Pope Francis has approved pilgrimages to Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia that is steeped in controversy over whether the Madonna appears to local people, the Vatican said on Sunday.

A statement by spokesman Alessandro Gisotti, said, however, that the official approval should not be interpreted as Church authentication of the alleged apparitions, because more investigation and study was needed.

Six children first reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981 in a scenario reminiscent of famous apparitions in the French town of Lourdes in the 19th century and more then 100 years ago in Fatima in Portugal.

In the following years, the Bosnian village became a major pilgrimage site, attracting hundreds of thousands each year and giving many visitors what they say is a renewed sense of spirituality.

The pilgrimages, which include faithful from as far away from North America and Asia, took place although they were not officially authorised by the Vatican.

They also gave locals a steady source of much-needed revenue.

Some of those involved, now adults, say they still experience apparitions regularly, and that the Madonna tells them ahead of time when she will appear to them.

But some Catholics believe the apparitions are a hoax.

Former Pope Benedict set up a commission of theologians and bishops to study the situation.

Its report has not been published but was given to Pope Francis in 2014.

Speaking to reporters in 2017, Francis said investigations are continuing into the first alleged apparitions but he said at the time that he was highly sceptical about claims that they are continuing.

Francis did acknowledge that some people who go to Medjugorje experience spiritual renewal and 'encounter God, change their lives.'

The Vatican`s statement on Sunday said a papal delegate to Medjugorje, Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser, would ensure that pilgrims who visit the site are aware that Church theologians are still investigating the authenticity of the claims.

Pope Francis has approved pilgrimages to Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia that is steeped in controversy over whether the Madonna appears to local people, the Vatican said on Sunday.

Pope Francis has approved pilgrimages to Medjugorje, a village in Bosnia that is steeped in controversy over whether the Madonna appears to local people, the Vatican said on Sunday. A statement by spokesman Alessandro Gisotti, said, however, that the official approval should not be interpreted as Church authentication of the alleged apparitions, because more investigation and study was needed. Six children first reported visions of the Virgin Mary in 1981 in a scenario reminiscent of famous apparitions in the French town of Lourdes in the 19th century and more then 100 years ago in Fatima in Portugal. In the following years, the Bosnian village became a major pilgrimage site, attracting hundreds of thousands each year and giving many visitors what they say is a renewed sense of spirituality. The pilgrimages, which include faithful from as far away from North America and Asia, took place although they were not officially authorised by the Vatican. They also gave locals a steady source of much-needed revenue. Some of those involved, now adults, say they still experience apparitions regularly, and that the Madonna tells them ahead of time when she will appear to them. But some Catholics believe the apparitions are a hoax. Former Pope Benedict set up a commission of theologians and bishops to study the situation. Its report has not been published but was given to Pope Francis in 2014. Speaking to reporters in 2017, Francis said investigations are continuing into the first alleged apparitions but he said at the time that he was highly sceptical about claims that they are continuing. Francis did acknowledge that some people who go to Medjugorje experience spiritual renewal and 'encounter God, change their lives.' The Vatican`s statement on Sunday said a papal delegate to Medjugorje, Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser, would ensure that pilgrims who visit the site are aware that Church theologians are still investigating the authenticity of the claims.

Pope Francis approves visits to contested Bosnian shrine

Veteran actor Jean Reno has been roped in to star in thriller 'Rogue City'.

The film is set in Marseille, France, and follows an anti-gang cop (Reno) with unorthodox methods who investigates a shooting at a local nightclub along with his longtime rival.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Variety, the film, to be directed by Olivier Marchal, also features Lannick Gautry, Stanislas Merhar and David Bell.&nbsp;

Alain Figlarz, best known for his work on 'Taken 3', 'The Bourne Identity' and 'The Transporter', will be handling the action scenes and stunts.

Production is set to start in September in the south of France.

Veteran actor Jean Reno has been roped in to star in thriller 'Rogue City'. The film is set in Marseille, France, and follows an anti-gang cop (Reno) with unorthodox methods who investigates a shooting at a local nightclub along with his longtime rival.

Veteran actor Jean Reno has been roped in to star in thriller 'Rogue City'. The film is set in Marseille, France, and follows an anti-gang cop (Reno) with unorthodox methods who investigates a shooting at a local nightclub along with his longtime rival. According to Variety, the film, to be directed by Olivier Marchal, also features Lannick Gautry, Stanislas Merhar and David Bell. Alain Figlarz, best known for his work on 'Taken 3', 'The Bourne Identity' and 'The Transporter', will be handling the action scenes and stunts. Production is set to start in September in the south of France.

Jean Reno to star in 'Rogue City'

The European Union and the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain on Thursday said they were still committed to the Iran nuclear deal but would not accept ultimatums after Iran announced it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme.

After <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vows-more-sanctions-for-iran-tells-europe-to-stop-doing-business-with-tehran-217159">Tehran's announcement </a>and threat to take more action that could violate the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, US&nbsp;President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revues from exports of its industrial metals.

"We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Iran's compliance on the basis of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-targets-irans-iron-steel-aluminium-copper-sectors-in-new-sanctions-217134">Iran's performance</a> regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA and the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons)," the statement read, with JCPOA referring to the Iran nuclear deal.

They said they regretted the re-imposition of sanctions by the United States and added that they remained committed to preserving and fully implementing the Iran nuclear deal.

"We are determined to continue pursuing efforts to enable the continuation of legitimate trade with Iran," said the European states, adding that included getting a special purpose vehicle aimed at enabling business with Iran off the ground.

A year ago, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States.

The accord relaxed international sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear programme that were designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.

Tehran has said it pursued only a peaceful nuclear programme.

The European Union and the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain on Thursday said they were still committed to the Iran nuclear deal but would not accept ultimatums after Iran announced it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme.

The European Union and the foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain on Thursday said they were still committed to the Iran nuclear deal but would not accept ultimatums after Iran announced it was scaling back curbs to its nuclear programme. After Tehran's announcement and threat to take more action that could violate the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, US President Donald Trump imposed new sanctions on Iran, targeting revues from exports of its industrial metals. "We reject any ultimatums and we will assess Iran's compliance on the basis of Iran's performance regarding its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA and the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons)," the statement read, with JCPOA referring to the Iran nuclear deal. They said they regretted the re-imposition of sanctions by the United States and added that they remained committed to preserving and fully implementing the Iran nuclear deal. "We are determined to continue pursuing efforts to enable the continuation of legitimate trade with Iran," said the European states, adding that included getting a special purpose vehicle aimed at enabling business with Iran off the ground. A year ago, Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from the nuclear deal signed by Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, Germany and the United States. The accord relaxed international sanctions on Iran in return for Tehran accepting curbs on its nuclear programme that were designed to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has said it pursued only a peaceful nuclear programme.

European Union rejects any ultimatums after Iran's move on nuclear deal

The Question Of India's Permanent Membership In UNSC Is A Contentious One Fraught With Political Controversies.

Gravitas: The Story Of India's Bid For UNSC Permanent Seat

India's Bid To Become A Permanent Member In UN Security Council Receives A Big Boost As France'S Envoy To UN Backs The Idea.

Gravitas: France Backs India's Permanent Membership In UNSC

France said that India and nations like Germany, Brazil and Japan are "absolutely needed" as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Watch full video to know more.

