Germany and France on Sunday sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to abruptly withdraw his support for a Group of Seven communique, accusing him of destroying trust and acting inconsistently.

Trump's announcement on Twitter, after he left the G7 summit in Canada early, that he was backing out of the joint communique torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on a trade dispute between Washington and its top allies.

Trump also took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said he might double down on import tariffs by hitting the sensitive automobile industry, throwing G7 efforts to show a united front into disarray.

G7 members Germany and France said they stood by the communique despite Trump's decision.

"In a matter of seconds, you can destroy trust with 280 Twitter characters," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said when asked about Trump's U-turn, adding it would take much longer to rebuild lost trust.

Trump's conduct was "actually not a real surprise, we have seen this with the climate agreement or the Iran deal", Maas, a senior member of the Social Democrats (SPD), a partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition, told reporters.

Trump withdrew the United States from the global deal reached in Paris in December 2015 to curb global warming, and last month from world powers' July 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, asserting that it was one-sided in Tehran's favour.

SPD leader Andrea Nahles accused Trump of turning the G7 summit into a disaster with his tweets and bowing out of his international responsibilities. "President Trump is creating chaos. Reasonable and reliable policy is not possible that way."

France and Europe are standing by the G7 communique, a French presidency official said, adding anyone departing from the commitments made at the summit would be showing their "incoherence and inconsistency".

"International cooperation cannot depend on being angry and on sound bites. Let's be serious," the French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters.

Trump has infuriated the European Union, Canada and Mexico by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, accusing all of having shortchanged the United States in trade deals. They strongly deny this.

Trump and European allies are also at odds over Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the deal in which Iran curbed its disputed nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, and the Paris climate change accord.

"We have to keep a cool head now and draw the right conclusions," Maas said. Europe's answer must be to stick even closer together, defend its interests and strengthen alliances with countries such as Japan and Canada, he said.

"Europe united is the answer to America First," Maas added.

A German government spokesman also said that Berlin stands by the jointly agreed G7 communique in which leaders underlined the crucial role of a rules-based international trading system and promised to fight protectionism.

In Washington, the top White House economic adviser accused Canada's prime minister on Sunday of betraying Trump with "polarising" statements on U.S. trade policy that risked undermining the American leader on the eve of a historic summit with North Korea.

Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, lashed out at Trudeau as "amateurish" and "sophomoric" for a news conference the prime minister gave after Trump left the G7 summit on Saturday.

Trudeau told reporters that he had spoken of retaliatory measures that Canada would take next month in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Trump's announcement on Twitter, after he left the G7 summit in Canada early, that he was backing out of the joint communique torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on a trade dispute between Washington and its top allies

Germany and France on Sunday sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to abruptly withdraw his support for a Group of Seven communique, accusing him of destroying trust and acting inconsistently. Trump's announcement on Twitter, after he left the G7 summit in Canada early, that he was backing out of the joint communique torpedoed what appeared to be a fragile consensus on a trade dispute between Washington and its top allies. Trump also took aim at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and said he might double down on import tariffs by hitting the sensitive automobile industry, throwing G7 efforts to show a united front into disarray. G7 members Germany and France said they stood by the communique despite Trump's decision. "In a matter of seconds, you can destroy trust with 280 Twitter characters," German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said when asked about Trump's U-turn, adding it would take much longer to rebuild lost trust. Trump's conduct was "actually not a real surprise, we have seen this with the climate agreement or the Iran deal", Maas, a senior member of the Social Democrats (SPD), a partner in Chancellor Angela Merkel's governing coalition, told reporters. Trump withdrew the United States from the global deal reached in Paris in December 2015 to curb global warming, and last month from world powers' July 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, asserting that it was one-sided in Tehran's favour. SPD leader Andrea Nahles accused Trump of turning the G7 summit into a disaster with his tweets and bowing out of his international responsibilities. "President Trump is creating chaos. Reasonable and reliable policy is not possible that way." France and Europe are standing by the G7 communique, a French presidency official said, adding anyone departing from the commitments made at the summit would be showing their "incoherence and inconsistency". "International cooperation cannot depend on being angry and on sound bites. Let's be serious," the French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters. Trump has infuriated the European Union, Canada and Mexico by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, accusing all of having shortchanged the United States in trade deals. They strongly deny this. Trump and European allies are also at odds over Trump's decision to pull the United States out of the deal in which Iran curbed its disputed nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief, and the Paris climate change accord. "We have to keep a cool head now and draw the right conclusions," Maas said. Europe's answer must be to stick even closer together, defend its interests and strengthen alliances with countries such as Japan and Canada, he said. "Europe united is the answer to America First," Maas added. A German government spokesman also said that Berlin stands by the jointly agreed G7 communique in which leaders underlined the crucial role of a rules-based international trading system and promised to fight protectionism. In Washington, the top White House economic adviser accused Canada's prime minister on Sunday of betraying Trump with "polarising" statements on U.S. trade policy that risked undermining the American leader on the eve of a historic summit with North Korea. Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, lashed out at Trudeau as "amateurish" and "sophomoric" for a news conference the prime minister gave after Trump left the G7 summit on Saturday. Trudeau told reporters that he had spoken of retaliatory measures that Canada would take next month in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

Germany, France blast Trump over Group of Seven U-turn

World number one Rafael&nbspNadal&nbspsaid it was beyond a dream to win his 11th Roland Garros title after defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Sunday.

"It's amazing now, I can't describe my feelings,"&nbspNadal&nbsptold the crowd on Philippe Chatrier Court moments after capturing his 17th Grand Slam trophy with a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory.

"It's not even a dream to win here 11 times, because its impossible to think of something like this."

Nadal&nbspsaluted his 24-year-old opponent, who is the only man to have beaten the Spaniard on clay over the past two seasons.

"He's very aggressive, with big shots,"&nbspNadal&nbspsaid in halting French before switching to English.

"I want to say well played to Dominic. He played a great two weeks. He's a good friend, one of these players that the tour needs. I am sure you'll win here in the next couple of years."

The emotional Spaniard wiped away tears as he held on to the Coupe de Mousquetaires.

"Many thanks," he told the crowd. "I hope to see you again next year."

World number one Rafael Nadal said it was beyond a dream to win his 11th Roland Garros title after defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets

World number one Rafael&nbspNadal&nbspsaid it was beyond a dream to win his 11th Roland Garros title after defeating Austrian Dominic Thiem in straight sets on Sunday. "It's amazing now, I can't describe my feelings,"&nbspNadal&nbsptold the crowd on Philippe Chatrier Court moments after capturing his 17th Grand Slam trophy with a 6-4 6-3 6-2 victory. "It's not even a dream to win here 11 times, because its impossible to think of something like this." Nadal&nbspsaluted his 24-year-old opponent, who is the only man to have beaten the Spaniard on clay over the past two seasons. "He's very aggressive, with big shots,"&nbspNadal&nbspsaid in halting French before switching to English. "I want to say well played to Dominic. He played a great two weeks. He's a good friend, one of these players that the tour needs. I am sure you'll win here in the next couple of years." The emotional Spaniard wiped away tears as he held on to the Coupe de Mousquetaires. "Many thanks," he told the crowd. "I hope to see you again next year."

It's beyond a dream to win French Open title 11 times: Rafael Nadal

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Sloane Stephens | #10

Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep.

The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings.

Simona Halep | #1

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final.

World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017.

"I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens

The 2018 French Open women's singles final is set, world number one Simona Halep will face US Open champion Sloane Stephens on June 9, Friday at Philippe-Chatrier. Sloane Stephens | #10 Sloane Stephens defeated fellow American Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 in the semi-finals of French Open. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will meet world number one Simona Halep. The 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings. Simona Halep | #1 Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final. World number one Simona Halep is eyeing her first Grand Slam title. She has lost three previous Grand Slam finals, including two at Roland Garros in 2014 and 2017. "I think I played one of my best matches on clay," Halep said. "Every day I play better and that makes me happy."

French Open: Sloane Stephens, Simona Halep to meet in women's singles final

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier.

Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before.

Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses.

The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era.

It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one.

He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt.

True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final.

That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash.

"Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters.

Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener.

If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis.

"The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said.

"If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win.

"Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand."

Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat.

"Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!"

Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995.

Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem at Philippe-Chatrier

The 2018 French Open men's singles final is set, world number one Rafael Nadal will face Austrian Dominic Thiem on June 10, Sunday at Philippe-Chatrier. Only two players have managed to beat Nadal at the French Open since he first bounded into Roland Garros in 2005 armed with a bulging left bicep, pirate pants and a pulverising brand of claycourt tennis the like of which had not been seen before. Thirteen years on and his record next to the Bois de Boulogne stands at an incredible 85 wins and two losses. The 86th win on Sunday will give the 32-year-old Spaniard an 11th French Open title -- a joint record for triumphs at a single Grand Slam along with Margaret Court who won 11 Australian Open trophies, albeit not all in the professional era. It looks a daunting mission for the 24-year-old Thiem but not necessarily an impossible one. He is the only player to beat Nadal on clay in the past two years -- in Rome last year and in Madrid last month -- and this season no other player, not even the undisputed claycourt king, can count as many match wins on the red dirt. True, he was obliterated by Nadal in the semi-final 12 months ago but Thiem has added more aggression to his natural claycourt weapons, specifically the forehand, as he displayed when stunning Nadal in the Madrid quarter-final. That win, according to three-times former champion Mats Wilander, should be all Thiem is thinking about when he prepares for Sunday's clash. "Forget the 10 (French Open titles) and forget what happened last year, Thiem has to remember what happened in Madrid which is a title Nadal wants to win almost as much as the French," Wilander, Eurosport's chief analyst, told Reuters. Wilander believes Thiem can worry Nadal if he is prepared to "take risks" like Diego Schwartzman did in the quarter-finals when he snapped the left-hander's run of 37 consecutive completed sets won at the French Open by snatching the opener. If not, it will be Goodnight Vienna for the man with one of the best single-handed backhands in tennis. "The only way to beat Rafa on clay is to take risks... to over-achieve you have to over-play and risk more than you feel comfortable doing," Wilander said. "If Thiem can do that and build enough hope in the first hour, hour and a half, maybe get the first set he can make it physical like he did in Madrid. I'm not sure if Thiem and Rafa had a run in the Bois de Boulogne that Rafa would win. "Thiem is an animal physically and in terms of hitting the ball hard on the forehand." Plenty have gone in with sound tactical plans against the 16-times Grand Slam champion in Paris but when the forehand bombardment begins, the best-laid plans usually fall apart as was the case in Friday's semi-final when Nadal thrashed Juan Martin del Potro who many thought posed a credible threat. "Rafa is a genius on clay, so far ahead tactically," Wilander said. "It's like he has a built-in coach in his mind. You can't tell what he's going to do before he does it, but when he does it, it all looks so obvious!" Thiem is looking to become only the second Austrian player -- man or woman -- to win a Grand Slam title after Thomas Muster's French Open victory in 1995. Nadal will retain the world number one ranking if he wins - but that will be the last thing on his mind.

French Open: Dominic Thiem or Rafael Nadal? Who will win the men's singles final

France have appeared at 14 World Cups, claiming their best result when they won the title on home soil in 1998 led by then captain and current coach Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus beat Brazil 3-0 in the final at the Stade de France.

