<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-march-in-paris-as-childminders-join-yellow-vest-protests-202223">Yellow vest</a>&nbsp;protesters gathered in far greater numbers than in recent weeks&nbsp;for the 18th round of demonstrations on Saturday, set fire to a bank and ransacking a high-end restaurant in Paris on Saturday.

The protestors&nbsp;promising to pile on the pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government so that their demands are met, quickly turned violent, hurling projectiles at police. Two newspaper kiosks were also set ablaze by the protestors.

Police used tear gas and water canon on protesters, who fought back and attacked a police van.

The Bank Tarneaud branch was located near Champs Elysees, the central axe of the weekly protests.

News agency Reuters reported that the police had arrested more than 80 protesters by mid-afternoon as demonstrators looted stores around the Champs Elysees.

French Minister of the Interior, Christophe Castaner, said the protests were small compared to a few weeks ago, with only 8,000 people participating in Paris.

Condemning the violence, he said it was his responsibility to "maintain public order" and provide a "proportionate but very firm response."

Macron's government ordered police to crack down on the protests in January, leading to complaints of police brutality after a series of injuries.

Yellow vest protesters gathered in far greater numbers than in recent weeks for the 18th round of demonstrations on Saturday, set fire to a bank and ransacking a high-end restaurant in Paris on Saturday.

Yellow vest protesters gathered in far greater numbers than in recent weeks for the 18th round of demonstrations on Saturday, set fire to a bank and ransacking a high-end restaurant in Paris on Saturday. The protestors promising to pile on the pressure on President Emmanuel Macron's government so that their demands are met, quickly turned violent, hurling projectiles at police. Two newspaper kiosks were also set ablaze by the protestors. Police used tear gas and water canon on protesters, who fought back and attacked a police van. The Bank Tarneaud branch was located near Champs Elysees, the central axe of the weekly protests. News agency Reuters reported that the police had arrested more than 80 protesters by mid-afternoon as demonstrators looted stores around the Champs Elysees. French Minister of the Interior, Christophe Castaner, said the protests were small compared to a few weeks ago, with only 8,000 people participating in Paris. Condemning the violence, he said it was his responsibility to "maintain public order" and provide a "proportionate but very firm response." Macron's government ordered police to crack down on the protests in January, leading to complaints of police brutality after a series of injuries.

'Yellow vests' burn bank building, ransack stores as Paris protests turn violent

French Foreign Minister Le Drian Friday held a telephonic conversation with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-had-global-support-says-sushma-swaraj-on-masood-azhar-listing-203563">External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj</a> and informed her about France imposing sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar by freezing his assets.&nbsp;

The External Affairs Ministry said that Drian informed Swaraj about the action taken by Paris against the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack.

France sanctioned Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets, the MEA said, days after China blocked a move to designate him as a global terrorist by the United Nations.

The MEA said the French foreign minister also informed Swaraj that France has raised the issue with the European Union.&nbsp;

"He reiterated that France has always been and will always be on India side in the fight against terrorism," the MEA said.

On her part, Swaraj thanked Drian for France's "steadfast support" and said that India looked forward to continuing this cooperation on the anti-terrorism front.

The action on the part of France was an expression of partnership with India and was in consonance with the global intent by responsible nations committed to fighting against terror, including cross-border terrorism anywhere in the world, the MEA said.

France, the US and the UK had moved a proposal at the UN to designate Azhar as a global terrorist after the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Le Drian Friday held a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and informed her about France imposing sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar by freezing his assets.

French Foreign Minister Le Drian Friday held a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and informed her about France imposing sanctions on JeM chief Masood Azhar by freezing his assets. The External Affairs Ministry said that Drian informed Swaraj about the action taken by Paris against the leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, which had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack. France sanctioned Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets, the MEA said, days after China blocked a move to designate him as a global terrorist by the United Nations. The MEA said the French foreign minister also informed Swaraj that France has raised the issue with the European Union. "He reiterated that France has always been and will always be on India side in the fight against terrorism," the MEA said. On her part, Swaraj thanked Drian for France's "steadfast support" and said that India looked forward to continuing this cooperation on the anti-terrorism front. The action on the part of France was an expression of partnership with India and was in consonance with the global intent by responsible nations committed to fighting against terror, including cross-border terrorism anywhere in the world, the MEA said. France, the US and the UK had moved a proposal at the UN to designate Azhar as a global terrorist after the February 14 Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Swaraj speaks with French counterpart on anti-terror cooperation

Crackdown on JeM chief: France freezes Masood Azhar's assets

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

A joint release by French Foreign Ministry, Economy Ministry and the Interior Ministry said, "France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette."

France also said that it will ask the European Union to include Azhar in the list of people involved in terror attacks.

The release said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree."

France also said that it has "always been and always will be by India’s side" in the fight against terrorism. 
&nbsp; 
The development comes even as China on March 13 blocked the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. This is the fourth time China has blocked the listing of Azhar under the UN terror list.

France has come as one of the major supports of India and backed New Delhi's counter-terror operations against JeM camps in Pakistan saying, it "recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14.

France has decided to freeze the assets of Masood Azhar, chief of the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed which claimed the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on February 14. A joint release by French Foreign Ministry, Economy Ministry and the Interior Ministry said, "France has decided to sanction Masood Azhar at the national level by freezing his assets in application of the Monetary and Financial Code. A joint decree of the Ministries of the Interior, and Economy and Finance was published today in the Official Gazette." France also said that it will ask the European Union to include Azhar in the list of people involved in terror attacks. The release said, "We will raise this issue with our European partners with a view to including Masood Azhar on the European Union list of persons, groups and entities involved in terrorist acts, based on this decree." France also said that it has "always been and always will be by India’s side" in the fight against terrorism. The development comes even as China on March 13 blocked the listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist under the United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee. This is the fourth time China has blocked the listing of Azhar under the UN terror list. France has come as one of the major supports of India and backed New Delhi's counter-terror operations against JeM camps in Pakistan saying, it "recognises India’s legitimacy to ensure its security against cross-border terrorism" and asked, "Pakistan to put an end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

France freezes JeM chief Masood Azhar's assets, will also take up his listing with EU

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/ghost-of-kandahar-how-masood-azhars-release-keeps-haunting-india-200294#the-deadly-kandahar-hijack-200288">Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar</a> should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.)&nbsp;

India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

"All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. &nbsp;

Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism.

France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing.

Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate."

That leaves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/responsible-discussions-can-resolve-the-issue-in-a-sustainable-manner-china-on-listing-jem-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-at-unsc-202820">China as New Delhi's only worry</a>.&nbsp;

Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it.&nbsp;

Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner".

"China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution."

While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist.

The United Nations Security Council's 1267 committee will decide on March 13 whether Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar should be listed as an international terrorist. (The vote will take place at 3 pm, New York time or 1.30 am on March 14, Indian Standard Time.) India has urged the UNSC to put Azhar on the UN terror list. The UN-listed, Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that had left over 40 CRPF personnel dead in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. "All members of the UNSC are aware about Jaish-e-Mohammed training camps in Pakistan and about the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad and his presence in Pakistan. We call upon all members of UNSC to list Masood Azhar as a designated terrorist under 1267 UN Sanctions Committee," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said. Azhar's listing as an international terrorist will put a freeze on his assets and put him on a global no-flight list. His listing will also help New Delhi point out how Pakistan has been an epicentre of terrorism. France, along with the United States and the UK, had proposed Azhar's listing in the last week of February. Russia has supported the listing. Deputy spokesperson of the US State Department Robert Palladino, reacting to Azhar's possible listing, said, "We will continue to work with the sanctions committee to ensure that the list is updated and that it’s accurate." That leaves China as New Delhi's only worry. Beijing has blocked Masood Azhar's listing three times since 2016 when India first called for it. Asked about Azhar's listing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said on Monday that the matter can only be resolved in a "responsible manner". "China has all along participated in relevant discussions in a responsible manner and in strict accordance with the rules of procedure and provisions of the 1267 committee. China will continue to communicate and work with relevant parties in a responsible manner so as to properly resolve this matter. Only by making a decision through responsible and serious discussions can we find a lasting solution." While pressure has been growing on Islamabad — from Washington to Kabul — to act on terrorists, China has been reluctant so far to call out its all-weather ally. The reluctance has been primarily due to economic considerations which include CPEC — the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which provides China with connectivity to west Asia.

Decision today, India urges UNSC to list Masood Azhar as international terrorist

France should link pension rises for the poorest retirees with inflation again, the head of President Emmanuel Macron`s ruling party said on Sunday, as politicians seek a response to a wave of protests over high living costs.&nbsp;

"Yellow vest" demonstrators kept up the pressure for the 17th weekend in a row, even as turnout across France fell to its lowest since the movement erupted last November as a backlash against fuel tax hikes.

An extra 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in support for low-income workers and a U-turn on the fuel tax have yet to convince many to end their protests.&nbsp;

Macron is seeking to stem discontent via a national policy debate, with a marathon of town hall-style consultations with local representatives due to wrap up next week before the president returns his conclusions in April.

Lawmakers from his own La Republique en Marche party (LREM, or Republic on the Move) - an upstart force behind Macron`s electoral victory in 2017 that has a majority in the lower house of parliament - are also presenting policy proposals.&nbsp;

One of these would tweak the way pensions are calculated for the poorest, LREM party chief Stanislas Guerini told Le Parisien newspaper on Sunday.&nbsp;

For 2019, the government had limited pensions rises to 0.3 per cent - a modest hike after French consumer prices rose 1.8 per cent on average in 2018 and are expected to remain above 1 per cent this year.&nbsp;

Guerini did not flesh out the cost entailed in potentially linking some pensions to inflation.&nbsp;

Among other measures, LREM will also propose making rentals of cleaner car models available to low-income households for under 50 euros ($56) a month, Guerini said.&nbsp;

The now-scrapped fuel tax hike, heralded by Macron as part of a bid to fight climate change, had especially incensed people in rural areas who depend on their cars to get to work.&nbsp;

Guerini said LREM would also suggest mechanisms to allow people to put forward law proposals.&nbsp;

"As soon as a topic mobilises a certain number of people, let`s say a million, a draft law could be pulled together by an assembly of citizens chosen through lots," Guerini said in the interview. 
&nbsp;

France should link pension rises for the poorest retirees with inflation again, the head of President Emmanuel Macron`s ruling party said on Sunday, as politicians seek a response to a wave of protests over high living costs.

