Two&nbsp;people were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;on Sunday by&nbsp;floods&nbsp;in the French Riviera, which has been hit by fresh torrential rains a week after extreme weather left six dead, authorities said.

In the Var region, a shepherd was swept away as he was trying to cross a ford in his 4x4 while tending to his flock. His body was found in his vehicle late Sunday night 300 metres&nbsp;downstream from where he was last seen, the prefecture said early Monday.

Elsewhere in the region, the owner of a stable was found dead&nbsp;two&nbsp;hours after he was also washed away while out watching over his animals, it said.

The Var and the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes region were on red alert for&nbsp;floods&nbsp;which disrupted train services and cut the A8 motorway for four hours Sunday evening.

Many cultural and sporting events were also called off due to the bad weather, including Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 match at Monaco.

During the previous weekend, heavy rains caused the deaths of six people in the Var.

Two people were killed on Sunday by floods in the French Riviera, which has been hit by fresh torrential rains a week after extreme weather left six dead, authorities said.

Two people were killed on Sunday by floods in the French Riviera, which has been hit by fresh torrential rains a week after extreme weather left six dead, authorities said. In the Var region, a shepherd was swept away as he was trying to cross a ford in his 4x4 while tending to his flock. His body was found in his vehicle late Sunday night 300 metres downstream from where he was last seen, the prefecture said early Monday. Elsewhere in the region, the owner of a stable was found dead two hours after he was also washed away while out watching over his animals, it said. The Var and the neighbouring Alpes-Maritimes region were on red alert for floods which disrupted train services and cut the A8 motorway for four hours Sunday evening. Many cultural and sporting events were also called off due to the bad weather, including Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 match at Monaco. During the previous weekend, heavy rains caused the deaths of six people in the Var.

Floods and rain kill two in southern France

France face a major hurdle if they are to add the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wales-qualifies-for-euro-2020-belgium-netherlands-germany-secure-victories-in-final-qualifying-clash-263291">European Championship </a>to their World Cup crown after coming out in the same Euro 2020 group as Germany and reigning European champions Portugal in Saturday's draw in Bucharest.

Neither France nor Portugal were in Pot One for the 24-team competition being held in 12 cities across Europe, making them the dangerous teams to avoid for the top seeds.

In the event, they were all put together in a high-calibre Group F alongside Germany, who will play all their group games in Munich. That is where Joachim Loew's team will face France in their first match on June 16 and then Portugal on June 20.

"It is the hardest group, but we must accept it. It means we will have to be ready right away," said France coach Didier Deschamps.

Group F will be completed by one of the winners of the play-offs to be played next March, leaving open several possibilities including Hungary, who will play two games in Budapest should they make it.

France beat Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on home soil, before slumping in the final against Portugal.

With the four best third-placed sides all going through, it is very possible all three will progress to the last 16, but Loew is in no doubt France -- who followed their 1998 World Cup triumph by winning Euro 2000 -- are the strongest team.

"They are the world champions and have been getting stronger for the last three or four years. They are the group favourites," he said.

Home advantage?&nbsp;

Meanwhile, England were drawn with Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D, with Gareth Southgate's team to play group games at Wembley, which will also host the semi-finals and the July 12 final.

That group will be completed by the team to emerge victorious from Path C in the play-offs -- either Serbia, Norway, Israel and Scotland. The latter have the added incentive of knowing they will play two games in Glasgow in the group stage should they qualify.

England faced the Czechs in qualifying, winning 5-0 at Wembley but suffering their only defeat of the campaign in Prague, losing 2-1 in October.

England will kick off at home to Croatia on June 14 in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which was won by the Croatians.

However, should England win their group they will have to play the Group F runners-up, setting up a possible clash with Germany, France or Portugal in the last 16.

Even if they win that, the draw is such that they could end up facing Spain in the quarter-finals.

When asked about the advantage of playing at Wembley, Southgate said: "Obviously eight or 10 teams have the advantage of home group matches, and we have only ever been to one semi-final so that doesn't become an advantage unless we get through two very complicated knockout matches as well. That is a long way down the line."

Southgate famously missed a penalty when England lost to Germany in a shootout at Wembley in the Euro 96 semi-finals, the last time they played a match at home in the tournament.

Wales head to Baku&nbsp;

Italy will face Turkey in Rome in the tournament's opening game on June 12, with Switzerland and Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales also in that section, Group A.

Wales will play two matches in far-flung Baku, starting with Switzerland on June 13. They played there this month, and won, against Azerbaijan in a qualifier.

"Obviously come the championships it will be six or seven months down the line but we know what to expect, the facilities were fantastic there, and I think it's also great for the fans that they have got two games there," said Wales boss Ryan Giggs.

Spain will play Sweden and Poland as well as a play-off winner in Group E, with Luis Enrique's team playing in Bilbao.

Finland will face two hosts, Denmark and Russia, as well as much-fancied Belgium in Group B at what will be their first Euro.

The Netherlands, on the rise after missing Euro 2016 and the last World Cup, face Ukraine and Austria along with another play-off winner in Group C.

Saint Petersburg, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bucharest and Dublin will also host matches after UEFA decided to spread the Euro across the continent to mark the 60th anniversary of the first tournament in 1960. 
&nbsp;

France face a major hurdle if they are to add the European Championship to their World Cup crown after coming out in the same Euro 2020 group as Germany and reigning European champions Portugal in Saturday's draw in Bucharest.

France face a major hurdle if they are to add the European Championship to their World Cup crown after coming out in the same Euro 2020 group as Germany and reigning European champions Portugal in Saturday's draw in Bucharest. Neither France nor Portugal were in Pot One for the 24-team competition being held in 12 cities across Europe, making them the dangerous teams to avoid for the top seeds. In the event, they were all put together in a high-calibre Group F alongside Germany, who will play all their group games in Munich. That is where Joachim Loew's team will face France in their first match on June 16 and then Portugal on June 20. "It is the hardest group, but we must accept it. It means we will have to be ready right away," said France coach Didier Deschamps. Group F will be completed by one of the winners of the play-offs to be played next March, leaving open several possibilities including Hungary, who will play two games in Budapest should they make it. France beat Germany in the semi-finals of Euro 2016 on home soil, before slumping in the final against Portugal. With the four best third-placed sides all going through, it is very possible all three will progress to the last 16, but Loew is in no doubt France -- who followed their 1998 World Cup triumph by winning Euro 2000 -- are the strongest team. "They are the world champions and have been getting stronger for the last three or four years. They are the group favourites," he said. Home advantage? Meanwhile, England were drawn with Croatia and the Czech Republic in Group D, with Gareth Southgate's team to play group games at Wembley, which will also host the semi-finals and the July 12 final. That group will be completed by the team to emerge victorious from Path C in the play-offs -- either Serbia, Norway, Israel and Scotland. The latter have the added incentive of knowing they will play two games in Glasgow in the group stage should they qualify. England faced the Czechs in qualifying, winning 5-0 at Wembley but suffering their only defeat of the campaign in Prague, losing 2-1 in October. England will kick off at home to Croatia on June 14 in a repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which was won by the Croatians. However, should England win their group they will have to play the Group F runners-up, setting up a possible clash with Germany, France or Portugal in the last 16. Even if they win that, the draw is such that they could end up facing Spain in the quarter-finals. When asked about the advantage of playing at Wembley, Southgate said: "Obviously eight or 10 teams have the advantage of home group matches, and we have only ever been to one semi-final so that doesn't become an advantage unless we get through two very complicated knockout matches as well. That is a long way down the line." Southgate famously missed a penalty when England lost to Germany in a shootout at Wembley in the Euro 96 semi-finals, the last time they played a match at home in the tournament. Wales head to Baku Italy will face Turkey in Rome in the tournament's opening game on June 12, with Switzerland and Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales also in that section, Group A. Wales will play two matches in far-flung Baku, starting with Switzerland on June 13. They played there this month, and won, against Azerbaijan in a qualifier. "Obviously come the championships it will be six or seven months down the line but we know what to expect, the facilities were fantastic there, and I think it's also great for the fans that they have got two games there," said Wales boss Ryan Giggs. Spain will play Sweden and Poland as well as a play-off winner in Group E, with Luis Enrique's team playing in Bilbao. Finland will face two hosts, Denmark and Russia, as well as much-fancied Belgium in Group B at what will be their first Euro. The Netherlands, on the rise after missing Euro 2016 and the last World Cup, face Ukraine and Austria along with another play-off winner in Group C. Saint Petersburg, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Bucharest and Dublin will also host matches after UEFA decided to spread the Euro across the continent to mark the 60th anniversary of the first tournament in 1960.

