An Iranian who got stuck for 18 years in a Paris airport, inspiring a Steven Spielberg movie starring Tom Hanks died on Saturday at the terminal, an airport official said.

Mehran Karimi Nasseri died of natural causes just before midday on Saturday in terminal 2F at Charles de Gaulle airport outside the French capital, the official told AFP.

Caught originally in an immigration trap -- unable to enter France and with nowhere to go -- he became dependent on his unusual place of abode and increasingly a national and international cause celebre.&nbsp;

He called himself "Sir Alfred", and a small section of airport parquet and plastic bench became his domain.

Karimi Nasseri's peculiar story came to the attention of Hollywood director Spielberg, inspiring 2004 film "The Terminal," which starred Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Hanks played a man who becomes trapped at New York's JFK airport when his home country collapses into revolution.

After spending most of the money he received for the film, Karimi Nasseri returned to the airport a few weeks ago, the official said.

Several thousand euros (dollars) were found on him.

Born in 1945 in Masjed Soleiman, in the Iranian province of Khuzestan, Karimi Nasseri, took up residence in the airport in November 1988 after flying from Iran to London, Berlin and Amsterdam in an effort to locate his mother.

He had been expelled from every other country he landed in because he was unable to produce the correct paperwork.

At Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport an informal support network grew up around him, providing food and medical help along with books and a radio.

In 1999 he was granted refugee status and the right to remain in France.

"I'm not quite sure what I want to do, stay at Roissy or leave," he said after being handed the right to live in France. "I have papers, I can stay here, I think I should carefully study all the options before making a decision."

He didn't leave then.

"He no longer wants to leave the airport," his lawyer Christian Bourguet said at the time. "He's scared of going."

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An Iranian who got stuck for 18 years in a Paris airport, inspiring a Steven Spielberg movie starring Tom Hanks died on Saturday at the terminal, an airport official said.

An Iranian who got stuck for 18 years in a Paris airport, inspiring a Steven Spielberg movie starring Tom Hanks died on Saturday at the terminal, an airport official said. Mehran Karimi Nasseri died of natural causes just before midday on Saturday in terminal 2F at Charles de Gaulle airport outside the French capital, the official told AFP. Caught originally in an immigration trap -- unable to enter France and with nowhere to go -- he became dependent on his unusual place of abode and increasingly a national and international cause celebre. He called himself "Sir Alfred", and a small section of airport parquet and plastic bench became his domain. Karimi Nasseri's peculiar story came to the attention of Hollywood director Spielberg, inspiring 2004 film "The Terminal," which starred Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Hanks played a man who becomes trapped at New York's JFK airport when his home country collapses into revolution. After spending most of the money he received for the film, Karimi Nasseri returned to the airport a few weeks ago, the official said. Several thousand euros (dollars) were found on him. Born in 1945 in Masjed Soleiman, in the Iranian province of Khuzestan, Karimi Nasseri, took up residence in the airport in November 1988 after flying from Iran to London, Berlin and Amsterdam in an effort to locate his mother. He had been expelled from every other country he landed in because he was unable to produce the correct paperwork. At Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport an informal support network grew up around him, providing food and medical help along with books and a radio. In 1999 he was granted refugee status and the right to remain in France. "I'm not quite sure what I want to do, stay at Roissy or leave," he said after being handed the right to live in France. "I have papers, I can stay here, I think I should carefully study all the options before making a decision." He didn't leave then. "He no longer wants to leave the airport," his lawyer Christian Bourguet said at the time. "He's scared of going." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iranian exile who got stuck for years in French airport dies

An agreement between Britain and France to step up their combined efforts to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings by illegal immigrants is expected to be reached as soon as Monday, according to a British newspaper.&nbsp;

According to the Telegraph newspaper, the deal would result in a large increase in the 200 French officers and volunteers who patrol Channel beaches, and France will strive to stop a "much higher" percentage of migrants from leaving.&nbsp;

It stated that France will consent to a joint control centre with British immigration officers stationed there.

James Cleverly, the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, and Catherine Colonna, her French counterpart, released a statement on Friday highlighting the "urgency of tackling all forms of illegal migration."&nbsp;

According to British authorities, an agreement is imminent.&nbsp;

On Saturday, representatives of the British and French governments chose not to comment on the reports.&nbsp;

The Express newspaper reported that an agreement would be reached in the coming week and that it would probably include additional British drones to find migrants hiding in sand dunes before they attempt the perilous crossings, which are sometimes made in flimsy dinghies.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-are-using-cantonese-to-criticise-zero-covid-amid-heavy-censorship-533560">Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship</a>

Small boats have carried almost 40,000 migrants across the English Channel so far this year, up from 28,526 last year. This has put pressure on Rishi Sunak, the incoming British Prime Minister, to find a method to reduce the flow.&nbsp;

After deteriorating under past prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, who questioned whether French President Emmanuel Macron was a friend or foe during her candidacy for prime minister, relations between Britain and France have improved since Sunak entered office last month.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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An agreement between Britain and France to step up their combined efforts to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings by illegal immigrants is expected to be reached as soon as Monday, according to a British newspaper.