After&nbsp;finishing third in 1958, France had to wait until the 1980s to become title contenders once more, twice falling at the semi-final stage to West Germany in 1982 and four years later.

France reached the final again in 2006, inspired by talismanic midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who scored and was then sent off in the title match after his remarkable head butt on Marco Materazzi as Italy won on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

<hr />
Coach: Didier Deschamps

Deschamps is France's most decorated player at club and national team level, having captained the team to the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000 titles.

He also won the Champions League twice, with Olympique de Marseille and Juventus as a steely holding midfielder, which earned him the nickname 'water carrier' by Eric Cantona.

He became France coach in 2012 when he succeeded his former France team mate Laurent Blanc, taking Les Bleus to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and the Euro 2016 final at home.

Prior to his international managerial stint, he gained promotion to Serie A with Juventus, took Monaco to the Champions League final and led Marseille to their first title in 18 years.

Deschamps started his playing career at Nantes and also represented Chelsea, Valencia and Bordeaux. His performances and his qualities as team leader earned the 49-year-old 103 caps for France.

<hr />
Key players:

Antoine Griezmann: Griezmann's stellar campaign with Atletico Madrid has seen him strongly linked with a move to Barcelona during the close season. After scoring 19 goals from 30 La Liga games and six in 13 European ties, the striker heads to Russia in the form of his life.

Paul Pogba: France's chances could largely depend on Pogba's form after the Manchester United midfielder endured a patchy season under coach Jose Mourinho, who was not afraid to drop him following poor performances. Deschamps will also be prepared to keep Pogba on the bench if his performances waver in Russia.

Olivier Giroud: Giroud has often been dismissed by fans as too clumsy and one-dimensional to lead the France attack yet the Chelsea striker, Europe's most prolific in the air over the past three seasons, has always saved some of his best performances for the national side.

<hr />
Form guide:

France have conceded six goals in their last three games, including in a 3-2 home defeat in a friendly against Colombia, indicating that Les Bleus have a problem in defence. They did bounce back with a convincing 3-1 away win against Russia but Deschamps will be hoping centre backs Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane are on their best form when the competition starts.

<hr />
How they qualified:

In a group featuring Sweden and the Netherlands, France were strong favourites and they progressed in a relatively straightforward manner with seven wins, two draws and a defeat, scoring 18 and conceding six goals.

<hr />
Prospects:

France should have little trouble advancing from Group C where they will face Australia, Denmark and Peru. They will, however, be wary of Peru as the last time they played a South American side (Colombia), they lost. If they qualify for the last 16, they will take on one of the top-two finishers in Group D, which features Argentina, Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria. Should they make the quarter-finals, Les Bleus could face either Spain or Portugal, who beat them in the Euro 2016 final.

<hr />
France's fixtures

June 16

03:30 PM | France vs Australia | Kazan Arena, Kazan

June 21

08:30 PM | France vs Peru | Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg

June 26

07:30 PM | South Korea vs Germany | Kazan Arena, Kazan

<hr />
Squad

Goalkeepers:&nbsp;Alphone Areola (Paris St Germain), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille)

Defenders:&nbsp;Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris St Germain), Benjamin Pavard (VfB Stuttgart), Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Adil Rami (Olympique de Marseille), Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)

Midfielders:&nbsp;Blaise Matuidi (Juventus), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Steven N'Zonzi (Sevilla), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich)

Strikers:&nbsp;Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain), Thomas Lemar (Monaco), Nabil Fekir (Olympique Lyonnais), Florian Thauvin (Olympique de Marseille), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

<img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_7.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/fifa%202018%20Russia_7.jpg" width="770" />

&nbsp;

France have appeared at 14 World Cups, claiming their best result when they won the title on home soil in 1998

France have appeared at 14 World Cups, claiming their best result when they won the title on home soil in 1998 led by then captain and current coach Didier Deschamps, as Les Bleus beat Brazil 3-0 in the final at the Stade de France. After finishing third in 1958, France had to wait until the 1980s to become title contenders once more, twice falling at the semi-final stage to West Germany in 1982 and four years later. France reached the final again in 2006, inspired by talismanic midfielder Zinedine Zidane, who scored and was then sent off in the title match after his remarkable head butt on Marco Materazzi as Italy won on penalties following a 1-1 draw. Coach: Didier Deschamps Deschamps is France's most decorated player at club and national team level, having captained the team to the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000 titles. He also won the Champions League twice, with Olympique de Marseille and Juventus as a steely holding midfielder, which earned him the nickname 'water carrier' by Eric Cantona. He became France coach in 2012 when he succeeded his former France team mate Laurent Blanc, taking Les Bleus to the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup and the Euro 2016 final at home. Prior to his international managerial stint, he gained promotion to Serie A with Juventus, took Monaco to the Champions League final and led Marseille to their first title in 18 years. Deschamps started his playing career at Nantes and also represented Chelsea, Valencia and Bordeaux. His performances and his qualities as team leader earned the 49-year-old 103 caps for France. Key players: Antoine Griezmann: Griezmann's stellar campaign with Atletico Madrid has seen him strongly linked with a move to Barcelona during the close season. After scoring 19 goals from 30 La Liga games and six in 13 European ties, the striker heads to Russia in the form of his life. Paul Pogba: France's chances could largely depend on Pogba's form after the Manchester United midfielder endured a patchy season under coach Jose Mourinho, who was not afraid to drop him following poor performances. Deschamps will also be prepared to keep Pogba on the bench if his performances waver in Russia. Olivier Giroud: Giroud has often been dismissed by fans as too clumsy and one-dimensional to lead the France attack yet the Chelsea striker, Europe's most prolific in the air over the past three seasons, has always saved some of his best performances for the national side. Form guide: France have conceded six goals in their last three games, including in a 3-2 home defeat in a friendly against Colombia, indicating that Les Bleus have a problem in defence. They did bounce back with a convincing 3-1 away win against Russia but Deschamps will be hoping centre backs Samuel Umtiti and Raphael Varane are on their best form when the competition starts. How they qualified: In a group featuring Sweden and the Netherlands, France were strong favourites and they progressed in a relatively straightforward manner with seven wins, two draws and a defeat, scoring 18 and conceding six goals. Prospects: France should have little trouble advancing from Group C where they will face Australia, Denmark and Peru. They will, however, be wary of Peru as the last time they played a South American side (Colombia), they lost. If they qualify for the last 16, they will take on one of the top-two finishers in Group D, which features Argentina, Croatia, Iceland and Nigeria. Should they make the quarter-finals, Les Bleus could face either Spain or Portugal, who beat them in the Euro 2016 final. France's fixtures June 16 03:30 PM | France vs Australia | Kazan Arena, Kazan June 21 08:30 PM | France vs Peru | Central Stadium, Yekaterinburg June 26 07:30 PM | South Korea vs Germany | Kazan Arena, Kazan Squad Goalkeepers: Alphone Areola (Paris St Germain), Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille) Defenders: Lucas Hernandez (Atletico Madrid), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris St Germain), Benjamin Pavard (VfB Stuttgart), Benjamin Mendy (Manchester City), Djibril Sidibe (Monaco), Adil Rami (Olympique de Marseille), Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) Midfielders: Blaise Matuidi (Juventus), N'Golo Kante (Chelsea), Steven N'Zonzi (Sevilla), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich) Strikers: Olivier Giroud (Chelsea), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain), Thomas Lemar (Monaco), Nabil Fekir (Olympique Lyonnais), Florian Thauvin (Olympique de Marseille), Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona)

FIFA World Cup 2018: A complete profile of France

Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win on Thursday in a repeat of last year's U.S. Open final.

In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors.

Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final.

Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006.

"It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said.

"This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime.

"I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and finals, there is not much more you can ask for in a player."

Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident.

"I think that I have done really well, but I'd like to keep going," she said.

After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line.

But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner.

Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match.

Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.

Sloane Stephens defeated Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4 to enter the finals of this years's French Open

Sloane Stephens maintained her perfect record against fellow American Madison Keys as she blazed into the French Open final with a 6-4 6-4 win on Thursday in a repeat of last year's U.S. Open final. In the first all-American Roland Garros semi-final since 2002, the 10th-seeded Stephens stayed composed throughout as Keys, who has not won a set against her in three meetings, peppered the court with unforced errors. Stephens, who had never gone past the fourth round in Paris, will take on twice French Open runner-up and world number one Simona Halep of Romania in Saturday's final. Regardless of the result, the 25-year-old Stephens will become the first American other than the Williams sisters break into the top five in the WTA rankings since Lindsay Davenport - Keys's coach - in 2006. "It's always hard to play someone from your country and such a good friend, but I'm happy I played my tennis," Stephens said. "This is one of my favourite tournaments and I'm looking forward to Saturday. Merci Paris, je t'aime. "I love playing here. So like I said, making the quarter-finals here was a big deal for me. I was really pleased. And obviously making the semis and finals, there is not much more you can ask for in a player." Next up is Halep, who has won their last four meetings but Stephens, who has a 6-0 win-loss record in finals, is feeling confident. "I think that I have done really well, but I'd like to keep going," she said. After a timid start, Stephens found her rhythm and took control of the opening set by breaking in the third game with a forehand winner down the line. But Keys, who made 23 unforced errors in the first set, hit back hard and set up a break point at 3-2, only for Stephens to save it with a service return winner. Stephens continued to dominate and broke in the first and seventh games of the second set to put herself in a position to serve for the match. Keys briefly rallied to pull one break back, but Stephens did not waste her second opportunity, sealing victory on her first match point with a glorious backhand winner down the line.

French Open: Sloane Stephens beats fellow American Madison Keys to reach final

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former champion Garbine Muguruza.

Halep, the runner-up in 2014 and 2017, will face either Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys in Saturday's final.

Her victory over third seed Muguruza also means she will retain the world number one ranking next week.

"I am really happy that I won the match, it was very important for my mind and I gave it all I had," said Romanian star Halep.

After racing through the first set, Halep saved three break points in a marathon ninth game of the second which lasted 13 minutes.

"I think I played one of my best matches on clay against a great opponent," added Halep, who will be appearing in her fourth final at the majors having also been beaten in Australia in January.

"I was 2-4 down in the second set but I knew I had to fight for every ball, push her back and play the way I did in the first set."

Halep has now defeated Muguruza in both their meetings on clay.

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
“I am happy that I can have another chance to play the final here in my favorite Grand Slam. I will try my best.” 
 
-<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/aioFGdZ05n">pic.twitter.com/aioFGdZ05n</a>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1004737289438875648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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However, her sights now turn to the final where she is desperate to erase the memories of last year's horror show where she surrendered a set and a 3-0 lead to lose to Jelena Ostapenko.

"I have another chance to be in the final and hope to do better than last year."

Halep raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set against misfiring 2016 champion Muguruza who had blasted Maria Sharapova off court on Wednesday for the loss of just three games.

The 24-year-old Spaniard stopped the rot in the sixth game before Halep quickly reasserted her authority.

A sweeping, running forehand into an open court gave her the set with Muguruza having managed just two winners.

It was the first set that the Wimbledon champion had dropped at Roland Garros this year.

She also failed to win a single service game in the opener.

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Welcome back to the final, Simona. 
 
En route to her third career Roland-Garros final, <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> retains her World No.1 ranking as she defeats Garbine Muguruza 6-1 6-4.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/4Ryl1AKSQe">pic.twitter.com/4Ryl1AKSQe</a>
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Muguruza settled down in the second set, moving 2-0 ahead before Halep levelled in the eighth game.