Heavyweights France, Germany and Portugal drawn together for Euro 2020

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-police-fire-tear-gas-on-yellow-vest-protests-anniversary-262597">Paris</a> public transport operator warned Thursday of "severely disrupted traffic" on metro and bus lines during a strike on December 5 against the government's pension reforms.

Officials are bracing for major protests that could snarl rail and metro traffic across the country, raising the spectre of a second French winter of discontent a year after the start of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/yellow-vest-protesters-back-on-streets-of-paris-262729">"yellow vest"</a> protest movement.

Unions have called a new indefinite strike against an overhaul of the pensions system that they say will require people to work longer or accept a lower pension.

The national rail operator SNCF has taken the unusual step of halting all ticket sales for December 5-8 on expectations of sweeping train cancellations.

RATP, which operates the Paris metro, said it would team up with companies offering travel alternatives for commuters, such as carpooling groups and ride-hailing firms.

It will also provide "complementary mobility services" such as bicycles and the electric scooters which have inundated the French capital since last year.

Many schools in Paris have warned parents that classes might be cancelled next Thursday and Friday, and firms already expect many employees will be unable to make it in to work.

In September, the city already got a foretaste of the possible disruption in store when a one-day strike shut down most of the 16 lines on the metro.

Alongside the rail and metro workers, unions at Air France and the electricity group EDF have also announced plans to strike, as have lawyers who say the pension reforms will drain the financial reserves of their own separate pension scheme.

The government has vowed to do away with dozens of advantageous pension schemes enjoyed by workers in state transport and utility companies, as well as sailors, solicitors and Paris Opera workers.

Metro workers say the reforms would remove their long-held rights to early retirement, secured decades ago to compensate for spending long hours underground.

A recent report from France's state auditor, the Cour des Comptes, found that the average retirement age for public transport workers in Paris in 2017 was 55.7, compared with 63 years for most French workers.

The strike poses a stiff challenge to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/poland-says-frances-macron-comments-on-nato-dangerous-261350">President Emmanuel Macron</a>'s reform agenda, feeding into a growing mood of discontent that has brought tens of thousands of hospital workers, students, firefighters, police, farmers and lawyers onto the streets in the past three months.

The Paris public transport operator warned Thursday of "severely disrupted traffic" on metro and bus lines during a strike on December 5 against the government's pension reforms.

The Paris public transport operator warned Thursday of "severely disrupted traffic" on metro and bus lines during a strike on December 5 against the government's pension reforms. Officials are bracing for major protests that could snarl rail and metro traffic across the country, raising the spectre of a second French winter of discontent a year after the start of the "yellow vest" protest movement. Unions have called a new indefinite strike against an overhaul of the pensions system that they say will require people to work longer or accept a lower pension. The national rail operator SNCF has taken the unusual step of halting all ticket sales for December 5-8 on expectations of sweeping train cancellations. RATP, which operates the Paris metro, said it would team up with companies offering travel alternatives for commuters, such as carpooling groups and ride-hailing firms. It will also provide "complementary mobility services" such as bicycles and the electric scooters which have inundated the French capital since last year. Many schools in Paris have warned parents that classes might be cancelled next Thursday and Friday, and firms already expect many employees will be unable to make it in to work. In September, the city already got a foretaste of the possible disruption in store when a one-day strike shut down most of the 16 lines on the metro. Alongside the rail and metro workers, unions at Air France and the electricity group EDF have also announced plans to strike, as have lawyers who say the pension reforms will drain the financial reserves of their own separate pension scheme. The government has vowed to do away with dozens of advantageous pension schemes enjoyed by workers in state transport and utility companies, as well as sailors, solicitors and Paris Opera workers. Metro workers say the reforms would remove their long-held rights to early retirement, secured decades ago to compensate for spending long hours underground. A recent report from France's state auditor, the Cour des Comptes, found that the average retirement age for public transport workers in Paris in 2017 was 55.7, compared with 63 years for most French workers. The strike poses a stiff challenge to President Emmanuel Macron's reform agenda, feeding into a growing mood of discontent that has brought tens of thousands of hospital workers, students, firefighters, police, farmers and lawyers onto the streets in the past three months.

Paris metro faces 'severe' disruptions from December 5 strike

Farmers In France & Germany Have Shut Down Paris & Berlin.

Gravitas: Why are Europe's farmers protesting?

The black boxes from two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../thirteen-french-soldiers-fighting-jihadists-in- mali-killed-in-helicopter-crash-264659">French military helicopters</a> that collided in Mali killing 13 soldiers have been found, a French military spokesman said Wednesday.

The crash occurred late Monday during an operation against jihadists in the Liptako region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. It was the heaviest single loss for the French military in nearly four decades.

"The two black boxes from the helicopters have been recovered, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities to be analysed," the spokesman, Colonel Frederic Barbry, told BFMTV.

Three helicopters and a squadron of Mirage jets had arrived on Monday to support ground troops pursuing Islamist extremists.

Shortly after troops engaged the insurgents, who fled on motorbikes and in a pickup truck, a Tiger attack helicopter collided with a Cougar military transport helicopter, killing all 13 onboard the two aircraft.

Barbry said no theory as to the cause of the crash is being ruled out, and it would be up to the investigation team to determine why the collision occurred.

The conditions for flying at the time of the crash were "extremely difficult" because it was a dark night with no moonlight, the spokesman said.

"The pilots work with night vision binoculars that intensify the residual light when there is no moon, no sources of artificial light like in cities, as is the case in this region."

Barbry said the soldiers' bodies will be repatriated to the French mainland.

The accident brought to 41 the number of French troops killed in the Sahel region since Paris intervened against Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists in Mali in 2013.

It also underscored the challenge for France of trying to control an insurgency in an area the size of Western Europe as a time of escalating violence.

The black boxes from two French military helicopters that collided in Mali killing 13 soldiers have been found, a French military spokesman said Wednesday. The crash occurred late Monday during an operation against jihadists in the Liptako region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

The black boxes from two French military helicopters that collided in Mali killing 13 soldiers have been found, a French military spokesman said Wednesday. The crash occurred late Monday during an operation against jihadists in the Liptako region, near the borders with Burkina Faso and Niger. It was the heaviest single loss for the French military in nearly four decades. "The two black boxes from the helicopters have been recovered, they will be handed over to the relevant authorities to be analysed," the spokesman, Colonel Frederic Barbry, told BFMTV. Three helicopters and a squadron of Mirage jets had arrived on Monday to support ground troops pursuing Islamist extremists. Shortly after troops engaged the insurgents, who fled on motorbikes and in a pickup truck, a Tiger attack helicopter collided with a Cougar military transport helicopter, killing all 13 onboard the two aircraft. Barbry said no theory as to the cause of the crash is being ruled out, and it would be up to the investigation team to determine why the collision occurred. The conditions for flying at the time of the crash were "extremely difficult" because it was a dark night with no moonlight, the spokesman said. "The pilots work with night vision binoculars that intensify the residual light when there is no moon, no sources of artificial light like in cities, as is the case in this region." Barbry said the soldiers' bodies will be repatriated to the French mainland. The accident brought to 41 the number of French troops killed in the Sahel region since Paris intervened against Al-Qaeda-affiliated jihadists in Mali in 2013. It also underscored the challenge for France of trying to control an insurgency in an area the size of Western Europe as a time of escalating violence.

Black boxes from crashed helicopters found in Mali

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkels-coalition-in-crisis-talks-after-european-union-vote-debacle-221923">German Chancellor Angela Merkel </a>called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network.

Some German lawmakers want to exclude <a href="https://www.wionews.com/americas/united-states-formally-charges-chinas-huawei-with-bank-fraud-stealing-trade-secrets-193545">China's Huawei </a>from 5G contracts, following warnings by the United States that this could lead to spying for Beijing. Huawei denies the allegations made by Washington.

Merkel prefers security standards to be the yardstick rather than singling out individual firms.

"One of the biggest dangers is that individual countries in Europe will have their own policies towards China and then mixed signals will be sent out," she told lawmakers in a budget debate in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday.

"That would be disastrous not for China but for us in Europe," Merkel said, adding Germany and France must try to agree on a common approach first and a Europe-wide solution could be developed from that.

France will not follow the United States and exclude Huawei from its 5G network but will have the power to vet all equipment makers for any potential security threat, a minister said on Monday.

"It is undisputed that we need high-security standards in the expansion of 5G but just as we must define that for ourselves, we must also discuss it with other European partners," Merkel said.