An agreement between Britain and France to step up their combined efforts to prevent dangerous English Channel crossings by illegal immigrants is expected to be reached as soon as Monday, according to a British newspaper. According to the Telegraph newspaper, the deal would result in a large increase in the 200 French officers and volunteers who patrol Channel beaches, and France will strive to stop a "much higher" percentage of migrants from leaving. It stated that France will consent to a joint control centre with British immigration officers stationed there. James Cleverly, the foreign minister of the United Kingdom, and Catherine Colonna, her French counterpart, released a statement on Friday highlighting the "urgency of tackling all forms of illegal migration." According to British authorities, an agreement is imminent. On Saturday, representatives of the British and French governments chose not to comment on the reports. The Express newspaper reported that an agreement would be reached in the coming week and that it would probably include additional British drones to find migrants hiding in sand dunes before they attempt the perilous crossings, which are sometimes made in flimsy dinghies. Also Read: Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship Small boats have carried almost 40,000 migrants across the English Channel so far this year, up from 28,526 last year. This has put pressure on Rishi Sunak, the incoming British Prime Minister, to find a method to reduce the flow. After deteriorating under past prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss, who questioned whether French President Emmanuel Macron was a friend or foe during her candidacy for prime minister, relations between Britain and France have improved since Sunak entered office last month. (with inputs from agencies)

UK and France to strike deal to stop migrants from crossing English Channel

The major Western powers - US, UK, France and Germany want the UN nuclear watchdog to pass a resolution on Iran. The countries want the International Atomic Energy Agency to ask Iran to explain the Uranian traces found at the three undeclared sites.

Concern over Iran's nuclear program; West seeks country's 'urgent cooperation'

US, Allies push IAEA board over Iran; West wants Iran to explain Uranium traces

A priest from northwestern France has been charged with drugging and raping a 15-year-old boy whom he allegedly met on a homosexual dating app called Grindr, according to prosecutors and legal authorities.&nbsp;After the two met in Paris last week via Grindr, the priest from a small parish close to Rennes was accused of aggravated&nbsp;rape and drugging the minor. RTL radio said that the 50-year-old pastor offered the minor multiple drugs in a hotel room, including the ecstasy-derivative MDMA and a chemical that resembled GHB, a notorious narcotic often used in date rape. The minor&nbsp;fell&nbsp;ill later&nbsp;and alerted his friends.

The case is the latest in a string of sexual assault accusations&nbsp;that have severely tarnished&nbsp;the image of the church in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olivier-giroud-makes-the-cut-as-france-announce-provisional-squad-for-fifa-world-cup-2022-532967">France</a>.&nbsp;The confessions of a cardinal earlier this week stunned French Catholics yet again after an investigation last year exposed the appalling extent of sexual abuse by priests in recent decades.

One of the most senior Catholic officials in France, Jean-Pierre Ricard, confessed to "reprehensible" conduct with a 14-year-old girl in the 1980s on Monday, prompting a court investigation. Church officials further disclosed that 10 other retired and working&nbsp;bishops were accused&nbsp;of sexual misconduct.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-suspends-plan-to-welcome-3500-refugees-currently-in-italy-interior-minister-533010">France suspends plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy: Interior Minister</a>

As per the priest from Rennes, he frequently travelled to the capital to meet men&nbsp;for drug-fuelled hookups in hotels. He denied the rape accusation by asserting that the minor had stated he was older than 18 on his Grindr profile.&nbsp;

Also WATCH |&nbsp;Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka accused of rape

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"I can imagine how men and women will be outraged by this case," the archbishop of Rennes, Pierre d'Ornellas, said in a statement, adding that he had alerted the Vatican about the arrest and charges.

A church-led investigation&nbsp;that reported its findings in 2021, found that an estimated 216,000 minors had been sexually&nbsp;abused by clergy over the past seven decades.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A priest from northwestern France has been charged with drugging and raping a 15-year-old boy whom he allegedly met on a homosexual dating app called Grindr, according to prosecutors and legal authorities.

A priest from northwestern France has been charged with drugging and raping a 15-year-old boy whom he allegedly met on a homosexual dating app called Grindr, according to prosecutors and legal authorities. After the two met in Paris last week via Grindr, the priest from a small parish close to Rennes was accused of aggravated rape and drugging the minor. RTL radio said that the 50-year-old pastor offered the minor multiple drugs in a hotel room, including the ecstasy-derivative MDMA and a chemical that resembled GHB, a notorious narcotic often used in date rape. The minor fell ill later and alerted his friends. The case is the latest in a string of sexual assault accusations that have severely tarnished the image of the church in France. The confessions of a cardinal earlier this week stunned French Catholics yet again after an investigation last year exposed the appalling extent of sexual abuse by priests in recent decades. One of the most senior Catholic officials in France, Jean-Pierre Ricard, confessed to "reprehensible" conduct with a 14-year-old girl in the 1980s on Monday, prompting a court investigation. Church officials further disclosed that 10 other retired and working bishops were accused of sexual misconduct. Also read | France suspends plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy: Interior Minister As per the priest from Rennes, he frequently travelled to the capital to meet men for drug-fuelled hookups in hotels. He denied the rape accusation by asserting that the minor had stated he was older than 18 on his Grindr profile. Also WATCH | Sri Lankan cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka accused of rape "I can imagine how men and women will be outraged by this case," the archbishop of Rennes, Pierre d'Ornellas, said in a statement, adding that he had alerted the Vatican about the arrest and charges. A church-led investigation that reported its findings in 2021, found that an estimated 216,000 minors had been sexually abused by clergy over the past seven decades. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gay date-rape: French priest held for drugging and raping minor he met on Grindr app

Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter Inc., was questioned by French President Emmanuel Macron as he encouraged nations and businesses to join the Children Online Protection Laboratory, a programme to protect children from dangerous internet content. In a series of tweets, Macron highlighted on&nbsp;the need to remove harmful online content more quickly in order to safeguard children.

Announcing the launch of the laboratory, Macron tweeted, “To protect our children on the Internet, we need to better verify user age, better detect and stop sexual predators, and better identify and address bullying. We need to be more efficient in taking down content,” Macron said.

“France, Estonia, New Zealand, Amazon, Dailymotion, Meta, Microsoft, Alphabet, Snap, TikTok and Qwant have signed up. All those who are willing should join us!” he added.

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👋 <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>, 
Will the bird protect our children?
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron/status/1590799393958993920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In a separate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-his-takeover-musk-warns-of-twitter-bankruptcy-as-more-officials-resign-533082">tweet</a>,&nbsp;the French president waved at Elon Musk and asked, “Will the bird protect our children?”, in an apparent query about Twitter’s willingness to join the initiative.