That set the stage for the lengthy ninth game where Halep stood firm.

The spirit ebbed away from Muguruza, who converted just two of the eight break points she carved out, and a backhand which sailed long sealed her fate in the 10th game.

In Thursday's other semi-final, US Open champion Stephens will take on fellow American and close friend Keys who she beat 6-3, 6-0 in the final in New York last September.

"When we get on the court, it's time to compete. But before that, we are not going to be weird and awkward and make it, like, weird for each other," said Stephens, who was close to going out in the third round to Camila Giorgi before winning 8-6 in a deciding set.

It is the first time that two American women have reached the last four at Roland Garros since 2002, when Serena Williams beat sister Venus in the final, after a semi-final win over Jennifer Capriati.

Stephens, who is now into the semi-finals of a major for the third time, leads Keys 2-0 in head-to-heads but they have never met on clay.

Simona Halep reached her third French Open final with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former champion Garbine Muguruza

Top seed Simona Halep reached her third French Open final on Thursday with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over former champion Garbine Muguruza. Halep, the runner-up in 2014 and 2017, will face either Sloane Stephens or Madison Keys in Saturday's final. Her victory over third seed Muguruza also means she will retain the world number one ranking next week. "I am really happy that I won the match, it was very important for my mind and I gave it all I had," said Romanian star Halep. After racing through the first set, Halep saved three break points in a marathon ninth game of the second which lasted 13 minutes. "I think I played one of my best matches on clay against a great opponent," added Halep, who will be appearing in her fourth final at the majors having also been beaten in Australia in January. "I was 2-4 down in the second set but I knew I had to fight for every ball, push her back and play the way I did in the first set." Halep has now defeated Muguruza in both their meetings on clay. “I am happy that I can have another chance to play the final here in my favorite Grand Slam. I will try my best.” -@Simona_Halep #RG18 pic.twitter.com/aioFGdZ05n — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2018 × However, her sights now turn to the final where she is desperate to erase the memories of last year's horror show where she surrendered a set and a 3-0 lead to lose to Jelena Ostapenko. "I have another chance to be in the final and hope to do better than last year." Halep raced into a 5-0 lead in the first set against misfiring 2016 champion Muguruza who had blasted Maria Sharapova off court on Wednesday for the loss of just three games. The 24-year-old Spaniard stopped the rot in the sixth game before Halep quickly reasserted her authority. A sweeping, running forehand into an open court gave her the set with Muguruza having managed just two winners. It was the first set that the Wimbledon champion had dropped at Roland Garros this year. She also failed to win a single service game in the opener. Welcome back to the final, Simona. En route to her third career Roland-Garros final, @Simona_Halep retains her World No.1 ranking as she defeats Garbine Muguruza 6-1 6-4.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/4Ryl1AKSQe — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2018 × Muguruza settled down in the second set, moving 2-0 ahead before Halep levelled in the eighth game. That set the stage for the lengthy ninth game where Halep stood firm. The spirit ebbed away from Muguruza, who converted just two of the eight break points she carved out, and a backhand which sailed long sealed her fate in the 10th game. In Thursday's other semi-final, US Open champion Stephens will take on fellow American and close friend Keys who she beat 6-3, 6-0 in the final in New York last September. "When we get on the court, it's time to compete. But before that, we are not going to be weird and awkward and make it, like, weird for each other," said Stephens, who was close to going out in the third round to Camila Giorgi before winning 8-6 in a deciding set. It is the first time that two American women have reached the last four at Roland Garros since 2002, when Serena Williams beat sister Venus in the final, after a semi-final win over Jennifer Capriati. Stephens, who is now into the semi-finals of a major for the third time, leads Keys 2-0 in head-to-heads but they have never met on clay.

World number 1 Simona Halep into third French Open final

France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the United States a joint official request for their companies to be exempt from punitive measures resulting from fresh US sanctions on Iran.

"As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions".

"Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities," he wrote on Twitter.

The plea comes as European leaders scramble to save the hard-fought deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear capacities in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions.

US President Donald Trump announced he was abandoning the deal last month -- which will mean new sanctions on the Islamic republic and punitive measures for those who trade with it.

Analysts say European firms which have rushed to invest in Iran after the lifting of sanctions over the past three years have the most to lose from the renewed sanctions.

Several major companies including France's Total and the Netherlands' Maersk have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed over the next six months, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington.&nbsp;

French automaker PSA said Monday that it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing fines.

'As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests,' said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

France, Britain, Germany and the EU on Wednesday sent the United States a joint official request for their companies to be exempt from punitive measures resulting from fresh US sanctions on Iran. "As allies, we expect that the United States will refrain from taking action to harm Europe's security interests," said the letter to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said the three countries and the EU were asking the US "to exempt European businesses doing legitimate trade in Iran from all extraterritorial American sanctions". "Those businesses must be able to pursue their activities," he wrote on Twitter. The plea comes as European leaders scramble to save the hard-fought deal signed between Iran and world powers in 2015 under which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear capacities in exchange for relief from crippling economic sanctions. US President Donald Trump announced he was abandoning the deal last month -- which will mean new sanctions on the Islamic republic and punitive measures for those who trade with it. Analysts say European firms which have rushed to invest in Iran after the lifting of sanctions over the past three years have the most to lose from the renewed sanctions. Several major companies including France's Total and the Netherlands' Maersk have already said it will be impossible to stay in Iran once the sanctions are fully reimposed over the next six months, unless they receive explicit exemptions from Washington. French automaker PSA said Monday that it would pull out of two joint ventures to sell its cars in Iran to avoid the risk of punishing fines.

France, Germany, Britain, EU formally request US exemptions from Iran sanctions

France does not think Britain will launch a rival to the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, according to minutes from a meeting between a cabinet minister and lawmakers.

A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project.

“Some surprising announcements or positions were recently made public about Galileo,” Delphine Geny-Stephann, a junior economy minister, told French lawmakers in the May 17 hearing on Brexit, the minutes of which were made public on Monday.

“Considering the cost of the programme and the investment that would represent, about 10 billion euros, we find it hard to imagine they could go it alone,” she said.

“Good luck with that,” one lawmaker, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, replied, according to the minutes.

Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due for completion by 2020. One expert said last month that any rival system could cost about 3 billion pounds ($4 billion).

Geny-Stephann was asked about London’s threats to withdraw its authorisations to British companies working on Galileo.

“I see in that, more than anything else, a negotiation argument aimed at opening talks,” she said, according to the minutes.

The UK space agency, on behalf of the business minister Greg Clark, wrote to British companies asking them to consult the government before agreeing any new contracts to work on the project, in a move aimed at stopping the transfer of technology to EU companies.

Responding to the French minister’s comments on Monday, a UK Space Agency spokesman said if no agreement could be reached on Galileo, the UK would need to consider alternatives to meet its needs.

“The development of a domestic system is economically viable and made possible by the world-leading expertise of the UK space sector,” the spokesman said.

Britain told the EU last month that it would demand the repayment of up to 1 billion pounds if the bloc restricts its access to Galileo.

A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project

France does not think Britain will launch a rival to the European Union’s Galileo satellite navigation system, according to minutes from a meeting between a cabinet minister and lawmakers. A row over Galileo, a rival of the US-owned GPS, became a flashpoint in Brexit talks after London accused the EU of shutting British companies out of the project. “Some surprising announcements or positions were recently made public about Galileo,” Delphine Geny-Stephann, a junior economy minister, told French lawmakers in the May 17 hearing on Brexit, the minutes of which were made public on Monday. “Considering the cost of the programme and the investment that would represent, about 10 billion euros, we find it hard to imagine they could go it alone,” she said. “Good luck with that,” one lawmaker, Jean-Louis Bourlanges, replied, according to the minutes. Galileo was commissioned in 2003 and is due for completion by 2020. One expert said last month that any rival system could cost about 3 billion pounds ($4 billion). Geny-Stephann was asked about London’s threats to withdraw its authorisations to British companies working on Galileo. “I see in that, more than anything else, a negotiation argument aimed at opening talks,” she said, according to the minutes. The UK space agency, on behalf of the business minister Greg Clark, wrote to British companies asking them to consult the government before agreeing any new contracts to work on the project, in a move aimed at stopping the transfer of technology to EU companies. Responding to the French minister’s comments on Monday, a UK Space Agency spokesman said if no agreement could be reached on Galileo, the UK would need to consider alternatives to meet its needs. “The development of a domestic system is economically viable and made possible by the world-leading expertise of the UK space sector,” the spokesman said. Britain told the EU last month that it would demand the repayment of up to 1 billion pounds if the bloc restricts its access to Galileo.

France doubts UK would develop own satnav rival to Galileo

Madison&nbsp;Keys reached her maiden French Open semi-final, rallying from a break down in the opening set to claim a solid 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva on Tuesday.

The American 13th seed, playing in her third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, was 5-3 down in the first set when she stepped up a gear to advance without having lost a set.

She will take on either Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens, nine months after her compatriot beat her in the U.S. Open final.

"Thank you everyone for coming and supporting me, I did need a lot of support today," said Keys.

"In the first set, I just needed to focus more and trust my game.

"I'm obviously very happy to win in straight sets again and I look forward to the next match."

In humid conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen, both players were solid on their serve with no break points in the first six games.

The unseeded Putintseva, who played more safely, had the first break opportunity in the seventh game, which she converted when Keys buried a backhand into the net.

Keys, however, broke back for 5-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line and the set would be decided in a tiebreak.

Putintseva, who was hoping to become the first Kazakh player -- female or male -- to qualify for a Grand Slam semi-final, opened up a 2-0 lead, only for the American to score four points in a row and take control.

Keys bagged the set at the end of a long rally in which her opponent defended ferociously, gradually stepping into the court to end the exchange with a backhand winner.

Keys had the first break chance in the second set and a lightning quick service return gave her the edge as she moved 4-3 up.

She held serve until the end, prevailing on her first match point thanks to a powerful ace.

Madison Keys will either play Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens in the semi-final

Madison Keys reached her maiden French Open semi-final, rallying from a break down in the opening set to claim a solid 7-6(5) 6-4 victory against Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva on Tuesday. The American 13th seed, playing in her third consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final, was 5-3 down in the first set when she stepped up a gear to advance without having lost a set. She will take on either Russian Daria Kasatkina or 10th seed Sloane Stephens, nine months after her compatriot beat her in the U.S. Open final. "Thank you everyone for coming and supporting me, I did need a lot of support today," said Keys. "In the first set, I just needed to focus more and trust my game. "I'm obviously very happy to win in straight sets again and I look forward to the next match." In humid conditions on Court Suzanne Lenglen, both players were solid on their serve with no break points in the first six games. The unseeded Putintseva, who played more safely, had the first break opportunity in the seventh game, which she converted when Keys buried a backhand into the net. Keys, however, broke back for 5-5 with a stunning forehand winner down the line and the set would be decided in a tiebreak. Putintseva, who was hoping to become the first Kazakh player -- female or male -- to qualify for a Grand Slam semi-final, opened up a 2-0 lead, only for the American to score four points in a row and take control. Keys bagged the set at the end of a long rally in which her opponent defended ferociously, gradually stepping into the court to end the exchange with a backhand winner. Keys had the first break chance in the second set and a lightning quick service return gave her the edge as she moved 4-3 up. She held serve until the end, prevailing on her first match point thanks to a powerful ace.