All the telecom operators in Germany, which have close trading ties with China, are customers of Huawei and have warned that banning it would delay the launch of 5G networks.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel called on European countries on Wednesday to agree on a common approach towards China and the rollout of the next-generation 5G mobile network. Some German lawmakers want to exclude China's Huawei from 5G contracts, following warnings by the United States that this could lead to spying for Beijing. Huawei denies the allegations made by Washington. Merkel prefers security standards to be the yardstick rather than singling out individual firms. "One of the biggest dangers is that individual countries in Europe will have their own policies towards China and then mixed signals will be sent out," she told lawmakers in a budget debate in the Bundestag lower house on Wednesday. "That would be disastrous not for China but for us in Europe," Merkel said, adding Germany and France must try to agree on a common approach first and a Europe-wide solution could be developed from that. France will not follow the United States and exclude Huawei from its 5G network but will have the power to vet all equipment makers for any potential security threat, a minister said on Monday. "It is undisputed that we need high-security standards in the expansion of 5G but just as we must define that for ourselves, we must also discuss it with other European partners," Merkel said. All the telecom operators in Germany, which have close trading ties with China, are customers of Huawei and have warned that banning it would delay the launch of 5G networks.

Merkel wants Europe to aim for joint stance on China and 5G

Thirteen French soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali killed in helicopter crash

Gravitas: Fight Against Gender Discrimination

Tens&nbsp;of&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against&nbsp;domestic&nbsp;violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in&nbsp;France&nbsp;this year.

In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic color used by the women's rights movement.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tens-of-thousands-march-in-france-to-condemn-domestic-violence-264227">Emmanuel Macron</a> expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest.

"I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual&nbsp;violence. Count on me to continue the mobilization of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter.

Some 35,000 people participated in the&nbsp;march&nbsp;in Paris, police said.

The #NousToutes association, which organized the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across&nbsp;France.

The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into&nbsp;domestic&nbsp;violence.

The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday.

"We can and we should do better," they wrote.

A Council of Europe expert group on&nbsp;domestic&nbsp;violence&nbsp;(GREVIO) said this week&nbsp;France&nbsp;needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence&nbsp;measures.

"We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris.

Other&nbsp;marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and Lille.

"There is far too much&nbsp;violence&nbsp;against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year. In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic color used by the women's rights movement. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest. "I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilization of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter. Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said. The #NousToutes association, which organized the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France. The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence. The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday. "We can and we should do better," they wrote. A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures. "We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris. Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and Lille. "There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands march in France to condemn domestic violence

France, Italy battle massive floods. Heavy rains down trees, trigger mudslides. Watch this video to know more.

France, Italy battle massive floods

Four&nbsp;people were found&nbsp;dead&nbsp;on Sunday&nbsp;after&nbsp;massive&nbsp;flooding that has&nbsp;hit&nbsp;southeastern&nbsp;France&nbsp;since Friday, causing major damage in the region, local authorities said.

One person was found&nbsp;dead&nbsp;near Muy, between the towns of Nice and Marseille,&nbsp;after&nbsp;falling off a rescue boat near Muy late on Saturday, the police prefecture of the Var department said in a statement.

Another body was found in a car in Cabasse and two people were found&nbsp;dead&nbsp;in Tanneron, it added.

A 77-year old man has been missing since Saturday morning in Saint-Antonin-du-Var.

Several rivers burst their banks in&nbsp;southeastern&nbsp;France, causing major damage as homes were flooded and cars and boats were swept along by the waters.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner traveled to the Var on Sunday to meet victims and rescue workers as the rain continued to fall in the region, although it was not as heavy as in previous days and&nbsp;floods&nbsp;started to subside.

Four people were found dead on Sunday after massive flooding that has hit southeastern France since Friday, causing major damage in the region, local authorities said.

Four people were found dead on Sunday after massive flooding that has hit southeastern France since Friday, causing major damage in the region, local authorities said. One person was found dead near Muy, between the towns of Nice and Marseille, after falling off a rescue boat near Muy late on Saturday, the police prefecture of the Var department said in a statement. Another body was found in a car in Cabasse and two people were found dead in Tanneron, it added. A 77-year old man has been missing since Saturday morning in Saint-Antonin-du-Var. Several rivers burst their banks in southeastern France, causing major damage as homes were flooded and cars and boats were swept along by the waters. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner traveled to the Var on Sunday to meet victims and rescue workers as the rain continued to fall in the region, although it was not as heavy as in previous days and floods started to subside.

At least four dead after massive floods hit southeastern France

She leaves him, he kills her: How France protested against domestic violence

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year.

In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic colour used by the women's rights movement.

President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest.

"I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilisation of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
J’adresse mon soutien à chaque femme qui a vécu des violences sexistes ou sexuelles. 
Comptez sur moi pour poursuivre la mobilisation du gouvernement et de la Nation entière dans cette grande cause. 
Besoin de l’engagement de chacun(e) pour <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeRienLaisserPasser?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NeRienLaisserPasser</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NousToutes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NousToutes</a>
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1198313852561174529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said.

The #NousToutes association, which organised the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France.

The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence.

The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday.

"We can and we should do better," they wrote.

A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures.

"We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris.

Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille.

"There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Paris and other French cities on Saturday to protest against domestic violence, after more than 130 women are believed to have been killed by their partner or ex-partner in France this year. In Paris, the mostly female activists chanted "Abuser, you've had it, women are in the street" and held purple placards bearing the names of female victims and slogans such as "not another murder more". Purple is a symbolic colour used by the women's rights movement. President Emmanuel Macron expressed his solidarity after the end of the protest. "I give my support to every woman who has experienced gender-based or sexual violence. Count on me to continue the mobilisation of the government and the entire nation in this great cause," he said on Twitter. J’adresse mon soutien à chaque femme qui a vécu des violences sexistes ou sexuelles. Comptez sur moi pour poursuivre la mobilisation du gouvernement et de la Nation entière dans cette grande cause. Besoin de l’engagement de chacun(e) pour #NeRienLaisserPasser.#NousToutes — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 23, 2019 × Some 35,000 people participated in the march in Paris, police said. The #NousToutes association, which organised the protests, estimated the turnout much higher at 100,000 in Paris and 150,000 across France. The demonstrations took place two days before the government is due to publish the results of an investigation into domestic violence. The government is also set to announce a series of new measures aimed at protecting women, the Justice and Interior Ministers and the Secretary of State for Gender Equality said in a joint opinion piece in Le Parisien daily on Saturday. "We can and we should do better," they wrote. A Council of Europe expert group on domestic violence (GREVIO) said this week France needed to offer better protection for victims and their children and more effective anti-violence measures. "We cannot continue to accept that women are being murdered today with total impunity. The state must do its job to guarantee the security of all women in this country," #NousToutes activist Karine Plassard told Reuters in Paris. Other marches took place in French cities such as Lyon, Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lille. "There is far too much violence against women everywhere in society, at work, in our intimate lives," said Paris demonstrator Pauline, 28. "The masculine part of the population must be aware of what they are doing to the other half."

The ducks on a small French smallholding may carry on quacking, a French court ruled on Tuesday (November 19), rejecting a neighbour's complaint that the birds' racket was making their life a misery.

'The ducks have won': French court says they may keep on quacking

The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday urged Iran to explain the presence of uranium particles at an undeclared site, as a landmark deal aimed at curbing Tehran's atomic activities threatens to collapse.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report made public last week that its inspectors had "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uranium-particles-detected-at-undeclared-site-in-iran-iaea-report-261503">detected natural uranium particles</a> of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency".&nbsp;

The agency's acting head Cornel Feruta said IAEA and Iranian officials would meet in Tehran next week to discuss the matter, adding that the UN body had not received any additional information.&nbsp;

"The matter remains unresolved... It is essential that Iran works with the agency to resolve this matter promptly," he told IAEA member states at a meeting of the agency's board of governors.

A diplomatic source told AFP that the IAEA would send a high-ranking technical delegation to Iran next week.

The particles are understood to be the product of uranium which has been mined and undergone initial processing, but not enriched.

While the IAEA has not named the site in question, diplomatic sources have previously said the agency asked Iran about a site in the Turquzabad district of Tehran where Israel has alleged secret atomic activity in the past.

Sources say the IAEA took samples from the site in the spring and that Iran has been slow in providing answers to explain the test results.

The 2015 deal between Iran and world powers has been faltering since last year when the United States pulled out and started to reinstate punishing sanctions on Tehran, leaving the other signatories struggling to salvage the agreement.