India ' Absolutely Needed' as permanent UN Security Council members, says France

International sanctions could be reimposed on Iran if it reneges on commitments under its nuclear deal, sources at the French presidency said on Tuesday after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-reduce-nuclear-commitments-state-media-216851">Tehran said it would scale back its compliance</a> a year after Washington pulled out.

The US military said on Tuesday that B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US&nbsp;forces there.

Iran dismissed announcement of a US aircraft carrier deployment as old news, recycled for psychological warfare, and said it would soon announce plans to roll back some of its commitments under the 2015 deal.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pompeo-in-baghdad-on-unannounced-visit-iraq-government-source-216847">unannounced visit to Iran`s neighbour Iraq </a>on Tuesday and met with the Iraqi prime minister after telling reporters Washington was concerned about Iraqi sovereignty because of increasing Iranian activity.

He said afterwards he had talked to the Iraqis about the importance of Iraq ensuring it was able to protect Americans in the country and said he hoped the US&nbsp;deployments would make "the Iranians think twice about attacking American interests."

He said the Pentagon had warned of very specific threats "that were going to happen fairly soon."

"We’ve learned about them and we’re taking every action to deter them," he said.

Asked about Iran`s warning that it would soon announce plans to roll back some of its 2015 commitments, Pompeo said,&nbsp;"We`ll obviously have to wait and see what they choose to do. ... I think everyone will look at the Iranians` decision and to make their own assessment of how much increased risk there is."

Tensions have risen on the eve of the anniversary of President Donald Trump`s withdrawal from the agreement, under which Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions.

The Trump administration has restored US sanctions and extended them, effectively ordering countries around the world to stop buying Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own.

Iran has continued complying with the deal. Washington`s European allies, which oppose the US&nbsp;pullout, have tried and failed to come up with ways to blunt the economic impact of the US&nbsp;move while urging Iran to continue to comply.

Iranian media reported that Tehran would write to the countries still signed up to the deal - US&nbsp;allies Britain, France and Germany as well as Russia and China - on Wednesday to give them details about plans to "diminish its commitments" under the deal.

Iranian state news reports have said Iran does not plan to pull out, but will revive some nuclear activity that was halted under the deal.

A French presidential source said the European countries did not yet know precisely what steps Iran was now planning, but they could have to reimpose sanctions on Iran if those steps amount to reneging.

"We do not want Tehran to announce tomorrow actions that would violate the nuclear agreement, because in this case we Europeans would be obliged to reimpose sanctions as per the terms of the agreement," the source said.

"We sent messages to Tehran to say that we were determined to implement the agreement, that we really wanted them to stay in this agreement even though we took into account the complexity of the situation and passed on the same messages to our American allies," the source said.

A second French official later said that if Tehran failed to comply with the deal, the issue would be treated through a dispute mechanism under the accord itself, which could lead to the reimposition of UN&nbsp;Security Council sanctions.&nbsp;

US officials have spoken in recent days of intelligence suggesting a military threat from Iran, although they have not given specific details.

"PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE"

Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Monday he had approved dispatching the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike force and bombers due to indications of a "credible threat by Iranian regime forces".&nbsp;

While he gave no details, US&nbsp;officials have told Reuters there were "multiple, credible threats" against US forces on land, including in Iraq, by Iran and proxy forces, and at sea.

US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said four B-52s would be deployed to the region, though that number could change. The United States has regularly maintained a bomber presence in the region, and B-1 bombers were there as recently as last month.&nbsp;

Keyvan Khosravi, spokesman for Iran`s Supreme National Security Council, said the Abraham Lincoln was already due in the Gulf and dismissed the announcement as a "clumsy" attempt to recycle old news for "psychological warfare."

On Tuesday, the Pentagon confirmed that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had already been scheduled to go to the Middle East, but that its movement was "expedited" due to the tensions with Iran.

The United States typically rotates an aircraft carrier in the Gulf to serve as the flagship of its Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain. The previous carrier in the area, the John C Stennis, left in April to sail for home at the end of its deployment.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter,&nbsp;"If US&nbsp;and clients don`t feel safe, it`s because they`re despised by the people of the region - blaming Iran won’t reverse that."

Iran`s state-run Press TV earlier said,&nbsp;"The deployment seems to be a `regularly scheduled` one by the US Navy, and Bolton has just tried to talk it up." 
A military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington was "neither willing nor capable" of military action against Iran, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported.

Unnerved by the war of words, Iran’s rial currency extended its fall on Tuesday, hovering around a seven-month low of 150,500 against the dollar on the unofficial market, foreign exchange websites reported.

Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal, Washington has given waivers to some countries, mainly in Asia, to keep buying Iranian oil for a limited time. But last week it said it would now end the waivers to reduce Iran`s crude exports to zero.

The administration also blacklisted Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorists. The Guards control a large swathe of Iranian industry, so their blacklisting could make it harder for foreign companies to do business with Iran.

Iran has responded by declaring all US&nbsp;forces in the Middle East to be terrorists. It has also made threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf if Tehran were barred from using it. Around 30 per cent of the world`s seaborne oil exports pass through the strait.

International sanctions could be reimposed on Iran if it reneges on commitments under its nuclear deal, sources at the French presidency said on Tuesday after Tehran said it would scale back its compliance a year after Washington pulled out.