Chaos at Twitter: Employees brace for difficult times ahead

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To this, Musk said, “Absolument”

The Children Online Protection Laboratory will explore, advocate for, create, and evaluate strategies targeted at enhancing children's safety in the digital world.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter Inc., was questioned by French President Emmanuel Macron as he encouraged nations and businesses to join the Children Online Protection Laboratory, a programme to protect children from dangerous internet content.

Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter Inc., was questioned by French President Emmanuel Macron as he encouraged nations and businesses to join the Children Online Protection Laboratory, a programme to protect children from dangerous internet content. In a series of tweets, Macron highlighted on the need to remove harmful online content more quickly in order to safeguard children. Announcing the launch of the laboratory, Macron tweeted, “To protect our children on the Internet, we need to better verify user age, better detect and stop sexual predators, and better identify and address bullying. We need to be more efficient in taking down content,” Macron said. “France, Estonia, New Zealand, Amazon, Dailymotion, Meta, Microsoft, Alphabet, Snap, TikTok and Qwant have signed up. All those who are willing should join us!” he added. 👋 @elonmusk, Will the bird protect our children? — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 10, 2022 × In a separate tweet, the French president waved at Elon Musk and asked, “Will the bird protect our children?”, in an apparent query about Twitter’s willingness to join the initiative. Chaos at Twitter: Employees brace for difficult times ahead To this, Musk said, “Absolument” The Children Online Protection Laboratory will explore, advocate for, create, and evaluate strategies targeted at enhancing children's safety in the digital world. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French president Macron asks ‘Will the bird protect our children?’; Twitter's new owner Musk replies

From Brazil to France: Listing winners of past five editions of the FIFA World Cup

The world is witnessing the fallout of climate change with catastrophic natural disasters witnessed across the globe. In a bid to decrease&nbsp;carbon footprint and accelerate the use of renewable energy, French senators have ruled that parking spaces with 80 or more cars must have at least half of the spaces covered with solar panels.&nbsp;

As per the bill,&nbsp;the owners of large car parks with more than 400 spaces must fit solar panels within three years. The French government said measures could generate up to 11 gigawatts -- the equivalent of 10 nuclear reactors.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-a-fossil-fuel-industry-trade-show-sharp-rise-in-industry-delegates-shocks-many-532912">COP27, a 'fossil fuel industry trade show'? Sharp rise in industry delegates shocks many</a>

“We must not delay the implementation of the decarbonization of our economy,” reported Forbes, quoting Senator Agnès Pannier-Runacher speaking at the Senate debate.

Starting July 1, 2023, the law would come in effect and the car park owners would have to comply with it. The legislation approved by the French senate coincides with COP27 summit where the world leaders are reiterating their commitment towards mitigating climate change.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, as part of the "France 2030" investment plan, the French President Emmanuel Macron detailed the guidelines for France's new energy policy.&nbsp;

The policy aimed to achieve energy independence for France. The "France 2030" committed to devote one billion euros to innovation in renewable energies.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/mind-blowing-oculus-creator-builds-vr-headset-that-can-actually-kill-you-if-you-die-in-game-532782">Is it even legal? Oculus creator builds VR headset that can actually kill you if you die in-game</a>&nbsp;

Macron had announced steps to meet the objective of making France the first major country in the world to emerge from dependence on fossil fuels. He said it can only be done if France fulfils two conditions -- reducing energy consumption and increasing carbon-free energy production capacity.&nbsp;

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The world is witnessing the fallout of climate change with catastrophic natural disasters witnessed across the globe. In a bid to decrease carbon footprint and accelerate the use of renewable energy, French senators have ruled that parking spaces with 80 or more cars must have at least half of the spaces covered with solar panels.

The world is witnessing the fallout of climate change with catastrophic natural disasters witnessed across the globe. In a bid to decrease carbon footprint and accelerate the use of renewable energy, French senators have ruled that parking spaces with 80 or more cars must have at least half of the spaces covered with solar panels. As per the bill, the owners of large car parks with more than 400 spaces must fit solar panels within three years. The French government said measures could generate up to 11 gigawatts -- the equivalent of 10 nuclear reactors. ALSO READ | COP27, a 'fossil fuel industry trade show'? Sharp rise in industry delegates shocks many “We must not delay the implementation of the decarbonization of our economy,” reported Forbes, quoting Senator Agnès Pannier-Runacher speaking at the Senate debate. Starting July 1, 2023, the law would come in effect and the car park owners would have to comply with it. The legislation approved by the French senate coincides with COP27 summit where the world leaders are reiterating their commitment towards mitigating climate change. Earlier this year, as part of the "France 2030" investment plan, the French President Emmanuel Macron detailed the guidelines for France's new energy policy. The policy aimed to achieve energy independence for France. The "France 2030" committed to devote one billion euros to innovation in renewable energies. ALSO READ | Is it even legal? Oculus creator builds VR headset that can actually kill you if you die in-game Macron had announced steps to meet the objective of making France the first major country in the world to emerge from dependence on fossil fuels. He said it can only be done if France fulfils two conditions -- reducing energy consumption and increasing carbon-free energy production capacity. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France gears up to make solar panels mandatory to cover large car parks

France will suspend the plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy after Rome's refusal to let a charity ship disembark 234 migrants rescued at sea, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Thursday.&nbsp;

"It's clear that there will be extremely severe consequences for our bilateral relations," Darmanin said in announcing that France would let the Ocean Viking ship into the Mediterranean port of Toulon, urging Germany and other EU nations to suspend a migrant relocation accord.&nbsp;

France has agreed to evacuate only four passengers out of more than 200 passengers onboard the Ocean Viking rescue ship. Citing health reasons, following the tense exchanges with Italy on which country should allow the boat to dock, France has finally taken a decision over the issue.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-mount-between-france-and-italy-over-migrant-rescue-ship-532678">Tensions mount between France and Italy over migrant rescue ship</a>&nbsp;