French Open: Madison Keys reaches her first semi-final on Parisian clay

The world’s major industrial democracies spend at least $100 billion each year to prop up oil, gas and coal consumption, despite vows to end fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, a report said on Monday ahead of the G7 summit in Canada.

Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States - known as the Group of Seven (G7) - pledged in 2016 to phase out their support for fossil fuels by 2025.

But a study led by Britain’s Overseas Development Institute (ODI) found they spent at least $100 billion a year to support fossil fuels at home and abroad in 2015 and 2016.

“Governments often say they have no public resources to support the clean energy transition,” the study’s lead author Shelagh Whitley told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

“What we’re trying to do is highlight that those resources are there (but) it is being used inefficiently.

“The G7 have pledged to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, but they don’t have any systems in terms of accountability to meet the pledges - they don’t have roadmaps or plans,” added Whitley, head of the ODI’s climate division.

Researchers scrutinized and scored each country against indicators such as transparency, pledges and commitments, as well as their progress toward ending the use, support and production of fossil fuels.

France was ranked the highest overall, scoring 63 out of 100 points, followed by Germany (62), Canada (54) and the UK (47), the report said.

The United States scored lowest with 42 out of 100 points due to its support for fossil fuel production and its withdrawal from a 2015 global pact to fight climate change.

President Donald Trump announced a year ago he was ditching the deal agreed upon by nearly 200 countries over opposition from businesses and US&nbsp;allies.

The 2015 Paris agreement committed nations to curbing greenhouse emissions and keeping the global hike in temperatures “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times.

Britain scored the lowest on transparency for denying that its government provided fossil fuel subsidies, even though it supported tax breaks for North Sea oil and gas exploration, the report said.

“We do not subsidize the production or consumption of fossil fuels,” a spokesman from Britain’s Treasury said in emailed comments to the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

“We are supporting other countries in phasing out their own fossil fuel subsidies, as part of our commitment to the G20 and G7 pledges,” he added.

The study, which was co-authored by Oil Change International, the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Natural Resources Defense Council, urged G7 governments to set concrete plans to end fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 as pledged.

“What should be a low-hanging fruit in terms of moving public resources away from fossil fuels is not happening, or where it is happening, it’s not happening fast enough,” said the ODI’s Whitley.

President Donald Trump announced a year ago he was ditching the deal agreed upon by nearly 200 countries over opposition from businesses and US allies

The world’s major industrial democracies spend at least $100 billion each year to prop up oil, gas and coal consumption, despite vows to end fossil fuel subsidies by 2025, a report said on Monday ahead of the G7 summit in Canada. Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States - known as the Group of Seven (G7) - pledged in 2016 to phase out their support for fossil fuels by 2025. But a study led by Britain’s Overseas Development Institute (ODI) found they spent at least $100 billion a year to support fossil fuels at home and abroad in 2015 and 2016. “Governments often say they have no public resources to support the clean energy transition,” the study’s lead author Shelagh Whitley told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “What we’re trying to do is highlight that those resources are there (but) it is being used inefficiently. “The G7 have pledged to phase out fossil fuel subsidies, but they don’t have any systems in terms of accountability to meet the pledges - they don’t have roadmaps or plans,” added Whitley, head of the ODI’s climate division. Researchers scrutinized and scored each country against indicators such as transparency, pledges and commitments, as well as their progress toward ending the use, support and production of fossil fuels. France was ranked the highest overall, scoring 63 out of 100 points, followed by Germany (62), Canada (54) and the UK (47), the report said. The United States scored lowest with 42 out of 100 points due to its support for fossil fuel production and its withdrawal from a 2015 global pact to fight climate change. President Donald Trump announced a year ago he was ditching the deal agreed upon by nearly 200 countries over opposition from businesses and US allies. The 2015 Paris agreement committed nations to curbing greenhouse emissions and keeping the global hike in temperatures “well below” 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times. Britain scored the lowest on transparency for denying that its government provided fossil fuel subsidies, even though it supported tax breaks for North Sea oil and gas exploration, the report said. “We do not subsidize the production or consumption of fossil fuels,” a spokesman from Britain’s Treasury said in emailed comments to the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “We are supporting other countries in phasing out their own fossil fuel subsidies, as part of our commitment to the G20 and G7 pledges,” he added. The study, which was co-authored by Oil Change International, the International Institute for Sustainable Development and the Natural Resources Defense Council, urged G7 governments to set concrete plans to end fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 as pledged. “What should be a low-hanging fruit in terms of moving public resources away from fossil fuels is not happening, or where it is happening, it’s not happening fast enough,” said the ODI’s Whitley.

Despite climate pledges, rich nations spend $100 billion on fossil fuels

Rafael Nadal bt Maximilian Marterer, 6-3 6-2 7-6(4)

Rafael Nadal defeated&nbsp;a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to enter into the&nbsp;French Open quarter-finals on Monday.

Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson.

After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest.

Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer's backhand went long.

Diego Schwartzman bt Kevin Anderson, 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2

Argentinian Diego Schwartzman staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to stun sixth seed Kevin Anderson and reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday.

The 11th seed was totally outplayed in the first two sets but twice broke Anderson when the South African was serving for the match en route to a 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 victory.

The 25-year-old, who also reached the quarter-finals at last year's US Open, will face either 10-time champion Rafael Nadal or German Maximilian Marterer for a last-four place.

World number seven Anderson, who was looking to become the first South African man to make the last eight since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros on four occasions.

Rafael Nadal will meet Diego Schwartzman in the quarter-final of this year's French Open

Rafael Nadal bt Maximilian Marterer, 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) Rafael Nadal defeated a determined Maximilian Marterer 6-3 6-2 7-6(4) to enter into the French Open quarter-finals on Monday. Nadal, who turned 32 on Sunday, fired 39 winners as he completed the victory in two hours and 30 minutes to set up a match with Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who had earlier beaten Kevin Anderson. After roaring to a two-set lead, Nadal faced a stern test in the third with Marterer leading 3-1 at one point after breaking the Spaniard. The German battled for every point in a bid to drag himself back into the contest. Nadal, however, maintained composure in the decisive moments of the match to seal victory on his second match point as Marterer's backhand went long. Diego Schwartzman bt Kevin Anderson, 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 Argentinian Diego Schwartzman staged a thrilling comeback from two sets down to stun sixth seed Kevin Anderson and reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time on Monday. The 11th seed was totally outplayed in the first two sets but twice broke Anderson when the South African was serving for the match en route to a 1-6, 2-6, 7-5, 7-6 (7/0), 6-2 victory. The 25-year-old, who also reached the quarter-finals at last year's US Open, will face either 10-time champion Rafael Nadal or German Maximilian Marterer for a last-four place. World number seven Anderson, who was looking to become the first South African man to make the last eight since Cliff Drysdale 51 years ago, has now lost in the fourth round at Roland Garros on four occasions.

French Open: Rafael Nadal, Diego Schwartzman set-up quarter-final clash

The contract extension to 2023 that France defender Samuel Umtiti signed with Barcelona on Monday contains 500m euro ($586m) buyout clause said club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

"We think that with this clause, no one will dream of coming here" for him, Bartomeu said at a press conference at the Nou Camp immediately after Umtiti signed.

"It's great news for Barcelona fans," said Bartomeu, who signed Umtiti for 25m from Lyon in 2016. "Without Samuel, this team would not be the same and we need him."

Umtiti, who is 24 and has played 17 times for France, took a break from World Cup camp at Clairefontaine near Paris to travel to Barcelona.&nbsp

"I'm a little nervous because my dream here continues," Umtiti said. "From the first day here in Barcelona I felt at home and now I want to stay 15 years."

Umititi's previous deal had a 60m euro buyout, but that had begun to look low after Liverpool paid 84m euros for Virgil van Dijk in December and Manchester City paid 70m euros for Aymeric Laporte in January.

The contract extension to 2023 that France defender Samuel Umtiti signed with Barcelona on Monday contains 500m euro ($586m) buyout clause said club president Josep Maria Bartomeu

The contract extension to 2023 that France defender Samuel Umtiti signed with Barcelona on Monday contains 500m euro ($586m) buyout clause said club president Josep Maria Bartomeu. "We think that with this clause, no one will dream of coming here" for him, Bartomeu said at a press conference at the Nou Camp immediately after Umtiti signed. "It's great news for Barcelona fans," said Bartomeu, who signed Umtiti for 25m from Lyon in 2016. "Without Samuel, this team would not be the same and we need him." Umtiti, who is 24 and has played 17 times for France, took a break from World Cup camp at Clairefontaine near Paris to travel to Barcelona. "I'm a little nervous because my dream here continues," Umtiti said. "From the first day here in Barcelona I felt at home and now I want to stay 15 years." Umititi's previous deal had a 60m euro buyout, but that had begun to look low after Liverpool paid 84m euros for Virgil van Dijk in December and Manchester City paid 70m euros for Aymeric Laporte in January.

Samuel Umtiti's new Barcelona contract has 500m euro buyout

United States 13th seed Madison Keys defeated Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday to enter the quarter-finals of the French Open for the first time in her career.

The match lasted for 65 minutes and former US Open finalist, Madison Keys dominated the match against Mihaela Buzarnescu in which the Romanian made 11 unforced errors in the first set and 16 in the second.

Keys will face either Czech 26th seed Barbora Strycova or Yulia Putintseva, the 98th-ranked Kazakh, for a place in the semi-finals.

The 23-year-old American has now reached at least the last-eight of all four majors and has not lost a single set in this year's French Open.

Madison Keys has not lost a single set in this year's French Open

United States 13th seed Madison Keys defeated Romania's Mihaela Buzarnescu 6-1, 6-4 on Sunday to enter the quarter-finals of the French Open for the first time in her career. The match lasted for 65 minutes and former US Open finalist, Madison Keys dominated the match against Mihaela Buzarnescu in which the Romanian made 11 unforced errors in the first set and 16 in the second. Keys will face either Czech 26th seed Barbora Strycova or Yulia Putintseva, the 98th-ranked Kazakh, for a place in the semi-finals. The 23-year-old American has now reached at least the last-eight of all four majors and has not lost a single set in this year's French Open.

French Open: Madison Keys beats Mihaela Buzarnescu to enter quarter-finals for the first time

Grigor Dimitrov bt Jared Donaldson 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4

Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov clinched a marathon 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 victory over American Jared Donaldson to book a last-32 spot at Roland Garros on Wednesday.

The Bulgarian was pushed all the way by world number 57 Donaldson in a match that lasted four hours and 19 minutes, but grabbed the crucial break in the 17th game of the deciding set as his opponent started to struggle with cramp.

Dimitrov will face dangerous Spaniard Fernando Verdasco next as he looks to reach the fourth round in Paris for the first time.

Alexander Zverev bt Dusan Lajovic 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2

Alexander Zverev staged a fightback to win a five-setter with Dusan Lajovic.

German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

The 21-year-old, a winner of three Masters titles, is yet to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final and was knocked out in the first round at Roland Garros last year.

But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937.

Kei Nishikori bt Benoit Paire 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3

Japan's Kei Nishikori also staged a comeback to edge out Frenchman Benoit Paire on Philippe Chatrier court, winning 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in his first Grand Slam event since Wimbledon last year after recovering from a wrist injury.

