<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-china-of-serious-consequences-if-hong-kong-rights-not-honoured-232315">UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured</a> 
 
Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rising-heat-stress-could-cost-80-million-jobs-by-2030-united-nations-232401">Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations</a> 
 
The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jamaat-ul-mujahideen-bangladesh-using-some-madrasas-in-west-bengal-for-radicalization-home-ministry-232434">Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh using some Madrasas in West Bengal for radicalization: Home Ministry</a> 
 
Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said relevant inputs in this regard are regularly shared with the state governments and agencies concerned with the advice to take appropriate action.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-warns-iran-against-further-breaches-of-nuclear-deal-232313">France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal</a> 
 
The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-several-suspected-united-states-spies-face-possible-death-sentences-232329">Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences</a> 
 
In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them.

UK warns China of serious consequences if Hong Kong rights not honoured Protesters, angry about proposed legislation allowing extraditions to mainland China, smashed their way into Hong Kong's legislature on Monday, with police using tear gas to disperse them. Rising heat stress could cost 80 million jobs by 2030: United Nations The World Health Organisation has said heat stress linked to climate change is likely to cause 38,000 extra deaths a year worldwide between 2030 and 2050. Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh using some Madrasas in West Bengal for radicalization: Home Ministry Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said relevant inputs in this regard are regularly shared with the state governments and agencies concerned with the advice to take appropriate action. France warns Iran against further breaches of nuclear deal The statement added that Macron would take steps in the coming days to ensure Iran met its obligations and continued to benefit from the economic advantages of the deal. Iran says several suspected United States spies face possible death sentences In June, Iran said it executed a former contract employee of the defence ministry aerospace body on charges of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

News brief: Big stories of the day

European is facing a severe heat wave with temperatures in France breaching the 45 degree celsius mark. So what explains the heat wave in Europe? Find out in this.

Gravitas: Massive heatwave hits Europe

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-team-to-visit-france-to-probe-possible-data-theft-during-rafale-office-break-in-221810">IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris</a> where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

"The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here.

The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said.

The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office.

Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans.

The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in.

The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring.

The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police are investigating the case.

Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices.

The Indian Rafale team office is situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.&nbsp;

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe.

No data has been stolen from the computers of the Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale project team office in Paris where there was a break in last month, a cyber forensic team has found during its probe. "The cyber forensic team of the Air Force consisting three members has found that no data was stolen from the Indian Rafale project management team during the break-in by unidentified personnel there," Defence sources told ANI here. The three-member team had left for Paris soon after the reports about a break-in on a weekend were received by the IAF, they said. The team was sent to France to probe if any documents were stolen or copied during the break-in into its Rafale Project management team office. Unidentified persons broke into the Indian Rafale Project management team office in France in May in what was suspected to be a possible espionage attempt to steal data related to the aircraft critical to India's national security plans. The Defence Ministry has also been informed that there was no data theft from the IAF office during the break-in. The Rafale project team is headed by a Group Captain-rank officer who looks after issues related to the 36 Rafale combat aircraft, including the production timelines and training of Indian personnel who have to be trained for maintenance and flying operations of the plane, which India is acquiring. The Rafale team sits in a building complex in Saint Cloud suburb of Paris and the police are investigating the case. Sources said the main aim of the break-in could have been to steal data as valuables or money are not kept in these administrative offices. The Indian Rafale team office is situated in the vicinity of French Dassault Aviation office blocks.

No data stolen from IAF's Rafale team office in Paris: Cyber forensic team

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-time-hottest-temperature-in-france-recorded-at-443c-weather-service-231244">temperature in France</a> on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The record was set in the village of Villevieille in the southern department of Gard, which registered a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record stood at 44.1 degrees Celsius in the same area during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP.

This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday.

It is too soon to definitely attribute&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-june-temperature-records-europe-swelters-in-heatwave-230846">Europe</a>'s current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

The temperature in France on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The temperature in France on Friday surpassed 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first time as Europe wilted in a major heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. The record was set in the village of Villevieille in the southern department of Gard, which registered a high of 45.1 degrees Celsius. The previous record stood at 44.1 degrees Celsius in the same area during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP. This year is on track to be among the hottest ever and that would make 2015-2019 the world's hottest five-year period on record, the World Meteorological Organization said on Friday. It is too soon to definitely attribute Europe's current blistering heatwave to climate change but it is "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, the United Nations agency said.

Heat tops 45C in France for first time: Weather service

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-heatwave-consistent-with-climate-change-more-to-come-un-231226">early summer heatwave</a>, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

The temperature was recorded in the southeastern town of Carpentras and beat the previous record for France of 44.1 degrees Celsius recorded in Saint-Christol-les-Ales and Conqueyrac during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP.

Meteo-France forecaster Etienne Kapikian said it was "very probable" that the record would be beaten again Friday as it was still relatively early in the day.

"(The temperature) will continue to climb and, in some places, we could pass 44 degrees Celsius," he said.

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said.

France recorded its all-time hottest temperature of 44.3 degrees Celsius (111.7 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday as the country and much of Europe basked in an early summer heatwave, state weather forecaster Meteo-France said. The temperature was recorded in the southeastern town of Carpentras and beat the previous record for France of 44.1 degrees Celsius recorded in Saint-Christol-les-Ales and Conqueyrac during the notorious August 2003 heatwave, Meteo-France told AFP. Meteo-France forecaster Etienne Kapikian said it was "very probable" that the record would be beaten again Friday as it was still relatively early in the day. "(The temperature) will continue to climb and, in some places, we could pass 44 degrees Celsius," he said.

All-time hottest temperature in France recorded at 44.3C: Weather service

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ford-to-cut-7000-jobs-10-of-global-staff-220227">US carmaker Ford</a> said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously announced restructuring.

The overall figure includes 5,400 layoffs already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales.

The move comes as the company closes or sells six plants in Britain, France, Russia and Slovakia this year and next.

The job cuts will come "primarily through voluntary separation programmes", said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/ford-likely-to-end-independent-india-business-with-new-mahindra-deal-sources-209235">Ford</a>, which employs around 51,000 people and operates 24 factories around Europe.

As well as the factory closure in Wales, three sites in Russia, one in Slovakia and one in France will be shuttered.

Thursday is the first time Ford has publicly stated the jobs impact of its plans.

Group chief executive Jim Hackett announced last autumn a massive restructuring of the American firm, aiming to save $11 billion and turn Ford into a more "agile" group with faster decision-making processes.