France should link pension rises for the poorest retirees with inflation again, the head of President Emmanuel Macron`s ruling party said on Sunday, as politicians seek a response to a wave of protests over high living costs. "Yellow vest" demonstrators kept up the pressure for the 17th weekend in a row, even as turnout across France fell to its lowest since the movement erupted last November as a backlash against fuel tax hikes. An extra 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in support for low-income workers and a U-turn on the fuel tax have yet to convince many to end their protests. Macron is seeking to stem discontent via a national policy debate, with a marathon of town hall-style consultations with local representatives due to wrap up next week before the president returns his conclusions in April. Lawmakers from his own La Republique en Marche party (LREM, or Republic on the Move) - an upstart force behind Macron`s electoral victory in 2017 that has a majority in the lower house of parliament - are also presenting policy proposals. One of these would tweak the way pensions are calculated for the poorest, LREM party chief Stanislas Guerini told Le Parisien newspaper on Sunday. For 2019, the government had limited pensions rises to 0.3 per cent - a modest hike after French consumer prices rose 1.8 per cent on average in 2018 and are expected to remain above 1 per cent this year. Guerini did not flesh out the cost entailed in potentially linking some pensions to inflation. Among other measures, LREM will also propose making rentals of cleaner car models available to low-income households for under 50 euros ($56) a month, Guerini said. The now-scrapped fuel tax hike, heralded by Macron as part of a bid to fight climate change, had especially incensed people in rural areas who depend on their cars to get to work. Guerini said LREM would also suggest mechanisms to allow people to put forward law proposals. "As soon as a topic mobilises a certain number of people, let`s say a million, a draft law could be pulled together by an assembly of citizens chosen through lots," Guerini said in the interview.

Macron's party favours pensions boost for poorest amid protests

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 10th March, 2019

Hundreds of 'yellow vest' protesters march in Paris

Tens of thousands of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/hundreds-march-in-paris-as-childminders-join-yellow-vest-protests-202223">"yellow vest" demonstrators</a> marched in France Saturday, but the latest turnout figures suggest the movement is struggling to maintain momentum after nearly four months of protests.

The interior ministry put turnout across France at 28,600, the lowest since the movement began and a significant drop from last weekend's government estimate of 39,300.

While the movement regularly disputes the official figures, the numbers are a fraction of the 282,000 at the first march on November 17.

Police headed off protesters who tried to set up a rally on the Champs de Mars, a large park in the centre of Paris.

A yellow jacket "flash mob" event at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport protested plans to privatise Aeroports de Paris, the body that manages the capital's airports.

And separately, about a thousand "pink jackets" -- nursery school assistants and care workers -- turned out in small demonstrations across France calling for better tax and benefit conditions for their work, said organisers.

Saturday's yellow vest demonstrations in several French cities also saw the clashes between police and a minority of protesters that have regularly marred the demonstrations.

One protester marching in the southwest city of Bordeaux, remained stoic, however.

"It's normal that the turnout is less strong," said Andre, one of a number of pensioners marching. "It's raining, it's poor weather, people have the right to stay at home with their family.

"There will be peaks and troughs, but it is going to continue."

Organisers of the movement are already looking ahead to next weekend, which will mark four months of protests. Instead of the usually scattered rallies across France, they want demonstrators to converge on Paris.

That march will also fall a day after the end of French President Emmanuel Macron's "grand national debate" -- internet and town hall meetings to gather opinions on how the country could be reformed -- launched in response to the protests.

The weekly "yellow vest" rallies began in mid-November over a planned hike in fuel taxes.

But they quickly grew into a broader anti-government revolt by people in rural and small-town France who have been angered by Macron's policies.

Police weapons row&nbsp; 
The protests have often been marred by violence, while activists have also accused the police of using excessive force and the use of controversial crowd-control weapons.

A French court rejected a bid by campaigners to have the use of such weapons banned. But there has been growing concern abroad as the list of casualties has lengthened.

Michelle Bachelet, the head of the United Nations Human Rights Council, has called on France to investigate reports of excessive use of force by police.

Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux expressed surprise at the criticism. He pointed out that the IGPN, the body that investigates police abuses, has launched more than 100 investigations into the conduct of officers during the protests.

But the mayor of one French town instructed police to stop using the controversial defensive ball launchers, whose rubber bullets have been blamed for a string of serious injuries to protesters.

Dany Koxher, mayor of Phalsbourg, a town of only 5,000 people in the northeast Moselle region, admitted that the order was purely symbolic -- that he had no power to issue it.

"But as a citizen and an observer, I find that the government's responses are disproportionate against the demonstrators," he told AFP.

In support of his position, he cited both the statement from the UN rights body and an earlier call from the Council of Europe to suspend the use of the weapons.

Tens of thousands of "yellow vest" demonstrators marched in France Saturday, but the latest turnout figures suggest the movement is struggling to maintain momentum after nearly four months of protests.

Tens of thousands of "yellow vest" demonstrators marched in France Saturday, but the latest turnout figures suggest the movement is struggling to maintain momentum after nearly four months of protests. The interior ministry put turnout across France at 28,600, the lowest since the movement began and a significant drop from last weekend's government estimate of 39,300. While the movement regularly disputes the official figures, the numbers are a fraction of the 282,000 at the first march on November 17. Police headed off protesters who tried to set up a rally on the Champs de Mars, a large park in the centre of Paris. A yellow jacket "flash mob" event at Paris's Charles de Gaulle airport protested plans to privatise Aeroports de Paris, the body that manages the capital's airports. And separately, about a thousand "pink jackets" -- nursery school assistants and care workers -- turned out in small demonstrations across France calling for better tax and benefit conditions for their work, said organisers. Saturday's yellow vest demonstrations in several French cities also saw the clashes between police and a minority of protesters that have regularly marred the demonstrations. One protester marching in the southwest city of Bordeaux, remained stoic, however. "It's normal that the turnout is less strong," said Andre, one of a number of pensioners marching. "It's raining, it's poor weather, people have the right to stay at home with their family. "There will be peaks and troughs, but it is going to continue." Organisers of the movement are already looking ahead to next weekend, which will mark four months of protests. Instead of the usually scattered rallies across France, they want demonstrators to converge on Paris. That march will also fall a day after the end of French President Emmanuel Macron's "grand national debate" -- internet and town hall meetings to gather opinions on how the country could be reformed -- launched in response to the protests. The weekly "yellow vest" rallies began in mid-November over a planned hike in fuel taxes. But they quickly grew into a broader anti-government revolt by people in rural and small-town France who have been angered by Macron's policies. Police weapons row The protests have often been marred by violence, while activists have also accused the police of using excessive force and the use of controversial crowd-control weapons. A French court rejected a bid by campaigners to have the use of such weapons banned. But there has been growing concern abroad as the list of casualties has lengthened. Michelle Bachelet, the head of the United Nations Human Rights Council, has called on France to investigate reports of excessive use of force by police. Government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux expressed surprise at the criticism. He pointed out that the IGPN, the body that investigates police abuses, has launched more than 100 investigations into the conduct of officers during the protests. But the mayor of one French town instructed police to stop using the controversial defensive ball launchers, whose rubber bullets have been blamed for a string of serious injuries to protesters. Dany Koxher, mayor of Phalsbourg, a town of only 5,000 people in the northeast Moselle region, admitted that the order was purely symbolic -- that he had no power to issue it. "But as a citizen and an observer, I find that the government's responses are disproportionate against the demonstrators," he told AFP. In support of his position, he cited both the statement from the UN rights body and an earlier call from the Council of Europe to suspend the use of the weapons.

Numbers down for France's 'Yellow vest' protests

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates.

Protesters wearing the neon high-visibility vests that have come to symbolise the movement were joined by others donning pink tops, as child-care workers turned out against reform of their unemployment subsidies.

Other gatherings were planned on Saturday in several French cities such as Bordeaux and Toulouse as well as smaller towns such as southerly Puy-en-Velay.

Some demonstrators staged a "flashmob" at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, waving French flags and dancing in one of the terminals, television footage on BFM TV showed.

What started out last November as a backlash against Macron's plan to hike fuel taxes -- part of his bid to push a cleaner energy model -- has morphed into a broader movement decrying the government as out of touch with the hardships faced by some households and low-income workers.

Turnout has dwindled since nearly 300,000 people took part in road blockades and march across France on November 17, coming in at 46,600 last Saturday according to the interior ministry.

But protesters have carried on nonetheless, with few signs of a halt in demonstrations any time soon. The latest turnout figures were not yet available.

Macron, who dropped the fuel tax increase and budgeted an extra 10 billion euros ($11.24 billion) to help the poorest workers, has also sought to defuse the unrest with a series of town hall-like meetings across France.

Consultations with local representatives are due to draw to a close next weekend, coinciding with calls by some 'yellow vest' campaigners to up the pressure on the government throughout March. The movement has no single leader.

After protests descended into riots in December, recent demonstrations been largely peaceful.

Some 54 per cent of French people backed or had sympathy with the 'yellow vests', an Ifop poll taken on March 7 and 8 for online news site Atlantico showed on Saturday. That was up from 50 per cent in mid-February but down from a peak of 72 per cent.

Macron's popularity has also improved in recent weeks. An Ipsos poll released on March 6 showed his ratings improved by 8 percentage points since December of 2018, to a 28 per cent approval level.

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates.

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates. Protesters wearing the neon high-visibility vests that have come to symbolise the movement were joined by others donning pink tops, as child-care workers turned out against reform of their unemployment subsidies. Other gatherings were planned on Saturday in several French cities such as Bordeaux and Toulouse as well as smaller towns such as southerly Puy-en-Velay. Some demonstrators staged a "flashmob" at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, waving French flags and dancing in one of the terminals, television footage on BFM TV showed. What started out last November as a backlash against Macron's plan to hike fuel taxes -- part of his bid to push a cleaner energy model -- has morphed into a broader movement decrying the government as out of touch with the hardships faced by some households and low-income workers. Turnout has dwindled since nearly 300,000 people took part in road blockades and march across France on November 17, coming in at 46,600 last Saturday according to the interior ministry. But protesters have carried on nonetheless, with few signs of a halt in demonstrations any time soon. The latest turnout figures were not yet available. Macron, who dropped the fuel tax increase and budgeted an extra 10 billion euros ($11.24 billion) to help the poorest workers, has also sought to defuse the unrest with a series of town hall-like meetings across France. Consultations with local representatives are due to draw to a close next weekend, coinciding with calls by some 'yellow vest' campaigners to up the pressure on the government throughout March. The movement has no single leader. After protests descended into riots in December, recent demonstrations been largely peaceful. Some 54 per cent of French people backed or had sympathy with the 'yellow vests', an Ifop poll taken on March 7 and 8 for online news site Atlantico showed on Saturday. That was up from 50 per cent in mid-February but down from a peak of 72 per cent. Macron's popularity has also improved in recent weeks. An Ipsos poll released on March 6 showed his ratings improved by 8 percentage points since December of 2018, to a 28 per cent approval level.