Grigor Dimitrov, Alexander Zverev, Kei Nishikori have entered the third round at French Open on Wednesday

Grigor Dimitrov bt Jared Donaldson 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 Fourth seed Grigor Dimitrov clinched a marathon 6-7 (2/7), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 10-8 victory over American Jared Donaldson to book a last-32 spot at Roland Garros on Wednesday. The Bulgarian was pushed all the way by world number 57 Donaldson in a match that lasted four hours and 19 minutes, but grabbed the crucial break in the 17th game of the deciding set as his opponent started to struggle with cramp. Dimitrov will face dangerous Spaniard Fernando Verdasco next as he looks to reach the fourth round in Paris for the first time. Alexander Zverev bt Dusan Lajovic 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 Alexander Zverev staged a fightback to win a five-setter with Dusan Lajovic. German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. The 21-year-old, a winner of three Masters titles, is yet to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final and was knocked out in the first round at Roland Garros last year. But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937. Kei Nishikori bt Benoit Paire 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 Japan's Kei Nishikori also staged a comeback to edge out Frenchman Benoit Paire on Philippe Chatrier court, winning 6-3, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in his first Grand Slam event since Wimbledon last year after recovering from a wrist injury.

Dimitrov, Zverev, Nishikori reach round 3rd at Roland-Garros

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round.

The Spaniard sealed the match with a whipped cross-court forehand, though for much of the match the number three seed struggled to find her rhythm and range on the forehand.

Muguruza, who won at Roland Garros in 2016 and heads to Wimbledon this year as defending champion, had not played 21-year-old Ferro before Thursday's encounter.

"She's young and she's talented," Muguruza said in a post-match interview on court Suzanne Lenglen. "These matches are very difficult."

Muguruza arrived in Paris as one of five women with a chance of claiming the world number one spot.

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"All I want is to go out there, compete & win. I'm happy with fighting, do whatever I can, to eventually win the point. That's all that matters. If you play good & beautiful, everybody feels better, but at the end just counts the result."<a href="https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarbiMuguruza</a> is a fighter.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/9jeVINbkgn">pic.twitter.com/9jeVINbkgn</a>
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Her form leading up to the clay-court Grand Slam was mixed, exiting the Madrid Open in the third round and suffering a defeat in her opening match of the Rome Open. But she said she felt good in Paris.

"The French Open is the tournament for me. My body is good and my tennis is following," she said.

Muguruza hit 26 winners and 23 unforced errors, often over-cooking her forehand from the baseline.

She eases into the third round for the fifth consecutive year and will face the winner of the match between 2010 French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia and 30-seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round. The Spaniard sealed the match with a whipped cross-court forehand, though for much of the match the number three seed struggled to find her rhythm and range on the forehand. Muguruza, who won at Roland Garros in 2016 and heads to Wimbledon this year as defending champion, had not played 21-year-old Ferro before Thursday's encounter. "She's young and she's talented," Muguruza said in a post-match interview on court Suzanne Lenglen. "These matches are very difficult." Muguruza arrived in Paris as one of five women with a chance of claiming the world number one spot. "All I want is to go out there, compete & win. I'm happy with fighting, do whatever I can, to eventually win the point. That's all that matters. If you play good & beautiful, everybody feels better, but at the end just counts the result."@GarbiMuguruza is a fighter.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/9jeVINbkgn — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2018 × Her form leading up to the clay-court Grand Slam was mixed, exiting the Madrid Open in the third round and suffering a defeat in her opening match of the Rome Open. But she said she felt good in Paris. "The French Open is the tournament for me. My body is good and my tennis is following," she said. Muguruza hit 26 winners and 23 unforced errors, often over-cooking her forehand from the baseline. She eases into the third round for the fifth consecutive year and will face the winner of the match between 2010 French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia and 30-seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.

French Open: Garbine Muguruza defeat Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 to enter 3rd round

The Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan romped through to the men's doubles second round of the French Open after defeating Fabrice Martin and Purav Raja at Court 16 on Wednesday.

Earlier in the competition, Yuki Bhambri lost to 111th-ranked Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium 4-6,4-6, 1-6 in the men's singles match.

Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round.

Also, Rohan Bopanna with his partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will clash with Benjamin Bonzi and Gregoire Jacq in the mixed doubles second round on Thursday.

&nbsp

&nbsp

Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round

The Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan romped through to the men's doubles second round of the French Open after defeating Fabrice Martin and Purav Raja at Court 16 on Wednesday. Earlier in the competition, Yuki Bhambri lost to 111th-ranked Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium 4-6,4-6, 1-6 in the men's singles match. Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round. Also, Rohan Bopanna with his partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will clash with Benjamin Bonzi and Gregoire Jacq in the mixed doubles second round on Thursday.

French Open: Yuki Bhambri, Divij Sharan advance to 2nd round

Novak Djokovic defeated the Jaume Munar of Spain 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to enter the third round of French Open for the consecutive 13th year. Novak has been struggling with his form since he underwent surgery on his elbow after January's Australian Open. Although, he won but he was not looking comfortable on the court.

Twelve-time Grand Slam champion fired 39 winners but 33 unforced errors and was broken three times by Munar, the world 155.

"I am very happy to be here on Suzanne Lenglen and see so many people and see the support," said Djokovic.

"Jaume is a great player, he has lots of quality and good concentration. I congratulate him on a great match today."

Earlier today, Petra Kvitova entered third round after defeating Lara Arruabarrena and world number one Simona Halep romped through the second round of Roland-Garros.

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> loves the Lenglen crowd...and getting 7-6(1) 6-4 6-4 win over Jaume Munar.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/gt3uHJy2HQ">pic.twitter.com/gt3uHJy2HQ</a>
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&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic defeated the Jaume Munar of Spain 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to enter the third round of French Open

Novak Djokovic defeated the Jaume Munar of Spain 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-4 on Court Suzanne Lenglen to enter the third round of French Open for the consecutive 13th year. Novak has been struggling with his form since he underwent surgery on his elbow after January's Australian Open. Although, he won but he was not looking comfortable on the court. Twelve-time Grand Slam champion fired 39 winners but 33 unforced errors and was broken three times by Munar, the world 155. "I am very happy to be here on Suzanne Lenglen and see so many people and see the support," said Djokovic. "Jaume is a great player, he has lots of quality and good concentration. I congratulate him on a great match today." Earlier today, Petra Kvitova entered third round after defeating Lara Arruabarrena and world number one Simona Halep romped through the second round of Roland-Garros. .@DjokerNole loves the Lenglen crowd...and getting 7-6(1) 6-4 6-4 win over Jaume Munar.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/gt3uHJy2HQ — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 ×

French Open: Novak Djokovic defeats Rogerio Silva to enter 3rd round

The family of the 4-year-old boy who was rescued by "Spiderman" Mamoudou Gassama who won him global acclaim and French citizenship have thanked the Malian man for his quick rescue while the boy's father, who had been living alone with him in Paris, had left him alone to go out to the shops and then remained on the street to play Pokemon Go, according to French investigators.

The boy's mother learned the news of the rescue on Reunion Island -- the French Indian Ocean territory where she and the father were born and where she still lives.

Reacting to Gassama's intervention on Antenne Reunion radio late Monday, the woman, who was not identified, said: "We can only thank him and thank heaven he was so reactive."

She said French police phoned her to tell her the news. "Then I saw video on the internet. But I should not have watched it because you know it's your son in the video."

Just half an hour earlier she had spoken to both father and son in a video call, she said.

Gassama, 22, scaled four storeys of an apartment block in France on Saturday to rescue the four-year-old who was spotted dangling from a balcony.

Mamoudou Gassama, the Malian migrant "Spiderman" received French residency Tuesday, a first step towards citizenship promised by President Emmanuel Macron.

After receiving a resident's permit from local authorities, the 22-year-old, who had been living illegally in France since September, signed a contract to carry out an internship with the Paris fire service.

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&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Mamoudou Gassama, the Malian migrant "Spiderman" received French residency Tuesday, a first step towards citizenship promised by President Emmanuel Macron

The family of the 4-year-old boy who was rescued by "Spiderman" Mamoudou Gassama who won him global acclaim and French citizenship have thanked the Malian man for his quick rescue while the boy's father, who had been living alone with him in Paris, had left him alone to go out to the shops and then remained on the street to play Pokemon Go, according to French investigators. The boy's mother learned the news of the rescue on Reunion Island -- the French Indian Ocean territory where she and the father were born and where she still lives. Reacting to Gassama's intervention on Antenne Reunion radio late Monday, the woman, who was not identified, said: "We can only thank him and thank heaven he was so reactive." She said French police phoned her to tell her the news. "Then I saw video on the internet. But I should not have watched it because you know it's your son in the video." Just half an hour earlier she had spoken to both father and son in a video call, she said. Gassama, 22, scaled four storeys of an apartment block in France on Saturday to rescue the four-year-old who was spotted dangling from a balcony. Mamoudou Gassama, the Malian migrant "Spiderman" received French residency Tuesday, a first step towards citizenship promised by President Emmanuel Macron. After receiving a resident's permit from local authorities, the 22-year-old, who had been living illegally in France since September, signed a contract to carry out an internship with the Paris fire service. × (With inputs from AFP)

Father of rescued Paris child was on street to play Pokemon Go: Officials

France and Germany are pushing for an EU-wide initiative to fund innovation and research in tech start-up projects across the bloc so that Europe can compete more effectively against the likes of China and the United States.

Europe has long been seen as a laggard in developing new technologies compared with the United States, which has a strong venture capital industry funding Silicon Valley start-ups.

The more risk-averse culture in Europe has also been cited as an obstacle to creating a "European Google", partly because failure can carry more stigma than it does across the Atlantic.

Berlin and Paris called for the European Innovation Council to fund "ambitious" tech start-ups in a paper presented to European Union leaders at the Balkan summit last week.

"A joint effort is also needed to further improve the venture capital environment and regulations to allow successful market transfer of breakthrough innovations, as well as the foundation and growth of disruptive deep technology companies in Europe," the paper, seen by Reuters, said.

EU heavyweights France and Germany are pushing for reforms in various sectors before a summit of EU leaders in June and want Europe to be ahead in new digital technologies.

In the paper, they say the aim is to create a network to bring breakthrough innovations in science to the marketplace and to open up the network to other interested EU countries.

France and Germany want national initiatives to be complemented by EU ones, which can have more added value for the establishment and the growth of tech start-ups, the paper said.

France has already promised to spend 1.5 billion euros ($1.75 billion) on artificial intelligence by 2022 to reverse a brain drain and catch up with dominant US&nbsp;and Chinese tech giants.

Berlin and Paris want their project to focus on tech leaders in academia as well as entrepreneurs and to provide funding for high-risk tech projects.