The company aims to catch up with the world leaders in the industry's transformation towards autonomous and electric-powered driving, as well as services like car-sharing and ride-sharing.

Ford says that "financial results in Europe are on track to significantly improve for the full year 2019", adding that in future it will refocus on electric mobility.

Its European operations will be reorganised into three divisions: commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and imports.

"This could be the first step towards a complete or partial sale" of Ford's car business in Europe, industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer of the University of Duisburg-Essen's CAR institute told AFP.

US carmaker Ford said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously announced restructuring. The overall figure includes 5,400 layoffs already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales.

US carmaker Ford said Thursday that it plans to slash a total of 12,000 jobs across Europe as part of a previously announced restructuring. The overall figure includes 5,400 layoffs already announced in Germany and 1,700 in Wales. The move comes as the company closes or sells six plants in Britain, France, Russia and Slovakia this year and next. The job cuts will come "primarily through voluntary separation programmes", said Ford, which employs around 51,000 people and operates 24 factories around Europe. As well as the factory closure in Wales, three sites in Russia, one in Slovakia and one in France will be shuttered. Thursday is the first time Ford has publicly stated the jobs impact of its plans. Group chief executive Jim Hackett announced last autumn a massive restructuring of the American firm, aiming to save $11 billion and turn Ford into a more "agile" group with faster decision-making processes. The company aims to catch up with the world leaders in the industry's transformation towards autonomous and electric-powered driving, as well as services like car-sharing and ride-sharing. Ford says that "financial results in Europe are on track to significantly improve for the full year 2019", adding that in future it will refocus on electric mobility. Its European operations will be reorganised into three divisions: commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and imports. "This could be the first step towards a complete or partial sale" of Ford's car business in Europe, industry expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer of the University of Duisburg-Essen's CAR institute told AFP.

Ford says to slash 12,000 jobs in all across Europe

Countries including France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Portugal are experiencing a massive heat wave that began on Wednesday.

Spain on high alert as heatwave sweeps across the country

In a world first,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/libra-facebook-unveils-cryptocurrency-meant-to-be-new-global-currency-228282"> Facebook</a> has agreed to hand over the identification data of French users suspected of hate speech on its platform to judges, France's minister for digital affairs Cedric O said on Tuesday.

O, whose father is South Korean, is one of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-says-new-ukraine-peace-talks-possible-under-volodymyr-zelensky-228118">French President Emmanuel Macron</a>'s earliest followers, and has been influential in shaping the president's thinking on Big Tech as an advisor at the Elysee Palace in the first two years of Macron's presidency.

The decision by the world's biggest social media network comes after successive meetings between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mark-zuckerbergs-deepfake-video-posted-on-instagram-226388">Zuckerberg</a> and Macron, who wants to take a leading role globally on the regulation of hate speech and the spread of false information online.

So far, Facebook has cooperated with French justice on matters related to terrorist attacks and violent acts by transferring the IP addresses and other identification data of suspected individuals to French judges who formally demanded it.

Following a meeting between Nick Clegg, Facebook's head of global affairs, and O last week, the social media company has extended this cooperation to hate speech.

"This is huge news, it means that the judicial process will be able to run normally," O told Reuters in an interview. "It's really very important, they're only doing it for France."

O, who said he had been in close contact with Clegg over the last few days on the issue, said Facebook's decision was the result of an ongoing conversation between the internet giant and the French administration.

Since his nomination as a minister in March, O has made the fight against hate speech online a key priority through regular contacts with Facebook's top executives, including founder Mark Zuckerberg.Facebook declined to comment.

Strong Signal

"It is a strong signal in terms of regulation," said Sonia Cisse, a counsel at law firm Linklaters, adding that it was a world first. "Hate speech is no longer considered part of freedom of speech, it's now on the same level as terrorism."

With Facebook's latest move, France is now a clear frontrunner in the quest to regulate big social media outlets, and other platforms might follow suit, Cisse said.

The discussions on how to best regulate tech giants began with a Zuckerberg-Macron meeting last year, followed by a report on tech regulation last month that Facebook's founder considered could be a blueprint for wider EU regulation.

Facebook had refrained from handing over identification data of people suspected of hate speech because it was not compelled to do so under U.S.-French legal conventions and because it was worried countries without an independent judiciary could abuse it.

France's parliament, where Macron's ruling party has a comfortable majority, is debating legislation that would give the new regulator the power to fine tech companies up to 4% of their global revenue if they don't do enough to remove hateful content from their network.

O also signalled his openness to see French startups being snapped up by larger U.S. companies, in a spite of recent measures taken by Macron's government to bolster anti-takeover rules to protect the country's strategic companies.

"My only goal is to spur the creation of a lot of companies," he said. "I have no problem with the fact that some of them are bought by U.S. companies, as long as they don't have critical technology."

Too Big

The minister is also reluctant to support the idea of breaking up companies like Facebook or Google, whose size, weight on the Internet and financial firepower have turned them into systemic players just as much as big banks.

Facebook has been called a social media monopoly by co-founder Chris Hughes, and calls for a break-up of the group have intensified.

"We cannot impose very tough obligations on Western companies and dismantle them because they are very big, and not do the same thing with Chinese companies that enter the Western market," he said, referring to groups like Alibaba and Tencent.

A graduate of France's top business school, HEC, O combines political experience - he was an aide to Dominique Strauss-Khan, like many of the tight group of "Macron Boys" who propelled him to power - and a stint in the private sector, at engine maker Safran.

At the Elysee, he was in charge of advising Macron on the French government's vast portfolio of stakes in French companies, having to deal with hot corporate sagas such as Renault-Nissan, as well as handling relations with Big Tech.

In a world first, Facebook has agreed to hand over the identification data of French users suspected of hate speech on its platform to judges, France's minister for digital affairs Cedric O said on Tuesday.

