the digital services tax.

Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump declare truce in digital tax dispute

Christian Dior took the fashion world back to ancient Greece on Monday (January 20) with vapourous peplum-style gowns and shimmering golden numbers at its Haute Couture show, part of a twice-yearly showcase of one-of-a-kind outfits by top designers in Paris.

Dior's Grecian goddesses kick off Paris fashion extravaganza

After part of the Louvre Museum staff went on strike and gathered at the entrance, the Louvre Museum shut its doors. Several tourists were booing towards the strikers. However, the museum said tickets bought for the day would be reimbursed.

Pension reform strikes shut Louvre Museum in Paris

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