Europe has long been seen as a laggard in developing new technologies compared with the United States

France and Germany are pushing for an EU-wide initiative to fund innovation and research in tech start-up projects across the bloc so that Europe can compete more effectively against the likes of China and the United States. Europe has long been seen as a laggard in developing new technologies compared with the United States, which has a strong venture capital industry funding Silicon Valley start-ups. The more risk-averse culture in Europe has also been cited as an obstacle to creating a "European Google", partly because failure can carry more stigma than it does across the Atlantic. Berlin and Paris called for the European Innovation Council to fund "ambitious" tech start-ups in a paper presented to European Union leaders at the Balkan summit last week. "A joint effort is also needed to further improve the venture capital environment and regulations to allow successful market transfer of breakthrough innovations, as well as the foundation and growth of disruptive deep technology companies in Europe," the paper, seen by Reuters, said. EU heavyweights France and Germany are pushing for reforms in various sectors before a summit of EU leaders in June and want Europe to be ahead in new digital technologies. In the paper, they say the aim is to create a network to bring breakthrough innovations in science to the marketplace and to open up the network to other interested EU countries. France and Germany want national initiatives to be complemented by EU ones, which can have more added value for the establishment and the growth of tech start-ups, the paper said. France has already promised to spend 1.5 billion euros ($1.75 billion) on artificial intelligence by 2022 to reverse a brain drain and catch up with dominant US and Chinese tech giants. Berlin and Paris want their project to focus on tech leaders in academia as well as entrepreneurs and to provide funding for high-risk tech projects.

France and Germany push for EU funding for technology start-ups

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said he hoped Donald Trump would return to Iran nuclear negotiations but that for now French companies would have to decide for themselves how to react to renewed US&nbspsanctions against Tehran.

The French leader said he had a duty to keep working with the US&nbsppresident, describing his relationship with Trump as strong even if there are also "issues on which we have differences".

The French leader said he had a duty to keep working with the US president, describing his relationship with Trump as strong even if there are also 'issues on which we have differences'

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said he hoped Donald Trump would return to Iran nuclear negotiations but that for now French companies would have to decide for themselves how to react to renewed US&nbspsanctions against Tehran. The French leader said he had a duty to keep working with the US&nbsppresident, describing his relationship with Trump as strong even if there are also "issues on which we have differences".

Macron hopes Trump will return to Iran nuke talks

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel early next month, citing "domestic agenda" issues, his office said on Wednesday.

Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He was also planning a trip to Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Aides to Philippe pointed to looming strikes in France at the beginning of June and the government's packed reform agenda, as well as his decision to cancel a trip to Mali in April.

But the decision comes at a particularly tense time in the Middle East, with France among the countries condemning a spate of bloodshed along the Gaza border where Israeli forces killed scores of Palestinian protesters in recent weeks.

It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron scrambles to keep a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran afloat after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord.

Netanyahu staunchly opposes the international agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

Further complicating a visit by Philippe to the region is the health of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, 83.

Abbas was admitted to hospital at the weekend with pneumonia. There is no information yet on when he might be discharged.

His health is the subject of regular speculation, with no clear successor identified.

Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel early next month, citing "domestic agenda" issues, his office said on Wednesday. Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He was also planning a trip to Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Ramallah. Aides to Philippe pointed to looming strikes in France at the beginning of June and the government's packed reform agenda, as well as his decision to cancel a trip to Mali in April. But the decision comes at a particularly tense time in the Middle East, with France among the countries condemning a spate of bloodshed along the Gaza border where Israeli forces killed scores of Palestinian protesters in recent weeks. It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron scrambles to keep a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran afloat after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord. Netanyahu staunchly opposes the international agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Further complicating a visit by Philippe to the region is the health of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, 83. Abbas was admitted to hospital at the weekend with pneumonia. There is no information yet on when he might be discharged. His health is the subject of regular speculation, with no clear successor identified.

French PM Philippe cancels Israel trip over 'domestic agenda'

President Emmanuel Macron told executives from the world's biggest technology firms on Wednesday that he wanted innovation to be a driving force for the French economy, but also that they needed to contribute more to society.

The French leader paints himself as a champion of France's plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a "startup nation" that draws higher investments into technology and artificial intelligence. He is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital companies pay more tax at source.

Macron's guest-list included Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, IBM's Virginia Rometty, Intel Corp's Brian Krzanich, Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella and a raft of other big hitters in the corporate world.

"There is no free lunch," he quipped in English to the executives lined up on the steps of the Elysee Palace for a photo call at a lunch meeting. "So I want from you some commitments."

As Macron spoke, IBM announced it would hire about 1,400 people in France over the next two years in the fields of blockchain and cloud computing.

Ride-hailing app Uber also said it planned to offer all its European drivers an upgraded version of the health insurance it already provides in France in a drive to attract independent workers and fend off criticism over their treatment.

Macron will hold one-on-one talks with Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy on the sidelines of the Tech For Good summit - a day after the Facebook chief executive faced questions from European Union lawmakers.

Those talks will be frank, an Elysee official said ahead of the meeting. While Macron will be pitching France Inc, he will also push his case for a European Union tax on digital turnover and a tougher fight against both data piracy and fake news.

Zuckerberg on Tuesday sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies, apologising to leaders of the European Parliament for a massive data leak but dodging numerous questions.

Macron told the executives that business needed to do more in tackling issues such as inequality and climate change.

"It is not possible just to have free riding on one side, when you make a good business," the French president said.

Zuckerberg on Tuesday sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies.

President Emmanuel Macron told executives from the world's biggest technology firms on Wednesday that he wanted innovation to be a driving force for the French economy, but also that they needed to contribute more to society. The French leader paints himself as a champion of France's plugged-in youth and wants to transform France into a "startup nation" that draws higher investments into technology and artificial intelligence. He is also spearheading efforts in Europe to have digital companies pay more tax at source. Macron's guest-list included Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, IBM's Virginia Rometty, Intel Corp's Brian Krzanich, Microsoft Corp's Satya Nadella and a raft of other big hitters in the corporate world. "There is no free lunch," he quipped in English to the executives lined up on the steps of the Elysee Palace for a photo call at a lunch meeting. "So I want from you some commitments." As Macron spoke, IBM announced it would hire about 1,400 people in France over the next two years in the fields of blockchain and cloud computing. Ride-hailing app Uber also said it planned to offer all its European drivers an upgraded version of the health insurance it already provides in France in a drive to attract independent workers and fend off criticism over their treatment. Macron will hold one-on-one talks with Mark Zuckerberg on tax and data privacy on the sidelines of the Tech For Good summit - a day after the Facebook chief executive faced questions from European Union lawmakers. Those talks will be frank, an Elysee official said ahead of the meeting. While Macron will be pitching France Inc, he will also push his case for a European Union tax on digital turnover and a tougher fight against both data piracy and fake news. Zuckerberg on Tuesday sailed through a grilling from EU lawmakers about the social network's data policies, apologising to leaders of the European Parliament for a massive data leak but dodging numerous questions. Macron told the executives that business needed to do more in tackling issues such as inequality and climate change. "It is not possible just to have free riding on one side, when you make a good business," the French president said.

There is no free lunch, I want some commitments: Macron to tech giants

Thirty-three countries called on Friday for an emergency plenary session of the world's chemical watchdog to propose a new way to attribute blame for attacks with banned munitions, after efforts to impose a new system at the United Nations broke down.

The countries met in Paris as part of the "Impunity Partnership", which France launched in January, with the objective of preserving evidence of chemical weapons attacks, establishing who is responsible and imposing sanctions.

France wants those nations to support the creation of a new mechanism at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to enable it to assign blame for attacks carried out with banned munitions, French diplomats said.

"We regret that no measure has so far been adopted by key international bodies to hold to account the perpetrators involved in chemical attacks," said a final communique from 33 nations from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.

The move comes in the wake of a suspected poison gas attack by Syrian government forces east of Damascus in April. Syria and its ally Russia denied that any attack had taken place and that they were holding up inspections or had tampered with evidence at the site.

Urging Russia to reconsider its opposition to establishing a new attribution mechanism, the 33 countries called for a special meeting of all 192 parties to the 1997 global Chemical Weapons Convention in June.

"We call on all States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention to support the holding of this meeting and to work together to strengthen the ability of the OPCW to promote the implementation of the Convention, including exploring options for attributing responsibility for chemical weapons attacks," the statement said.

The new mechanism designed by France will be proposed at the special session, a diplomatic source said. It was not clear if the initiative, which is likely to be opposed by Russia and Iran, would gain the two-thirds of votes needed to pass.

France has discussed the idea in the last few months with its closest allies -- Britain, the United States and Germany.

Creating a global mechanism for accountability is seen as important due to a rising number of incidents with nerve agents since they were banned two decades ago under an international treaty.

Recent use includes the assassination with VX of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017 and the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal, a 66-year-old former Russian double agent, and his daughter with a Novichok nerve agent in March in England. They both survived.

Currently, the OPCW in The Hague only determines whether chemical attacks have taken place, not who carried them out.

The Chemical Weapons Convention has been violated repeatedly in Syria by the use of sarin, chlorine and sulphur mustard gas. The job of assigning blame for the attacks had fallen since 2015 to a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation, until Russia vetoed its renewal in November.

Decisions at the OPCW are usually put to a vote in the 41-seat executive council, where 28 votes are needed to pass. Recent initiatives at the OPCW to condemn Syria for using chemical weapons have not garnered enough support.

The alternative is to go to the full 192-seat conference of states, which can intervene to ensure compliance with the convention.

Currently, the OPCW in The Hague only determines whether chemical attacks have taken place, not who carried them out

Thirty-three countries called on Friday for an emergency plenary session of the world's chemical watchdog to propose a new way to attribute blame for attacks with banned munitions, after efforts to impose a new system at the United Nations broke down. The countries met in Paris as part of the "Impunity Partnership", which France launched in January, with the objective of preserving evidence of chemical weapons attacks, establishing who is responsible and imposing sanctions. France wants those nations to support the creation of a new mechanism at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to enable it to assign blame for attacks carried out with banned munitions, French diplomats said. "We regret that no measure has so far been adopted by key international bodies to hold to account the perpetrators involved in chemical attacks," said a final communique from 33 nations from Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. The move comes in the wake of a suspected poison gas attack by Syrian government forces east of Damascus in April. Syria and its ally Russia denied that any attack had taken place and that they were holding up inspections or had tampered with evidence at the site. Urging Russia to reconsider its opposition to establishing a new attribution mechanism, the 33 countries called for a special meeting of all 192 parties to the 1997 global Chemical Weapons Convention in June. "We call on all States Parties to the Chemical Weapons Convention to support the holding of this meeting and to work together to strengthen the ability of the OPCW to promote the implementation of the Convention, including exploring options for attributing responsibility for chemical weapons attacks," the statement said. The new mechanism designed by France will be proposed at the special session, a diplomatic source said. It was not clear if the initiative, which is likely to be opposed by Russia and Iran, would gain the two-thirds of votes needed to pass. France has discussed the idea in the last few months with its closest allies -- Britain, the United States and Germany. Creating a global mechanism for accountability is seen as important due to a rising number of incidents with nerve agents since they were banned two decades ago under an international treaty. Recent use includes the assassination with VX of Kim Jong Nam, half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017 and the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal, a 66-year-old former Russian double agent, and his daughter with a Novichok nerve agent in March in England. They both survived. Currently, the OPCW in The Hague only determines whether chemical attacks have taken place, not who carried them out. The Chemical Weapons Convention has been violated repeatedly in Syria by the use of sarin, chlorine and sulphur mustard gas. The job of assigning blame for the attacks had fallen since 2015 to a joint United Nations-OPCW investigation, until Russia vetoed its renewal in November. Decisions at the OPCW are usually put to a vote in the 41-seat executive council, where 28 votes are needed to pass. Recent initiatives at the OPCW to condemn Syria for using chemical weapons have not garnered enough support. The alternative is to go to the full 192-seat conference of states, which can intervene to ensure compliance with the convention.