International sanctions could be reimposed on Iran if it reneges on commitments under its nuclear deal, sources at the French presidency said on Tuesday after Tehran said it would scale back its compliance a year after Washington pulled out. The US military said on Tuesday that B-52 bombers would be part of additional forces being sent to the Middle East to counter what the Trump administration says are "clear indications" of threats from Iran to US forces there. Iran dismissed announcement of a US aircraft carrier deployment as old news, recycled for psychological warfare, and said it would soon announce plans to roll back some of its commitments under the 2015 deal. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an unannounced visit to Iran`s neighbour Iraq on Tuesday and met with the Iraqi prime minister after telling reporters Washington was concerned about Iraqi sovereignty because of increasing Iranian activity. He said afterwards he had talked to the Iraqis about the importance of Iraq ensuring it was able to protect Americans in the country and said he hoped the US deployments would make "the Iranians think twice about attacking American interests." He said the Pentagon had warned of very specific threats "that were going to happen fairly soon." "We’ve learned about them and we’re taking every action to deter them," he said. Asked about Iran`s warning that it would soon announce plans to roll back some of its 2015 commitments, Pompeo said, "We`ll obviously have to wait and see what they choose to do. ... I think everyone will look at the Iranians` decision and to make their own assessment of how much increased risk there is." Tensions have risen on the eve of the anniversary of President Donald Trump`s withdrawal from the agreement, under which Iran agreed to curbs on its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of international sanctions. The Trump administration has restored US sanctions and extended them, effectively ordering countries around the world to stop buying Iranian oil or face sanctions of their own. Iran has continued complying with the deal. Washington`s European allies, which oppose the US pullout, have tried and failed to come up with ways to blunt the economic impact of the US move while urging Iran to continue to comply. Iranian media reported that Tehran would write to the countries still signed up to the deal - US allies Britain, France and Germany as well as Russia and China - on Wednesday to give them details about plans to "diminish its commitments" under the deal. Iranian state news reports have said Iran does not plan to pull out, but will revive some nuclear activity that was halted under the deal. A French presidential source said the European countries did not yet know precisely what steps Iran was now planning, but they could have to reimpose sanctions on Iran if those steps amount to reneging. "We do not want Tehran to announce tomorrow actions that would violate the nuclear agreement, because in this case we Europeans would be obliged to reimpose sanctions as per the terms of the agreement," the source said. "We sent messages to Tehran to say that we were determined to implement the agreement, that we really wanted them to stay in this agreement even though we took into account the complexity of the situation and passed on the same messages to our American allies," the source said. A second French official later said that if Tehran failed to comply with the deal, the issue would be treated through a dispute mechanism under the accord itself, which could lead to the reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions. US officials have spoken in recent days of intelligence suggesting a military threat from Iran, although they have not given specific details. "PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE" Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said on Monday he had approved dispatching the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike force and bombers due to indications of a "credible threat by Iranian regime forces". While he gave no details, US officials have told Reuters there were "multiple, credible threats" against US forces on land, including in Iraq, by Iran and proxy forces, and at sea. US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said four B-52s would be deployed to the region, though that number could change. The United States has regularly maintained a bomber presence in the region, and B-1 bombers were there as recently as last month. Keyvan Khosravi, spokesman for Iran`s Supreme National Security Council, said the Abraham Lincoln was already due in the Gulf and dismissed the announcement as a "clumsy" attempt to recycle old news for "psychological warfare." On Tuesday, the Pentagon confirmed that the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group had already been scheduled to go to the Middle East, but that its movement was "expedited" due to the tensions with Iran. The United States typically rotates an aircraft carrier in the Gulf to serve as the flagship of its Fifth Fleet based in Bahrain. The previous carrier in the area, the John C Stennis, left in April to sail for home at the end of its deployment. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter, "If US and clients don`t feel safe, it`s because they`re despised by the people of the region - blaming Iran won’t reverse that." Iran`s state-run Press TV earlier said, "The deployment seems to be a `regularly scheduled` one by the US Navy, and Bolton has just tried to talk it up." A military adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Washington was "neither willing nor capable" of military action against Iran, the semi-official news agency ISNA reported. Unnerved by the war of words, Iran’s rial currency extended its fall on Tuesday, hovering around a seven-month low of 150,500 against the dollar on the unofficial market, foreign exchange websites reported. Since withdrawing from the nuclear deal, Washington has given waivers to some countries, mainly in Asia, to keep buying Iranian oil for a limited time. But last week it said it would now end the waivers to reduce Iran`s crude exports to zero. The administration also blacklisted Iran`s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorists. The Guards control a large swathe of Iranian industry, so their blacklisting could make it harder for foreign companies to do business with Iran. Iran has responded by declaring all US forces in the Middle East to be terrorists. It has also made threats to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf if Tehran were barred from using it. Around 30 per cent of the world`s seaborne oil exports pass through the strait.

France suggests sanctions could be reimposed if Iran reneges on deal

French envoy to the UN has backed India, Germany, Brazil saying that these countries are needed as permanent members. Watch full video to know more.

France backs India's fixed UN membership

An armed man is holding at least five people 'hostage' inside a store in the Toulouse suburb of Blagnac in southwestern France, according to local reports.

Police have surrounded the store and the area has been evacuated.

TV channels are reporting that the gunman made a robbery attempt and threatened to fire at police officers.

According to television reports, the hostage-taker has demanded to speak to a negotiator.

A spokesperson for the national police said the man seized the hostages at 4:20 pm on Tuesday, 7 May, at a convenience store in the town of Blagnac, near the Toulouse airport.

An armed man is holding at least five people 'hostage' inside a store in the Toulouse suburb of Blagnac in southwestern France, according to local reports. Police have surrounded the store and the area has been evacuated.

An armed man is holding at least five people 'hostage' inside a store in the Toulouse suburb of Blagnac in southwestern France, according to local reports. Police have surrounded the store and the area has been evacuated. TV channels are reporting that the gunman made a robbery attempt and threatened to fire at police officers. According to television reports, the hostage-taker has demanded to speak to a negotiator. A spokesperson for the national police said the man seized the hostages at 4:20 pm on Tuesday, 7 May, at a convenience store in the town of Blagnac, near the Toulouse airport.

Armed man takes multiple hostages in France's Toulouse

An Italian museum says it plans to carry out DNA tests on a lock of hair it believes might have belonged to the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who died 500 years ago this month.

However, some experts have thrown doubt on the exercise, saying the hair almost certainly did not belong to the Italian master, while credible DNA testing may prove impossible.

Da Vinci died in May 1519 and was buried at the Chateau d`Ambroise near the French city of Tours.&nbsp;

The castle was badly damaged following the French Revolution of 1789 and many graves were destroyed, including that of Leonardo.

Alessandro Vezzosi, the director of the Ideal Leonardo da Vinci museum in Vinci, the artist`s hometown in Tuscany, said the strand of hair was collected from the site in 1863 by a man tasked by a royal commission to try to locate Leonardo`s remains.

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'In 1925, an American collector bought this relic in Paris .&nbsp;

Later, before dying aged 95, he sold it on to another American collector, who contacted us,' Vezzosi said.

He said the museum planned to extract DNA from the sample and compare it with the DNA from a group of descendants that the museum says it identified in 2016, using genealogical records.&nbsp;

The testing should also be able to prove if the remains identified in France in 1863 really belonged to da Vinci.

'What is important is not to take for granted a result before the scientific testing is completed,' said Vezzosi.

But some experts are already pouring cold water on the whole exercise.&nbsp;

'It is highly improbable that this lock (of hair), which was presented like a (religious) relic, would be in anyway related to Leonardo da Vinci,' said Eike Schmidt, the director of the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in nearby Florence.

Finding a DNA link with living descendants will prove an added complication, with tracing only possible via the mother and an unbroken female line, or the father and an unbroken male line.&nbsp;

The identity of Leonardo`s mother is unknown.

The artist himself never married and left no direct heirs, so the DNA will be checked against that of the descendants that Vezzosi said had been found by following the family trees of other children born to Leonardo`s father.

The chance of recreating an unbroken male line over 500 years is extremely unlikely.

An Italian museum says it plans to carry out DNA tests on a lock of hair it believes might have belonged to the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who died 500 years ago this month.

An Italian museum says it plans to carry out DNA tests on a lock of hair it believes might have belonged to the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci, who died 500 years ago this month. However, some experts have thrown doubt on the exercise, saying the hair almost certainly did not belong to the Italian master, while credible DNA testing may prove impossible. Da Vinci died in May 1519 and was buried at the Chateau d`Ambroise near the French city of Tours. The castle was badly damaged following the French Revolution of 1789 and many graves were destroyed, including that of Leonardo. Alessandro Vezzosi, the director of the Ideal Leonardo da Vinci museum in Vinci, the artist`s hometown in Tuscany, said the strand of hair was collected from the site in 1863 by a man tasked by a royal commission to try to locate Leonardo`s remains. Italian museum looks to unlock Leonardo da Vinci hair mystery https://t.co/x14ZApinYS pic.twitter.com/DAG8ayYcJc — New York Post (@nypost) May 6, 2019 × 'In 1925, an American collector bought this relic in Paris . Later, before dying aged 95, he sold it on to another American collector, who contacted us,' Vezzosi said. He said the museum planned to extract DNA from the sample and compare it with the DNA from a group of descendants that the museum says it identified in 2016, using genealogical records. The testing should also be able to prove if the remains identified in France in 1863 really belonged to da Vinci. 'What is important is not to take for granted a result before the scientific testing is completed,' said Vezzosi. But some experts are already pouring cold water on the whole exercise. 'It is highly improbable that this lock (of hair), which was presented like a (religious) relic, would be in anyway related to Leonardo da Vinci,' said Eike Schmidt, the director of the prestigious Uffizi Gallery in nearby Florence. Finding a DNA link with living descendants will prove an added complication, with tracing only possible via the mother and an unbroken female line, or the father and an unbroken male line. The identity of Leonardo`s mother is unknown. The artist himself never married and left no direct heirs, so the DNA will be checked against that of the descendants that Vezzosi said had been found by following the family trees of other children born to Leonardo`s father. The chance of recreating an unbroken male line over 500 years is extremely unlikely.