Hundreds march in Paris as childminders join 'yellow vest' protests

Rear Admiral Didier Malterre,&nbsp;Commander of the French Joint Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, visited India last week and discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence engagement with top officials.

The French Joint Forces Commander, during his maiden official trip to New Delhi after assuming command, first visited the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and the Information Fusion Centre (IFC).

His trip to the two centres came after Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Chief of the French Naval Staff, made a trip there two months ago, a french Embassy statement said.

Jointly run by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guards, IMAC focuses on the analysis of maritime information across the world.

It draws on numerous sources of information for building its database on the global maritime situation, particularly by relying on its agreements with partner countries.

At the end of 2018, India also established IFC to monitor the region. It plays a central role in coordinating information in the Indian Ocean.

During the visit from February 26-28, the Commander of the French Joint Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean held meetings with top officials of the Indian Navy such as Vice Admiral M S Pawar, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, and Vice-Admiral Ashok Kumar, Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, as well as at the Integrated Defence Staff level, represented by Lieutenant-General Amarjeet Singh Bedi.&nbsp;

Rear Admiral Didier Malterre, Commander of the French Joint Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, visited India last week and discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence engagement with top officials.

Rear Admiral Didier Malterre, Commander of the French Joint Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, visited India last week and discussed ways to enhance bilateral defence engagement with top officials. The French Joint Forces Commander, during his maiden official trip to New Delhi after assuming command, first visited the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and the Information Fusion Centre (IFC). His trip to the two centres came after Admiral Christophe Prazuck, Chief of the French Naval Staff, made a trip there two months ago, a french Embassy statement said. Jointly run by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guards, IMAC focuses on the analysis of maritime information across the world. It draws on numerous sources of information for building its database on the global maritime situation, particularly by relying on its agreements with partner countries. At the end of 2018, India also established IFC to monitor the region. It plays a central role in coordinating information in the Indian Ocean. During the visit from February 26-28, the Commander of the French Joint Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean held meetings with top officials of the Indian Navy such as Vice Admiral M S Pawar, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command, and Vice-Admiral Ashok Kumar, Vice Chief of the Indian Navy, as well as at the Integrated Defence Staff level, represented by Lieutenant-General Amarjeet Singh Bedi.

French Joint Forces Commander in Indian Ocean visits India, holds talks with top defence officials

France asks UNSC to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar

The UN human rights chief called Wednesday for a "full investigation" into the possible excessive use of force by French police during the "yellow vest" demonstrations.

"The 'Gilets Jaunes' (yellow vests) have been protesting what they see as exclusion from economic rights and participation in public affairs," rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in her annual address to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. &nbsp;

"We encourage the government to continue dialogue – including follow-up to the national discussions which are currently underway – and urge a full investigation of all reported cases of excessive use of force".

Yellow vest demonstrations have taken place across France since November. The protests began over fuel taxes but mushroomed into a revolt by people in rural and small-town France against President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

The IGPN, the body that investigates police abuses, has launched more than 100 investigations into the conduct of officers during the protests.&nbsp;

Bachelet also spoke broadly about people worldwide who have taken "to the streets to protest inequalities and deteriorating economic and social conditions."

"Their demands call for respectful dialogue and genuine reform," she said.&nbsp;

The UN human rights chief called Wednesday for a "full investigation" into the possible excessive use of force by French police during the "yellow vest" demonstrations.

The UN human rights chief called Wednesday for a "full investigation" into the possible excessive use of force by French police during the "yellow vest" demonstrations. "The 'Gilets Jaunes' (yellow vests) have been protesting what they see as exclusion from economic rights and participation in public affairs," rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in her annual address to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. "We encourage the government to continue dialogue – including follow-up to the national discussions which are currently underway – and urge a full investigation of all reported cases of excessive use of force". Yellow vest demonstrations have taken place across France since November. The protests began over fuel taxes but mushroomed into a revolt by people in rural and small-town France against President Emmanuel Macron's policies. The IGPN, the body that investigates police abuses, has launched more than 100 investigations into the conduct of officers during the protests. Bachelet also spoke broadly about people worldwide who have taken "to the streets to protest inequalities and deteriorating economic and social conditions." "Their demands call for respectful dialogue and genuine reform," she said.

France must probe police conduct in yellow vest protests: UN

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member.

France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Reiterating its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, France said that enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the “first crucial part” towards UNSC reform.

“We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters here Friday.

Delattre, at a joint press briefing with the German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen, said that the key to UN reform is openness through three different areas – the openness of the Security Council that entails expansion of the 15-nation, partnership and openness to civil society.

Germany will take over the Presidency in April.

“That is a strategic aim that France has and I do believe it is Germany’s strategic aim as well… If we believe in the UN and the representative nature of the Security Council, we need to ensure that enlargement (of UNSC) be a success sooner rather than later,” Delattre said.

He stressed that the UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN.

“The reform of the Security Council through its enlargement is one of the key areas and key priorities of our diplomacy,” Delattre said.

The German Ambassador pointed out that the Security Council, in its present composition, does not reflect the realities of this world.

“France and Germany spoke with one voice in this and we need to have reforms,” Heusgen said adding that “If you don’t reform the Security Council, it will lose legitimacy and therefore I think we should really work forward”.

France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world.

“That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries,” according to the Permanent Mission of France.

India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reforms of the Security Council.

Last week, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’, a total of 113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter.

“In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter,” he said during the informal meeting of the plenary on the inter-governmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC.

Earlier, Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, “there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council”.

“In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same.

“While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,” he had said.

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform.

France, which assumed the March Presidency of the United Nations Security Council, has reiterated its support for India as the permanent member of the powerful UN organ, saying the UNSC’s enlargement is the “first crucial part” towards its reform. India has been calling for the reform of the UN Security Council along with Brazil, Germany and Japan for long, emphasising that it rightly deserves a place at the UN high table as a permanent member. France, a veto-wielding permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC along with the US and the UK to designate Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Reiterating its support for India, Germany and Japan as permanent members of an expanded Council, France said that enlargement of the powerful UN organ in both permanent and non-permanent categories is the “first crucial part” towards UNSC reform. “We want enlargement of the Security Council in the two categories of non-permanent and permanent categories – India, Brazil, Germany and Japan – and equitable representation of Africans and so that is the first crucial part of it,” French Permanent Representative to the UN François Delattre told reporters here Friday. Delattre, at a joint press briefing with the German envoy to the UN Christoph Heusgen, said that the key to UN reform is openness through three different areas – the openness of the Security Council that entails expansion of the 15-nation, partnership and openness to civil society. Germany will take over the Presidency in April. “That is a strategic aim that France has and I do believe it is Germany’s strategic aim as well… If we believe in the UN and the representative nature of the Security Council, we need to ensure that enlargement (of UNSC) be a success sooner rather than later,” Delattre said. He stressed that the UN cannot be recognised as a centre of gravity for multilateralism throughout the world unless it can step-up partnerships and focus should also be made on openness to civil society, business world, NGOs and trade unions, which are all stakeholders that breathe life into the UN. “The reform of the Security Council through its enlargement is one of the key areas and key priorities of our diplomacy,” Delattre said. The German Ambassador pointed out that the Security Council, in its present composition, does not reflect the realities of this world. “France and Germany spoke with one voice in this and we need to have reforms,” Heusgen said adding that “If you don’t reform the Security Council, it will lose legitimacy and therefore I think we should really work forward”. France has maintained that if the crisis of recent times has confirmed the centrality of the UN, they have also reinforced the need to make the organisation more effective and more representative of the current balances in the world. “That is why France pushes for the expansion of the Security Council by supporting the accession to a permanent seat of Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, as well as a greater presence of African countries,” according to the Permanent Mission of France. India is at the forefront of efforts at the UN to push for urgent long-pending reforms of the Security Council. Last week, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said on the issue of ‘Categories of Membership’, a total of 113 member states out of the 122 which submitted their positions in the Framework Document, support expansion in both of the existing categories specified in the Charter. “In short, more than 90 per cent of the written submissions in the document are in favour of expansion in both categories of membership specified in the Charter,” he said during the informal meeting of the plenary on the inter-governmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC. Earlier, Akbaruddin had said that while reform at the UN is a process rather than an event, “there is no process known to us here that has traversed winding pathways in the manner as this process of the Reform of the Security Council”. “In terms of inertia too, it has no peer. While the world is not what it was when we began the process, the objections to moving forward remain the same. “While the global challenges of the 21st century have multiplied, we remain divided even about the process to adopt in order to move forward,” he had said.

France reiterates support for India’s permanent seat in reformed UN Security Council

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 3rd March, 2019

The French government has welcomed the release of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. It is the first nation to react on the release of Abhinandan Varthaman who was taken into custody by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by the&nbsp;enemy missile on February 27.

In a statement French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "I welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the release of the Indian Air Force pilot detained in Pakistan."

"I hail the two governments’ choice of restraint and responsibility and urge them to resume bilateral dialogue," he added.

He also reiterated France's solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms.

On Friday, France assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and said that it "will do its utmost so that those responsible for the terrible attack in Pulwama are sanctioned."

US, UK and France have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian forces in last two decades by Pakistan based terror organisations.

In the aftermath of Indian air strikes on terror camps of JeM in Pakistan, Paris had said, it recognises "India’s legitimacy" to ensure its "security against cross-border terrorism" and asked Pakistan to put an "end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

The French government has welcomed the release of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. It is the first nation to react on the release of Abhinandan Varthaman who was taken into custody by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by the enemy missile on February 27.

The French government has welcomed the release of Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman by Pakistan. It is the first nation to react on the release of Abhinandan Varthaman who was taken into custody by Pakistan after his jet went down following a strike by the enemy missile on February 27. In a statement French Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian said, "I welcome the easing of tensions between India and Pakistan as well as the release of the Indian Air Force pilot detained in Pakistan." "I hail the two governments’ choice of restraint and responsibility and urge them to resume bilateral dialogue," he added. He also reiterated France's solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms. On Friday, France assumed the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and said that it "will do its utmost so that those responsible for the terrible attack in Pulwama are sanctioned." US, UK and France have proposed listing of Jaish e Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist in the aftermath of Pulwama attack, the worst attack on Indian forces in last two decades by Pakistan based terror organisations. In the aftermath of Indian air strikes on terror camps of JeM in Pakistan, Paris had said, it recognises "India’s legitimacy" to ensure its "security against cross-border terrorism" and asked Pakistan to put an "end to the operations of terrorist groups established on its territory."