France, allies call for emergency session of UN chemical weapons watchdog

Police in France have foiled a suspected terror attack and arrested two brothers of Egyptian origin, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said on Friday.

"There were two young people of Egyptian origin who were preparing to commit an attack, with either explosives or ricin, this very powerful poison," the minister said on BFMTV.

"They had tutorials that showed how to make ricin-based poisons," Collomb said, adding that they had communicated via the Telecom encrypted messaging app.

The revelation came after a 29-year-old man was killed and five other people injured in a deadly knife attack in Paris last Saturday night.

Collomb did not indicate when they were arrested, but a source close to the inquiry said they were detained in the northern 18th Arrondissement of Paris on May 11, the day before Khamzat Azimov carried out his knife rampage.

One of the men "admitted having wanted to stage an attack," the source told AFP.

Azimov also lived in the 18th Arrondissement, parts of which are packed with low-income high-rises and a mix of French and immigrant communities.

In late March, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had indicated that a total of 51 attacks had been thwarted by French security services since January 2015, the beginning of a wave of strikes on French soil, many claimed by the Islamic State group.

A total of 246 people have been killed in attacks since then.

Police in France have foiled a suspected terror attack and arrested two brothers of Egyptian origin, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said on Friday

Police in France have foiled a suspected terror attack and arrested two brothers of Egyptian origin, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said on Friday. "There were two young people of Egyptian origin who were preparing to commit an attack, with either explosives or ricin, this very powerful poison," the minister said on BFMTV. "They had tutorials that showed how to make ricin-based poisons," Collomb said, adding that they had communicated via the Telecom encrypted messaging app. The revelation came after a 29-year-old man was killed and five other people injured in a deadly knife attack in Paris last Saturday night. Collomb did not indicate when they were arrested, but a source close to the inquiry said they were detained in the northern 18th Arrondissement of Paris on May 11, the day before Khamzat Azimov carried out his knife rampage. One of the men "admitted having wanted to stage an attack," the source told AFP. Azimov also lived in the 18th Arrondissement, parts of which are packed with low-income high-rises and a mix of French and immigrant communities. In late March, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had indicated that a total of 51 attacks had been thwarted by French security services since January 2015, the beginning of a wave of strikes on French soil, many claimed by the Islamic State group. A total of 246 people have been killed in attacks since then.

France says foiled suspected terror attack

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A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe.

The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night.

French President Emmanuel Macron said: "France once again pays the price of blood."

Saturday's assault is the latest to strike a nation rocked by a series of jihadist attacks in the last three years that have killed more than 245 people.

Prosecutors cited witnesses as saying the man shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) as he went on the rampage, and added that a terror investigation had been launched.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, according to the SITE monitoring group, but provided no corroborating proof.

"The executor of the stabbing operation in the city of Paris is a soldier of the Islamic State and the operation was carried out in response to the calls to target the coalition states," a "security source" told IS's official Amaq news agency, according to SITE.

The man, who has not yet been named, attacked five people with a knife, one of whom died, police said. Two were in serious condition and all the victims are in hospital.

A police source told AFP one officer tried to restrain the attacker with a taser but when that failed a colleague shot the man dead.

Interior Minister Gerard Collomb hailed in a tweet the "sang-froid and reaction of the police who neutralised the attacker".

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who visited police in the district where the attack took place, added: "France is determined not to give in to threats that the attackers hope will grind her (the country) down."

Scenes of panic 
The attack took place on Rue Monsigny in the 2nd arrondissement, an area that lies between the main opera house and the Louvre museum, two major tourist attractions. A large area was cordoned off where police, fire and rescue vehicles converged.

Shocked tourists and residents looked on from behind the security perimeter.

"I was on the cafe terrace, I heard three, four shots, it happened very fast," said 47-year-old Gloria.

"The bartenders told us to come inside very quickly. Then I went out to see what was going on, and then I saw a man on the ground," she added.

Another witness, who gave her first name Maxine, said panic spread as word got out that an attack was taking place.

"We saw someone coming out of a building who said he saw the assailant slaughter someone, so people took refuge in the bar," she said.

France has suffered a series of major Islamist attacks including the massacre at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the November 2015 attacks that killed 130 in Paris, and the 2016 Bastille Day truck attack in Nice that killed more than 80.

There have also been a string of less deadly but frequent attacks by lone wolf jihadists wielding knives or guns. Most of the attacks have either been claimed by the Islamic State group or been carried out in their name.

A state of emergency put in place just after the 2015 Paris attacks was lifted in October when Macron's centrist government passed a new law boosting the powers of security forces.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for greater security measures after Saturday's attack.

"The French people will no longer be content with talk, they expect action," she said.

Thousands of French troops remain on the streets under an anti-terror operation known as Sentinelle, patrolling transport hubs, tourist hotspots and other sensitive sites.

The knifeman was shot dead by police. 'France once again pays the price of blood,' French President Emmanuel Macron said

A knifeman shouting "Allahu akbar" was shot dead by police in central Paris late Saturday after he killed one person and injured four, prompting a terror probe. The attack took place near the city's main opera house in an area full of bars, restaurants and theatres which were brimming on a weekend night. French President Emmanuel Macron said: "France once again pays the price of blood." Saturday's assault is the latest to strike a nation rocked by a series of jihadist attacks in the last three years that have killed more than 245 people. Prosecutors cited witnesses as saying the man shouted "Allahu akbar" (God is greatest) as he went on the rampage, and added that a terror investigation had been launched. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility, according to the SITE monitoring group, but provided no corroborating proof. "The executor of the stabbing operation in the city of Paris is a soldier of the Islamic State and the operation was carried out in response to the calls to target the coalition states," a "security source" told IS's official Amaq news agency, according to SITE. The man, who has not yet been named, attacked five people with a knife, one of whom died, police said. Two were in serious condition and all the victims are in hospital. A police source told AFP one officer tried to restrain the attacker with a taser but when that failed a colleague shot the man dead. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb hailed in a tweet the "sang-froid and reaction of the police who neutralised the attacker". Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, who visited police in the district where the attack took place, added: "France is determined not to give in to threats that the attackers hope will grind her (the country) down." Scenes of panic The attack took place on Rue Monsigny in the 2nd arrondissement, an area that lies between the main opera house and the Louvre museum, two major tourist attractions. A large area was cordoned off where police, fire and rescue vehicles converged. Shocked tourists and residents looked on from behind the security perimeter. "I was on the cafe terrace, I heard three, four shots, it happened very fast," said 47-year-old Gloria. "The bartenders told us to come inside very quickly. Then I went out to see what was going on, and then I saw a man on the ground," she added. Another witness, who gave her first name Maxine, said panic spread as word got out that an attack was taking place. "We saw someone coming out of a building who said he saw the assailant slaughter someone, so people took refuge in the bar," she said. France has suffered a series of major Islamist attacks including the massacre at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, the November 2015 attacks that killed 130 in Paris, and the 2016 Bastille Day truck attack in Nice that killed more than 80. There have also been a string of less deadly but frequent attacks by lone wolf jihadists wielding knives or guns. Most of the attacks have either been claimed by the Islamic State group or been carried out in their name. A state of emergency put in place just after the 2015 Paris attacks was lifted in October when Macron's centrist government passed a new law boosting the powers of security forces. French far-right leader Marine Le Pen called for greater security measures after Saturday's attack. "The French people will no longer be content with talk, they expect action," she said. Thousands of French troops remain on the streets under an anti-terror operation known as Sentinelle, patrolling transport hubs, tourist hotspots and other sensitive sites.

One dead, 4 injured after knife attack in Paris. Islamic State claims responsibility

After the Trump bombshell (which was not unexpected), is Iran going to build the bomb? &nbsp;

The million-dollar question and the answer to it may depend on what the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-rouhani-agree-to-seek-continued-implementation-of-nuclear-deal-135774">Europeans do</a>. The US is only one signatory to the Iran deal. There are five others — the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China — who still support it. &nbsp;

Top Indian diplomats say the ones to watch are the three European countries. &nbsp;The deal could survive if they stick to it, but for how long? A reading of the US State Department advisory indicates a six-month window for countries to start winding down their Iran connections. These include banking, shipping and oil-related transactions. &nbsp; &nbsp;

All other connections must be shut down in 90 days. So private firms dealing with Iran have that window to terminate their licences "in an orderly way" the advisory helpfully adds.

So what happens to Europe? The advisory mentions dialogue with US allies and partners. That's probably a polite way of saying Washington will bully, intimidate, bend and twist every European arm to ensure they get on board. &nbsp;

Will Europe bend, twist and turn? Probably yes because their stakes in the US are too strong to be sacrificed for Iran. &nbsp;

That leaves the Iranians all the time and space they need to go and build their bomb. &nbsp;There's speculation how long they could take to build one. A few months claim some, more say others.

David Albright of the Institute for Science & International Security, writing in the New York Times, say it would take Iran 8-10 months to rebuild its enrichment complexes and acquire sufficient uranium fuel to make a bomb. &nbsp;This is only a first step, he warns, because the fuel would have to be turned into a weapon.

Recent revelations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest&nbsp;Iranian scientists have made detailed studies of warhead design. &nbsp;But that doesn't mean they know how to build one. &nbsp;Nor is it clear that they have the missiles to deliver the warheads.&nbsp;

In July 2015, when the nuclear deal was struck, Iran had less than 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to power nuclear reactors. &nbsp;But almost all of that had to be moved out of the country. &nbsp;The last inspection by international inspectors indicated iran had about 113 kg of uranium, not enough to make even one nuclear warhead. Nor does it have the uranium required to build a nuclear weapon.

The Iranians may prefer to make haste slowly. &nbsp;They may develop and build new centrifuge models that will then be used to enrich uranium to bomb grade. Iran has at least three uranium mines to make good any shortfall in uranium. So give them a year.&nbsp;But if they end up with something far sooner, you may have to credit some of their neighbours for that.

There were five other signatories to the Iran nuclear deal. Top Indian diplomats say what Iran does next will depend on what the European signatories — France, Germany, and the UK — do

After the Trump bombshell (which was not unexpected), is Iran going to build the bomb? The million-dollar question and the answer to it may depend on what the Europeans do. The US is only one signatory to the Iran deal. There are five others — the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China — who still support it. Top Indian diplomats say the ones to watch are the three European countries. The deal could survive if they stick to it, but for how long? A reading of the US State Department advisory indicates a six-month window for countries to start winding down their Iran connections. These include banking, shipping and oil-related transactions. All other connections must be shut down in 90 days. So private firms dealing with Iran have that window to terminate their licences "in an orderly way" the advisory helpfully adds. So what happens to Europe? The advisory mentions dialogue with US allies and partners. That's probably a polite way of saying Washington will bully, intimidate, bend and twist every European arm to ensure they get on board. Will Europe bend, twist and turn? Probably yes because their stakes in the US are too strong to be sacrificed for Iran. That leaves the Iranians all the time and space they need to go and build their bomb. There's speculation how long they could take to build one. A few months claim some, more say others. David Albright of the Institute for Science & International Security, writing in the New York Times, say it would take Iran 8-10 months to rebuild its enrichment complexes and acquire sufficient uranium fuel to make a bomb. This is only a first step, he warns, because the fuel would have to be turned into a weapon. Recent revelations by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggest Iranian scientists have made detailed studies of warhead design. But that doesn't mean they know how to build one. Nor is it clear that they have the missiles to deliver the warheads. In July 2015, when the nuclear deal was struck, Iran had less than 10,000 kg of low-enriched uranium to power nuclear reactors. But almost all of that had to be moved out of the country. The last inspection by international inspectors indicated iran had about 113 kg of uranium, not enough to make even one nuclear warhead. Nor does it have the uranium required to build a nuclear weapon. The Iranians may prefer to make haste slowly. They may develop and build new centrifuge models that will then be used to enrich uranium to bomb grade. Iran has at least three uranium mines to make good any shortfall in uranium. So give them a year. But if they end up with something far sooner, you may have to credit some of their neighbours for that.