Italian museum looks to unlock da Vinci hair mystery

In this segment of WION, watch top news of this hour. Watch full video to know more.

WION Global Round-Up: King Vajiralongkorn's 3 day coronation ceremony ends

Volunteers from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) staged a demonstration in Paris on Saturday to raise awareness on the extent of the loss of biodiversity due to human activities. Watch this video to know more.

WWF sounds alarm on biodiversity loss

Fewer protesters turned out for the 25th straight weekend of "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere in France on Saturday, days after a wider May Day rally was marked by violent clashes in the French capital.

The quieter nature of the demonstrations could be a relief to President Emmanuel Macron, who last week made a series of policy proposals in a bid to address the nearly six-month-long series of protests.

Some 3,600 protesters were taking part in marches across the country as of 1200 GMT on Saturday, compared with 5,500 a week earlier, the Interior Ministry said.

In Paris, where three rallies had been authorised, turnout was 1,000 as of 1200 GMT against 2,600 by the same time last week.

"Many of them were shocked by the behaviour and repression of last Wednesday," Herve, one protester, told Reuters. "So it's not surprising to see that it's lagging behind a bit regarding the turnout."

In contrast, tens of thousands of labour union and "yellow vest" protesters had taken the streets across the country on Wednesday in a demonstration that saw clashes between anarchists and police, especially in Paris.

In the southwestern town of Bordeaux, a Reuters journalist estimated the number of demonstrators at several hundred people against more than 2,000 a week earlier.

The protests, named after motorists' high-visibility yellow jackets, began over fuel tax increases but morphed into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

Many in the grassroots movement, which lacks a leadership structure, have said Macron's proposals last week, which include tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion), did not go far enough and lacked details.

Fewer protesters turned out for the 25th straight weekend of "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere in France on Saturday, days after a wider May Day rally was marked by violent clashes in the French capital.

Fewer protesters turned out for the 25th straight weekend of "yellow vest" anti-government demonstrations in Paris and elsewhere in France on Saturday, days after a wider May Day rally was marked by violent clashes in the French capital. The quieter nature of the demonstrations could be a relief to President Emmanuel Macron, who last week made a series of policy proposals in a bid to address the nearly six-month-long series of protests. Some 3,600 protesters were taking part in marches across the country as of 1200 GMT on Saturday, compared with 5,500 a week earlier, the Interior Ministry said. In Paris, where three rallies had been authorised, turnout was 1,000 as of 1200 GMT against 2,600 by the same time last week. "Many of them were shocked by the behaviour and repression of last Wednesday," Herve, one protester, told Reuters. "So it's not surprising to see that it's lagging behind a bit regarding the turnout." In contrast, tens of thousands of labour union and "yellow vest" protesters had taken the streets across the country on Wednesday in a demonstration that saw clashes between anarchists and police, especially in Paris. In the southwestern town of Bordeaux, a Reuters journalist estimated the number of demonstrators at several hundred people against more than 2,000 a week earlier. The protests, named after motorists' high-visibility yellow jackets, began over fuel tax increases but morphed into a sometimes violent revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. Many in the grassroots movement, which lacks a leadership structure, have said Macron's proposals last week, which include tax cuts worth around 5 billion euros ($5.6 billion), did not go far enough and lacked details.

Fewer turn out for 'Yellow vest' protests in France after May Day clashes

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood &nbsp;Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999.

Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 &nbsp;which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way.

After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one.&nbsp;

So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan.&nbsp;

The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&amp;K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil.&nbsp;

Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground.&nbsp;

The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative.

Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack.

This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war.&nbsp;

Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-masood-azhar-s-proscription-2745709">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan.

Strangely Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar’s long-awaited designation as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council (UNSC) on May 1 evoked celebration on both sides of the border, in India and in Pakistan. The Indian side had much to celebrate the naming and shaming of Masood Azhar, long a thorn in its side. Azhar founded the JeM in 2000 post his release from an Indian prison in exchange for the passengers held hostage after the much-publicised hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 at the end of December 1999. Azhar and his JeM are known to have not only perpetrated the dastardly Pulwama car bomb attack on February 14 which killed 40 CRPF personnel but also the attack on the Pathankot Air Force Station in January 2016 and on Indian Parliament in December 2001, among many others. JeM was already designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries including Pakistan itself, UK, US and the UN but attempts in the UNSC to proscribe its leader Masood Azhar failed four times over the last ten years due to the intransigence of China which placed obstacles in the way. After the Pulwama attack as pressure built up, France and UK joined by the US re-initiated the process on March 13 to label Masood Azhar an international terrorist. However, the process came a cropper in the face of China’s demands to put it on hold pending more information. Under much diplomatic pressure from India and the US, China finally gave its assent which led to the action by the UNSC on May 1. The only slightly awkward thing in it is the absence of any specific mention of the Pulwama carnage and the hand of Azhar behind it. It has given scope to Pakistan to stamp India’s diplomatic victory as a pyrrhic one. So what is there for Pakistan to celebrate? The sheer idiocy of that nation, its leadership, people and a hugely controlled media became evident when they collectively perceived that the absence of the mention of the Pulwama attack or any specific reference to Azhar’s involvement in Kashmir was a great diplomatic victory for Pakistan. The spin, for which Pakistan is well known, also attempts to whitewash its entire sponsorship of the proxy war in J&K with perceived certification from the UNSC. The world reads sufficiently between the lines and realises that it was perhaps at China’s insistence that Pulwama and the JeM chief’s personal involvement in Kashmir were omitted from the draft resolution. That is as far as China could be convinced to go even in the light of pressure brought on by trade issues with the US, the spirit of the Wuhan dialogue and the overall emerging strategic environment around South West Asia. Pakistan’s lack of subtlety is reflected by ignorance of the context of the proscription which stares in the face. The world is aware that the process of the UNSC commenced this time, with Pulwama and the final proscription was a progression of events commencing with the February 2019 condemnation by the UNSC. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had then reiterated his strong condemnation of the Pulwama attack. It will only be with wishful thinking that Pakistan will not perceive the effect of this proscription on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) proceedings, which could certify insufficiency of efforts by Pakistan to curb terror activities from its soil. Even with cause for celebration in India, most people appeared to overestimate and misread the effect of the UNSC action. I had queries inquiring how soon this would affect JeM’s capability in Kashmir, especially in light of recent achievements of the Army against JeM cadres. What we need to understand is that Azhar’s proscription is not the last act to marginalise him and the JeM; it’s just about the beginning. Lashkar e Taiyaba (LeT) leader Hafiz Sayeed’s similar proscription and placement of a $10 million bounty on his head had little effect on LeT capability and intent on the ground. The foreign terrorist (FT) group structures are today much reliant on the separatist networks due to extensive army control over infiltration. The army and police must work towards prevention of the creation of alternative leadership and induction of fresh local cadres, to keep the initiative. Virtually in anticipation of the UNSC decision, Pakistan ISPR chief Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor conducted a long presser two days prior. He went hammer and tongs after the Pashtoon Tahafuz Movement (PTM) to balance the effect of the UNSC proceedings, accusing PTM of sponsorship from India and Afghanistan. He then warned India that Pakistan was not the same country which succumbed in 1971 and continued to deny the impact of Balakot attack. This is a new normal with Pakistan’s deep state which must be read in conjunction with its celebration of the proscription of Masood Azhar by the UNSC. It strongly believes that with each climb of a rung on the military escalatory ladder India only proves that in the threshold below conventional war Pakistan can match it action for action; even in the conventional fold, it has enough in its nuclear arsenal to deter or dissuade Indian adventurism. Given this belief and the idea that Azhar’s proscription is not linked to Kashmir, the Pakistani deep state could feel encouraged to continue with acts of proxy war. Should India, therefore, brace itself for more terror against itself? What the next government will need to do is to continue playing aggressively in the diplomatic field. Pakistan is financially on the back foot. The pressure at the FATF, with the big powers and engagement with China in the Wuhan spirit, may discourage Pakistan’s deep state from attempting to do something spectacular early in the tenure of the next government. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Masood Azhar’s proscription