The decision was announced by the maritime agency directed by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Thursday. It came after the SOS Mediterranee charity that operates the ship requested the evacuations because of Italy's refusal to offer port access.&nbsp;

Gerald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, said authorities had invited the vessel to dock at the port in Toulon, in southern France. But he also mentioned that&nbsp;his country would suspend the plan to welcome&nbsp;3,500 refugees currently in Italy after Rome’s refusal to let the Ocean Viking ship to dock.&nbsp;

What are the health issues?&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for the charity told the AFP news agency that one of the passengers on board was “unstable” and had not reacted to treatment since October 27.&nbsp;

“Two others were injured in Libya and because of this long wait for treatment, they risk having long-term health issues,” she said.&nbsp;

The Ocean Viking has been at sea for more than two weeks since its first rescue in the central Mediterranean and headed to France following Rome’s repeated refusal to let it dock.&nbsp;Immigration is a much-debated issue between both the countries and France on Wednesday said the Italian government’s refusal to let the boat disembark was “unacceptable”.&nbsp;

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France will suspend the plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy after Rome's refusal to let a charity ship disembark 234 migrants rescued at sea, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Thursday.

France will suspend the plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy after Rome's refusal to let a charity ship disembark 234 migrants rescued at sea, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Thursday. "It's clear that there will be extremely severe consequences for our bilateral relations," Darmanin said in announcing that France would let the Ocean Viking ship into the Mediterranean port of Toulon, urging Germany and other EU nations to suspend a migrant relocation accord. France has agreed to evacuate only four passengers out of more than 200 passengers onboard the Ocean Viking rescue ship. Citing health reasons, following the tense exchanges with Italy on which country should allow the boat to dock, France has finally taken a decision over the issue. ALSO READ | Tensions mount between France and Italy over migrant rescue ship The decision was announced by the maritime agency directed by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne on Thursday. It came after the SOS Mediterranee charity that operates the ship requested the evacuations because of Italy's refusal to offer port access. Gerald Darmanin, France’s interior minister, said authorities had invited the vessel to dock at the port in Toulon, in southern France. But he also mentioned that his country would suspend the plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy after Rome’s refusal to let the Ocean Viking ship to dock. What are the health issues? A spokeswoman for the charity told the AFP news agency that one of the passengers on board was “unstable” and had not reacted to treatment since October 27. “Two others were injured in Libya and because of this long wait for treatment, they risk having long-term health issues,” she said. The Ocean Viking has been at sea for more than two weeks since its first rescue in the central Mediterranean and headed to France following Rome’s repeated refusal to let it dock. Immigration is a much-debated issue between both the countries and France on Wednesday said the Italian government’s refusal to let the boat disembark was “unacceptable”. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France suspends plan to welcome 3,500 refugees currently in Italy: Interior Minister

Olivier Giroud was named in France's provisional squad for the Qatar World Cup as coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man group on Wednesday amid injury concerns for the defending champions.

The experienced striker, recalled in March after a nine-month hiatus following the team's early Euro 2021 exit, has been in good form for AC Milan and France and is two goals shy of Thierry Henry's all-time national scoring record of 51 goals.

"He knows where he stands. He knows what my position is. It's better for the French team that he is with us," said Deschamps, who will have to trim his squad to 23 by Monday.

Several players have been struggling with injuries, including Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-was-a-bad-choice-ex-fifa-president-sepp-blatter-feels-awarding-world-cup-rights-to-qatar-was-a-mistake-532250">'It was a bad choice': Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels awarding World Cup rights to Qatar was a mistake</a>

"I know he (Benzema) will do everything to be at 100 percent in time," said Deschamps.

With Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante injured and ruled out of the tournament ahead of the squad announcement, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga were among the six midfielders named.

Up front, Kylian Mbappe was named along with Giroud, Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Christopher Nkunku.

In defence, Deschamps omitted the in-form Jonathan Clauss, an indication that he might opt for a four-man set-up at the back as the Olympique de Marseille player is a pure wing back, ideally suited for a 3-5-2 formation.

Deschamps surprisingly omitted Lucas Digne and Ferland Mendy, leaving the squad short of left backs, while AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan was left out because of a leg muscle injury.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ahead-of-qatar-world-cup-players-shine-light-on-lgbt-race-and-mental-health-issues-532620">WATCH: Ahead of Qatar World Cup, players shine light on LGBT, race and mental health issues</a>

France will be in Group D in Qatar with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia.

They start their campaign against Australia on Nov. 22 at the Al Janoub Stadium.

"I made a few players unhappy tonight and 25 are super happy, but I know that as soon as we meet up they will all want to be in the starting 11," said Deschamps, who hopes France will be the first nation to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, despite a dismal Nations League campaign.

"I don't care about bad statistics. We're not in the best position but we know what we are capable of. However, let's first go through the first round before setting any goals."

France squad:

Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda

Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku 
&nbsp;

Olivier Giroud was named in France's provisional squad for the Qatar World Cup as coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man group on Wednesday amid injury concerns for the defending champions.