Over the past few months, Iran has breached several parts of the deal it signed with the US as well as Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, in which it committed to scaling back its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

But Britain, France and Germany have said they are extremely <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-accuses-europeans-of-hypocrisy-over-nuclear-deal-261577">concerned by Iran's actions</a> in stepping up its uranium enrichment and other breaches.

Enrichment is the process that produces fuel for nuclear power plants but also, in highly extended form, the fissile core for a warhead.

On Monday, the IAEA confirmed Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors has surpassed the 130-tonne limit set under the agreement.

Heavy water is not itself radioactive but is used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons from nuclear fission.

Heavy water reactors can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons as an alternative to enriched uranium.

The IAEA has also said one of its inspectors was briefly prevented from leaving Iran, calling her treatment "not acceptable".

Iran has cancelled the inspector's accreditation, saying she triggered a security check at the entrance gate to the Natanz enrichment plant last month.

The IAEA has disputed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-rejects-reports-of-iaea-finding-traces-of-uranium-at-unnamed-site-261172">Iranian account of the incident</a>, without going into details.

The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday urged Iran to explain the presence of uranium particles at an undeclared site, as a landmark deal aimed at curbing Tehran's atomic activities threatens to collapse.

The UN nuclear watchdog on Thursday urged Iran to explain the presence of uranium particles at an undeclared site, as a landmark deal aimed at curbing Tehran's atomic activities threatens to collapse. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report made public last week that its inspectors had "detected natural uranium particles of anthropogenic origin at a location in Iran not declared to the agency". The agency's acting head Cornel Feruta said IAEA and Iranian officials would meet in Tehran next week to discuss the matter, adding that the UN body had not received any additional information. "The matter remains unresolved... It is essential that Iran works with the agency to resolve this matter promptly," he told IAEA member states at a meeting of the agency's board of governors. A diplomatic source told AFP that the IAEA would send a high-ranking technical delegation to Iran next week. The particles are understood to be the product of uranium which has been mined and undergone initial processing, but not enriched. While the IAEA has not named the site in question, diplomatic sources have previously said the agency asked Iran about a site in the Turquzabad district of Tehran where Israel has alleged secret atomic activity in the past. Sources say the IAEA took samples from the site in the spring and that Iran has been slow in providing answers to explain the test results. The 2015 deal between Iran and world powers has been faltering since last year when the United States pulled out and started to reinstate punishing sanctions on Tehran, leaving the other signatories struggling to salvage the agreement. Over the past few months, Iran has breached several parts of the deal it signed with the US as well as Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, in which it committed to scaling back its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. But Britain, France and Germany have said they are extremely concerned by Iran's actions in stepping up its uranium enrichment and other breaches. Enrichment is the process that produces fuel for nuclear power plants but also, in highly extended form, the fissile core for a warhead. On Monday, the IAEA confirmed Iran's stock of heavy water for reactors has surpassed the 130-tonne limit set under the agreement. Heavy water is not itself radioactive but is used in nuclear reactors to absorb neutrons from nuclear fission. Heavy water reactors can be used to produce plutonium for nuclear weapons as an alternative to enriched uranium. The IAEA has also said one of its inspectors was briefly prevented from leaving Iran, calling her treatment "not acceptable". Iran has cancelled the inspector's accreditation, saying she triggered a security check at the entrance gate to the Natanz enrichment plant last month. The IAEA has disputed the Iranian account of the incident, without going into details.

IAEA urges Iran to explain uranium particles at undeclared site

A 17th-century copy of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic portrait "Mona Lisa" was sold on Tuesday at a Sotheby's auction house in Paris for 552,000 euros ($611,560.80), smashing its initial valuation of 70,000 and 90,000 euros (77,000 to 99,000 U.S. dollars).

Replica of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa sells for 553,000 euros

World champions France produced a fitting inaugural match in Albania's newly-built Arena Kombetare stadium after goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann gave them a 2-0 win in a Euro 2020 Group H qualifier on Sunday.

Having already booked their berth in next year's 24-nation tournament, France finished top of the group on 25 points from 10 games, two ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-qualify-for-euro-2020-with-draw-against-iceland-france-also-secure-spot-262254">second-placed Turkey</a> who cruised to a 2-0 win at Andorra.

Albania, who had no chance of breaking into the top two, looked subdued in front of a passionate home crowd and UEFA dignitaries including the soccer governing body's chief Aleksander Ceferin.

Tolisso fired the French into an eighth-minute lead when he headed home superbly inside the near post after Griezmann swung in an inviting free kick from the left.

Griezmann netted the second in the 31st minute when he turned in a sharp low cross by Leo Dubois, as the gulf in class between the two sides was everywhere to be seen in front of a capacity 22,000 crowd.

France continued to press after the break and Olivier Giroud missed three chances to extend their lead, having twice been denied by goalkeeper Etrit Berisha before hitting the post with a fierce shot from inside the penalty area.

Turkey, who also sealed qualification with a match to spare, breezed past Andorra thanks to a first-half brace from striker Enes Unal.

In the group's other fixture, Iceland eked out a 2-1 win in Moldova and although the Nordic nation failed to progress from the group, they will have another chance through the playoffs in March.

World champions France produced a fitting inaugural match in Albania's newly-built Arena Kombetare stadium after goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann gave them a 2-0 win in a Euro 2020 Group H qualifier on Sunday.

World champions France produced a fitting inaugural match in Albania's newly-built Arena Kombetare stadium after goals from Corentin Tolisso and Antoine Griezmann gave them a 2-0 win in a Euro 2020 Group H qualifier on Sunday. Having already booked their berth in next year's 24-nation tournament, France finished top of the group on 25 points from 10 games, two ahead of second-placed Turkey who cruised to a 2-0 win at Andorra. Albania, who had no chance of breaking into the top two, looked subdued in front of a passionate home crowd and UEFA dignitaries including the soccer governing body's chief Aleksander Ceferin. Tolisso fired the French into an eighth-minute lead when he headed home superbly inside the near post after Griezmann swung in an inviting free kick from the left. Griezmann netted the second in the 31st minute when he turned in a sharp low cross by Leo Dubois, as the gulf in class between the two sides was everywhere to be seen in front of a capacity 22,000 crowd. France continued to press after the break and Olivier Giroud missed three chances to extend their lead, having twice been denied by goalkeeper Etrit Berisha before hitting the post with a fierce shot from inside the penalty area. Turkey, who also sealed qualification with a match to spare, breezed past Andorra thanks to a first-half brace from striker Enes Unal. In the group's other fixture, Iceland eked out a 2-1 win in Moldova and although the Nordic nation failed to progress from the group, they will have another chance through the playoffs in March.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: France celebrate 2-0 win in Albania's new stadium

A complaint has been filed against star Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for offering prayers (namaz) on the cricket field during the game against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023. Vineet Jindal, an advocate in the Supreme Court of India, wrote to the ICC, saying Rizwan offering prayers during the match ‘raises questions about the spirit of the game.’

“This is a complaint about Pakistan Cricket Player, Mohammad Rizwan, who was seen offering namaz on the cricket field during his team’s opening match of the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 on Friday (Oct 6) against the Netherlands in Hyderabad,” reads the complaint filed by Jindal with the ICC chairman Greg Barclay.

“The act of Mohammad Rizwan when he read namaz on the cricket field amid many Indians is symbolic of the intentional depiction of his religion, which stands against the spirit of the sports,” it added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rashid-latif-tears-into-pakistan-cricket-setup-blames-political-vendetta-aggressive-changes-for-poor-show-647447">Rashid Latif tears into Pakistan cricket setup, blames political vendetta, aggressive changes for poor show</a>

In the complaint he filed, the lawyer said Rizwan offering the prayers defeated the whole purpose of the spirit of cricket, further questioning his ideology behind it. He added that by doing so, Rizwan was purposely depicting his religion.&nbsp;

Vineet posted the photo of his complaint on his social media handle, receiving attention from everywhere.

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खेल की भावना को जीवित रखने के लिए, अधिवक्ता विनीत जिंदल ने 6 अक्टूबर 2023 को क्रिकेट मैच के दौरान "नमाज़" की पेशकश करने के लिए पाकिस्तान क्रिकेट टीम के विकेटकीपर और बल्लेबाज मोहम्मद रिज़वान के खिलाफ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट परिषद में शिकायत दर्ज की। 
शिकायत की कॉपी आईसीसी एथिक्स… <a href="https://t.co/w2Ezm6KaTy">pic.twitter.com/w2Ezm6KaTy</a>
— Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) <a href="https://twitter.com/vineetJindal19/status/1713086170102710678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“This very act of the player raises questions about the spirit of the match and raises a question of the ideology, the player follows while playing the match. The act of displaying his religion by Mohammed Rizwan purposefully depicts his intent to message that he is a Muslim, defeating the spirit of sports. Rizwan was seen offering prayers amid the field while his teammates were waiting for the drinks during the break,” the complaint read.