France on Friday welcomed the two-part Varuna bilateral exercise with India, calling it a "swift development" of bilateral relations in the maritime security.

"Varuna is a decades-long exercise illustrative of our historic and strategic partnership...France is an all-weather, unconditional and predictable partner, and with India, our naval cooperation has been exemplary...It is an integral and key part of our bilateral strategic partnership since 1998," an official statement outlined.

The first phase of the exercise, namely Varuna 19.1, began off Goa's coast on May 1 and is scheduled to culminate on May 10.

Varuna 19.2, on the other hand, is slated to be held in May-end near Djibouti.

A statement issued by the Embassy of France in New Delhi outlined that the exercise -- which was initiated in 1983 -- implements two key documents which were adopted during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to India last year: the Joint Strategic Vision of India- France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and the Reciprocal Logistics Support Agreement between the armed forces of the two countries.

At least six French navy ships are participating in the exercise, including the French Navy`s aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle, two destroyers, FNS Forbin and FNS Provence, the frigate FNS Latouche-Treville, the tanker FNS Marne and a nuclear submarine.

Around 3,000 French sailors are on board for this two-part maritime exercise.

From the Indian side, aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, destroyer INS Mumbai, the Teg-class frigate, INS Tarkash, the Shishumar - class submarine, INS Shankul, and the Deepak-class fleet tanker, INS Deepak, will be participating in the joint exercise, it added.

The harbour phase at Goa includes cross-visits, professional interactions and discussions, and sports events.

The sea phase comprises various exercises across the spectrum of maritime operations. It will be a multi-domain exercise; sea, air and undersea involvement of the newly modernised Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group, the statement highlighted.

The carrier has been equipped with the modern naval and military equipment, including for submarine and cyber warfare while the battle aircraft are now Rafale-only. 20 of the jets are on board.

It speaks volumes about the strategic importance France attaches to the Indian Ocean region and its partnership with India, the statement further said.&nbsp;

France on Friday welcomed the two-part Varuna bilateral exercise with India, calling it a "swift development" of bilateral relations in the maritime security. "Varuna is a decades-long exercise illustrative of our historic and strategic partnership.

France on Friday welcomed the two-part Varuna bilateral exercise with India, calling it a "swift development" of bilateral relations in the maritime security. "Varuna is a decades-long exercise illustrative of our historic and strategic partnership...France is an all-weather, unconditional and predictable partner, and with India, our naval cooperation has been exemplary...It is an integral and key part of our bilateral strategic partnership since 1998," an official statement outlined. The first phase of the exercise, namely Varuna 19.1, began off Goa's coast on May 1 and is scheduled to culminate on May 10. Varuna 19.2, on the other hand, is slated to be held in May-end near Djibouti. A statement issued by the Embassy of France in New Delhi outlined that the exercise -- which was initiated in 1983 -- implements two key documents which were adopted during French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit to India last year: the Joint Strategic Vision of India- France Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region and the Reciprocal Logistics Support Agreement between the armed forces of the two countries. At least six French navy ships are participating in the exercise, including the French Navy`s aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle, two destroyers, FNS Forbin and FNS Provence, the frigate FNS Latouche-Treville, the tanker FNS Marne and a nuclear submarine. Around 3,000 French sailors are on board for this two-part maritime exercise. From the Indian side, aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, destroyer INS Mumbai, the Teg-class frigate, INS Tarkash, the Shishumar - class submarine, INS Shankul, and the Deepak-class fleet tanker, INS Deepak, will be participating in the joint exercise, it added. The harbour phase at Goa includes cross-visits, professional interactions and discussions, and sports events. The sea phase comprises various exercises across the spectrum of maritime operations. It will be a multi-domain exercise; sea, air and undersea involvement of the newly modernised Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group, the statement highlighted. The carrier has been equipped with the modern naval and military equipment, including for submarine and cyber warfare while the battle aircraft are now Rafale-only. 20 of the jets are on board. It speaks volumes about the strategic importance France attaches to the Indian Ocean region and its partnership with India, the statement further said.

France welcomes 17th edition of Varuna bilateral exercise with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the United Nations' decision to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a big victory for India. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi says UN ban on Masood Azhar is a 'Big Victory'

The international community has welcomed the United Nations' decision to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and sought sustained action from Pakistan against terrorism. Watch full video to know more.

UK, US and France welcomes UN move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Clashes have broken out between Yellow Vest protesters and police in the French capital, Paris, as demonstrators took to the streets for a 23rd week of marches against economic inequality and President Emmanuel Macron's government.

Yellow Vest protests on May Day

France: Yellow Vest join Labour unionists to protest in Paris on May Day

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news- April 30th, 2019

Half of a group of 120 Sri Lankan migrants who arrived on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion two weeks were deported early on Monday, officials said.

The group of 60, including three women and three children, were flown back to Sri Lanka in a special flight, the island's prefecture said in a statement.

The group of 120 migrants arrived at Reunion on April 13, having made the 4,000-kilometre (2,485 miles) in a fishing boat. They each paid 2,000-5,000 euros ($2,230-$5,580) for the crossing.&nbsp;

The fishing boat's three Indonesian crew members have been charged with assisting illegal immigration. Remanded in custody, they are scheduled to appear in court on May 15.&nbsp;

Since March 2018, 273 Sri Lankans have arrived on Reunion Island, of whom 130 are still there.

They are waiting for OFPRA (the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons) to rule on their asylum applications.&nbsp;

All the others have been sent back to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

"There are clearly illegal immigration networks in operation," said Frederic Joram, secretary general of Reunion Island's prefecture.&nbsp;

Half of a group of 120 Sri Lankan migrants who arrived on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion two weeks were deported early on Monday, officials said. The group of 60, including three women and three children, were flown back to Sri Lanka in a special flight, the island's prefecture said in a statement.