In a world first, Facebook has agreed to hand over the identification data of French users suspected of hate speech on its platform to judges, France's minister for digital affairs Cedric O said on Tuesday. O, whose father is South Korean, is one of French President Emmanuel Macron's earliest followers, and has been influential in shaping the president's thinking on Big Tech as an advisor at the Elysee Palace in the first two years of Macron's presidency. The decision by the world's biggest social media network comes after successive meetings between Zuckerberg and Macron, who wants to take a leading role globally on the regulation of hate speech and the spread of false information online. So far, Facebook has cooperated with French justice on matters related to terrorist attacks and violent acts by transferring the IP addresses and other identification data of suspected individuals to French judges who formally demanded it. Following a meeting between Nick Clegg, Facebook's head of global affairs, and O last week, the social media company has extended this cooperation to hate speech. "This is huge news, it means that the judicial process will be able to run normally," O told Reuters in an interview. "It's really very important, they're only doing it for France." O, who said he had been in close contact with Clegg over the last few days on the issue, said Facebook's decision was the result of an ongoing conversation between the internet giant and the French administration. Since his nomination as a minister in March, O has made the fight against hate speech online a key priority through regular contacts with Facebook's top executives, including founder Mark Zuckerberg.Facebook declined to comment. Strong Signal "It is a strong signal in terms of regulation," said Sonia Cisse, a counsel at law firm Linklaters, adding that it was a world first. "Hate speech is no longer considered part of freedom of speech, it's now on the same level as terrorism." With Facebook's latest move, France is now a clear frontrunner in the quest to regulate big social media outlets, and other platforms might follow suit, Cisse said. The discussions on how to best regulate tech giants began with a Zuckerberg-Macron meeting last year, followed by a report on tech regulation last month that Facebook's founder considered could be a blueprint for wider EU regulation. Facebook had refrained from handing over identification data of people suspected of hate speech because it was not compelled to do so under U.S.-French legal conventions and because it was worried countries without an independent judiciary could abuse it. France's parliament, where Macron's ruling party has a comfortable majority, is debating legislation that would give the new regulator the power to fine tech companies up to 4% of their global revenue if they don't do enough to remove hateful content from their network. O also signalled his openness to see French startups being snapped up by larger U.S. companies, in a spite of recent measures taken by Macron's government to bolster anti-takeover rules to protect the country's strategic companies. "My only goal is to spur the creation of a lot of companies," he said. "I have no problem with the fact that some of them are bought by U.S. companies, as long as they don't have critical technology." Too Big The minister is also reluctant to support the idea of breaking up companies like Facebook or Google, whose size, weight on the Internet and financial firepower have turned them into systemic players just as much as big banks. Facebook has been called a social media monopoly by co-founder Chris Hughes, and calls for a break-up of the group have intensified. "We cannot impose very tough obligations on Western companies and dismantle them because they are very big, and not do the same thing with Chinese companies that enter the Western market," he said, referring to groups like Alibaba and Tencent. A graduate of France's top business school, HEC, O combines political experience - he was an aide to Dominique Strauss-Khan, like many of the tight group of "Macron Boys" who propelled him to power - and a stint in the private sector, at engine maker Safran. At the Elysee, he was in charge of advising Macron on the French government's vast portfolio of stakes in French companies, having to deal with hot corporate sagas such as Renault-Nissan, as well as handling relations with Big Tech.

In a world first, Facebook to give data on hate speech suspects to French courts

The heatwave France has prepared for all weekend has arrived, with Meteo France issuing its first high-temperature weather warning for five departments days ahead of the "canicule's" peak.

Heatwave arrives with a blast across France

France's Mirazur restaurant -- whose Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco draws inspiration from the sea, the mountains, and his own garden -- was crowned Tuesday the world's best by an influential trade list, beating contenders from Denmark and Spain.

The accolade came just months after Colagreco was handed a third Michelin star, and was the first time a French establishment has triumphed in the World's 50 Best Restaurant list.

"I'm in the sky and I'm waiting to come back here," Colagreco said as he collected his award for his restaurant in the French Riviera town of Menton. "I don't have words to explain," he said.

In second spot in the awards -- which took place in Singapore, their first time in Asia -- was Noma in Copenhagen, and third was Asador Etxebarri in Spain.

Gaggan in Bangkok was fourth, the highest ranked Asian restaurant. Fifth was Geranium in Copenhagen, and sixth was Central in Lima, tagged as Best in South America.

The top restaurant award has gone to Spain seven times, the most of any country. Last year Italy's Osteria Francescana took the number one spot.

Mirazur took the third spot in the awards last year.

- 'Feet on the ground' -

After his victory was announced, Colagreco took to the stage joined by his Brazilian wife carrying a banner representing four flags -- those of Argentina, Brazil, France and Italy.&nbsp;

"Thank you my team. You deserve it, all these years. Thank you friends for supporting us during these last 13 years," he said.

Colagreco is the only foreign chef working in France to have been awarded three Michelin stars. He opened the restaurant in 2006 and was awarded his first star the following year, before getting his second in 2012.

The Argentine-born chef moved to France in 2001 and worked with Bernard Loiseau, Alain Passard and Alain Ducasse before spending a year at Le Grand Vefour.

He said that he ended up in Menton by chance.&nbsp;

"The owner of the place was the perfect stereotype of an Englishman on the Cote d'Azur, a white linen outfit and a Panama hat," he told AFP in a recent interview.

"He saw that I had no money but he wanted to know what an Argentine was doing in Menton... He rented me his restaurant for a ridiculous sum."

This "gave me a lot of freedom" to experiment, he said.

The early days were tough but since being awarded the second star the restaurant has seen its popularity grow.

Mirazur, located in southeast France near the Italian border, offers dishes made with ingredients from Colagreco's own backyard farm, including fresh vegetables and seafood.

Despite his growing fame, Colagreco said that he wants to "keep his feet firmly on the ground."

- First time in Asia -

For their first foray into Asia, award organisers picked Singapore, which is well-known for its buzzing culinary scene.&nbsp;

But Europe continued to dominate with 25 restaurants named in the best 50, including seven in the top 10. Asia won seven, the United States six, and Latin America six.&nbsp;

The awards are organised by British magazine Restaurant, owned by William Reed Media.&nbsp;

They were launched in 2002 and are now as coveted as Michelin stars, although the methodology used to select the best restaurants has faced criticism, especially from several French chefs who say it remains unclear.

There are no criteria for putting a restaurant on the list, which is based on an anonymous poll of more than 1,000 chefs, restaurant owners, food critics and other industry insiders from around the world.

Each member gets 10 votes and at least four of those votes have to go to restaurants outside their region.

The event has been held before in Spain, London, New York and Melbourne.

France's Mirazur restaurant -- whose Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco draws inspiration from the sea, the mountains, and his own garden -- was crowned Tuesday the world's best by an influential trade list, beating contenders from Denmark and Spain.