France welcomes release of IAF Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman

The United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-push-for-listing-jem-chief-masood-azhar-as-global-terrorist-at-ric-meet-in-china-199779">head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad</a>, which said it attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy in disputed Kashmir.

However, the move is likely to be opposed by China, which previously prevented the Security Council's Islamic State and Al-Qaeda sanctions committee from sanctioning JeM leader Masood Azhar in 2016 and 2017.

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jem-chief-masood-azhar-shifted-to-facility-near-bahawalpur-from-rawalpindi-military-hospital-intel-sources-199732"> Masood Azhar shifted from military hospital to highly protected facility, says Intel sources</a>

China's UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new proposal.

The February 14 attack, the most deadly in Kashmir during a 30-year-long insurgency, increased tensions between Pakistan and India with the nuclear-armed neighbours both saying they had shot down each other's fighter jets on Wednesday.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-asks-india-and-pakistan-to-de-escalate-tension-avoid-military-to-resolve-differences-200141">United States</a>, Britain and France have asked the 15-member Security Council sanctions committee to subject Azhar to an arms embargo, global travel ban and asset freeze. The committee operates by consensus and members have until March 13 to raise objections, according to the proposal seen by Reuters. 
 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-pakistan-tension-unless-nation-presents-united-front-terrorism-will-not-be-defeated-200191">Also read: Unless nation presents </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-pakistan-tension-unless-nation-presents-united-front-terrorism-will-not-be-defeated-200191">united</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-pakistan-tension-unless-nation-presents-united-front-terrorism-will-not-be-defeated-200191"> front, terrorism will not be defeated</a>

When the council committee previously considered blacklisting Azhar in 2017 the Chinese Foreign Ministry said there were clear rules for listing a person or group as a terrorist, and that China has always believed the relevant UN&nbsp;committee should operate on the principles of objectivity.

JeM is a primarily anti-India group that forged ties with Al-Qaeda and was blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001. In December 2001, Jaish fighters, along with members of another Pakistan-based militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, attacked India's parliament, which almost led to a fourth war.

The Security Council condemned the February&nbsp;14 attack in a statement last week, which was agreed after several days of negotiation. Diplomats said China had been opposed to a reference of JeM, however, the agreed statement did eventually note that JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written at least twice to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and they spoke on the phone on Tuesday. In a Feb. 26 letter, seen by Reuters, Qureshi called on Guterres and the Security Council to urge India to halt "acts of aggression."

India's UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told Reuters on Wednesday: "Our efforts are focused on countering terrorism and we are working with many global partners in pursuit of that objective."

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that the United Nations has had contacts with India at "various levels." He said on Wednesday that Guterres was available to mediate should both parties agree.

"The United Nations message both publicly and privately to both sides is to urgently take steps to lower tensions through meaningful mutual engagement and meet the responsibilities to maintain peace and security in the region," Dujarric said.

The United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which said it attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy in disputed Kashmir.

The United States, Britain and France proposed on Wednesday that the United Nations Security Council blacklist the head of Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammad, which said it attacked an Indian paramilitary convoy in disputed Kashmir. However, the move is likely to be opposed by China, which previously prevented the Security Council's Islamic State and Al-Qaeda sanctions committee from sanctioning JeM leader Masood Azhar in 2016 and 2017. Also read: Masood Azhar shifted from military hospital to highly protected facility, says Intel sources China's UN mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the new proposal. The February 14 attack, the most deadly in Kashmir during a 30-year-long insurgency, increased tensions between Pakistan and India with the nuclear-armed neighbours both saying they had shot down each other's fighter jets on Wednesday. The United States, Britain and France have asked the 15-member Security Council sanctions committee to subject Azhar to an arms embargo, global travel ban and asset freeze. The committee operates by consensus and members have until March 13 to raise objections, according to the proposal seen by Reuters. Also read: Unless nation presents united front, terrorism will not be defeated When the council committee previously considered blacklisting Azhar in 2017 the Chinese Foreign Ministry said there were clear rules for listing a person or group as a terrorist, and that China has always believed the relevant UN committee should operate on the principles of objectivity. JeM is a primarily anti-India group that forged ties with Al-Qaeda and was blacklisted by the UN Security Council in 2001. In December 2001, Jaish fighters, along with members of another Pakistan-based militant group, Lashkar-e-Taiba, attacked India's parliament, which almost led to a fourth war. The Security Council condemned the February 14 attack in a statement last week, which was agreed after several days of negotiation. Diplomats said China had been opposed to a reference of JeM, however, the agreed statement did eventually note that JeM has claimed responsibility for the attack. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written at least twice to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and they spoke on the phone on Tuesday. In a Feb. 26 letter, seen by Reuters, Qureshi called on Guterres and the Security Council to urge India to halt "acts of aggression." India's UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told Reuters on Wednesday: "Our efforts are focused on countering terrorism and we are working with many global partners in pursuit of that objective." UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that the United Nations has had contacts with India at "various levels." He said on Wednesday that Guterres was available to mediate should both parties agree. "The United Nations message both publicly and privately to both sides is to urgently take steps to lower tensions through meaningful mutual engagement and meet the responsibilities to maintain peace and security in the region," Dujarric said.

US, UK, France ask UN to blacklist JeM leader Masood Azhar; move likely to face opposition from China

Anti-Semitism appears to have reached &nbsp;its worst levels since World War II, French President Emmanuel Macron told Jewish community leaders on Wednesday, a day after thousands of people took to the streets to denounce hate crimes.

The scourge has grown in recent years "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-denounces-unacceptable-increase-in-anti-semitic-acts-197216">and the situation has got worse in recent weeks</a>," Macron told the annual dinner of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF).

"Our country, and for that matter all of Europe and most Western democracies, seems to be facing a resurgence of anti-Semitism unseen since World War II," he added.

Europe's biggest Jewish community is reeling after a string of attacks that have made global headlines.

Macron announced measures including legislation to fight hate speech on the internet, to be introduced by May.

He said he had asked his interior minister to take steps to ban racist or anti-Semitic groups, singling out "for a start" three far-right groups -- Bastion Social, Blood and Honour Hexagone and Combat 18 -- which he said "fuel hatred, promote discrimination or call for violence".

He also vowed that France would recognise anti-Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism.

Macron earlier balked at a call by a lawmaker in his Republic on the Move party to criminalise anti-Zionist statements, which criticise the movement that established Israel as a home for Jews.

On a visit Tuesday to a cemetery in the Alsace region, near Germany, where 96 Jewish tombstones were daubed with swastikas, Macron promised: "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish."

Also Tuesday, thousands of people, some carrying banners proclaiming "That's enough", held a rally in Paris to denounce anti-Semitism -- one of around 70 protests staged nationwide.

Macron and his government have linked the appearance of swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on artworks, shopfronts and headstones to far-right and far-left elements within the "yellow vest" protest movement.

'France is ours' 
A protester caught on video hurling abuse at Jewish writer and philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a "yellow vest" demonstration in Paris last weekend was taken into custody Tuesday in the eastern city of Mulhouse, authorities said.

Police confirmed the suspect, who has been named in French media as telephone salesman Benjamin W., was the bearded man seen on video calling 69-year-old Finkielkraut a "dirty Zionist" and telling him "France is ours" after the philosopher ran into demonstrators on the street.

Police sources described the 36-year-old suspect as a small-time delinquent with ties to ultra-conservative Muslim groups.

He was one of the most vocal members of a group that jeered Finkielkraut and called him a "racist", apparently referring to his past warnings about what he sees as the failure of Muslim immigrants to integrate into French society.

The incident caused outrage both in France and abroad, with Israel's Immigration Minister Yoav Gallant urging French Jews to "come home" to Israel for their safety.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced support for Macron and Finkielkraut, calling the anti-Semitic incidents an "affront" to France.

Earlier Wednesday, Rivlin spoke with Finkielkraut to express his solidarity over the "wicked and hurtful attack."

"I heard that the demonstrators told you to go back to Tel Aviv. I am sure you know that Tel Aviv is a wonderful place but be in no doubt that every Jew, and every person, has the right to choose wherever they live", said Rivlin, who also wrote to Macron to thank him for visiting the Jewish cemetery.

Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Macron, the Israeli leader's office said.

Focus on anti-Zionism 
Several officials have accused radical "yellow vest" of fomenting a climate of hatred.

The anti-government protests began three months ago over fuel taxes but quickly grew into a broader anti-establishment, anti-capitalist rebellion, with some demonstrators using anti-Semitic slurs to denigrate Macron, a former Rothschild investment banker.

The number of anti-Jewish crimes rose 74 percent last year.

Anti-Semitism has a long history in France where society was deeply split at the end of the 19th century by the Alfred Dreyfus affair over a Jewish army captain wrongly convicted of treason.

During World War II, the French Vichy government collaborated with Germany notably in the deportation of Jews to death camps.

Traditionally associated with the far right, anti-Semitism has become ingrained in the high-rise French housing estates that house many members of France's Muslim community, Europe's largest.

Jews have been targeted in several attacks by French jihadists in recent years.

But the proliferation of anti-Semitic graffiti is seen as a new trend.

In recent days, the word "Juden" was spray-painted on the window of a Paris bagel bakery and swastikas were daubed on postbox portraits of late French Holocaust survivor and women's rights icon Simone Veil.

Anti-Semitism appears to have reached its worst levels since World War II, French President Emmanuel Macron told Jewish community leaders on Wednesday, a day after thousands of people took to the streets to denounce hate crimes.