Following his match-winning hundred against Sri Lanka the other day, Rizwan dedicated his knock (on X – previously known as Twitter) to the people of Gaza, putting himself in a controversial sphere, given the dos and don’ts laid by the cricket’s governing body.

“The act of representation of his religion by Mohammed Rizwan in the field and further followed by his statement in his press conference regarding the dedication of his victory to the people of Gaza further attests to his religious and political ideology,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, Pakistan have won two and lost one in three matches played in this World Cup so far. They will next face Australia in Bengaluru on Friday (Oct 20).&nbsp;

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A complaint has been filed against star Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for offering prayers (namaz) on the cricket field during the game against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023.

A complaint has been filed against star Pakistan keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan for offering prayers (namaz) on the cricket field during the game against the Netherlands in World Cup 2023. Vineet Jindal, an advocate in the Supreme Court of India, wrote to the ICC, saying Rizwan offering prayers during the match ‘raises questions about the spirit of the game.’ “This is a complaint about Pakistan Cricket Player, Mohammad Rizwan, who was seen offering namaz on the cricket field during his team’s opening match of the ongoing ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 on Friday (Oct 6) against the Netherlands in Hyderabad,” reads the complaint filed by Jindal with the ICC chairman Greg Barclay. “The act of Mohammad Rizwan when he read namaz on the cricket field amid many Indians is symbolic of the intentional depiction of his religion, which stands against the spirit of the sports,” it added. ALSO READ: Rashid Latif tears into Pakistan cricket setup, blames political vendetta, aggressive changes for poor show In the complaint he filed, the lawyer said Rizwan offering the prayers defeated the whole purpose of the spirit of cricket, further questioning his ideology behind it. He added that by doing so, Rizwan was purposely depicting his religion. Vineet posted the photo of his complaint on his social media handle, receiving attention from everywhere. खेल की भावना को जीवित रखने के लिए, अधिवक्ता विनीत जिंदल ने 6 अक्टूबर 2023 को क्रिकेट मैच के दौरान "नमाज़" की पेशकश करने के लिए पाकिस्तान क्रिकेट टीम के विकेटकीपर और बल्लेबाज मोहम्मद रिज़वान के खिलाफ अंतर्राष्ट्रीय क्रिकेट परिषद में शिकायत दर्ज की। शिकायत की कॉपी आईसीसी एथिक्स… pic.twitter.com/w2Ezm6KaTy — Adv.Vineet Jindal (@vineetJindal19) October 14, 2023 × “This very act of the player raises questions about the spirit of the match and raises a question of the ideology, the player follows while playing the match. The act of displaying his religion by Mohammed Rizwan purposefully depicts his intent to message that he is a Muslim, defeating the spirit of sports. Rizwan was seen offering prayers amid the field while his teammates were waiting for the drinks during the break,” the complaint read. Following his match-winning hundred against Sri Lanka the other day, Rizwan dedicated his knock (on X – previously known as Twitter) to the people of Gaza, putting himself in a controversial sphere, given the dos and don’ts laid by the cricket’s governing body. “The act of representation of his religion by Mohammed Rizwan in the field and further followed by his statement in his press conference regarding the dedication of his victory to the people of Gaza further attests to his religious and political ideology,” the statement read. Meanwhile, Pakistan have won two and lost one in three matches played in this World Cup so far. They will next face Australia in Bengaluru on Friday (Oct 20). WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Interpol plans to condemn encryption spread citing sexual predators: Sources

Venice was on red alert for more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venice-hit-by-another-ferocious-high-tide-flooding-city-262370">floods </a>and fierce winds on Saturday after an exceptionally high tide swamped the city of canals, where authorities have declared a state of emergency.

Mayor Luigi Brugnaro ordered the iconic St Mark's Square closed on Friday as the latest sea surge struck with strong storms and winds battering the region.

It reached a high of 1.54 metres (five feet) just before midday -- lower than Tuesday's peak but still dangerous.

"I'm forced to close the square to avoid health risks for citizens... a disaster," Brugnaro said.

In the afternoon the square reopened as water levels receded.

But civil protection authorities issued a weather "red alert" for the Venice region on Saturday, warning of violent winds.

Churches, shops and homes in the UNESCO city have been inundated by unusually intense "acqua alta", or high water, which on Tuesday hit their highest level in half a century.

"We've destroyed Venice, we're talking about one billion (euros) in damage and that's just from the other day, not today," Brugnaro said.

The crisis has prompted the government to release 20 million euros ($22 million) in funds to tackle the devastation.

"It's shocking to see this, having water up to your knees," Mexican tourist Oscar Calzada, 19, told AFP Friday.

Surveying the damage, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini warned the task of repairing the city would be huge. More than 50 churches had suffered damage, he said.&nbsp;

"Seeing these places first-hand gives the sense of a much greater disaster than TV images show," Franceschini said.&nbsp;

Hotel reservations cancelled&nbsp;

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared a state of emergency for the city on Thursday.

Residents whose houses have been hit are eligible for up to 5,000 euros in immediate government aid, while restaurant and shop owners can receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later.

Mayor Brugnaro on Friday also announced the opening of a fund where people in Italy and around the world could contribute to the historic city's repair.

One tourist, Italian Nicole Righetti, said she would be willing to pitch in.&nbsp;

"It would be a shame to no longer be able to see these places, and I think everyone should give," Righettii said.

Some Venetians, used to the inconvenience of their city's rising waters, nevertheless expressed frustration.

"All the stock in the basement is lost," lamented Luciano, a worker at a shop along St. Mark's Square.

He said he remembered well the infamous "acqua alta" of 1966, when the water rose to a level of 1.94 metres, the highest-ever since records began in 1923.

"These so frequent high waters have never happened before... this time there's so much more damage than in the past," he said.

Hotels reported cancelled reservations, some as far ahead as December, following the widespread diffusion of images of Venice underwater.

Climate change warning&nbsp;

Tuesday's high waters submerged around 80 percent of the city, officials said.

Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that the country prone to natural disasters must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons.

The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global visitors each year.

A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been under way since 2003 to protect the city, but it has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays.

Venice was on red alert for more floods and fierce winds on Saturday after an exceptionally high tide swamped the city of canals, where authorities have declared a state of emergency.

Venice was on red alert for more floods and fierce winds on Saturday after an exceptionally high tide swamped the city of canals, where authorities have declared a state of emergency. Mayor Luigi Brugnaro ordered the iconic St Mark's Square closed on Friday as the latest sea surge struck with strong storms and winds battering the region. It reached a high of 1.54 metres (five feet) just before midday -- lower than Tuesday's peak but still dangerous. "I'm forced to close the square to avoid health risks for citizens... a disaster," Brugnaro said. In the afternoon the square reopened as water levels receded. But civil protection authorities issued a weather "red alert" for the Venice region on Saturday, warning of violent winds. Churches, shops and homes in the UNESCO city have been inundated by unusually intense "acqua alta", or high water, which on Tuesday hit their highest level in half a century. "We've destroyed Venice, we're talking about one billion (euros) in damage and that's just from the other day, not today," Brugnaro said. The crisis has prompted the government to release 20 million euros ($22 million) in funds to tackle the devastation. "It's shocking to see this, having water up to your knees," Mexican tourist Oscar Calzada, 19, told AFP Friday. Surveying the damage, Culture Minister Dario Franceschini warned the task of repairing the city would be huge. More than 50 churches had suffered damage, he said. "Seeing these places first-hand gives the sense of a much greater disaster than TV images show," Franceschini said. Hotel reservations cancelled Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared a state of emergency for the city on Thursday. Residents whose houses have been hit are eligible for up to 5,000 euros in immediate government aid, while restaurant and shop owners can receive up to 20,000 euros and apply for more later. Mayor Brugnaro on Friday also announced the opening of a fund where people in Italy and around the world could contribute to the historic city's repair. One tourist, Italian Nicole Righetti, said she would be willing to pitch in. "It would be a shame to no longer be able to see these places, and I think everyone should give," Righettii said. Some Venetians, used to the inconvenience of their city's rising waters, nevertheless expressed frustration. "All the stock in the basement is lost," lamented Luciano, a worker at a shop along St. Mark's Square. He said he remembered well the infamous "acqua alta" of 1966, when the water rose to a level of 1.94 metres, the highest-ever since records began in 1923. "These so frequent high waters have never happened before... this time there's so much more damage than in the past," he said. Hotels reported cancelled reservations, some as far ahead as December, following the widespread diffusion of images of Venice underwater. Climate change warning Tuesday's high waters submerged around 80 percent of the city, officials said. Many, including Venice's mayor, have blamed the disaster on global warming and warned that the country prone to natural disasters must wake up to the risks posed by ever more volatile seasons. The Serenissima, as the floating city is called, is home to 50,000 residents but receives 36 million global visitors each year. A massive infrastructure project called MOSE has been under way since 2003 to protect the city, but it has been plagued by cost overruns, corruption scandals and delays.