France's Mirazur restaurant -- whose Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco draws inspiration from the sea, the mountains, and his own garden -- was crowned Tuesday the world's best by an influential trade list, beating contenders from Denmark and Spain. The accolade came just months after Colagreco was handed a third Michelin star, and was the first time a French establishment has triumphed in the World's 50 Best Restaurant list. "I'm in the sky and I'm waiting to come back here," Colagreco said as he collected his award for his restaurant in the French Riviera town of Menton. "I don't have words to explain," he said. In second spot in the awards -- which took place in Singapore, their first time in Asia -- was Noma in Copenhagen, and third was Asador Etxebarri in Spain. Gaggan in Bangkok was fourth, the highest ranked Asian restaurant. Fifth was Geranium in Copenhagen, and sixth was Central in Lima, tagged as Best in South America. The top restaurant award has gone to Spain seven times, the most of any country. Last year Italy's Osteria Francescana took the number one spot. Mirazur took the third spot in the awards last year. - 'Feet on the ground' - After his victory was announced, Colagreco took to the stage joined by his Brazilian wife carrying a banner representing four flags -- those of Argentina, Brazil, France and Italy. "Thank you my team. You deserve it, all these years. Thank you friends for supporting us during these last 13 years," he said. Colagreco is the only foreign chef working in France to have been awarded three Michelin stars. He opened the restaurant in 2006 and was awarded his first star the following year, before getting his second in 2012. The Argentine-born chef moved to France in 2001 and worked with Bernard Loiseau, Alain Passard and Alain Ducasse before spending a year at Le Grand Vefour. He said that he ended up in Menton by chance. "The owner of the place was the perfect stereotype of an Englishman on the Cote d'Azur, a white linen outfit and a Panama hat," he told AFP in a recent interview. "He saw that I had no money but he wanted to know what an Argentine was doing in Menton... He rented me his restaurant for a ridiculous sum." This "gave me a lot of freedom" to experiment, he said. The early days were tough but since being awarded the second star the restaurant has seen its popularity grow. Mirazur, located in southeast France near the Italian border, offers dishes made with ingredients from Colagreco's own backyard farm, including fresh vegetables and seafood. Despite his growing fame, Colagreco said that he wants to "keep his feet firmly on the ground." - First time in Asia - For their first foray into Asia, award organisers picked Singapore, which is well-known for its buzzing culinary scene. But Europe continued to dominate with 25 restaurants named in the best 50, including seven in the top 10. Asia won seven, the United States six, and Latin America six. The awards are organised by British magazine Restaurant, owned by William Reed Media. They were launched in 2002 and are now as coveted as Michelin stars, although the methodology used to select the best restaurants has faced criticism, especially from several French chefs who say it remains unclear. There are no criteria for putting a restaurant on the list, which is based on an anonymous poll of more than 1,000 chefs, restaurant owners, food critics and other industry insiders from around the world. Each member gets 10 votes and at least four of those votes have to go to restaurants outside their region. The event has been held before in Spain, London, New York and Melbourne.

Mirazur on the French Riviera crowned world’s best restaurant

A badly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the devastating fire that ripped through <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-breaks-out-at-notre-dame-cathedral-in-paris-210725">Notre-Dame cathedral </a>in April, Paris prosecutors said Wednesday, ruling out any criminal intent.

French investigators were examining many <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-cathedral-was-probably-caused-by-accident-say-french-prosecutors-210901">hypotheses</a> "including a malfunctioning of the electrical system or a fire which started with a badly stubbed-out cigarette", said a statement, indicating there was no evidence to back up any theory of "a criminal origin" to the fire.&nbsp;

The statement, signed by chief Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz, said the preliminary conclusions had been based on interviews with some 100 witnesses.

But it emphasised that the investigation had still not clarified the actual cause of the fire.&nbsp;

It was not yet possible to conclude if either an electrical fault or stubbed-out cigarette was the most likely theory, it added.

"Deeper investigations, using significant expertise, will now be undertaken," it said.

The statement said a preliminary investigation had now been opened, without targeting any single individual, over involuntary damage caused by negligence.&nbsp;

In April, a spokesman for scaffolding company Le Bras Freres which had been involved in restoration work admitted that workers had smoked on the site from time to time.

"We regret it," the spokesman said at the time, adding: "In no way could a cigarette butt be the cause of the fire at Notre-Dame."

Notre-Dame was gutted by a fire on April 15 that felled its steeple and consumed the lattice of beams supporting the roof.

The damage to the world heritage landmark shocked the world, with President Emmanuel Macron setting an ambitious target of five years to restore the edifice.

A badly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the devastating fire that ripped through Notre-Dame cathedral in April, Paris prosecutors said Wednesday, ruling out any criminal intent.

A badly stubbed-out cigarette or an electrical fault could have started the devastating fire that ripped through Notre-Dame cathedral in April, Paris prosecutors said Wednesday, ruling out any criminal intent. French investigators were examining many hypotheses "including a malfunctioning of the electrical system or a fire which started with a badly stubbed-out cigarette", said a statement, indicating there was no evidence to back up any theory of "a criminal origin" to the fire. The statement, signed by chief Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz, said the preliminary conclusions had been based on interviews with some 100 witnesses. But it emphasised that the investigation had still not clarified the actual cause of the fire. It was not yet possible to conclude if either an electrical fault or stubbed-out cigarette was the most likely theory, it added. "Deeper investigations, using significant expertise, will now be undertaken," it said. The statement said a preliminary investigation had now been opened, without targeting any single individual, over involuntary damage caused by negligence. In April, a spokesman for scaffolding company Le Bras Freres which had been involved in restoration work admitted that workers had smoked on the site from time to time. "We regret it," the spokesman said at the time, adding: "In no way could a cigarette butt be the cause of the fire at Notre-Dame." Notre-Dame was gutted by a fire on April 15 that felled its steeple and consumed the lattice of beams supporting the roof. The damage to the world heritage landmark shocked the world, with President Emmanuel Macron setting an ambitious target of five years to restore the edifice.

Cigarette, electric fault among possible causes of Notre-Dame fire: Prosecutors

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Tehran "never seeks war" with the US amid a spike in tensions between the two countries.

Rouhani to Macron: Iran 'Never Seeks War' with US

Atleast three people have been killed and 30 injured as a fire broke out at a residential building in eastern Paris. Watch this video to know more.

France: 3 killed in Paris apartment fire

Three people died and another was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris in the early hours of Saturday, fire services said.&nbsp;

One of the victims died after jumping out of the window of the six-storey block of flats situated in the 11th district, which also housed a restaurant and a hammam, a spokesman for the fire services said.&nbsp;

The blaze was reported at around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) and it took nearly four hours for 200 firefighters to bring it under control, according to fire captain Florian Lointier.