Anti-Semitism appears to have reached its worst levels since World War II, French President Emmanuel Macron told Jewish community leaders on Wednesday, a day after thousands of people took to the streets to denounce hate crimes. The scourge has grown in recent years "and the situation has got worse in recent weeks," Macron told the annual dinner of the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF). "Our country, and for that matter all of Europe and most Western democracies, seems to be facing a resurgence of anti-Semitism unseen since World War II," he added. Europe's biggest Jewish community is reeling after a string of attacks that have made global headlines. Macron announced measures including legislation to fight hate speech on the internet, to be introduced by May. He said he had asked his interior minister to take steps to ban racist or anti-Semitic groups, singling out "for a start" three far-right groups -- Bastion Social, Blood and Honour Hexagone and Combat 18 -- which he said "fuel hatred, promote discrimination or call for violence". He also vowed that France would recognise anti-Zionism as a form of anti-Semitism. Macron earlier balked at a call by a lawmaker in his Republic on the Move party to criminalise anti-Zionist statements, which criticise the movement that established Israel as a home for Jews. On a visit Tuesday to a cemetery in the Alsace region, near Germany, where 96 Jewish tombstones were daubed with swastikas, Macron promised: "We shall act, we shall pass laws, we shall punish." Also Tuesday, thousands of people, some carrying banners proclaiming "That's enough", held a rally in Paris to denounce anti-Semitism -- one of around 70 protests staged nationwide. Macron and his government have linked the appearance of swastikas and other anti-Semitic graffiti on artworks, shopfronts and headstones to far-right and far-left elements within the "yellow vest" protest movement. 'France is ours' A protester caught on video hurling abuse at Jewish writer and philosopher Alain Finkielkraut during a "yellow vest" demonstration in Paris last weekend was taken into custody Tuesday in the eastern city of Mulhouse, authorities said. Police confirmed the suspect, who has been named in French media as telephone salesman Benjamin W., was the bearded man seen on video calling 69-year-old Finkielkraut a "dirty Zionist" and telling him "France is ours" after the philosopher ran into demonstrators on the street. Police sources described the 36-year-old suspect as a small-time delinquent with ties to ultra-conservative Muslim groups. He was one of the most vocal members of a group that jeered Finkielkraut and called him a "racist", apparently referring to his past warnings about what he sees as the failure of Muslim immigrants to integrate into French society. The incident caused outrage both in France and abroad, with Israel's Immigration Minister Yoav Gallant urging French Jews to "come home" to Israel for their safety. Israeli President Reuven Rivlin voiced support for Macron and Finkielkraut, calling the anti-Semitic incidents an "affront" to France. Earlier Wednesday, Rivlin spoke with Finkielkraut to express his solidarity over the "wicked and hurtful attack." "I heard that the demonstrators told you to go back to Tel Aviv. I am sure you know that Tel Aviv is a wonderful place but be in no doubt that every Jew, and every person, has the right to choose wherever they live", said Rivlin, who also wrote to Macron to thank him for visiting the Jewish cemetery. Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Macron, the Israeli leader's office said. Focus on anti-Zionism Several officials have accused radical "yellow vest" of fomenting a climate of hatred. The anti-government protests began three months ago over fuel taxes but quickly grew into a broader anti-establishment, anti-capitalist rebellion, with some demonstrators using anti-Semitic slurs to denigrate Macron, a former Rothschild investment banker. The number of anti-Jewish crimes rose 74 percent last year. Anti-Semitism has a long history in France where society was deeply split at the end of the 19th century by the Alfred Dreyfus affair over a Jewish army captain wrongly convicted of treason. During World War II, the French Vichy government collaborated with Germany notably in the deportation of Jews to death camps. Traditionally associated with the far right, anti-Semitism has become ingrained in the high-rise French housing estates that house many members of France's Muslim community, Europe's largest. Jews have been targeted in several attacks by French jihadists in recent years. But the proliferation of anti-Semitic graffiti is seen as a new trend. In recent days, the word "Juden" was spray-painted on the window of a Paris bagel bakery and swastikas were daubed on postbox portraits of late French Holocaust survivor and women's rights icon Simone Veil.

Anti-Semitism worst since WWII, Macron tells Jewish group

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar</a> on the UN sanctions list.

This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations.

In 2017, &nbsp;France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China.

"We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today.

India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan.

JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.&nbsp;

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list.

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler on Wednesday said that his country is “pushing” to put Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar on the UN sanctions list. This will be the second time that France will put forth its proposal at the United Nations. In 2017, France, supported by the United States and the United Kingdom, had moved a proposal at the UN Sanctions Committee 1267 to get Azhar declared as a “global terrorist”, but it was blocked by China. "We are very much pushing in that direction. It has been two years that we are trying to put him on the UN sanctions list," Ziegler told ANI at the five-day Aero India 2019 show which began here today. India’s attempts to list Azhar at the UN Security Council have been repeatedly blocked by China at the behest of Pakistan. JeM had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

Trying to put JeM chief Masood Azhar on UN sanctions list: France envoy to India

Thousands protest against anti-Semitism in France

France will push for a new proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Jaish-e Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group, took responsibility of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/china-hopes-pakistan-india-will-exercise-restraint-engage-in-dialogue-says-china-on-pulwama-tensions-198315">Pulwama attack</a> that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

France's decision came after a discussion between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday morning.&nbsp;

In 2016, India had requested the Security Council Committee, established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1267, to include Masood Azhar in the list of "designated sanctioned entities", declaring him an international terrorist.

China has been blocking his listing citing lack of consensus.

Just a day after the ghastly Pulwama attack, India asked China again if it will support Azhar's listing as an international terrorist; Bejing reiterated its stance.

Spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang, said, "the UN Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jem-has-been-included-in-security-council-counter-terrorism-list-we-have-dealt-with-masood-azhar-issue-professionally-china-197566">constructive and responsible manner</a>. We will also keep in close communication with all relevant parties on this issue."

Paris will also be backing Pakistan's continuation on the FATF greylist. Islamabad was put on the greylist last year after which the South Asian nation came under the financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT).

India has started a diplomatic campaign against Pakistan to isolate the country as a fallout of Pulwama terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of more 30 countries over Islamabad's involvement in Pulwama&nbsp;terror attack and its continued support to terror as a state policy.

Meanwhile, Iran has named a Pakistani national in connection to last week's terror attack which killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards. Local media reported that Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Ground Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said Hafiz Mohammad Ali, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/suicide-bomber-who-killed-27-members-of-irans-guards-was-pakistani-guards-commander-198313">Pakistani national, was behind the terror attack</a>.

Over the weekend, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-india-iran-lashes-out-on-pakistan-on-terror-front-summons-pak-envoy-197945">Iran summoned its envoy to Pakistan</a> and lodged a strong protest against the terror attack. Tehran also highlighted the growing number of terrorist attacks "designed in and led from Pakistan including the latest terrorist attack", according to a release from Iranian foreign ministry.

France will push for a new proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Jaish-e Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group, took responsibility of Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14.

France will push for a new proposal to list Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Jaish-e Mohammad, the Pakistan based terror group, took responsibility of Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. France's decision came after a discussion between Philippe Etienne, Diplomatic Advisor to the French President, and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Tuesday morning. In 2016, India had requested the Security Council Committee, established pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 1267, to include Masood Azhar in the list of "designated sanctioned entities", declaring him an international terrorist. China has been blocking his listing citing lack of consensus. Just a day after the ghastly Pulwama attack, India asked China again if it will support Azhar's listing as an international terrorist; Bejing reiterated its stance. Spokesperson of Chinese foreign ministry, Geng Shuang, said, "the UN Security Council 1267 Committee has detailed criteria for the listing and designation procedures for terrorist entities or individuals. China will continue to deal with the relevant listing issue in a constructive and responsible manner. We will also keep in close communication with all relevant parties on this issue." Paris will also be backing Pakistan's continuation on the FATF greylist. Islamabad was put on the greylist last year after which the South Asian nation came under the financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT). India has started a diplomatic campaign against Pakistan to isolate the country as a fallout of Pulwama terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs briefed envoys of more 30 countries over Islamabad's involvement in Pulwama terror attack and its continued support to terror as a state policy. Meanwhile, Iran has named a Pakistani national in connection to last week's terror attack which killed 27 of its Revolutionary Guards. Local media reported that Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), Ground Force, Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said Hafiz Mohammad Ali, a Pakistani national, was behind the terror attack. Over the weekend, Iran summoned its envoy to Pakistan and lodged a strong protest against the terror attack. Tehran also highlighted the growing number of terrorist attacks "designed in and led from Pakistan including the latest terrorist attack", according to a release from Iranian foreign ministry.

Pressure mounts on Pakistan as France decides to move proposal to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar at UN 

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vests-marching-for-everyone-protester-says-as-support-falls-197822">14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests</a> took a violent turn in the afternoon.

In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said.

Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower.

Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported.

In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed.

Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported.

A poll this week showed dwindling support for the "yellow vests" demonstrations, named for motorists` high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch.

More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. 
But some at Saturday`s protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country.

"I can understand that some people have had enough, but we`re not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It`s a very humanist movement and we`re doing this for everyone. So if right now they`re fed up, then too bad for them."

There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday.

The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates.

French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the 14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests took a violent turn in the afternoon.

French police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who threw projectiles and set bins on fire in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux on Saturday, as the 14th straight weekend of "yellow vest" protests took a violent turn in the afternoon. In Rouen in the north, four people were injured after a driver tried to force his way through a crowd of protesters, authorities said. Demonstrators gathered peacefully earlier in the day at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a flashpoint of clashes with the police in the early days of the protests, before marching towards the Eiffel Tower. Later in the afternoon, police and hooded protesters clashed at the Esplanade des Invalides in central Paris where the march was expected to end, forcing some into adjoining streets where some skirmishes were reported. In Bordeaux and Lyon, police also fired tear gas and charged, to disperse projectile-throwing demonstrators after bins were set on fire and properties destroyed. Protesters tried to block a depot operated by online retail giant Amazon and some threw stones at police in Toulouse in the south, BFM Television reported. A poll this week showed dwindling support for the "yellow vests" demonstrations, named for motorists` high-visibility jackets, which began in November over fuel taxes and morphed into a more general revolt against politicians and a government they see as out of touch. More than half of those surveyed said they wanted the occasionally violent protests to end. But some at Saturday`s protests said they were part of a humanist movement aimed at improving the lives of everyone in the country. "I can understand that some people have had enough, but we`re not doing this just for us," said Madeleine, a 33-year old unemployed protester. "It`s a very humanist movement and we`re doing this for everyone. So if right now they`re fed up, then too bad for them." There has been infighting between leaders of the grassroots movement, although some have outlined plans to extend the weekly protests to Sunday. The number of protesters have fallen from highs of over 300,000 nationwide in November to over 51,000 last week, according to government estimates. French interior ministry said around 41,500 protesters took part in demonstrations across the country, compared with 51,400 including 4,000 in the capital, compared with 5,000 in Paris last week.

French police fire tear gas as latest 'yellow vest' protests turn violent

Homeopathy facing criticism in France

The value of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/scotch-whisky-makers-tell-uk-politicians-avoid-no-deal-brexit-185336">Scotch whisky</a> exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday.

Britain's biggest food and drink export grew 7.8 percent to 4.7 billion pounds ($6.05 billion) last year, with the number of 70 centilitre bottles sold abroad up 3.6 percent to 1.28 billion.

With Britain's exit from the European Union trading bloc due in six weeks, there is still no decision on what the trade rules for British exports will be after that. Producers of Scotland's flagship tipple are particularly worried about sales to the EU which make up about a third of their world market.