Half of a group of 120 Sri Lankan migrants who arrived on the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion two weeks were deported early on Monday, officials said. The group of 60, including three women and three children, were flown back to Sri Lanka in a special flight, the island's prefecture said in a statement. The group of 120 migrants arrived at Reunion on April 13, having made the 4,000-kilometre (2,485 miles) in a fishing boat. They each paid 2,000-5,000 euros ($2,230-$5,580) for the crossing. The fishing boat's three Indonesian crew members have been charged with assisting illegal immigration. Remanded in custody, they are scheduled to appear in court on May 15. Since March 2018, 273 Sri Lankans have arrived on Reunion Island, of whom 130 are still there. They are waiting for OFPRA (the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons) to rule on their asylum applications. All the others have been sent back to Sri Lanka. "There are clearly illegal immigration networks in operation," said Frederic Joram, secretary general of Reunion Island's prefecture.

France deports 60 Sri Lankans from Indian Ocean island

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, April 28th 2019

At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-popularity-still-weak-after-notre-dame-fire-poll-212330">Emmanuel Macron pledged</a> to cut taxes on Thursday&nbsp;and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority.

Speaking in a gilded hall at the Elysee Palace, seated behind a white desk with the French tricolour and European Union flags flanking him, Macron took reporters' questions for nearly two-and-a-half hours, part of an effort to redress the rocky relationship he has developed with the media.

He apologised - not for the first time - for his sometimes sharp tongue and cutting comments, which have earned him a reputation for arrogance and contributed to a deep slump in his popularity ratings, which are showing some signs of recovery.

Almost two years into his five-year term, and following a national listening tour, the prime-time event was also Macron's attempt to quell nearly six months of 'yellow vest' protests that have brought weekly unrest to the country.

A first slate of economic measures put forward last December, and worth some 10 billion euros ($11.13 billion), failed to calm anger among lower-income workers and prompted Macron's decision to hold a "great debate" with citizens.

The 41-year-old president, a former investment banker and economy minister, said he wanted a significant cut in income taxes, saying it would be worth around 5 billion euros, financed by closing loopholes for some companies.

Macron said pension reform would be presented to cabinet this summer and that future increases in the lowest pensions would be indexed to inflation, another effort to provide lower-income workers with some succour.

Macron said he wanted to abolish the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, the elite school that trains France's corporate and political leaders, saying new ways needed to be found of recruiting top-class civil servants.

He also talked of a new push to decentralise government, breaking away from the "dirigisme" of the past, with policy decided and directed from Paris. He said changes would come within a year, including no more schools or hospitals being closed without the backing of the local mayor.

Although the number of demonstrators has declined since a peak in November, protesters clashed with police for a 23rd straight week last Saturday and the sustained unrest has had a draining effect on business, tourism and the economy.

Thursday's policy proposals are the direct result of the three-month national debate, during which Macron toured the country, literally rolling up his sleeves to discuss everything from high taxes to local democracy with groups of citizens.

Despite the criticism levelled at him, and opinion poll ratings that show his support at around 30 per cent, Macron did not pull back from any policies on Thursday, saying his government would push on with his reform drive.

The 'yellow vest' street rebellion erupted over planned diesel tax hikes last November but quickly developed into a broader backlash against inequality and a political elite perceived as having lost touch with ordinary voters.

At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority.

At the first major news conference on domestic policy of his presidency, Emmanuel Macron pledged to cut taxes on Thursday and said the French would have to work longer as he outlined his response to months of anti-government protests that have shaken his authority. Speaking in a gilded hall at the Elysee Palace, seated behind a white desk with the French tricolour and European Union flags flanking him, Macron took reporters' questions for nearly two-and-a-half hours, part of an effort to redress the rocky relationship he has developed with the media. He apologised - not for the first time - for his sometimes sharp tongue and cutting comments, which have earned him a reputation for arrogance and contributed to a deep slump in his popularity ratings, which are showing some signs of recovery. Almost two years into his five-year term, and following a national listening tour, the prime-time event was also Macron's attempt to quell nearly six months of 'yellow vest' protests that have brought weekly unrest to the country. A first slate of economic measures put forward last December, and worth some 10 billion euros ($11.13 billion), failed to calm anger among lower-income workers and prompted Macron's decision to hold a "great debate" with citizens. The 41-year-old president, a former investment banker and economy minister, said he wanted a significant cut in income taxes, saying it would be worth around 5 billion euros, financed by closing loopholes for some companies. Macron said pension reform would be presented to cabinet this summer and that future increases in the lowest pensions would be indexed to inflation, another effort to provide lower-income workers with some succour. Macron said he wanted to abolish the Ecole Nationale d'Administration, the elite school that trains France's corporate and political leaders, saying new ways needed to be found of recruiting top-class civil servants. He also talked of a new push to decentralise government, breaking away from the "dirigisme" of the past, with policy decided and directed from Paris. He said changes would come within a year, including no more schools or hospitals being closed without the backing of the local mayor. Although the number of demonstrators has declined since a peak in November, protesters clashed with police for a 23rd straight week last Saturday and the sustained unrest has had a draining effect on business, tourism and the economy. Thursday's policy proposals are the direct result of the three-month national debate, during which Macron toured the country, literally rolling up his sleeves to discuss everything from high taxes to local democracy with groups of citizens. Despite the criticism levelled at him, and opinion poll ratings that show his support at around 30 per cent, Macron did not pull back from any policies on Thursday, saying his government would push on with his reform drive. The 'yellow vest' street rebellion erupted over planned diesel tax hikes last November but quickly developed into a broader backlash against inequality and a political elite perceived as having lost touch with ordinary voters.

French President Macron outlines response including tax cuts to months of 'yellow vest' protests

In the wake of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-zealand-has-not-yet-seen-intel-linking-sri-lanka-bombings-to-christchurch-pm-212941">Christchurch attack</a>, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement that she will co-chair a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on May 15 that will seek to have world leaders and CEOs of tech companies agree to a pledge, called the Christchurch Call, to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online.

A lone gunman killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, while live streaming the massacre on Facebook.

Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder for the mass shooting.

''It’s critical that technology platforms like Facebook are not perverted as a tool for terrorism, and instead become part of a global solution to countering extremism," Ardern said in the statement.

"This meeting presents an opportunity for an act of unity between governments and the tech companies," she added.

The meeting will be held alongside the Tech for Humanity meeting of G7 digital ministers, of which France is the chair, and France’s separate Tech for Good summit, both on 15 May, the statement said.

Ardern said at a press conference later on Wednesday that she has spoken with executives from a number of tech firms including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Google and few other companies.

"The response I've received has been positive. No tech company, just like no government, would like to see violent extremism and terrorism online," Ardern said at the media briefing, adding that she had also spoken with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg directly on the topic.

A Facebook spokesman said the company looks forward to collaborating with government, industry and safety experts on a clear framework of rules.

"We're evaluating how we can best support this effort and who among top Facebook executives will attend,” the spokesman said in a statement sent by email.

Facebook Inc, the world's largest social network with 2.7 billion users, has faced criticism since the Christchurch attack that it failed to tackle extremism.

One of the main groups representing Muslims in France has said it was suing Facebook and YouTube, a unit of Alphabet's Google, accusing them of inciting violence by allowing the streaming of the Christchurch massacre on their platforms.

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said last month that the company was looking to place restrictions on who can go live on its platform based on certain criteria.

In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism.