By 08:45 am, the fire still wasn't fully extinguished.&nbsp;

A total of 27 people were treated for smoke inhalation, the rescue services said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Three people died and another was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris in the early hours of Saturday, fire services said. One of the victims died after jumping out of the window of the six-storey block of flats situated in the 11th district, which also housed a restaurant and a hammam, a spokesman for the fire services said.

Three people died and another was seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a building in central Paris in the early hours of Saturday, fire services said. One of the victims died after jumping out of the window of the six-storey block of flats situated in the 11th district, which also housed a restaurant and a hammam, a spokesman for the fire services said. The blaze was reported at around 5:00 am (0300 GMT) and it took nearly four hours for 200 firefighters to bring it under control, according to fire captain Florian Lointier. By 08:45 am, the fire still wasn't fully extinguished. A total of 27 people were treated for smoke inhalation, the rescue services said.

Three dead in central Paris fire: Rescue services

On 5th International Yoga Day, French envoy said, 'Yoga is very popular in France.' Watch this video to know more.

International Yoga Day 2019: French envoy says, 'Yoga is very popular in France'

France and Germany will increase their efforts to reduce tensions over Iran, but time was running out and the risk of war could not be ruled out, their foreign ministers said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"We want to unify our efforts so that there is a de-escalation process that starts," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Paris.

"There is still time and we hope all the actors show more calm. There is still time, but only a little time," he said.

Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plan a new push to keep Iran in the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran`s threat to violate one of its central limits, but they may be nearing the end of the diplomatic road they embarked on more than 15 years ago, diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday.

Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who attended the French cabinet meeting, echoed those comments adding that "the risk of war in the Gulf has not been averted."

"We need to do everything so that it doesn`t come to this. That`s why we are talking to all sides. I was in Iran and we are also talking with the Americans. We need to de-escalate through dialogue. It is a time of `diplomacy first` and that`s what we are committed to."

The E3 countries have strained to keep the accord between major powers and Iran on life support since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it last year and began re-imposing American sanctions.

Le Drian said Iran`s threat on Monday to breach the 2015 nuclear deal`s limit on its uranium hexafluoride stocks within 10 days was very worrying and not in Tehran`s interest, but he also pointed the finger at the United States.&nbsp;

"We also consider the US` decision to break with the accord is not good and that its maximum pressure campaign is contributing to tensions," he said.

France and Germany will increase their efforts to reduce tensions over Iran, but time was running out and the risk of war could not be ruled out, their foreign ministers said on Wednesday.

France and Germany will increase their efforts to reduce tensions over Iran, but time was running out and the risk of war could not be ruled out, their foreign ministers said on Wednesday. "We want to unify our efforts so that there is a de-escalation process that starts," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters after a cabinet meeting in Paris. "There is still time and we hope all the actors show more calm. There is still time, but only a little time," he said. Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, plan a new push to keep Iran in the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran`s threat to violate one of its central limits, but they may be nearing the end of the diplomatic road they embarked on more than 15 years ago, diplomats told Reuters on Tuesday. Germany Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, who attended the French cabinet meeting, echoed those comments adding that "the risk of war in the Gulf has not been averted." "We need to do everything so that it doesn`t come to this. That`s why we are talking to all sides. I was in Iran and we are also talking with the Americans. We need to de-escalate through dialogue. It is a time of `diplomacy first` and that`s what we are committed to." The E3 countries have strained to keep the accord between major powers and Iran on life support since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from it last year and began re-imposing American sanctions. Le Drian said Iran`s threat on Monday to breach the 2015 nuclear deal`s limit on its uranium hexafluoride stocks within 10 days was very worrying and not in Tehran`s interest, but he also pointed the finger at the United States. "We also consider the US` decision to break with the accord is not good and that its maximum pressure campaign is contributing to tensions," he said.

France, Germany to increase efforts to reduce Iran tensions, avert war: Ministers

France, Germany & Spain ink next generation jet deal. Jet to replace France's Rafale & Germany's Eurofighter. This Jet is the part of Europe's future combat air system. Watch this video to know more.

India Has Signed Deal For 36 Rafale Jets

The 53rd International Paris Air Show kicked off on Monday, bringing together the world's largest aeronautic groups to showcase the cutting-edge technology of today and the future of the air and space industry.

Paris Air Show 2019 displays cutting-edge technology, aircraft

France is once again gripped by football fever -- a year after the men's national team triumphed on the world stage, the women's team is cruising through the group stages and smashing TV audience records in their own World Cup.

Stadiums are selling out, and TV broadcasters are bumping up the price of advertising slots as millions tune in. Les Bleues' star players are fast becoming household names.

TF1, France's main broadcaster for the tournament, had expected the team's opening match to draw up to 5 million viewers. Instead, numbers peaked at 10.9 million, while almost 1 million followed the game on Canal+, a pay-TV unit of Vivendi.

TF1, owned by family-controlled conglomerate Bouygues, described the numbers as a French record for a women's football match.

But the records did not stop there -- in France's second group game against Norway, domestic viewer numbers spiked to 11 million on TF1 - on par with the number of people who watched the men's opening matches in 2018.

The French women play Nigeria on Monday in their last group game before the knock-out stages.

The surprising level of interest prompted TF1 to drive up the cost of advertising slots by 50-60 per cent the day after France's first match, Le Parisien newspaper reported.

Thirty-second slots during the half-time break of France's group stage matches, initially slated at 73,000 euros, now cost 116,000 euros, it said.

The surge in viewer numbers extends beyond the French games. England's match against arch rival Argentina drew nearly 1.5 million viewers on TF1, while up to 1.1 million people have tuned in to watch the United States.

Women's football is steadily growing in popularity in many parts of the world.

Football's governing body FIFA has said it has received a record number of expressions of interest for hosting the next women's tournament, in 2023, including a joint bid by South Korea and North Korea football associations.

France is once again gripped by football fever -- a year after the men's national team triumphed on the world stage, the women's team is cruising through the group stages and smashing TV audience records in their own World Cup.