Olivier Giroud was named in France's provisional squad for the Qatar World Cup as coach Didier Deschamps unveiled a 25-man group on Wednesday amid injury concerns for the defending champions. The experienced striker, recalled in March after a nine-month hiatus following the team's early Euro 2021 exit, has been in good form for AC Milan and France and is two goals shy of Thierry Henry's all-time national scoring record of 51 goals. "He knows where he stands. He knows what my position is. It's better for the French team that he is with us," said Deschamps, who will have to trim his squad to 23 by Monday. Several players have been struggling with injuries, including Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain centre back Presnel Kimpembe and Manchester United defender Raphael Varane. Also Read: 'It was a bad choice': Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter feels awarding World Cup rights to Qatar was a mistake "I know he (Benzema) will do everything to be at 100 percent in time," said Deschamps. With Paul Pogba and Ngolo Kante injured and ruled out of the tournament ahead of the squad announcement, Aurelien Tchouameni, Adrien Rabiot and Eduardo Camavinga were among the six midfielders named. Up front, Kylian Mbappe was named along with Giroud, Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann and Christopher Nkunku. In defence, Deschamps omitted the in-form Jonathan Clauss, an indication that he might opt for a four-man set-up at the back as the Olympique de Marseille player is a pure wing back, ideally suited for a 3-5-2 formation. Deschamps surprisingly omitted Lucas Digne and Ferland Mendy, leaving the squad short of left backs, while AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan was left out because of a leg muscle injury. Also Read: WATCH: Ahead of Qatar World Cup, players shine light on LGBT, race and mental health issues France will be in Group D in Qatar with Australia, Denmark and Tunisia. They start their campaign against Australia on Nov. 22 at the Al Janoub Stadium. "I made a few players unhappy tonight and 25 are super happy, but I know that as soon as we meet up they will all want to be in the starting 11," said Deschamps, who hopes France will be the first nation to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, despite a dismal Nations League campaign. "I don't care about bad statistics. We're not in the best position but we know what we are capable of. However, let's first go through the first round before setting any goals." France squad: Goalkeepers: Alphonse Areola, Hugo Lloris, Steve Mandanda Defenders: Lucas Hernandez, Theo Hernandez, Presnel Kimpembe, Ibrahima Konate, Jules Kounde, Benjamin Pavard, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Raphael Varane Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Youssouf Fofana, Matteo Guendouzi, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Jordan Veretout Forwards: Karim Benzema, Kingsley Coman, Ousmane Dembele, Olivier Giroud, Antoine Griezmann, Kylian Mbappe, Christopher Nkunku

Olivier Giroud makes the cut as France announce provisional squad for FIFA World Cup 2022

On the sidelines of the ongoing UN COP27 summit in Egypt, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on the importance of continuing to drive climate action forward.

Rishi Sunak and Emmanuel Macron hold talks on sidelines of COP27

A series of heat waves has compounded a critical drought in much of Europe, as a result the grape harvesting season has come early for French wine makers.

WION Climate Tracker | France: Warmer winters cause grape vines to produce early buds

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday&nbsp;announced an official end to the country’s nearly nine-year-long ‘Operation Barkhane’, its anti-jihadist operation in the Sahel region of Africa. The French President travelled to a naval base at Toulon in South France to make the announcement.

The development comes after the French soldiers withdrew from Mali on August 15, 2022. The development also marks a strategic shift for the French military forces deployed in the Sahel region of Western Africa, which are assisting several countries to contain jihadist insurgencies.

The Sahel region consists of the vast semi-arid and mostly inhospitable region of Africa, separating the Sahara Desert to the north and tropical savannas to the south. It includes parts of Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia.&nbsp;

The announcement&nbsp;will have no impact on the French military presence in the Sahel region. About 3,000 French troops will remain deployed in Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso.&nbsp;The goal is "to reduce the exposure and visibility of our military forces in Africa and to focus on cooperation and support; mainly in terms of equipment, training, intelligence and operational partnerships for countries that want it," an official from the French President office was quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;

These forces will operate in coordination with the concerned government armed forces to assist them in anti-jihadist operations.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/growing-international-concern-over-the-situation-in-mali-443487">Growing international concern over the situation in Mali</a>

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The French troops' deployment was launched in 2013 when the jihadist insurgents took over much of northern Mali before being pushed away by the French and their regional partners.&nbsp;

At its peak,&nbsp;the French forces numbered 5,500.&nbsp;Mali's military leaders remain in power in the capital Bamako due to alleged collusion with the Russia-backed Wagner group.

The French army, along with its partners in the region consisting of Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mauritiana, had left Mali in mid-August after nine years of continuous fighting with the Jihadist forces.&nbsp;

France's anti-jihadist operation in Mali: A dangerous quest for 'peace'

The local hostility to the French forces, stoked by disinformation on social media and in part by the country's own record of colonialism in the region, made France's 'Operation Barkhane', a dangerous quest for 'peace', as French forces repeatedly asserted. The last nail was the 2020 coup in Mali, whose leaders accused France of interference and turned to Russia's Wagner group for security. A recent report by the Strategic Research Institute of the Military School (Irsem), which is part of the French Ministry of Defense, described the "proliferation of disinformation content online, most often intended to denigrate the French presence and justify that of Russia" in Mali.

Macron to draw a line under anti-jihadist campaign

Reports say that Macron wants to draw a public line under the campaign and that France is not abandoning its fight against extremists in the region but its terms of engagement will be different.

"Our soldiers remain covered, protected, supported, administered in conditions that are satisfactory" but the official announcement is "necessary locally", a statement from the French Presidential office said.&nbsp;

"In the field of perceptions, Barkhane continues to occupy a very important presence on social networks. It is necessary to put a clear end to it in order to switch to another logic", it concluded.