Inundated Venice braced for more flooding, strong winds

Turkey&nbsp;qualified for the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/euro-2020-qualifiers-giroud-spot-kick-gives-france-hard-fought-win-over-moldova-262241">&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2020</a>&nbsp;finals with a goalless&nbsp;draw&nbsp;in a Group H&nbsp;against&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;on Thursday, with the result&nbsp;also&nbsp;ensuring&nbsp;France&nbsp;a place in the championships.

They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain and Ukraine as the teams who have already qualified for the tournament that will be staged across 12&nbsp;European countries from 12 June to 12 July&nbsp;2020.

Turkey&nbsp;lead Group H with 20 points although&nbsp;France&nbsp;can overtake them at the top if they beat Moldova later on Thursday. Third-placed&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;is out of the running as they have 16 points with one qualifier remaining.

Both teams struggled to make an impact with&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;striker Burak Yilmaz failing to find a way past&nbsp;Iceland&nbsp;keeper Hannes Halldorsson.

The hosts pressed harder in the second half but&nbsp;Iceland's defence kept them from scoring.

Midfielder Ozan Tufan came close to scoring in the 63rd minute but his effort brushed past the crossbar.

Iceland&nbsp;also&nbsp;missed a chance to score in the closing stages when Hordur Magnusson's header was blocked by&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;defender Merih Demiral on the line.

Before kickoff, Turkish fans whistled as&nbsp;Iceland's national anthem was played.

Turkey qualified for the Euro 2020 finals with a goalless draw in a Group H against Iceland on Thursday, with the result also ensuring France a place in the championships.

Turkey qualified for the Euro 2020 finals with a goalless draw in a Group H against Iceland on Thursday, with the result also ensuring France a place in the championships. They join Belgium, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain and Ukraine as the teams who have already qualified for the tournament that will be staged across 12 European countries from 12 June to 12 July 2020. Turkey lead Group H with 20 points although France can overtake them at the top if they beat Moldova later on Thursday. Third-placed Iceland is out of the running as they have 16 points with one qualifier remaining. Both teams struggled to make an impact with Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz failing to find a way past Iceland keeper Hannes Halldorsson. The hosts pressed harder in the second half but Iceland's defence kept them from scoring. Midfielder Ozan Tufan came close to scoring in the 63rd minute but his effort brushed past the crossbar. Iceland also missed a chance to score in the closing stages when Hordur Magnusson's header was blocked by Turkey defender Merih Demiral on the line. Before kickoff, Turkish fans whistled as Iceland's national anthem was played.

Turkey qualify for Euro 2020 with draw against Iceland, France also secure spot

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Tuesday met French President Emmanuel Macron and held a discussion on "important strategic issues."

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 'Paris Peace Forum'.

"Met with President @EmmanuelMacron at the #ParisPeaceForum. A good discussion on important strategic issues" tweeted Jaishankar.

France is hosting the second annual Paris Peace Forum aimed at finding solutions to global challenges ranging from climate change and terrorism to migration and cybersecurity.

Speaking at the summit, Jaishankar called for coordinated efforts to prevent forces of terrorism and extremism from building their presence in the digital domain.

The external affairs minister urged the countries to build "national capacities" to secure the cyber world.

"We need a very clear role and responsibility from states and government to strengthen the respective national capacities when it comes to cybersecurity. States must protect data privacy and make sure data security for all citizens and they maintain openness ta the same time," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Tuesday met French President Emmanuel Macron and held a discussion on "important strategic issues." The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 'Paris Peace Forum'.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar here on Tuesday met French President Emmanuel Macron and held a discussion on "important strategic issues." The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 'Paris Peace Forum'. "Met with President @EmmanuelMacron at the #ParisPeaceForum. A good discussion on important strategic issues" tweeted Jaishankar. France is hosting the second annual Paris Peace Forum aimed at finding solutions to global challenges ranging from climate change and terrorism to migration and cybersecurity. Speaking at the summit, Jaishankar called for coordinated efforts to prevent forces of terrorism and extremism from building their presence in the digital domain. The external affairs minister urged the countries to build "national capacities" to secure the cyber world. "We need a very clear role and responsibility from states and government to strengthen the respective national capacities when it comes to cybersecurity. States must protect data privacy and make sure data security for all citizens and they maintain openness ta the same time," said Jaishankar.

France: External Affairs Minister meets French President, discuss 'important strategic issues'

The United Kingdom fell into silence on Monday as the nation gathered to mark Remembrance Day. Whereas, French President Emmanuel Macron marked Remembrance Day Monday by relighting the flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under Paris' Arc de Triomphe, below a spectacular giant Tricolor. Also, Australians across the country attended Remembrance Day services to pay tribute to those who died and suffered in all wars and conflicts.

Armistice Day marked across the United Kingdom, France and Australia

Catalan separatist activists blocked traffic on Monday on a motorway linking Spain and France, in a fresh protest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/freedom-for-political-prisoners-catalan-separatists-chant-on-election-eve-261118">against the sentencing</a> last month of nine of their leaders to lengthy jail terms.

Demonstrators cut the AP7 motorway at La Jonquera near the city of Girona in eastern Spain, a day after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-votes-in-repeat-general-election-amid-catalonia-tensions-261157">repeat general election</a> in which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist emerged as winners but weakened, while far-right party Vox surged to third place on the back of its hardline stance against separatism.

Dozens of vehicles blocked the motorway near the border with France while some 300 people set up a barricade, according to an AFP photographer at the scene.

Some demonstrators began to set up a stage and speakers which they brought to the scene in vans.

Catalonia's regional road department confirmed the motorway was cut in both directions at La Jonquera.

The protest was called by a new, mysterious organisation called "Democratic Tsunami" which last month sent thousands of people to block access to Barcelona airport in a protest which ended in clashes between demonstrators and police.

"This mobilisation is a cry to the international community so that it makes the Spanish state understand that the only possible path is to sit down and talk," the group said in a message sent to its followers on encrypted messaging service Telegram.

Radical separatist group CDR also called on its supporters to head to La Jonquera to block the highway.

Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017.

Demonstrators have frequently cut road and rail links between Spain and France while many shops in downtown Barcelona have been shut during the rallies and there are growing concerns about the impact of the unrest on business in Spain's second-largest city.

Catalan separatist activists blocked traffic on Monday on a motorway linking Spain and France, in a fresh protest against the sentencing last month of nine of their leaders to lengthy jail terms.

Catalan separatist activists blocked traffic on Monday on a motorway linking Spain and France, in a fresh protest against the sentencing last month of nine of their leaders to lengthy jail terms. Demonstrators cut the AP7 motorway at La Jonquera near the city of Girona in eastern Spain, a day after a repeat general election in which Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's Socialist emerged as winners but weakened, while far-right party Vox surged to third place on the back of its hardline stance against separatism. Dozens of vehicles blocked the motorway near the border with France while some 300 people set up a barricade, according to an AFP photographer at the scene. Some demonstrators began to set up a stage and speakers which they brought to the scene in vans. Catalonia's regional road department confirmed the motorway was cut in both directions at La Jonquera. The protest was called by a new, mysterious organisation called "Democratic Tsunami" which last month sent thousands of people to block access to Barcelona airport in a protest which ended in clashes between demonstrators and police. "This mobilisation is a cry to the international community so that it makes the Spanish state understand that the only possible path is to sit down and talk," the group said in a message sent to its followers on encrypted messaging service Telegram. Radical separatist group CDR also called on its supporters to head to La Jonquera to block the highway. Catalonia was rocked by days of mass, sometimes violent, pro-independence rallies after Spain's Supreme Court on October 14 sentenced nine politicians and activists to jail for up to 13 years for their role in a failed secession bid in 2017. Demonstrators have frequently cut road and rail links between Spain and France while many shops in downtown Barcelona have been shut during the rallies and there are growing concerns about the impact of the unrest on business in Spain's second-largest city.