Scotch growth in recent years has been driven by demand for single malts, which are made at one distillery and pricier than blended Scotch which is made from mixing one or more whiskies.

Exports of single malts rose 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion pounds.

In volume terms, exports were primarily driven by growth in India, which expanded by 23.1 million to 112.6 million bottles. The United States and France - the world's heaviest Scotch drinker - each grew exports by 9.4 million bottles.

At the same time, exports to Germany and Spain fell by around 10 million and 4.5 million pounds apiece.

"(The) industry does not take continued growth for granted," said Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association which represents 90 percent of the producers.

She urged Britain not to leave the EU without a Brexit deal at the end of March.

"We also want to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure ambitious trading relationships with key markets around the world."

The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch in 2018, growing 7.8 percent to 1.04 billion pounds last year to retain its place as the largest market in the world for Scotch in terms of value.

Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said in response to the data: "My international economic department is focused on turning the UK into an exporting superpower and, as our single largest food and drink export, the success of Scotch whisky overseas is key to this ambition."

The value of Scotch whisky exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday.

The value of Scotch whisky exports rose nearly 8 percent in 2018, backed by booming sales in India, France and the United States and the impact of pricier Scotch, data from Britain's tax authority HMRC showed on Tuesday. Britain's biggest food and drink export grew 7.8 percent to 4.7 billion pounds ($6.05 billion) last year, with the number of 70 centilitre bottles sold abroad up 3.6 percent to 1.28 billion. With Britain's exit from the European Union trading bloc due in six weeks, there is still no decision on what the trade rules for British exports will be after that. Producers of Scotland's flagship tipple are particularly worried about sales to the EU which make up about a third of their world market. Scotch growth in recent years has been driven by demand for single malts, which are made at one distillery and pricier than blended Scotch which is made from mixing one or more whiskies. Exports of single malts rose 11.3 percent to 1.3 billion pounds. In volume terms, exports were primarily driven by growth in India, which expanded by 23.1 million to 112.6 million bottles. The United States and France - the world's heaviest Scotch drinker - each grew exports by 9.4 million bottles. At the same time, exports to Germany and Spain fell by around 10 million and 4.5 million pounds apiece. "(The) industry does not take continued growth for granted," said Karen Betts, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association which represents 90 percent of the producers. She urged Britain not to leave the EU without a Brexit deal at the end of March. "We also want to see the UK and EU agree to an open and positive future relationship, which delivers frictionless trade with the EU, and the UK to secure ambitious trading relationships with key markets around the world." The United States became the first billion-pound export market for Scotch in 2018, growing 7.8 percent to 1.04 billion pounds last year to retain its place as the largest market in the world for Scotch in terms of value. Britain's trade minister Liam Fox said in response to the data: "My international economic department is focused on turning the UK into an exporting superpower and, as our single largest food and drink export, the success of Scotch whisky overseas is key to this ambition."

As Brexit looms, India drives Scotch whisky sales 

"Yellow vest" protesters are more likely to believe conspiracy theories than other French people, according to a survey published Monday.

Nearly a quarter believe a gun attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in December was ordered by the French government to deflect attention from the anti-government protests, an Ifop poll for Conspiracy Watch and the centre-left Jean Jaures Foundation found.

And a further fifth continues to have doubts about the official account of the attack in which five people died, it said.&nbsp;

"Yellow vest" activists are also much more likely to give credence to shadowy "Zionist plots" and a popular conspiracy theory that mass immigration is being organised by the elites, it found.

In general, one in 10 French people thought the Strasbourg attack was part of a government plot to "distract attention and create fear" when the protests were at their height, Ifop said.

People who passively support the movement, however, were much less likely to question the official line that radicalised small-time criminal Cherif Chekatt was responsible for the killings, the survey said.

The "yellow vest" movement, now in its 14th week, began as a revolt against a rise in fuel prices but has since morphed into an expression of general discontent.&nbsp;

Its leaders and supporters have been blamed for a tsunami of fake news on social media, with journalists the target of numerous attacks and threats at gatherings and demonstrations.

The amorphous movement -- which has no leadership structure -- has become one of the most long-running revolts in recent French history and tends to be strongest in the countryside and provincial towns.

Driven by social media

Its populist platform includes a long list of competing demands from lower taxes and increased public services to direct democracy through regular referenda.

The survey found that nearly half of "yellow vest" protesters believe in a worldwide "Zionist plot" as well as the far-right "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory, which posits that elites are organising "immigration deliberately to replace Europe's native populations".

Ifop said a clear majority were also convinced that the French "health ministry was working for hand in glove with the pharmaceutical industry to cover up the danger of vaccines".

A quarter of the general population subscribe to similar beliefs, it found, sparked by the 1998 MMR vaccine-autism scare, which has been described as "perhaps the most damaging medical hoax of the last 100 years".

The survey was carried out through an online questionnaire on a representative group of 1,506 people in the week leading up to Christmas, with a second later sample of 254 people.

At the time, half of the people surveyed said they backed the yellow vest movement.

Ifop said it asked participants if they had taken part in yellow vests protest or if they merely supported the movement, and was then able to hone in on each groups' opinions.&nbsp;

Protesters were "extremely dependent" on social media and YouTube for their news, where conspiracy theories flourish, the survey also found.

Nearly 59 per cent go first to Facebook newsfeeds for the headlines, it said, compared to 37 per cent of the general population which tends to get its news from traditional media.

"Yellow vest" protesters are more likely to believe conspiracy theories than other French people, according to a survey published Monday. Nearly a quarter believe a gun attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in December was ordered by the French government to deflect attention from the anti-government protests, an Ifop poll for Conspiracy Watch and the centre-left Jean Jaures Foundation found.

"Yellow vest" protesters are more likely to believe conspiracy theories than other French people, according to a survey published Monday. Nearly a quarter believe a gun attack on the Christmas market in Strasbourg in December was ordered by the French government to deflect attention from the anti-government protests, an Ifop poll for Conspiracy Watch and the centre-left Jean Jaures Foundation found. And a further fifth continues to have doubts about the official account of the attack in which five people died, it said. "Yellow vest" activists are also much more likely to give credence to shadowy "Zionist plots" and a popular conspiracy theory that mass immigration is being organised by the elites, it found. In general, one in 10 French people thought the Strasbourg attack was part of a government plot to "distract attention and create fear" when the protests were at their height, Ifop said. People who passively support the movement, however, were much less likely to question the official line that radicalised small-time criminal Cherif Chekatt was responsible for the killings, the survey said. The "yellow vest" movement, now in its 14th week, began as a revolt against a rise in fuel prices but has since morphed into an expression of general discontent. Its leaders and supporters have been blamed for a tsunami of fake news on social media, with journalists the target of numerous attacks and threats at gatherings and demonstrations. The amorphous movement -- which has no leadership structure -- has become one of the most long-running revolts in recent French history and tends to be strongest in the countryside and provincial towns. Driven by social media Its populist platform includes a long list of competing demands from lower taxes and increased public services to direct democracy through regular referenda. The survey found that nearly half of "yellow vest" protesters believe in a worldwide "Zionist plot" as well as the far-right "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory, which posits that elites are organising "immigration deliberately to replace Europe's native populations". Ifop said a clear majority were also convinced that the French "health ministry was working for hand in glove with the pharmaceutical industry to cover up the danger of vaccines". A quarter of the general population subscribe to similar beliefs, it found, sparked by the 1998 MMR vaccine-autism scare, which has been described as "perhaps the most damaging medical hoax of the last 100 years". The survey was carried out through an online questionnaire on a representative group of 1,506 people in the week leading up to Christmas, with a second later sample of 254 people. At the time, half of the people surveyed said they backed the yellow vest movement. Ifop said it asked participants if they had taken part in yellow vests protest or if they merely supported the movement, and was then able to hone in on each groups' opinions. Protesters were "extremely dependent" on social media and YouTube for their news, where conspiracy theories flourish, the survey also found. Nearly 59 per cent go first to Facebook newsfeeds for the headlines, it said, compared to 37 per cent of the general population which tends to get its news from traditional media.

French 'yellow vests' more prone to conspiracy theories: Report

A "yellow vest" demonstrator lost his hand during clashes with police outside the main parliament building in Paris on Saturday, witnesses told AFP, during a 13th weekend of anti-government protests across France.

Despite a drop in numbers from the massive turnouts of the first demonstrations in November, tens of thousands still turned out in cities across the country to protest against French President Emmanuel Macron's policies.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/more-violence-in-paris-as-yellow-vests-keep-marching-196279">Clashes broke out outside the National Assembly building in Paris</a> after a march from the Champs Elysees arrived there.

While many demonstrators marched peacefully, some masked activists tried to break down barriers outside the parliament while others urinated nearby.

Masked men threw projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades.

As the march continued, vandals burned rubbish bins as well as cars -- mainly luxury models -- vandalising bus shelters, cash machines and shop windows along the route.

One of the torched cars belonged to Sentinelle, France's anti-terrorism unit. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner expressed his "indignation and disgust" in a tweet.

Volunteer medics at the National Assembly told AFP that a man had had his hand ripped off during the clashes between police and protesters.

One witness who filmed the incident, 21-year-old Cyprien Royer, said the injury had been caused by a flash-ball grenade fired by police.

Royer said the victim was a yellow jacket photographer taking pictures of people trying to break down the barriers protecting the entrance to the National Assembly.&nbsp;

"When the cops went to disperse people, he got hit by a flash-ball grenade in the calf. He wanted to bat it away so it didn't explode by his leg -- and it went off when he touched it," he added.

Paris police said the man had lost four fingers.

By early evening, officers in Paris said they had arrested 36 people and 16 were being held in custody, they added.

- Disputed turnout -&nbsp; 
"We mustn't give up," said pensioner Serge Mairesse, from Aubervilliers, just outside Paris. This was the 11th time he had marched with the movement, he told AFP.

"We have to win to have more social and fiscal justice in this country," said Mairesse, who was carrying a placard calling for the reimposition of a wealth tax on high earners repealed by Macron.

At the march in the southeast city of Lyon, Benard, a 56-year-old computer technician expressed scepticism about Macron's "great debate" initiative designed to address people's grievances.

"It's all very good, the great debate, but we want something concrete: fewer taxes, more purchasing power. We'll be here every Saturday of the year if we have to."

Thousands of protesters turned out Saturday in the French Mediterranean ports of Marseille and Montpellier and also in Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest -- strongholds of the movements -- as well as several cities in the north and west of France.

In the eastern city of Saint Etienne, eight police officers were slightly hurt during clashes with some protesters on the fringes of the march there, local police said.