France is once again gripped by football fever -- a year after the men's national team triumphed on the world stage, the women's team is cruising through the group stages and smashing TV audience records in their own World Cup. Stadiums are selling out, and TV broadcasters are bumping up the price of advertising slots as millions tune in. Les Bleues' star players are fast becoming household names. TF1, France's main broadcaster for the tournament, had expected the team's opening match to draw up to 5 million viewers. Instead, numbers peaked at 10.9 million, while almost 1 million followed the game on Canal+, a pay-TV unit of Vivendi. TF1, owned by family-controlled conglomerate Bouygues, described the numbers as a French record for a women's football match. But the records did not stop there -- in France's second group game against Norway, domestic viewer numbers spiked to 11 million on TF1 - on par with the number of people who watched the men's opening matches in 2018. The French women play Nigeria on Monday in their last group game before the knock-out stages. The surprising level of interest prompted TF1 to drive up the cost of advertising slots by 50-60 per cent the day after France's first match, Le Parisien newspaper reported. Thirty-second slots during the half-time break of France's group stage matches, initially slated at 73,000 euros, now cost 116,000 euros, it said. The surge in viewer numbers extends beyond the French games. England's match against arch rival Argentina drew nearly 1.5 million viewers on TF1, while up to 1.1 million people have tuned in to watch the United States. Women's football is steadily growing in popularity in many parts of the world. Football's governing body FIFA has said it has received a record number of expressions of interest for hosting the next women's tournament, in 2023, including a joint bid by South Korea and North Korea football associations.

France's women football team smash TV viewing records, advertising costs spike

Paris air show: How Britain's Future Combat Air System will overpower Dassault's Rafale

The 53rd edition of the Paris Air Show is set to open its doors on Monday (June 17) amid safety concerns, trade wars and growing security tensions in the Gulf dampening spirits at the world's largest planemakers as they arrive for this week's gathering with little to celebrate despite bulging order books.

Boeing crisis, trade tensions to cast pall over Paris Air Show

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protestors gathered at Paris's Place de la Bastille square on Saturday for the 31st round of demonstrations following several weeks of waning turnout, more than six months into the demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron and high living costs.

Though the number of demonstrators rose slightly last week across France, they remained well below earlier peaks seen in November and December, when an estimated 300,000 took to the streets on Saturdays in protests that often resulted in widespread violence and vandalism in Paris.

The "yellow vests" protests, named after the bright jackets French drivers have to keep in their cars and which have been worn by demonstrators, began in November after public anger against fuel tax rises. Those were subsequently scrapped but the movement has since morphed into a broader anti-government protest.

The number of protestors have&nbsp;gradually fallen as a result of measures taken by President Emmanuel Macron to quell the public anger, such as tax cuts to boost consumers' spending power.

However, some demonstrators on Saturday said they would continue to protest over Macron's policies. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protestors gathered at Paris's Place de la Bastille square on Saturday for the 31st round of demonstrations following several weeks of waning turnout, more than six months into the demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron and high living costs.

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protestors gathered at Paris's Place de la Bastille square on Saturday for the 31st round of demonstrations following several weeks of waning turnout, more than six months into the demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron and high living costs. Though the number of demonstrators rose slightly last week across France, they remained well below earlier peaks seen in November and December, when an estimated 300,000 took to the streets on Saturdays in protests that often resulted in widespread violence and vandalism in Paris. The "yellow vests" protests, named after the bright jackets French drivers have to keep in their cars and which have been worn by demonstrators, began in November after public anger against fuel tax rises. Those were subsequently scrapped but the movement has since morphed into a broader anti-government protest. The number of protestors have gradually fallen as a result of measures taken by President Emmanuel Macron to quell the public anger, such as tax cuts to boost consumers' spending power. However, some demonstrators on Saturday said they would continue to protest over Macron's policies.

'Yellow vest' protestors push on for 31st weekend despite waning numbers

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. But over the same period, data show France has cut purchases of Iranian oil and sharply increased imports from Iran's arch-enemy Saudi Arabia.

In recent weeks, France has used its energy needs to justify a surge in arms sales to the kingdom, even if there is no evidence the 50 per cent increase in Saudi purchases of French arms last year was conditional on France buying <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-rises-as-saudi-sees-producers-sticking-with-ongoing-supply-cuts-225845">Saudi oil.</a>

The surge in France's buying of Saudi oil shows Paris is doing less business with Iran even as it publicly encourages European partners to find a way to keep trade with Tehran flowing via the Franco-German-British Index trade system.

It also underscores how difficult it is for global power and permanent UN Security Council member like France to stand up against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-prices-fall-on-weak-demand-growth-rise-in-us-crude-stocks-226381">United States</a> and its closest Arab-world ally when they are determined to put the squeeze on Iran.

Last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly said trade ties with allies like Saudi Arabia were essential to safeguarding France's security and energy interests.

"(Weapons) exports make it possible to forge close ties with states that are strategic for the security of France," she told parliament, one of the first times a senior official has linked arms sales to France's broader economic relations with Saudi Arabia. "It puts us at the heart of the Middle East, a key region for our security interests and our energy supplies."

Asked about the link between oil purchases and arms sales, a French diplomatic source was straightforward: "We want to save the nuclear deal because it helps peace in the region, but we have always had a historical relationship with Saudi Arabia so why would we jeopardize this?"

The sharp drop-off in Iran's ability to sell its oil internationally has hit the economy hard, delivering exactly the impact the Instex system is designed to prevent in the long-term.

French finance ministry data shows France bought 2.2 billion euros ($2.49 billion) of Iranian light crude between April 2017 and March 2018, making it France's third largest supplier.

But over the following 12-months, that figure fell 57% to 936 million euros, with imports from Iran stopping altogether from September 2018 onwards, as sanctions bit.

In contrast, French purchases of Saudi oil jumped 50% to 3.7 billion euros between March 2018 and April 2019.

Industry sources say Saudi and Iranian crude oil have very similar properties that make them good substitutes. Over the same period, Paris also substantially increased its purchases of Russian and Iraqi crude, which are also similar.

All countries had to reduce oil imports from Iran as sanctions mounted, although China and India continued to buy after initial US waivers, although they have now also cut purchases.

Closer Saudi ties

France has nurtured close ties with Saudi Arabia. But the nuclear deal in 2015 between Iran and six world powers - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - eased sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, providing an economic lifeline for Riyadh's rival.

France, with business ties in Iran, moved quickly to capitalise, and some of its biggest corporations followed. The total was the first international oil company to return to Iran, while other French firms such as carmakers PSA and Renault also moved back.

Between 2016 and early 2018, French purchases of Iranian crude oil soared to more than 2 billion euros a year.

However, US President Donald Trump, who arrived in the White House as Iran's economy was reaping the benefits of the deal, called it "the worst ever negotiated". He pulled the United States out, re-imposed tough sanctions, including on Iran's oil sector, and threatened punishment for allies like France who kept doing business with Tehran.

The US decision was always likely to tighten French ties with Saudi Arabia, said Jalel Harchaoui, a fellow at Clingendael Institute in The Hague.