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced an official end to the country’s nearly nine-year-long ‘Operation Barkhane’, its anti-jihadist operation in the Sahel region of Africa.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced an official end to the country’s nearly nine-year-long ‘Operation Barkhane’, its anti-jihadist operation in the Sahel region of Africa. The French President travelled to a naval base at Toulon in South France to make the announcement. The development comes after the French soldiers withdrew from Mali on August 15, 2022. The development also marks a strategic shift for the French military forces deployed in the Sahel region of Western Africa, which are assisting several countries to contain jihadist insurgencies. The Sahel region consists of the vast semi-arid and mostly inhospitable region of Africa, separating the Sahara Desert to the north and tropical savannas to the south. It includes parts of Senegal, Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Ethiopia. The announcement will have no impact on the French military presence in the Sahel region. About 3,000 French troops will remain deployed in Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso. The goal is "to reduce the exposure and visibility of our military forces in Africa and to focus on cooperation and support; mainly in terms of equipment, training, intelligence and operational partnerships for countries that want it," an official from the French President office was quoted as saying by AFP. These forces will operate in coordination with the concerned government armed forces to assist them in anti-jihadist operations. WATCH | Growing international concern over the situation in Mali × The French troops' deployment was launched in 2013 when the jihadist insurgents took over much of northern Mali before being pushed away by the French and their regional partners. At its peak, the French forces numbered 5,500. Mali's military leaders remain in power in the capital Bamako due to alleged collusion with the Russia-backed Wagner group. The French army, along with its partners in the region consisting of Niger, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mauritiana, had left Mali in mid-August after nine years of continuous fighting with the Jihadist forces. France's anti-jihadist operation in Mali: A dangerous quest for 'peace' The local hostility to the French forces, stoked by disinformation on social media and in part by the country's own record of colonialism in the region, made France's 'Operation Barkhane', a dangerous quest for 'peace', as French forces repeatedly asserted. The last nail was the 2020 coup in Mali, whose leaders accused France of interference and turned to Russia's Wagner group for security. A recent report by the Strategic Research Institute of the Military School (Irsem), which is part of the French Ministry of Defense, described the "proliferation of disinformation content online, most often intended to denigrate the French presence and justify that of Russia" in Mali. Macron to draw a line under anti-jihadist campaign Reports say that Macron wants to draw a public line under the campaign and that France is not abandoning its fight against extremists in the region but its terms of engagement will be different. "Our soldiers remain covered, protected, supported, administered in conditions that are satisfactory" but the official announcement is "necessary locally", a statement from the French Presidential office said. "In the field of perceptions, Barkhane continues to occupy a very important presence on social networks. It is necessary to put a clear end to it in order to switch to another logic", it concluded. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Macron announces end of anti-jihadist 'Operation Barkhane' in Africa's Sahel region

Tensions increased between France and Italy on Wednesday&nbsp;over the fate of an NGO ship carrying 234 migrants who had been rescued in the Mediterranean, with Paris describing the Italian government's reluctance to allow the ship to dock as "unacceptable."&nbsp;

It was the most recent instance of a dispute in Europe in recent years about where to land migrants who had been rescued while trying to cross into the continent from North Africa. Italy has grown increasingly upset at having to take in the majority of those saved.&nbsp;

The dispute is focused on the Ocean Viking, a charity ship that left Sicilian waters for France after trying in vain to land in Italy since late October.

The ship, which is operated by the European humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee and is flying the Norwegian flag, has asked France to accept it and is headed toward Corsica by Thursday.

"It's a total blockage on the part of the Italians," SOS Med director Sophie Beau told AFP, saying it had lodged 43 official requests with no response.

Along the northern coast of Sicily, the ship is headed for Sardinia and, maybe, France, where the charity has also requested port access.&nbsp;

It "still had no official response" from French officials as of Wednesday morning, according to Beau.&nbsp;

Even yet, Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister of Italy, stated in an interview that France had offered Marseille as a port of safety, as did the late-Tuesday statement from the office of Giorgia Meloni, the country's new far-right premier.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-use-first-green-bonds-to-finance-climate-projects-532662">India to use first green bonds to finance climate projects</a>

Paris, however, has not confirmed this, and on Wednesday, government spokesman Olivier Veran stated that the Ocean Viking was still in Italian territorial seas.&nbsp;

He deemed "unacceptable" the "current attitude of the Italian government, notably its declarations and refusal to accept the ship."&nbsp;

The Ocean Viking is the final of four NGO ships that have rescued more than 1,000 migrants who were stranded at sea in dilapidated boats during the past two weeks, the most recent of tens of thousands of people who have sailed for Europe in recent years.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Tensions increased between France and Italy on Wednesday over the fate of an NGO ship carrying 234 migrants who had been rescued in the Mediterranean, with Paris describing the Italian government's reluctance to allow the ship to dock as "unacceptable.

Tensions increased between France and Italy on Wednesday over the fate of an NGO ship carrying 234 migrants who had been rescued in the Mediterranean, with Paris describing the Italian government's reluctance to allow the ship to dock as "unacceptable." It was the most recent instance of a dispute in Europe in recent years about where to land migrants who had been rescued while trying to cross into the continent from North Africa. Italy has grown increasingly upset at having to take in the majority of those saved. The dispute is focused on the Ocean Viking, a charity ship that left Sicilian waters for France after trying in vain to land in Italy since late October. The ship, which is operated by the European humanitarian organisation SOS Mediterranee and is flying the Norwegian flag, has asked France to accept it and is headed toward Corsica by Thursday. "It's a total blockage on the part of the Italians," SOS Med director Sophie Beau told AFP, saying it had lodged 43 official requests with no response. Along the northern coast of Sicily, the ship is headed for Sardinia and, maybe, France, where the charity has also requested port access. It "still had no official response" from French officials as of Wednesday morning, according to Beau. Even yet, Antonio Tajani, the foreign minister of Italy, stated in an interview that France had offered Marseille as a port of safety, as did the late-Tuesday statement from the office of Giorgia Meloni, the country's new far-right premier. Also Read: India to use first green bonds to finance climate projects Paris, however, has not confirmed this, and on Wednesday, government spokesman Olivier Veran stated that the Ocean Viking was still in Italian territorial seas. He deemed "unacceptable" the "current attitude of the Italian government, notably its declarations and refusal to accept the ship." The Ocean Viking is the final of four NGO ships that have rescued more than 1,000 migrants who were stranded at sea in dilapidated boats during the past two weeks, the most recent of tens of thousands of people who have sailed for Europe in recent years. (with inputs from agencies)

Tensions mount between France and Italy over migrant rescue ship

French&nbsp;financial prosecutors (PNF) have been searching the headquarters of 'France 2023' as part of a preliminary investigation into the management of the&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;World Cup organising committee, the PNF said on Wednesday. "In early October 2022, the PNF opened a preliminary investigation into charges of favouritism, influence peddling, corruption and any other related offence relating to the management of GIP France 2023. The investigation was entrusted to the Paris research section (gendarmerie)," the PNF said in a statement to Reuters.