Interior ministry figures put the turnout across France at 51,400, of whom 4,000 marched in Paris, slightly down on the previous week's figures.

But last week's official estimates were disputed both by march organisers and contradicted by an independent estimate carried out for news media, which gave a higher estimate.

The first yellow vest day of protest in November brought 282,000 people out on to the streets across France, according to government figures.

But a YouGov poll of 1,037 people issued on Thursday suggested that nearly two out of three people in France (64 percent) still support the movement. It was carried out on January 30 and 31.

French prosecutors are meanwhile investigating a series of attacks on homes belonging to politicians in Macron's Republic on the Move party, ranging from vandalism to arson.

No one has been hurt and no individual or group has so far been implicated in the incidents. Government and opposition politicians have condemned the attacks.

A "yellow vest" demonstrator lost his hand during clashes with police outside the main parliament building in Paris on Saturday, witnesses told AFP, during a 13th weekend of anti-government protests across France.

A "yellow vest" demonstrator lost his hand during clashes with police outside the main parliament building in Paris on Saturday, witnesses told AFP, during a 13th weekend of anti-government protests across France. Despite a drop in numbers from the massive turnouts of the first demonstrations in November, tens of thousands still turned out in cities across the country to protest against French President Emmanuel Macron's policies. Clashes broke out outside the National Assembly building in Paris after a march from the Champs Elysees arrived there. While many demonstrators marched peacefully, some masked activists tried to break down barriers outside the parliament while others urinated nearby. Masked men threw projectiles at police, who responded with tear gas and stun grenades. As the march continued, vandals burned rubbish bins as well as cars -- mainly luxury models -- vandalising bus shelters, cash machines and shop windows along the route. One of the torched cars belonged to Sentinelle, France's anti-terrorism unit. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner expressed his "indignation and disgust" in a tweet. Volunteer medics at the National Assembly told AFP that a man had had his hand ripped off during the clashes between police and protesters. One witness who filmed the incident, 21-year-old Cyprien Royer, said the injury had been caused by a flash-ball grenade fired by police. Royer said the victim was a yellow jacket photographer taking pictures of people trying to break down the barriers protecting the entrance to the National Assembly. "When the cops went to disperse people, he got hit by a flash-ball grenade in the calf. He wanted to bat it away so it didn't explode by his leg -- and it went off when he touched it," he added. Paris police said the man had lost four fingers. By early evening, officers in Paris said they had arrested 36 people and 16 were being held in custody, they added. - Disputed turnout - "We mustn't give up," said pensioner Serge Mairesse, from Aubervilliers, just outside Paris. This was the 11th time he had marched with the movement, he told AFP. "We have to win to have more social and fiscal justice in this country," said Mairesse, who was carrying a placard calling for the reimposition of a wealth tax on high earners repealed by Macron. At the march in the southeast city of Lyon, Benard, a 56-year-old computer technician expressed scepticism about Macron's "great debate" initiative designed to address people's grievances. "It's all very good, the great debate, but we want something concrete: fewer taxes, more purchasing power. We'll be here every Saturday of the year if we have to." Thousands of protesters turned out Saturday in the French Mediterranean ports of Marseille and Montpellier and also in Bordeaux and Toulouse in the southwest -- strongholds of the movements -- as well as several cities in the north and west of France. In the eastern city of Saint Etienne, eight police officers were slightly hurt during clashes with some protesters on the fringes of the march there, local police said. Interior ministry figures put the turnout across France at 51,400, of whom 4,000 marched in Paris, slightly down on the previous week's figures. But last week's official estimates were disputed both by march organisers and contradicted by an independent estimate carried out for news media, which gave a higher estimate. The first yellow vest day of protest in November brought 282,000 people out on to the streets across France, according to government figures. But a YouGov poll of 1,037 people issued on Thursday suggested that nearly two out of three people in France (64 percent) still support the movement. It was carried out on January 30 and 31. French prosecutors are meanwhile investigating a series of attacks on homes belonging to politicians in Macron's Republic on the Move party, ranging from vandalism to arson. No one has been hurt and no individual or group has so far been implicated in the incidents. Government and opposition politicians have condemned the attacks.

Paris: Protester loses hand at 'yellow vest' march

Around 200 "yellow vests" demonstrators protested in the western French city of Nantes on Saturday, for what the movement has dubbed "Act 13" of their weekly demonstrations that have shaken President Emmanuel Macron's authority.

Large numbers of riot police patrolled the streets of the city, firing tear gas at protesters and arresting at least two.

The Interior Ministry put the total number of protesters around France at 12,000, including 4,000 in Paris. A police source, however, said numbers were higher, with 21,000 demonstrators taking part in rallies outside Paris.

The "yellow vest" demonstrators, named for high-visibility car jackets, began in mid-November over fuel taxes then broadened into a more general revolt against a political class they view as out of touch with common people.

Ignore France-Italy diplomatic spat

Around 200 "yellow vest" protesters from southern France tried to cross the border to Italy on Saturday to meet with Italians who they said shared their grievances.

Police blocked the group, led by Maxime Nicolle, who took part in a joint demonstration of French and Italian protesters in Sanremo on Friday.

The "yellow vests" said the diplomatic spat between Italy and France meant nothing to them.

France has recalled its ambassador in Rome on Thursday after what Paris described as baseless and repeated attacks from Italy's political leaders in past months, and urged Italy to return to a more friendly stance.

Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, who also leads the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star party, said he had stopped over in France on Tuesday and met "yellow vests" leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grassroots movement's list for European Parliament elections in May.

Nicolle slammed De Maio's meeting, saying many "yellow vests" opposed a list for the European elections. He added that Saturday's attempted visit to Italy was meant to explain to the Italian people their demands for better purchasing power and more participative democracy.

Around 200 "yellow vests" demonstrators protested in the western French city of Nantes on Saturday, for what the movement has dubbed "Act 13" of their weekly demonstrations that have shaken President Emmanuel Macron's authority.

Around 200 "yellow vests" demonstrators protested in the western French city of Nantes on Saturday, for what the movement has dubbed "Act 13" of their weekly demonstrations that have shaken President Emmanuel Macron's authority. Large numbers of riot police patrolled the streets of the city, firing tear gas at protesters and arresting at least two. The Interior Ministry put the total number of protesters around France at 12,000, including 4,000 in Paris. A police source, however, said numbers were higher, with 21,000 demonstrators taking part in rallies outside Paris. The "yellow vest" demonstrators, named for high-visibility car jackets, began in mid-November over fuel taxes then broadened into a more general revolt against a political class they view as out of touch with common people. Ignore France-Italy diplomatic spat Around 200 "yellow vest" protesters from southern France tried to cross the border to Italy on Saturday to meet with Italians who they said shared their grievances. Police blocked the group, led by Maxime Nicolle, who took part in a joint demonstration of French and Italian protesters in Sanremo on Friday. The "yellow vests" said the diplomatic spat between Italy and France meant nothing to them. France has recalled its ambassador in Rome on Thursday after what Paris described as baseless and repeated attacks from Italy's political leaders in past months, and urged Italy to return to a more friendly stance. Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio, who also leads the populist, anti-establishment 5-Star party, said he had stopped over in France on Tuesday and met "yellow vests" leader Christophe Chalencon and candidates on the grassroots movement's list for European Parliament elections in May. Nicolle slammed De Maio's meeting, saying many "yellow vests" opposed a list for the European elections. He added that Saturday's attempted visit to Italy was meant to explain to the Italian people their demands for better purchasing power and more participative democracy.

French 'yellow vests' clash with police in Nantes during their weekly demonstrations 

Paris street artists bring splash of colour into 'yellow vest' crisis

WION Gravitas, 8th February, 2019

It's a topsy-turvy world. President Emmanuel Macron's France can recognise Juan Guaido, who is leading the protests in distant Venezuela, as “Interim President” of that country. But Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio cannot meet “Yellow Vest” protesters demonstrating on the streets of Paris. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Why is the recognition of protests acceptable in the case of Venezuela but not when it comes to France? &nbsp;

Because the West led by the United States and its camp followers in Europe say so. This is the so-called “international community” known for its duplicitous standards. &nbsp;

When it comes to bleeding or browbeating a developing country the developed industrial nations of the North band come and set aside their own differences, divisions and disputes. They also find collaborators among poorer southern nations willing to strike against one of their own. Which explains Venezuela's neighbours acting as columns of the US, which is out to topple President Nicolas Maduro; and, as a step towards this, has recognised Guaido as “Interim President”.&nbsp;

What happened in Venezuela?&nbsp; &nbsp;

On January 10, President Maduro began his second term. The next day, Guaido, who is also National Assembly President, declared himself “Interim President”. A week later thousands came out to root for Guaido; and, on January 19, there were violent clashes between supporters of Maduro and Guaido. The army was incited to revolt. However, the Maduro government put down the mutiny even as protests escalated in the capital Caracas.&nbsp; 
 
In the last one month, all efforts to unseat Maduro – from propping up Guaido, his recognition by powerful nations barring Russia, China, India, Iran and Turkey to inciting the armed forces, imposing sanctions, squeezing Venezuela economically, denying the country food and medicines and funding protests – have failed. The US-led community is certain to keep at it till Maduro goes, for South America has been its backyard where its chosen dictators have ruled the roost for the last 100 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Those opposed to US-led interference and regime-change in Venezuela have taken the stand that it is for Venezuela to resolve its internal issues. Given the 'big power play' in Venezuela – the world's largest petroleum producer – it is, no coincidence that the protests in Caracas have overshadowed the Yellow Vest protests in France.&nbsp;

The protests in France began on November 17, almost two months before the eruption in Venezuela. A move to hike fuel prices drew more than 300,000 people across France to protest by raising barricades, jamming streets and blocking roads.&nbsp;

Soon the protests, which were not to any script and had no leadership, swelled into a movement where the demonstrators clashed with the police. The violent police crackdown – said to be the worst in 40 years -- has been likened to that unleashed upon students during the 1968 revolt.&nbsp;

President Macron's handling of the protests was repressive and inept. He promised to hold back on the proposed fuel tax and called for a national debate on economic issues. The debate was a flop. His promise to hike wages and pensions did not staunch the tide of protest.&nbsp;

A few days ago, some 12 weeks after the protests began, France passed the anti-hooligan law to suppress the yellow vest protests. The police have been given enormous powers to pick out trouble-makers from demonstrations. Local authorities can ban individual protesters. And, protesters have been banned from hiding their faces.