"The US unilaterally walking away from the JCPOA (nuclear deal) forced France to reduce its economic transactions with Iran. That development is seen as yet another reason to tighten the closeness between Paris and the Gulf capitals," he said.

Saudi Arabia backs the United States' tough line on Iran and has sought to broaden the anti-Iran front. France shares concerns over Iran's ballistic missile programme and meddling in the Middle East, but says engagement is preferable to isolation.

From weapons to energy security

The shift to buying more Saudi oil comes at a sensitive time for France and its relations with the kingdom.

In particular, President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from political rivals and human rights organisations over French weapons sales to Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. Both states have used the weapons in the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels.

Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has urged Riyadh to end the "dirty war" in Yemen but also accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons they have used against Saudi territory.

He and Macron have defended arms sales to Saudi and the UAE as necessary in the global fight against terrorism.

Saudi Arabia has been France's top arms buyer over the last five years, with sales jumping 50 per cent to about 1 billion euros in 2018.

Rather than avoiding the issue, Macron's government has sought to draw a link between energy and security in answering criticism over the weapons sales.

"Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies," Party said.

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions.

Over the past year, France has led a European push to keep trade with Iran alive after the United States tore up the nuclear deal with Tehran and re-imposed sanctions. But over the same period, data show France has cut purchases of Iranian oil and sharply increased imports from Iran's arch-enemy Saudi Arabia. In recent weeks, France has used its energy needs to justify a surge in arms sales to the kingdom, even if there is no evidence the 50 per cent increase in Saudi purchases of French arms last year was conditional on France buying Saudi oil. The surge in France's buying of Saudi oil shows Paris is doing less business with Iran even as it publicly encourages European partners to find a way to keep trade with Tehran flowing via the Franco-German-British Index trade system. It also underscores how difficult it is for global power and permanent UN Security Council member like France to stand up against the United States and its closest Arab-world ally when they are determined to put the squeeze on Iran. Last month, Defence Minister Florence Parly said trade ties with allies like Saudi Arabia were essential to safeguarding France's security and energy interests. "(Weapons) exports make it possible to forge close ties with states that are strategic for the security of France," she told parliament, one of the first times a senior official has linked arms sales to France's broader economic relations with Saudi Arabia. "It puts us at the heart of the Middle East, a key region for our security interests and our energy supplies." Asked about the link between oil purchases and arms sales, a French diplomatic source was straightforward: "We want to save the nuclear deal because it helps peace in the region, but we have always had a historical relationship with Saudi Arabia so why would we jeopardize this?" The sharp drop-off in Iran's ability to sell its oil internationally has hit the economy hard, delivering exactly the impact the Instex system is designed to prevent in the long-term. French finance ministry data shows France bought 2.2 billion euros ($2.49 billion) of Iranian light crude between April 2017 and March 2018, making it France's third largest supplier. But over the following 12-months, that figure fell 57% to 936 million euros, with imports from Iran stopping altogether from September 2018 onwards, as sanctions bit. In contrast, French purchases of Saudi oil jumped 50% to 3.7 billion euros between March 2018 and April 2019. Industry sources say Saudi and Iranian crude oil have very similar properties that make them good substitutes. Over the same period, Paris also substantially increased its purchases of Russian and Iraqi crude, which are also similar. All countries had to reduce oil imports from Iran as sanctions mounted, although China and India continued to buy after initial US waivers, although they have now also cut purchases. Closer Saudi ties France has nurtured close ties with Saudi Arabia. But the nuclear deal in 2015 between Iran and six world powers - the United States, France, Britain, China, Germany and Russia - eased sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme, providing an economic lifeline for Riyadh's rival. France, with business ties in Iran, moved quickly to capitalise, and some of its biggest corporations followed. The total was the first international oil company to return to Iran, while other French firms such as carmakers PSA and Renault also moved back. Between 2016 and early 2018, French purchases of Iranian crude oil soared to more than 2 billion euros a year. However, US President Donald Trump, who arrived in the White House as Iran's economy was reaping the benefits of the deal, called it "the worst ever negotiated". He pulled the United States out, re-imposed tough sanctions, including on Iran's oil sector, and threatened punishment for allies like France who kept doing business with Tehran. The US decision was always likely to tighten French ties with Saudi Arabia, said Jalel Harchaoui, a fellow at Clingendael Institute in The Hague. "The US unilaterally walking away from the JCPOA (nuclear deal) forced France to reduce its economic transactions with Iran. That development is seen as yet another reason to tighten the closeness between Paris and the Gulf capitals," he said. Saudi Arabia backs the United States' tough line on Iran and has sought to broaden the anti-Iran front. France shares concerns over Iran's ballistic missile programme and meddling in the Middle East, but says engagement is preferable to isolation. From weapons to energy security The shift to buying more Saudi oil comes at a sensitive time for France and its relations with the kingdom. In particular, President Emmanuel Macron is under fire from political rivals and human rights organisations over French weapons sales to Saudi and the United Arab Emirates. Both states have used the weapons in the war in Yemen, where a Saudi-led coalition is fighting Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has urged Riyadh to end the "dirty war" in Yemen but also accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons they have used against Saudi territory. He and Macron have defended arms sales to Saudi and the UAE as necessary in the global fight against terrorism. Saudi Arabia has been France's top arms buyer over the last five years, with sales jumping 50 per cent to about 1 billion euros in 2018. Rather than avoiding the issue, Macron's government has sought to draw a link between energy and security in answering criticism over the weapons sales. "Maintaining economic relations with these countries means keeping a presence in key regions for our security interests and our energy supplies," Party said.

As Iran nuclear deal flounders, France turns to Saudi for oil

It was a symbolic gift from Emmanuel Macron to Donald Trump at the height of their “bromance” last year: an oak tree ceremoniously planted in the manicured lawns of the White House by both leaders.

Trump and Macron’s symbolic friendship tree dies

A oak tree planted by President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House has died. Watch this video to know more.

Oak tree in White House dies

US President Donald Trump on Monday lashed out at France for unfair tariffs on "great" American wine

Trump could target French wine with tariffs

Animal rights activists splattered buckets of red liquid on a Paris monument on Saturday (June 8) to demand the closure of slaughterhouses in the country. The protesters doused the notable monument at the French capital's Place de la Republique square with red fluid which meant to symbolize the blood of animals killed to produce meat.

'Freedom can't wait': Hundreds march in Paris to call for closure of slaughterhouses

As expected, the Olympique Lyonnais women carried France to a comprehensive 4-0 win against South Korea in their World Cup opening game on Friday, sending a clear warning to their rivals that they are ready to go for the title.