"It follows a joint report from the Inspectorate General of Finance and the Inspectorate General of Education, Sport and Research. "A search is under way at various points, including the headquarters of GIP France 2023." France 2023 said in a statement to Reuters that the search was "a continuation of the mission of the General Inspectorate of Finances, mandated this summer by the government to verify the management of the entities of the Organizing Committee (GIP, GIE and Endowment Fund) with the General Inspectorate of National Education, Sport and Research.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jessica-korda-ruled-out-of-remainder-of-lpga-season-with-injury-concerns-532553">Jessica Korda ruled out of remainder of LPGA season with injury concerns</a>

"France 2023 will not comment further on the subject." The&nbsp;rugby&nbsp;World Cup in France will be held from Sept 8-Oct 28, 2023. Last month, the CEO of France 2023, Claude Atcher, was sacked after a report found that he had overseen "an extremely degraded social environment" at the organising committee.

French financial prosecutors (PNF) have been searching the headquarters of 'France 2023' as part of a preliminary investigation into the management of the rugby World Cup organising committee, the PNF said on Wednesday.

French financial prosecutors (PNF) have been searching the headquarters of 'France 2023' as part of a preliminary investigation into the management of the rugby World Cup organising committee, the PNF said on Wednesday. "In early October 2022, the PNF opened a preliminary investigation into charges of favouritism, influence peddling, corruption and any other related offence relating to the management of GIP France 2023. The investigation was entrusted to the Paris research section (gendarmerie)," the PNF said in a statement to Reuters. "It follows a joint report from the Inspectorate General of Finance and the Inspectorate General of Education, Sport and Research. "A search is under way at various points, including the headquarters of GIP France 2023." France 2023 said in a statement to Reuters that the search was "a continuation of the mission of the General Inspectorate of Finances, mandated this summer by the government to verify the management of the entities of the Organizing Committee (GIP, GIE and Endowment Fund) with the General Inspectorate of National Education, Sport and Research. ALSO READ | Jessica Korda ruled out of remainder of LPGA season with injury concerns "France 2023 will not comment further on the subject." The rugby World Cup in France will be held from Sept 8-Oct 28, 2023. Last month, the CEO of France 2023, Claude Atcher, was sacked after a report found that he had overseen "an extremely degraded social environment" at the organising committee.

Prosecutors search France 2023 offices as part of financial preliminary investigation

It is finally snowing in the French Alps. However, in a bid to open a little earlier this year, a French ski resort in Bessna turned to snow preserve from last year.

WION Climate Tracker: French ski resort opens early this year due to preserved snow

From the Indo-French joint air exercise 'Garuda-VII' to a security drill ahead of the G20 Summit in Indonesia, here are some impactful images from around the world on 08 November, 2022.

World in Pictures: Indo-French joint air exercise 'Garuda-VII'; Security drill ahead of G20 Summit

Following a confrontation in which a far-right MP yelled "back to Africa" at a black colleague that sparked outrage across the political spectrum, the French National Assembly agreed Friday to punish him with an unusual 15-day suspension and salary cut.&nbsp;

Gregoire de Fournas, a recently elected National Rally member, has disputed that the outburst was a personal racial assault and has stated that he was making reference to a ship in the Mediterranean delivering rescued migrants.&nbsp;

Under its norms, which in general defend MPs' right to free expression while in session, the National Assembly's lower house has recommended the heaviest penalty imaginable.

Only twice in the history of Charles de Gaulle's Fifth Republic in France, which began in 1958, did an MP get such a censure.&nbsp;

The event occurred at a time when immigration tensions are at an all-time high and President Emmanuel Macron's administration has promised a new crackdown amid claims that it has failed to stop new arrivals or deport those whose residence applications have been denied.&nbsp;

Carlos Martens Bilongo of the left-leaning France Unbowed party (LFI) grilled the administration on Thursday on the SOS Mediterranee NGO's request for assistance in finding a port for the ship that recently saved 234 migrants at sea.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pak-pm-imran-khan-to-address-the-nation-shortly-pti-announces-nationwide-protests-531241">&nbsp;Imran Khan addresses the nation; blames PM Shehbaz Sharif, home minister and ISI for attack on him</a>

"It should go back to Africa!" interrupted de Fournas, a winegrower from the southwestern Gironde department, drawing gasps of shock from many in parliament.

The pronouns "it" and "he" have the same pronunciation in French, which led some to believe that de Fournas was specifically targeting Bilongo.

"Racism, no matter its target, is a negation of the republican values that unite us in this assembly," its president Yael Braun-Pivet said after the vote.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Following a confrontation in which a far-right MP yelled "back to Africa" at a black colleague that sparked outrage across the political spectrum, the French National Assembly agreed Friday to punish him with an unusual 15-day suspension and salary cut.