The passing of this draconian law was dubbed as a “Black Day” for French democracy. President Macron, once hailed as the harbinger of change in France and Europe, proved that he is as intolerant of dissent and protest as Latin American dictators. It is hardly surprising then that President Macron approval ratings are the worst even; and, France's annual growth rate is the worst in over two years.&nbsp;

Yet President Macron recognised Venezuelan protesters leader Guaido as “Interim President”.&nbsp; Can other countries follow the French example and use the same argument to talk to the Yellow Vest protesters?&nbsp;&nbsp;

Apparently not. France recalled its ambassador to Italy because Italian Deputy Prime Minister &nbsp;Luigi di Maio met leaders of the Yellow Vest movement. Earlier France, which is now interfering in the affairs of Venezuela (in the footsteps of the US), had warned Di Maio that "this new provocation is unacceptable”. After his meeting with the protesters, Di Maio, leader of Italy's populist Five Star Movement, tweeted "The wind of change has crossed the Alps".&nbsp;&nbsp;

Italy's ruling coalition, which includes the Five Star movement, is divided on Guaido. Di Maio has not only stopped the Italian government from backing Guaido but also scuttled the European Union from taking a joint position in support of Guaido. Venezuelans of Italian origin are a large and influential group in the South American country.&nbsp; 
 
It is surprising that the EU, which is divided on a host of issues from migrants and refugees to human rights and trade, should be one when it comes to ganging up against Venezuela. And, see it as an opportunity to get on the right side of US President Donald Trump despite disputes and differences that have kept the trans-Atlantic partners far apart in recent years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Prize for its contribution to peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights. That reads more like an epitaph to a Europe where democracy and human rights are little valued except as instruments for striking trade bargains and selling military hardware.&nbsp; 
 
( Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

It's a topsy-turvy world. President Emmanuel Macron's France can recognise Juan Guaido, who is leading the protests in distant Venezuela, as “Interim President” of that country.

It's a topsy-turvy world. President Emmanuel Macron's France can recognise Juan Guaido, who is leading the protests in distant Venezuela, as “Interim President” of that country. But Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio cannot meet “Yellow Vest” protesters demonstrating on the streets of Paris. Why is the recognition of protests acceptable in the case of Venezuela but not when it comes to France? Because the West led by the United States and its camp followers in Europe say so. This is the so-called “international community” known for its duplicitous standards. When it comes to bleeding or browbeating a developing country the developed industrial nations of the North band come and set aside their own differences, divisions and disputes. They also find collaborators among poorer southern nations willing to strike against one of their own. Which explains Venezuela's neighbours acting as columns of the US, which is out to topple President Nicolas Maduro; and, as a step towards this, has recognised Guaido as “Interim President”. What happened in Venezuela? On January 10, President Maduro began his second term. The next day, Guaido, who is also National Assembly President, declared himself “Interim President”. A week later thousands came out to root for Guaido; and, on January 19, there were violent clashes between supporters of Maduro and Guaido. The army was incited to revolt. However, the Maduro government put down the mutiny even as protests escalated in the capital Caracas. In the last one month, all efforts to unseat Maduro – from propping up Guaido, his recognition by powerful nations barring Russia, China, India, Iran and Turkey to inciting the armed forces, imposing sanctions, squeezing Venezuela economically, denying the country food and medicines and funding protests – have failed. The US-led community is certain to keep at it till Maduro goes, for South America has been its backyard where its chosen dictators have ruled the roost for the last 100 years. Those opposed to US-led interference and regime-change in Venezuela have taken the stand that it is for Venezuela to resolve its internal issues. Given the 'big power play' in Venezuela – the world's largest petroleum producer – it is, no coincidence that the protests in Caracas have overshadowed the Yellow Vest protests in France. The protests in France began on November 17, almost two months before the eruption in Venezuela. A move to hike fuel prices drew more than 300,000 people across France to protest by raising barricades, jamming streets and blocking roads. Soon the protests, which were not to any script and had no leadership, swelled into a movement where the demonstrators clashed with the police. The violent police crackdown – said to be the worst in 40 years -- has been likened to that unleashed upon students during the 1968 revolt. President Macron's handling of the protests was repressive and inept. He promised to hold back on the proposed fuel tax and called for a national debate on economic issues. The debate was a flop. His promise to hike wages and pensions did not staunch the tide of protest. A few days ago, some 12 weeks after the protests began, France passed the anti-hooligan law to suppress the yellow vest protests. The police have been given enormous powers to pick out trouble-makers from demonstrations. Local authorities can ban individual protesters. And, protesters have been banned from hiding their faces. The passing of this draconian law was dubbed as a “Black Day” for French democracy. President Macron, once hailed as the harbinger of change in France and Europe, proved that he is as intolerant of dissent and protest as Latin American dictators. It is hardly surprising then that President Macron approval ratings are the worst even; and, France's annual growth rate is the worst in over two years. Yet President Macron recognised Venezuelan protesters leader Guaido as “Interim President”. Can other countries follow the French example and use the same argument to talk to the Yellow Vest protesters? Apparently not. France recalled its ambassador to Italy because Italian Deputy Prime Minister Luigi di Maio met leaders of the Yellow Vest movement. Earlier France, which is now interfering in the affairs of Venezuela (in the footsteps of the US), had warned Di Maio that "this new provocation is unacceptable”. After his meeting with the protesters, Di Maio, leader of Italy's populist Five Star Movement, tweeted "The wind of change has crossed the Alps". Italy's ruling coalition, which includes the Five Star movement, is divided on Guaido. Di Maio has not only stopped the Italian government from backing Guaido but also scuttled the European Union from taking a joint position in support of Guaido. Venezuelans of Italian origin are a large and influential group in the South American country. It is surprising that the EU, which is divided on a host of issues from migrants and refugees to human rights and trade, should be one when it comes to ganging up against Venezuela. And, see it as an opportunity to get on the right side of US President Donald Trump despite disputes and differences that have kept the trans-Atlantic partners far apart in recent years. In 2012, the EU was awarded the Nobel Prize for its contribution to peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights. That reads more like an epitaph to a Europe where democracy and human rights are little valued except as instruments for striking trade bargains and selling military hardware. ( Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Venezuela, France & West's duplicity

France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a "provocation" from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies.

France's foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations over a series of comments from Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini.

"For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the ministry said in a statement, calling them "unprecedented" since the end of World War II.

Di Maio and Salvini, who formed a populist coalition government together last year, have repeatedly criticised Macron, who has in turn targeted their eurosceptic movements ahead of high-stakes European Parliament elections in May.

The latest spat erupted Tuesday after Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, revealed that he had met with "yellow vest" anti-government protesters outside Paris.

He said the aim was to prepare a common front for European Parliament elections in May, while boasting on Twitter that "the wind of change has crossed the Alps."

"The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation," the foreign ministry said.

'Terrible president?' 
The remarkable war of words between two founding members of the EU began shortly after the Five Star Movement and Salvini's far-right League parties won Italian elections and formed a coalition government last June.

Macron blasted the new government's "cynicism and irresponsibility" after it began preventing rescue boats with migrants on board from docking at Italian ports and compared the rise of far-right nationalism to leprosy.

The verbal sparring has only intensified since, with Salvini calling Macron a "terrible president" last month in a Facebook video.

"We don't want to row with anyone," Salvini said on Thursday in a statement."We're not interested in controversies: we are serious people and we are defending Italian interests."

He called for the two countries to find a solution to problems which have caused tensions, including French border controls on the Italian border and demands by Rome for the extradition of far-left Italian militants who live in France.

Salvini and De Maio angered Macron in particular by publicly supporting the "yellow vest" protesters who have taken to the streets to denounce high living costs and a perceived indifference by the government to rural and small-town France.

Di Maio had denounced the French government for protecting the elite and the privileged, saying "a new Europe is being born of the 'yellow vests', of movements, of direct democracy."

Last month, Paris summoned Italy's ambassador to protest Di Maio's accusation that France was encouraging immigration to Europe "because European countries, France above all, have never stopped colonising dozens of African countries."

Salvini poured fuel on the fire last month as well, saying in a Facebook video that "I hope the French will be able to free themselves of a terrible president."

"The opportunity will come on May 26 (the European elections) when finally the French people will be able to take back control of their future, destiny, (and) pride, which are poorly represented by a character like Macron", he said.

France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a "provocation" from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies.

France took the exceptional step of recalling its envoy to Rome on Thursday to protest against a "provocation" from the Italian government, laying bare the tensions between the two historic allies. France's foreign ministry recalled its ambassador to Rome for consultations over a series of comments from Italy's two deputy prime ministers, Luigi Di Maio and Matteo Salvini. "For several months France has been the subject of repeated accusations, unfounded attacks and outlandish claims," the ministry said in a statement, calling them "unprecedented" since the end of World War II. Di Maio and Salvini, who formed a populist coalition government together last year, have repeatedly criticised Macron, who has in turn targeted their eurosceptic movements ahead of high-stakes European Parliament elections in May. The latest spat erupted Tuesday after Di Maio, head of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement, revealed that he had met with "yellow vest" anti-government protesters outside Paris. He said the aim was to prepare a common front for European Parliament elections in May, while boasting on Twitter that "the wind of change has crossed the Alps." "The most recent interferences constitute an additional and unacceptable provocation," the foreign ministry said. 'Terrible president?' The remarkable war of words between two founding members of the EU began shortly after the Five Star Movement and Salvini's far-right League parties won Italian elections and formed a coalition government last June. Macron blasted the new government's "cynicism and irresponsibility" after it began preventing rescue boats with migrants on board from docking at Italian ports and compared the rise of far-right nationalism to leprosy. The verbal sparring has only intensified since, with Salvini calling Macron a "terrible president" last month in a Facebook video. "We don't want to row with anyone," Salvini said on Thursday in a statement."We're not interested in controversies: we are serious people and we are defending Italian interests." He called for the two countries to find a solution to problems which have caused tensions, including French border controls on the Italian border and demands by Rome for the extradition of far-left Italian militants who live in France. Salvini and De Maio angered Macron in particular by publicly supporting the "yellow vest" protesters who have taken to the streets to denounce high living costs and a perceived indifference by the government to rural and small-town France. Di Maio had denounced the French government for protecting the elite and the privileged, saying "a new Europe is being born of the 'yellow vests', of movements, of direct democracy." Last month, Paris summoned Italy's ambassador to protest Di Maio's accusation that France was encouraging immigration to Europe "because European countries, France above all, have never stopped colonising dozens of African countries." Salvini poured fuel on the fire last month as well, saying in a Facebook video that "I hope the French will be able to free themselves of a terrible president." "The opportunity will come on May 26 (the European elections) when finally the French people will be able to take back control of their future, destiny, (and) pride, which are poorly represented by a character like Macron", he said.

France recalls Italy envoy as relations plumb new depths

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