Eugenie Le Sommer, Amandine Henry and Wendie Renard all scored to put France in charge of Group A three weeks after helping OL to win a fourth straight Champions League title.

The Lyon players have an extra incentive in the competition as the semi-finals and the final will be played at their Groupama Stadium.

There were seven players of Europe's most decorated club in the starting line-up at the Parc des Princes and they proved way too much to handle for the South Koreans, who found themselves trailing 3-0 at halftime.

Le Sommer clipped the ball into the roof of the net for the opener before towering centre back Renard headed home twice, with captain Henry curling a right-footed effort into the far corner of the net five minutes from time.

Renard, at 1.87 metres tall, is an asset for Les Bleues in set pieces.

"Every time she is in the box, it's almost a certain goal for us," joked team mate Kadi Diani.

"We were dreaming that she would score with a header from one of my corner kicks, and we did just that," added Gaetane Thiney.

The only stain on an otherwise perfect night came when striker Valerie Gauvin sat on the bench after being widely expected to start.

"It's my fault; it is what it is," said Gauvin. "I keep for myself what (coach) Corinne (Diacre) told me. You always learn."

Gauvin said she had been sanctioned for showing up late for training on two occasions but Diacre publicly played down the situation, saying: "It was a tactical choice."

France next face Norway in Nice on Tuesday.

Norway take on Nigeria later on Saturday (1900 GMT).

As expected, the Olympique Lyonnais women carried France to a comprehensive 4-0 win against South Korea in their World Cup opening game on Friday, sending a clear warning to their rivals that they are ready to go for the title.

As expected, the Olympique Lyonnais women carried France to a comprehensive 4-0 win against South Korea in their World Cup opening game on Friday, sending a clear warning to their rivals that they are ready to go for the title. Eugenie Le Sommer, Amandine Henry and Wendie Renard all scored to put France in charge of Group A three weeks after helping OL to win a fourth straight Champions League title. The Lyon players have an extra incentive in the competition as the semi-finals and the final will be played at their Groupama Stadium. There were seven players of Europe's most decorated club in the starting line-up at the Parc des Princes and they proved way too much to handle for the South Koreans, who found themselves trailing 3-0 at halftime. Le Sommer clipped the ball into the roof of the net for the opener before towering centre back Renard headed home twice, with captain Henry curling a right-footed effort into the far corner of the net five minutes from time. Renard, at 1.87 metres tall, is an asset for Les Bleues in set pieces. "Every time she is in the box, it's almost a certain goal for us," joked team mate Kadi Diani. "We were dreaming that she would score with a header from one of my corner kicks, and we did just that," added Gaetane Thiney. The only stain on an otherwise perfect night came when striker Valerie Gauvin sat on the bench after being widely expected to start. "It's my fault; it is what it is," said Gauvin. "I keep for myself what (coach) Corinne (Diacre) told me. You always learn." Gauvin said she had been sanctioned for showing up late for training on two occasions but Diacre publicly played down the situation, saying: "It was a tactical choice." France next face Norway in Nice on Tuesday. Norway take on Nigeria later on Saturday (1900 GMT).

Lyon women inspire France in perfect World Cup opener

France was clearing up Saturday after a massive storm ripped across the country, leaving three dead and thousands of homes without electricity.

Three rescuers from the French ocean rescue service died Friday when their vessel capsized in rough seas as Storm Miguel pummelled the Atlantic coast.

"In late morning, a boat from the SNSM capsized 800 metres from the coast around Les Sables d'Olonne with seven people on board," the local prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Three of them died while four managed to swim to shore, the statement added.

"These tragic deaths have sparked deep emotions within the ocean rescue services," said SNSM chief, Xavier de la Gorce.

The team from the National Society of Sea Rescue (SNSM) had been attempting to help a fishing boat which was struggling in the giant swell caused by storm Miguel, which packed winds of up to 120 kilometres an hour (75 mph).

Maritime officials said the crew was using one of the SNSM's "all weather" vessels, specially designed to be unsinkable and to automatically right itself if capsized.

National electricity company Enedis said meanwhile that &nbsp;28,000 homes were without power Saturday, with Normandy and northern parts of Acquitaine the worst affected.

"More than 1,000 personnel have been mobilised in the affected regions," it said in a statement.

In Paris meanwhile, a man was seriously injured after a falling tree knocked down a street light which hit him.

Rescue officials said the manwas fighting for his life after the incident in the 19th district in the northeastern part of the city that was hit by high winds.

France was clearing up Saturday after a massive storm ripped across the country, leaving three dead and thousands of homes without electricity. Three rescuers from the French ocean rescue service died Friday when their vessel capsized in rough seas as Storm Miguel pummelled the Atlantic coast.

France was clearing up Saturday after a massive storm ripped across the country, leaving three dead and thousands of homes without electricity. Three rescuers from the French ocean rescue service died Friday when their vessel capsized in rough seas as Storm Miguel pummelled the Atlantic coast. "In late morning, a boat from the SNSM capsized 800 metres from the coast around Les Sables d'Olonne with seven people on board," the local prosecutor's office said in a statement. Three of them died while four managed to swim to shore, the statement added. "These tragic deaths have sparked deep emotions within the ocean rescue services," said SNSM chief, Xavier de la Gorce. The team from the National Society of Sea Rescue (SNSM) had been attempting to help a fishing boat which was struggling in the giant swell caused by storm Miguel, which packed winds of up to 120 kilometres an hour (75 mph). Maritime officials said the crew was using one of the SNSM's "all weather" vessels, specially designed to be unsinkable and to automatically right itself if capsized. National electricity company Enedis said meanwhile that 28,000 homes were without power Saturday, with Normandy and northern parts of Acquitaine the worst affected. "More than 1,000 personnel have been mobilised in the affected regions," it said in a statement. In Paris meanwhile, a man was seriously injured after a falling tree knocked down a street light which hit him. Rescue officials said the manwas fighting for his life after the incident in the 19th district in the northeastern part of the city that was hit by high winds.

France clears up after storm Miguel kills three

US President Donald Trump is back in the United States after traveling to the United Kingdom, Ireland and France. His arrival comes on the third day of talks between U.S. and Mexican officials over the looming threat of a 5% tariff on imports from Mexico.

Trump back in U.S., says trade talks 'doing well'

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday (June 7), that he hoped a final ratification of the Canada-European Union Free Trade Agreement (CETA) can be adopted by French lawmakers in the coming weeks.

Macron wants to ratify EU-Canada trade agreement in coming weeks

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