Catalan separatists block Spain-France highway

French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about NATO were "dangerous", Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday evening by the Financial Times.

Macron told The Economist last week that NATO was experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination and US&nbsp;unpredictability under President Donald Trump. The French leader also expressed doubt about the US-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all.

NATO was "the most important alliance in the world when it comes to preserving freedom and peace" and Macron’s questioning of whether its members could still be counted on to defend each other was "dangerous", Morawiecki said, according to the FT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I think President Macron’s doubts about (NATO’s commitment to mutual defence) can make other allies wonder if perhaps it is France that has concerns about sticking to it. I hope that we can still count on France fulfilling its obligations," Morawiecki was quoted as saying.

"France is spending below two&nbsp;per cent of GDP (on defence) . . . I think it’s worth asking why certain aspects of NATO do not look as we wish. And it’s not for the lack of US&nbsp;commitment to the alliance, but rather the lack of reciprocity on the part of some European allies," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

France has traditionally had an ambivalent role in NATO, taking no part in its strategic military planning from 1966 to 2009 despite being a founding member. Still, Macron's comments,&nbsp;a month before NATO's December&nbsp;4 summit in London,&nbsp;were unexpected.

French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about NATO were "dangerous", Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday evening by the Financial Times.

French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about NATO were "dangerous", Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday evening by the Financial Times. Macron told The Economist last week that NATO was experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination and US unpredictability under President Donald Trump. The French leader also expressed doubt about the US-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all. NATO was "the most important alliance in the world when it comes to preserving freedom and peace" and Macron’s questioning of whether its members could still be counted on to defend each other was "dangerous", Morawiecki said, according to the FT. "I think President Macron’s doubts about (NATO’s commitment to mutual defence) can make other allies wonder if perhaps it is France that has concerns about sticking to it. I hope that we can still count on France fulfilling its obligations," Morawiecki was quoted as saying. "France is spending below two per cent of GDP (on defence) . . . I think it’s worth asking why certain aspects of NATO do not look as we wish. And it’s not for the lack of US commitment to the alliance, but rather the lack of reciprocity on the part of some European allies," he said. France has traditionally had an ambivalent role in NATO, taking no part in its strategic military planning from 1966 to 2009 despite being a founding member. Still, Macron's comments, a month before NATO's December 4 summit in London, were unexpected.

Poland says France's Macron comments on NATO 'dangerous'

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French prosecutors said Sunday that they had opened an investigation after finding a "significant amount" of cocaine and other drugs on beaches all along the Atlantic coast since last month.

The cocaine is particularly pure and therefore dangerous, according to the prosecutor's office in the western city of Rennes, urging people who come across the packages not to touch them.

"Suspect packages have been found on all beaches... from the Loire Atlantique department down to the Landes department",&nbsp;more than 500 kilometres,&nbsp;the office said in a statement.

A "very significant number" of packages have been found, it said, without detailing the amount.

The Sud-Ouest newspaper reported that two people discovered two packages on the beach at Arcachon, southwest of Bordeaux, on Friday containing a total of three kilograms&nbsp;of cocaine.

It said some of the packages were marked "Diamante" or "Brillante," which were also reported to have washed up in Florida during hurricane Dorian in September.

A source close to the inquiry told AFP that tides started washing up the packages a month ago on beaches stretching from Nantes as far south as the resort town of Biarritz.

French prosecutors said Sunday that they had opened an investigation after finding a "significant amount" of cocaine and other drugs on beaches all along the Atlantic coast since last month.

French prosecutors said Sunday that they had opened an investigation after finding a "significant amount" of cocaine and other drugs on beaches all along the Atlantic coast since last month. The cocaine is particularly pure and therefore dangerous, according to the prosecutor's office in the western city of Rennes, urging people who come across the packages not to touch them. "Suspect packages have been found on all beaches... from the Loire Atlantique department down to the Landes department", more than 500 kilometres, the office said in a statement. A "very significant number" of packages have been found, it said, without detailing the amount. The Sud-Ouest newspaper reported that two people discovered two packages on the beach at Arcachon, southwest of Bordeaux, on Friday containing a total of three kilograms of cocaine. It said some of the packages were marked "Diamante" or "Brillante," which were also reported to have washed up in Florida during hurricane Dorian in September. A source close to the inquiry told AFP that tides started washing up the packages a month ago on beaches stretching from Nantes as far south as the resort town of Biarritz.

France probes drug packages washing up on Atlantic coast

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Sunday warned against undermining the transatlantic NATO security alliance, in Berlin's strongest response to date to French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about the organisation.

Macron told The Economist this week that NATO was experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination and US&nbsp;unpredictability under President Donald Trump. He also expressed doubt about the U.S.-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all.

"It would be a mistake if we undermined NATO. Without the United States, neither Germany nor Europe will be able to effectively protect themselves," Maas wrote in a column published online by Der Spiegel magazine.

Maas supported Macron's call to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities. "That's why together with France, we are working hard to build a Europe that works much closer together in security policy," Maas wrote.

But he warned against playing the EU and NATO off against each other. "Yes, we want a strong and sovereign Europe, but we need it as part of a strong NATO and not as its replacement," Maas said.

Maas called for the creation of a European Security Council in which Britain should also be a member, regardless of London's planned but delayed exit from the European Union.

Maas said he was working closely on this idea together with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, adding that Germany is aiming to present a framework for such a European Security Council during its EU presidency in the second half of 2020.

France has traditionally had an ambivalent role in NATO, taking no part in its strategic military planning from 1966 to 2009 despite being a founding member. Still Macron's comments,&nbsp;a month before NATO's December&nbsp;4 summit in London - were unexpected.

Germany, for its part, has been accused by the United States and European allies of spending too little on defence.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that Macron was overreacting. "The French president has found rather drastic words to express his views. This is not how I see the state of cooperation at NATO," Merkel told a news conference in Berlin alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Sunday warned against undermining the transatlantic NATO security alliance, in Berlin's strongest response to date to French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about the organisation.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Sunday warned against undermining the transatlantic NATO security alliance, in Berlin's strongest response to date to French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about the organisation. Macron told The Economist this week that NATO was experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination and US unpredictability under President Donald Trump. He also expressed doubt about the U.S.-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all. "It would be a mistake if we undermined NATO. Without the United States, neither Germany nor Europe will be able to effectively protect themselves," Maas wrote in a column published online by Der Spiegel magazine. Maas supported Macron's call to strengthen Europe's defence capabilities. "That's why together with France, we are working hard to build a Europe that works much closer together in security policy," Maas wrote. But he warned against playing the EU and NATO off against each other. "Yes, we want a strong and sovereign Europe, but we need it as part of a strong NATO and not as its replacement," Maas said. Maas called for the creation of a European Security Council in which Britain should also be a member, regardless of London's planned but delayed exit from the European Union. Maas said he was working closely on this idea together with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian, adding that Germany is aiming to present a framework for such a European Security Council during its EU presidency in the second half of 2020. France has traditionally had an ambivalent role in NATO, taking no part in its strategic military planning from 1966 to 2009 despite being a founding member. Still Macron's comments, a month before NATO's December 4 summit in London - were unexpected. Germany, for its part, has been accused by the United States and European allies of spending too little on defence. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that Macron was overreacting. "The French president has found rather drastic words to express his views. This is not how I see the state of cooperation at NATO," Merkel told a news conference in Berlin alongside NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Germany warns France against undermining NATO security alliance

French star Kylian Mbappe is out of Liverpool's price range, the Premier League leaders manager and long-time admirer Jurgen Klopp says.

The 20-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker,&nbsp;who was instrumental in France's lifting of the 2018 World Cup,&nbsp;has been linked with Real Madrid.

This gathered momentum earlier in the week when Real's coach Zinedine Zidane remarked that Mbappe had always said it was his dream to play for the Spanish side.

Klopp, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with second-placed Manchester City, had been keen to sign Mbappe in 2017 and met with the player and his entourage.

However, he opted to join PSG for £158 million ($202 million).&nbsp;

PSG are seeking to extend his present contract and if they were reluctantly to allow him to leave are believed to want more than the record fee of £198 million they paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.&nbsp;

"Buying this calibre of player is difficult," Klopp was cited in Saturday's The Times as saying.

"I don't see any club at the moment who can buy Kylian Mbappé from PSG.

"I don't see any club. That is how it is. And we are involved in these clubs who cannot do it. Easy as that.

"OK, from a sporting point of view, there are not a lot of reasons to not sign him.

"What a player he is. It is about the money of course. No chance. Absolutely, no chance. Sorry for killing that story."