In the wake of the Christchurch attack, New Zealand said on Wednesday that it would work with France in an effort to stop social media from being used to promote terrorism and violent extremism. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said in a statement that she will co-chair a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on May 15 that will seek to have world leaders and CEOs of tech companies agree to a pledge, called the Christchurch Call, to eliminate terrorist and violent extremist content online. A lone gunman killed 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch on March 15, while live streaming the massacre on Facebook. Brenton Tarrant, 28, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder for the mass shooting. ''It’s critical that technology platforms like Facebook are not perverted as a tool for terrorism, and instead become part of a global solution to countering extremism," Ardern said in the statement. "This meeting presents an opportunity for an act of unity between governments and the tech companies," she added. The meeting will be held alongside the Tech for Humanity meeting of G7 digital ministers, of which France is the chair, and France’s separate Tech for Good summit, both on 15 May, the statement said. Ardern said at a press conference later on Wednesday that she has spoken with executives from a number of tech firms including Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Google and few other companies. "The response I've received has been positive. No tech company, just like no government, would like to see violent extremism and terrorism online," Ardern said at the media briefing, adding that she had also spoken with Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg directly on the topic. A Facebook spokesman said the company looks forward to collaborating with government, industry and safety experts on a clear framework of rules. "We're evaluating how we can best support this effort and who among top Facebook executives will attend,” the spokesman said in a statement sent by email. Facebook Inc, the world's largest social network with 2.7 billion users, has faced criticism since the Christchurch attack that it failed to tackle extremism. One of the main groups representing Muslims in France has said it was suing Facebook and YouTube, a unit of Alphabet's Google, accusing them of inciting violence by allowing the streaming of the Christchurch massacre on their platforms. Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said last month that the company was looking to place restrictions on who can go live on its platform based on certain criteria.

New Zealand, France plan bid to tackle extremism on social media

The stakes could not have been higher as individuals and teams from around the world battled it out at the FAI 3rd World Indoor Skydiving Championship which came to a close on Saturday (April 20) in Lille, France.

High-flying daredevils battle to be World Indoor Skydiving champs

French police said they arrested more than 200 "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/french-police-arrest-over-100-yellow-vest-demonstrators-as-protests-resume-212111&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWydHe2-DhAhUBY48KHYdGD94QFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2GhHLjYg6mDsrc7SmLU1fT">yellow vest</a>" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as clashes broke out with demonstrators turning out for the 23rd week of anti-government protests.

AFP journalists reported scuffles between police and protesters in the afternoon, after hours of calm, as police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse marchers in the centre of the French capital.

Some protesters threw bottles and other objects at police and set fire to vehicles, safety barriers and bins.

Between the two major squares of Bastille and Republique, the damage done had been considerable, said Emmanuel Gregoire, deputy mayor of Paris, told AFP.

"The violence has to stop!" he added.

Across France, the authorities mobilised more than 60,000 police officers and paramilitary gendarmes to try to contain what they feared would be a surge in violence similar to the March 16 riots that wrought havoc along the Champs-Elysees.

Paris police reported 227 arrests and more than 20,500 checks on individual protesters. By early evening, 178 had been detained, including six minors, said the prosecutor's office.

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner congratulated the police on limiting the damage, "despite the willingness of some demonstrators to break things again".

Although the main protest took place in Paris this weekend, there were also demonstrations in other cities, including Lille in the north and Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest.

'Don't forget Les Miserables'&nbsp;

Yellow vest protests were banned from the area around Notre-Dame Cathedral, parts of which are still sealed off after Monday's devastating blaze.

But more than one protester expressed frustration at the largesse of several French tycoons who have promised millions towards the cathedral's restoration.

"We're worth a cathedral," said one placard at a protest in Montpellier.

Others picked up on a tweet by French writer Olivier Pourriol.

"Victor Hugo thanks all those generous donors ready to save Notre-Dame of Paris and proposes they do the same thing for Les Miserables," he wrote referring to Hugo's famous novel about the poorest people in Paris.

The fire at Notre-Dame forced French President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-to-answer-yellow-vest-protests-next-week-through-press-conference-211916&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiWydHe2-DhAhUBY48KHYdGD94QFggRMAQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3poxIxB09R37VCYhPKqAJ7">Emmanuel</a> to postpone a live broadcast announcing fresh measures to try to meet the grievances of ordinary French citizens.

He will now unveil that package on Thursday, though many yellow jackets protesters have already made it clear they expect little.

Hospitals deny allegations&nbsp;

Health officials in Paris meanwhile denied allegations that hospital staff had passed on the details of injured yellow vest protesters to police.

One protester, 30-year-old Sebastian Maillet, who lost a hand when a police stun grenade exploded during one of the February protests in Paris, has announced the legal action.

And on Friday, the National Council of the Order of Doctors said they had contacted the health ministry and France's data protection watchdog CNIL, raising questions about patient confidentiality.

In a joint statement Saturday, the Paris state hospitals body (AP-HP) and the regional health authority insisted the files were simply to ensure the most effective treatment of injured people.

The government has already been criticised at home and abroad about the number of serious injuries protesters have suffered during the demonstrations.

There has been controversy too over new powers granted to the security forces, which opponents say violate civil liberties, measures that Macron signed into law earlier this month.

One measure banned protesters from covering their faces, but France's Constitutional Council, its highest constitutional authority, refused to give the green light to one of the most contentious parts of the legislation.&nbsp;

It would also have given the authorities the power to ban from demonstrations any individual "posing a particularly serious threat to public order".

The yellow vest movement is demanding changes to the government's social and fiscal policies.

Interior ministry figures put the number of demonstrators nationwide at 27,900 across the country and 9,000 in Paris.

Protest organisers, who have repeatedly said the official figures are underestimated, put the turnout across the country at more than 100,000.

French police said they arrested more than 200 "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as clashes broke out with demonstrators turning out for the 23rd week of anti-government protests.

French police said they arrested more than 200 "yellow vest" demonstrators in Paris on Saturday as clashes broke out with demonstrators turning out for the 23rd week of anti-government protests. AFP journalists reported scuffles between police and protesters in the afternoon, after hours of calm, as police used stun grenades and tear gas to disperse marchers in the centre of the French capital. Some protesters threw bottles and other objects at police and set fire to vehicles, safety barriers and bins. Between the two major squares of Bastille and Republique, the damage done had been considerable, said Emmanuel Gregoire, deputy mayor of Paris, told AFP. "The violence has to stop!" he added. Across France, the authorities mobilised more than 60,000 police officers and paramilitary gendarmes to try to contain what they feared would be a surge in violence similar to the March 16 riots that wrought havoc along the Champs-Elysees. Paris police reported 227 arrests and more than 20,500 checks on individual protesters. By early evening, 178 had been detained, including six minors, said the prosecutor's office. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner congratulated the police on limiting the damage, "despite the willingness of some demonstrators to break things again". Although the main protest took place in Paris this weekend, there were also demonstrations in other cities, including Lille in the north and Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest. 'Don't forget Les Miserables' Yellow vest protests were banned from the area around Notre-Dame Cathedral, parts of which are still sealed off after Monday's devastating blaze. But more than one protester expressed frustration at the largesse of several French tycoons who have promised millions towards the cathedral's restoration. "We're worth a cathedral," said one placard at a protest in Montpellier. Others picked up on a tweet by French writer Olivier Pourriol. "Victor Hugo thanks all those generous donors ready to save Notre-Dame of Paris and proposes they do the same thing for Les Miserables," he wrote referring to Hugo's famous novel about the poorest people in Paris. The fire at Notre-Dame forced French President Emmanuel to postpone a live broadcast announcing fresh measures to try to meet the grievances of ordinary French citizens. He will now unveil that package on Thursday, though many yellow jackets protesters have already made it clear they expect little. Hospitals deny allegations Health officials in Paris meanwhile denied allegations that hospital staff had passed on the details of injured yellow vest protesters to police. One protester, 30-year-old Sebastian Maillet, who lost a hand when a police stun grenade exploded during one of the February protests in Paris, has announced the legal action. And on Friday, the National Council of the Order of Doctors said they had contacted the health ministry and France's data protection watchdog CNIL, raising questions about patient confidentiality. In a joint statement Saturday, the Paris state hospitals body (AP-HP) and the regional health authority insisted the files were simply to ensure the most effective treatment of injured people. The government has already been criticised at home and abroad about the number of serious injuries protesters have suffered during the demonstrations. There has been controversy too over new powers granted to the security forces, which opponents say violate civil liberties, measures that Macron signed into law earlier this month. One measure banned protesters from covering their faces, but France's Constitutional Council, its highest constitutional authority, refused to give the green light to one of the most contentious parts of the legislation. It would also have given the authorities the power to ban from demonstrations any individual "posing a particularly serious threat to public order". The yellow vest movement is demanding changes to the government's social and fiscal policies. Interior ministry figures put the number of demonstrators nationwide at 27,900 across the country and 9,000 in Paris. Protest organisers, who have repeatedly said the official figures are underestimated, put the turnout across the country at more than 100,000.