Will Iran now make the bomb? Depends on Europe

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority.

Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa.

The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum.

They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues.

"It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement.

The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies.

Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer.

Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales.

“Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn

Two rights groups campaigning for the French government to halt weapons sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said on Sunday they were taking their case to France's highest legal authority. Pressure has been mounting on Macron to scale back arms support for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which are leading the coalition fighting the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls most of northern Yemen and the capital Sanaa. The conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and displaced more than 3 million, with no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough to ease the crisis. Droit Solidarite, a legal NGO, and Aser, which specialises in armament issues, demanded in March that export licenses to Saudi Arabia and the UAE be withdrawn. They gave Prime Minister Edouard Philippe a two-month ultimatum. They have had no response, so the groups said they would present a legal challenge on Monday to the Conseil d'Etat, France's highest legal authority, which advises the government on legislative matters and arbitrates on public policy issues. "It will be up to (Council of State) to decide on the legality of the export licence authorisations issued by the prime minister," ASER et Droit Solidarite said in a statement. The two argue that France is violating national and international law by selling arms that are being used in the conflict in Yemen. The United Nations and rights groups accuse the coalition of targeting civilians, which amounts to a war crime, a charge the coalition denies. Previouslt, Macron defended French weapons sales to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, but said he was concerned by the humanitarian situation and would host a conference on the issue before the summer. Seventy-five percent of French people want Macron to suspend arms exports to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, a YouGov poll found. Several rights groups also have warned of possible legal action if the government does not halt its sales. “Since the start of the conflict in Yemen, France has adopted a very specific process whereby all sales of military equipment are analysed on a case-by-case basis and on the basis of reinforced criteria that reflect respect for international humanitarian law and the risk of harm to civilian populations,” Macron said at a news conference alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. France is the world’s third biggest arms exporter and counts the two countries among its biggest purchasers.

French government faces legal pressure over arms sales to Saudi, UAE

President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers even if the United States dropped out but Tehran would fiercely resist US&nbsppressure to limit its influence in the Middle East.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, a long-time critic of the deal reached between Iran and six powers in 2015 before he took office, has threatened to pull out by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, unless European signatories of the accord fix what he calls its “flaws”.

Under the agreement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were rescinded in January 2016.

Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all.

"We are not worried about America's cruel decisions ... We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV.

"If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories ... In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran."

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<h5>If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be,' said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation</h5>
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"If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be," said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation.

"But if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist."

Tehran has made repeated threats to walk away if Trump does, but several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that as long as Tehran was not excluded from the global financial and trading system, it could consider respecting the accord.

Diplomats say Tehran would rather the deal remain intact out of concern about a revival of domestic unrest over economic hardships that mounted over the years sanctions were in place.

EUROPEAN POWERS VOW TO UPHOLD DEAL

Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address U.S. complaints, want to open talks on Iran's ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen.

Whatever Trump decides, France, Britain and Germany will stick to the deal because it is the best way to stop Iran developing a nuclear bomb, French Foreign Minister Yean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday after meeting his German counterpart.

German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the deal, which is being policed by U.N. nuclear inspectors, "makes the world safer", and would do everything possible to uphold it.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, now in Washington for talks, said the deal had weaknesses but these could be remedied. "...At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he said in a commentary in the New York Times.

"I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them."

Even if Trump rejects a possible remedy being worked out by U.S. and European officials and decides to bring back sanctions, the most drastic U.S. measures targeting Iran's oil sales will not immediately resume.

There are at least two avenues potentially offering more time for talks after May 12.

The agreement has a dispute resolution clause that provides at least 35 days to consider a claim that any party has violated its terms. That can be extended if all parties agree.

And if Trump restores the core U.S. sanctions, under U.S. law he must wait at least 180 days before reimposing penalties on banks of nations that do not slash purchases of Iranian oil.

Iran's clerical rulers have repeatedly ruled out reducing its sway across the region, as demanded by the United States and its European allies. Tehran says its missile capabilities are purely defensive and nuclear ambitions only civilian in nature.

The UN&nbspnuclear watchdog says it is maintaining the "world's most robust verification regime" in Iran and has repeatedly said Tehran is complying with the deal terms.

President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers even if the United States dropped out but Tehran would fiercely resist US pressure to limit its influence in the Middle East

President Hassan Rouhani hinted on Monday that Iran could remain in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers even if the United States dropped out but Tehran would fiercely resist US&nbsppressure to limit its influence in the Middle East. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump, a long-time critic of the deal reached between Iran and six powers in 2015 before he took office, has threatened to pull out by not extending sanctions waivers when they expire on May 12, unless European signatories of the accord fix what he calls its “flaws”. Under the agreement with the United States, France, Germany, Britain, Russia and China, Iran strictly limited uranium enrichment capacity to satisfy the powers that it could not be used to develop atomic bombs. In exchange, Iran received relief from sanctions, most of which were rescinded in January 2016. Rouhani said the Islamic Republic had been preparing for every possible scenario, including a deal without Washington - which would still include the other signatories that remain committed to it - or no deal at all. "We are not worried about America's cruel decisions ... We are prepared for all scenarios and no change will occur in our lives next week," Rouhani said in a speech broadcast live on state TV. "If we can get what we want from a deal without America, then Iran will continue to remain committed to the deal. What Iran wants is our interests to be guaranteed by its non-American signatories ... In that case, getting rid of America's mischievous presence will be fine for Iran." If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be,' said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation × "If they want to make sure that we are not after a nuclear bomb, we have said repeatedly that we are not and we will not be," said Rouhani, who engineered the nuclear accord to ease Iran's isolation. "But if they want to weaken Iran and limit its influence whether in the region or globally, Iran will fiercely resist." Tehran has made repeated threats to walk away if Trump does, but several Iranian officials told Reuters last week that as long as Tehran was not excluded from the global financial and trading system, it could consider respecting the accord. Diplomats say Tehran would rather the deal remain intact out of concern about a revival of domestic unrest over economic hardships that mounted over the years sanctions were in place. EUROPEAN POWERS VOW TO UPHOLD DEAL Britain, France and Germany remain committed to the accord and, in an effort to address U.S. complaints, want to open talks on Iran's ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025 - when pivotal provisions of the deal expire - and its role in the wars in Syria and Yemen. Whatever Trump decides, France, Britain and Germany will stick to the deal because it is the best way to stop Iran developing a nuclear bomb, French Foreign Minister Yean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday after meeting his German counterpart. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said the deal, which is being policed by U.N. nuclear inspectors, "makes the world safer", and would do everything possible to uphold it. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, now in Washington for talks, said the deal had weaknesses but these could be remedied. "...At this moment Britain is working alongside the Trump administration and our French and German allies to ensure that they are," he said in a commentary in the New York Times. "I am sure of one thing: every available alternative is worse. The wisest course would be to improve the handcuffs rather than break them." Even if Trump rejects a possible remedy being worked out by U.S. and European officials and decides to bring back sanctions, the most drastic U.S. measures targeting Iran's oil sales will not immediately resume. There are at least two avenues potentially offering more time for talks after May 12. The agreement has a dispute resolution clause that provides at least 35 days to consider a claim that any party has violated its terms. That can be extended if all parties agree. And if Trump restores the core U.S. sanctions, under U.S. law he must wait at least 180 days before reimposing penalties on banks of nations that do not slash purchases of Iranian oil. Iran's clerical rulers have repeatedly ruled out reducing its sway across the region, as demanded by the United States and its European allies. Tehran says its missile capabilities are purely defensive and nuclear ambitions only civilian in nature. The UN&nbspnuclear watchdog says it is maintaining the "world's most robust verification regime" in Iran and has repeatedly said Tehran is complying with the deal terms.

Iran says could remain in nuclear deal if its interests guaranteed: State TV

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/seven-indian-engineers-kidnapped-in-afghanistan-police-134950">Seven Indian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan: Police</a>

Seven Indian engineers and an Afghan national working for a power plant in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan were kidnapped on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported quoting officials.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-mosque-in-eastern-afghanistan-kills-13-official-134952">Blast at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-mosque-in-eastern-afghanistan-kills-13-official-134952">mosque</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/blast-at-mosque-in-eastern-afghanistan-kills-13-official-134952"> in eastern Afghanistan kills 13: Official</a>

An explosion at a mosque in the eastern Afghan province of Khost on Sunday killed at least 13&nbsppeople and wounded 31, news agency Reuters reported quoting a local police official.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-warns-of-risk-of-war-if-trump-withdraws-from-iran-deal-134967">French President warns of risk of war if Donald Trump withdraws from Iran deal</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that war could ensue if US&nbspPresident Donald Trump withdraws from the 2015 deal in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-breaks-out-in-jk-following-terrorist-encounter-5-civilians-killed-134954">5 civilians killed in clashes following </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-breaks-out-in-jk-following-terrorist-encounter-5-civilians-killed-134954">terrorist</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/clashes-breaks-out-in-jk-following-terrorist-encounter-5-civilians-killed-134954"> encounter</a>

Five civilians were killed in the clashes that broke out between civilians and security forces on Sunday in parts of Jammu and Kashmir&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-between-security-forces-terrorists-in-jks-shopian-134867">following the encounter of five terrorists</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-watchdog-orders-cambridge-analytica-to-hand-over-americans-personal-data-134968">UK watchdog orders Cambridge Analytica to hand over American's personal data</a>

Britain's data privacy watchdog has ordered Cambridge Analytica to hand over all the personal information it holds on a US academic, confirming the right of people abroad to seek data held by a UK firm.

&nbsp

Seven Indian engineers kidnapped in Afghanistan: Police Seven Indian engineers and an Afghan national working for a power plant in northern Baghlan province of Afghanistan were kidnapped on Sunday, news agency Reuters reported quoting officials. Blast at mosque in eastern Afghanistan kills 13: Official An explosion at a mosque in the eastern Afghan province of Khost on Sunday killed at least 13&nbsppeople and wounded 31, news agency Reuters reported quoting a local police official. French President warns of risk of war if Donald Trump withdraws from Iran deal French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that war could ensue if US&nbspPresident Donald Trump withdraws from the 2015 deal in which Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief. 5 civilians killed in clashes following terrorist encounter Five civilians were killed in the clashes that broke out between civilians and security forces on Sunday in parts of Jammu and Kashmir following the encounter of five terrorists. UK watchdog orders Cambridge Analytica to hand over American's personal data Britain's data privacy watchdog has ordered Cambridge Analytica to hand over all the personal information it holds on a US academic, confirming the right of people abroad to seek data held by a UK firm.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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