&nbsp;'Space for improvement'

Klopp, whose side have a six point lead over champions City heading into their match at Anfield, said the minimalist level of activity from him in the transfer market in the close season was down to the money being asked for their targets.

The Champions League holders signed teenagers Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg whilst bringing in goalkeeper Adrian on a free transfer.

"The players we thought about to make this team better were really expensive and we could not spend the money," said the 52-year-old German.

"That is how it is.

"To see a player better than him, or with potential to be better or play exactly the same as him is really difficult.

"That is what it was. That was the situation.

"It was not that we were not ready, but we did not want to make five or six changes. Not at all.

"This team is at a wonderful age, there is still space for improvement, completely fine."

Klopp, though, said it is easier than when he first arrived in 2015 to attract top level players to Liverpool.

Last year they secured Brazil goalkeeper Alisson and Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk for £65 million and £75 million respectively from AS Roma and Southampton.

"I don't think we have to compare with Man City," said Klopp.

"I have no idea which kind of player wants to go to Man City, but good players obviously did it in the last couple of years, there is no doubt about that.

"There are reasons, good reasons why players want to join us, that is clear.

"I don't think we struggle with convincing players."

French star Kylian Mbappe is out of Liverpool's price range, the Premier League leaders manager and long-time admirer Jurgen Klopp says. The 20-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker, who was instrumental in France's lifting of the 2018 World Cup, has been linked with Real Madrid.

French star Kylian Mbappe is out of Liverpool's price range, the Premier League leaders manager and long-time admirer Jurgen Klopp says. The 20-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker, who was instrumental in France's lifting of the 2018 World Cup, has been linked with Real Madrid. This gathered momentum earlier in the week when Real's coach Zinedine Zidane remarked that Mbappe had always said it was his dream to play for the Spanish side. Klopp, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with second-placed Manchester City, had been keen to sign Mbappe in 2017 and met with the player and his entourage. However, he opted to join PSG for £158 million ($202 million). PSG are seeking to extend his present contract and if they were reluctantly to allow him to leave are believed to want more than the record fee of £198 million they paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017. "Buying this calibre of player is difficult," Klopp was cited in Saturday's The Times as saying. "I don't see any club at the moment who can buy Kylian Mbappé from PSG. "I don't see any club. That is how it is. And we are involved in these clubs who cannot do it. Easy as that. "OK, from a sporting point of view, there are not a lot of reasons to not sign him. "What a player he is. It is about the money of course. No chance. Absolutely, no chance. Sorry for killing that story." 'Space for improvement' Klopp, whose side have a six point lead over champions City heading into their match at Anfield, said the minimalist level of activity from him in the transfer market in the close season was down to the money being asked for their targets. The Champions League holders signed teenagers Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg whilst bringing in goalkeeper Adrian on a free transfer. "The players we thought about to make this team better were really expensive and we could not spend the money," said the 52-year-old German. "That is how it is. "To see a player better than him, or with potential to be better or play exactly the same as him is really difficult. "That is what it was. That was the situation. "It was not that we were not ready, but we did not want to make five or six changes. Not at all. "This team is at a wonderful age, there is still space for improvement, completely fine." Klopp, though, said it is easier than when he first arrived in 2015 to attract top level players to Liverpool. Last year they secured Brazil goalkeeper Alisson and Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk for £65 million and £75 million respectively from AS Roma and Southampton. "I don't think we have to compare with Man City," said Klopp. "I have no idea which kind of player wants to go to Man City, but good players obviously did it in the last couple of years, there is no doubt about that. "There are reasons, good reasons why players want to join us, that is clear. "I don't think we struggle with convincing players."

Klopp rules out move for France superstar Mbappe

2019 saw the biggest protests ever in history.

2019: A year of global uprising

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-talks-to-reconvene-in-geneva-on-november-25-un-envoy-260850">Syria summit</a> will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday.

"It was decided to organise this four-way summit on the sidelines of the NATO summit scheduled in London on December 3 and 4," Anadolu state news agency quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's advisor Ibrahim Kalin as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tayyip-erdogan-says-united-states-not-fulfilling-syria-deal-ahead-of-doanld-trump-talks-260531">Erdogan</a> is expected to sit down with Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Boris Johnson at a time of high tensions in the NATO alliance over Turkey's offensive last month against Kurdish militants, who had been a key ally for the West against the Islamic State group.&nbsp;

Erdogan has accused Western governments of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/examining-security-implications-of-turkish-invasion-of-syria-260554">"siding with terrorists"</a> over their NATO ally.

Turkey sees the Syrian Kurdish militants as an off-shoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is considered a terrorist organisation by the European Union and United States.&nbsp;

The Turkish offensive was halted by two ceasefires organised with Moscow and Washington, but Ankara has threatened to resume hostilities if Kurdish forces do not fully withdraw from an agreed 30-kilometre-deep zone along the Turkish border.&nbsp;

A Syria summit will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday. "It was decided to organise this four-way summit on the sidelines of the NATO summit scheduled in London on December 3 and 4," Anadolu state news agency quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's advisor Ibrahim Kalin as saying.

A Syria summit will be held in early December between the leaders of Turkey, France, Germany and Britain in London, the Turkish presidency said Friday. "It was decided to organise this four-way summit on the sidelines of the NATO summit scheduled in London on December 3 and 4," Anadolu state news agency quoted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's advisor Ibrahim Kalin as saying. Erdogan is expected to sit down with Emmanuel Macron, Angela Merkel and Boris Johnson at a time of high tensions in the NATO alliance over Turkey's offensive last month against Kurdish militants, who had been a key ally for the West against the Islamic State group. Erdogan has accused Western governments of "siding with terrorists" over their NATO ally. Turkey sees the Syrian Kurdish militants as an off-shoot of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has waged a bloody insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 and is considered a terrorist organisation by the European Union and United States. The Turkish offensive was halted by two ceasefires organised with Moscow and Washington, but Ankara has threatened to resume hostilities if Kurdish forces do not fully withdraw from an agreed 30-kilometre-deep zone along the Turkish border.

Turkey, Britain, France, Germany to hold Syria summit

<a href="http://cms.wionews.com/world/china-france-reaffirm-support-of-paris-climate-agreement-call-it-irreversible-260303">China and France</a> signed contracts totalling $15 billion&nbsp;during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

Deals were struck in the fields of aeronautics, energy and agriculture, including approval for 20 French companies to export poultry, beef and pork to China.

They also agreed to expand a protocol for poultry exports reached earlier this year to include duck and geese as well as foie gras, and to work on a protocol allowing France to export pig semen to China, according to a statement from the French president's office.

Energy deals included a memorandum of understanding between Beijing Gas Group and French utility Engie&nbsp;to collaborate on a liquefied natural gas terminal and storage in the northern city of Tianjin.

An executive with Beijing Gas Group told Reuters that the cooperation with Engie will also include the French firm supplying membrane technology, used for gas leak prevention, in the massive gas storage projects that China is embarking on.

Among other deals, France's Total&nbsp;will set up a joint venture with China's Shenergy Group to distribute LNG by truck in the Yangtze River Delta.

The two countries also agreed to reach an agreement by the end of January 2020 on the cost and location of a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to be built by Orano, formerly known as Areva.

Previous plans to build the plant in Lianyungang in eastern China's Jiangsu province were cancelled after protests.

China and France signed contracts totalling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday.

China and France signed contracts totalling $15 billion during a visit by President Emmanuel Macron, a Chinese government official said at a news briefing on Wednesday. Deals were struck in the fields of aeronautics, energy and agriculture, including approval for 20 French companies to export poultry, beef and pork to China. They also agreed to expand a protocol for poultry exports reached earlier this year to include duck and geese as well as foie gras, and to work on a protocol allowing France to export pig semen to China, according to a statement from the French president's office. Energy deals included a memorandum of understanding between Beijing Gas Group and French utility Engie to collaborate on a liquefied natural gas terminal and storage in the northern city of Tianjin. An executive with Beijing Gas Group told Reuters that the cooperation with Engie will also include the French firm supplying membrane technology, used for gas leak prevention, in the massive gas storage projects that China is embarking on. Among other deals, France's Total will set up a joint venture with China's Shenergy Group to distribute LNG by truck in the Yangtze River Delta. The two countries also agreed to reach an agreement by the end of January 2020 on the cost and location of a nuclear fuel reprocessing facility to be built by Orano, formerly known as Areva. Previous plans to build the plant in Lianyungang in eastern China's Jiangsu province were cancelled after protests.

China and France sign deals worth $15 billion during Macron's visit

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