Police arrest 'yellow vest' demonstrators as clashes break out

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted representatives of the Kurdish-led force that defeated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-at-least-six-killed-seven-wounded-in-rocket-fire-launched-by-jihadists-210420">Islamic State (IS) extremists in Syri</a>a, assuring them of France's support in the fight against remaining jihadists.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had in late March flushed out IS from their last bastion in Syria but still warn the jihadists remain a threat in places.

The SDF is an umbrella force of Kurds and Arabs dominated by Kurds from the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. It is regarded with huge distrust by neighbouring Turkey which sees the YPG as a terror group.&nbsp;

Macron assured the SDF representatives, who were not named, of the "active support of France in the fight against Daesh which continues to be a menace for collective security," the presidency said in a statement, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

Particularly important was the support in the "handling of terrorist fighters held as prisoners along with their families."

European capitals are all keeping a careful eye on the IS prisoners held by the SDF after the defeat of the jihadists, given many are dual nationals.

Macron also vowed that financial support would be allocated to "respond to the humanitarian needs and the socio-economic stabilisation of civilian populations in Syria."

The SDF were the key ally of the West in defeating IS and waged the bulk of the fighting on the ground.

But they fear being abandoned by their patrons now IS is beaten, after US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American forces from Syria.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had in April announced $1.1 million&nbsp;in humanitarian aid for camps housing displaced people, notably Al-Hol which holds thousands of women and children who lived in IS-held areas.

France's past contacts with the SDF's Syrian Kurds have angered Turkey, which regards the YPG as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The PKK has waged a 35-year insurrection against the Turkish state.

Macron also made clear of the importance to Paris of "the security of Turkey and a de-escalation along the Syrian-Turkish border," the presidency said.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted representatives of the Kurdish-led force that defeated Islamic State (IS) extremists in Syria, assuring them of France's support in the fight against remaining jihadists.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted representatives of the Kurdish-led force that defeated Islamic State (IS) extremists in Syria, assuring them of France's support in the fight against remaining jihadists. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had in late March flushed out IS from their last bastion in Syria but still warn the jihadists remain a threat in places. The SDF is an umbrella force of Kurds and Arabs dominated by Kurds from the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. It is regarded with huge distrust by neighbouring Turkey which sees the YPG as a terror group. Macron assured the SDF representatives, who were not named, of the "active support of France in the fight against Daesh which continues to be a menace for collective security," the presidency said in a statement, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Particularly important was the support in the "handling of terrorist fighters held as prisoners along with their families." European capitals are all keeping a careful eye on the IS prisoners held by the SDF after the defeat of the jihadists, given many are dual nationals. Macron also vowed that financial support would be allocated to "respond to the humanitarian needs and the socio-economic stabilisation of civilian populations in Syria." The SDF were the key ally of the West in defeating IS and waged the bulk of the fighting on the ground. But they fear being abandoned by their patrons now IS is beaten, after US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American forces from Syria. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had in April announced $1.1 million in humanitarian aid for camps housing displaced people, notably Al-Hol which holds thousands of women and children who lived in IS-held areas. France's past contacts with the SDF's Syrian Kurds have angered Turkey, which regards the YPG as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK has waged a 35-year insurrection against the Turkish state. Macron also made clear of the importance to Paris of "the security of Turkey and a de-escalation along the Syrian-Turkish border," the presidency said.

Macron meets Syrian Kurds, vows French support in fight against Islamic State

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-hopes-to-rebuild-notre-dame-in-five-years-211025">French President Emmanuel Macron</a> on Thursday hailed Paris firefighters for their ''exemplary'' actions in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-invite-architects-worldwide-to-submit-designs-to-build-notre-dame-spire-pm-edouard-philippe-211158">battling the Notre-Dame cathedral blaze</a>.

Macron hosted a ceremony at the Elysee Palace for the firefighters.

"The country and the entire world were watching us and you were exemplary," Macron told 300 people who helped in the fire on Monday night.

"You were the perfect example of what we should be," Macron&nbsp;added.

A major <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/notre-dame-cathedral-was-probably-caused-by-accident-say-french-prosecutors-210901">fire broke out at Notre-Dame cathedral</a> on Monday afternoon which took some 400 firemen to put it out. The firefighters worked through the night to bring the fire under control some 14 hours after it began.

Macron has pledged that France would rebuild the cathedral in over five years.

Notre-Dame is owned by the state and has been at the centre of a years-long row between the nation and the Paris archdiocese over who should bear the brunt of costs for badly needed restoration work.

(With inputs from AFP)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hailed Paris firefighters for their ''exemplary'' actions in battling the Notre-Dame cathedral blaze. Macron hosted a ceremony at the Elysee Palace for the firefighters.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hailed Paris firefighters for their ''exemplary'' actions in battling the Notre-Dame cathedral blaze. Macron hosted a ceremony at the Elysee Palace for the firefighters. "The country and the entire world were watching us and you were exemplary," Macron told 300 people who helped in the fire on Monday night. "You were the perfect example of what we should be," Macron added. A major fire broke out at Notre-Dame cathedral on Monday afternoon which took some 400 firemen to put it out. The firefighters worked through the night to bring the fire under control some 14 hours after it began. Macron has pledged that France would rebuild the cathedral in over five years. Notre-Dame is owned by the state and has been at the centre of a years-long row between the nation and the Paris archdiocese over who should bear the brunt of costs for badly needed restoration work. (With inputs from AFP)

Macron hails 'exemplary' Notre-Dame firefighters during a ceremony

Former first lady Michelle Obama sent her thoughts to the people of Paris, urging them to unite in response to the Notre Dame fire.

Notre Dame fire tragedy: Michelle Obama in solidarity with France

As the smoke began to clear from the devastating fire at Paris' Notre Dame cathedral, the world's attention shifted to the irreplaceable collection of artifacts and cultural items inside the more than 800-year-old landmark. While some of the priceless collection was lost forever in the flames, other pieces were spared.

Notre Dame fire tragedy: 800 years of history partially lost

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