Following a confrontation in which a far-right MP yelled "back to Africa" at a black colleague that sparked outrage across the political spectrum, the French National Assembly agreed Friday to punish him with an unusual 15-day suspension and salary cut. Gregoire de Fournas, a recently elected National Rally member, has disputed that the outburst was a personal racial assault and has stated that he was making reference to a ship in the Mediterranean delivering rescued migrants. Under its norms, which in general defend MPs' right to free expression while in session, the National Assembly's lower house has recommended the heaviest penalty imaginable. Only twice in the history of Charles de Gaulle's Fifth Republic in France, which began in 1958, did an MP get such a censure. The event occurred at a time when immigration tensions are at an all-time high and President Emmanuel Macron's administration has promised a new crackdown amid claims that it has failed to stop new arrivals or deport those whose residence applications have been denied. Carlos Martens Bilongo of the left-leaning France Unbowed party (LFI) grilled the administration on Thursday on the SOS Mediterranee NGO's request for assistance in finding a port for the ship that recently saved 234 migrants at sea. Also Read: Imran Khan addresses the nation; blames PM Shehbaz Sharif, home minister and ISI for attack on him "It should go back to Africa!" interrupted de Fournas, a winegrower from the southwestern Gironde department, drawing gasps of shock from many in parliament. The pronouns "it" and "he" have the same pronunciation in French, which led some to believe that de Fournas was specifically targeting Bilongo. "Racism, no matter its target, is a negation of the republican values that unite us in this assembly," its president Yael Braun-Pivet said after the vote. (with inputs from agencies)

French far-right MP faces 15-day suspension for yelling 'back to Africa' in parliament

A school of witchcraft and wizardry opens its doors at the Castle of Rocher-Portail during the All Saints holidays, recreating the universe of Harry Potter and Hogwarts.

This castle has been recreated in Brittany to offer a real-life Harry Potter experience

A day after Russia accused British navy personnel of being responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines last month, NATO ally France has jumped in to UK's defence.

A day after Russia accused British navy personnel of being responsible for blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines last month, NATO ally France has jumped in to UK's defence. Reportedly, France's foreign ministry deputy spokesperson in a statement said the accusations are part of Moscow's strategy "to turn attention away from its sole responsibility in the war of aggression that it is conducting against Ukraine." As reported by WION, the Russian defence ministry on Saturday released a statement wherein for the first time since the explosions took place, it outrightly called out a nation. "According to available information, representatives of the British Navy took part in the planning, provision and implementation of a terrorist attack in the Baltic Sea on September 26 this year — blowing up the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines," read the statement. Read more: Russia accuses British navy of blowing up Nord Stream pipelines, UK slams claim No sooner did Moscow release the statement, the UK also reacted and released a rather stern response. "To detract from their disastrous handling of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Russian Ministry of Defence is resorting to peddling false claims of an epic scale," tweeted the UK defence ministry. "This invented story says more about arguments going on inside the Russian government than it does about the West," it added. Read more: Sweden refuses joint investigation team with Germany, Denmark to probe Nord Stream explosions The two explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines were followed by unexplained gas leaks. Suspicious incidents were reported in the Baltic Sea off the Danish island of Bornholm. Germany, Denmark, and Sweden have claimed that those were pre-meditated attacks to damage the pipeline. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has called it a ploy by the West after its sanctions did not affect Moscow. "Sanctions are not enough for the West, they have switched to sabotage. Unbelievable, but it is a fact!," Putin had said in a live speech. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

France jumps to UK's defence after Russia's Nord Stream blasts accusations

The authorities in N'Djamena said in a statement on Saturday that a Franco-Australian person had been abducted in eastern Chad, close to the Sudanese border, "by as yet unidentified individuals."

"The government has mobilised all security and human means to catch the kidnappers," the authorities said, as reported by AFP.

"This abduction occurred yesterday, in the afternoon of October 28, 2022," a statement added, without giving details of the abduction.

"We are aware of the kidnapping of one of our citizens in Chad and are in contact with their family, and also with the authorities in Chad, in order to secure their rapid release," the French foreign ministry told AFP.

The man who was kidnapped was employed by a park run by the wildlife NGO Sahara Conservation Fund. In order to help the endangered scimitar-horned oryx, a fund was established in 2004.&nbsp;

Since his father was killed during an operation against rebels in April 2021, Chad has been governed by a military junta under the leadership of Mahamat Idriss Deby.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/somalias-capital-mogadishu-rocked-by-twin-car-bomb-blast-explosions-529437">Somalia's capital Mogadishu rocked by twin car bomb explosions, nine dead</a>

Chad, a semi-desert nation in central-western Africa, has experienced ongoing instability since regaining its independence from France in 1960.&nbsp;

Organized crime and various forms of trafficking have been widespread in the eastern part of the nation, which is near Darfur in western Sudan.&nbsp;

On both sides of the border, there is frequently deadly violence in the area, especially between local communities.

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

The authorities in N'Djamena said in a statement on Saturday that a Franco-Australian person had been abducted in eastern Chad, close to the Sudanese border, "by as yet unidentified individuals.

The authorities in N'Djamena said in a statement on Saturday that a Franco-Australian person had been abducted in eastern Chad, close to the Sudanese border, "by as yet unidentified individuals." "The government has mobilised all security and human means to catch the kidnappers," the authorities said, as reported by AFP. "This abduction occurred yesterday, in the afternoon of October 28, 2022," a statement added, without giving details of the abduction. "We are aware of the kidnapping of one of our citizens in Chad and are in contact with their family, and also with the authorities in Chad, in order to secure their rapid release," the French foreign ministry told AFP. The man who was kidnapped was employed by a park run by the wildlife NGO Sahara Conservation Fund. In order to help the endangered scimitar-horned oryx, a fund was established in 2004. Since his father was killed during an operation against rebels in April 2021, Chad has been governed by a military junta under the leadership of Mahamat Idriss Deby. Also Read: Somalia's capital Mogadishu rocked by twin car bomb explosions, nine dead Chad, a semi-desert nation in central-western Africa, has experienced ongoing instability since regaining its independence from France in 1960. Organized crime and various forms of trafficking have been widespread in the eastern part of the nation, which is near Darfur in western Sudan. On both sides of the border, there is frequently deadly violence in the area, especially between local communities. (with inputs from agencies)

French-Australian environmentalist abducted by 'unidentified individuals' in Chad

France and Spain experienced&nbsp;abnormally high temperatures on Thursday, which attracted some beachgoers but also added to growing worries about changing weather patterns in Europe.

Tourists were sunbathing in bikinis on the French Riviera, the terraces were packed, and the water was warm enough to swim in.

“At the end of October it cools down normally and by All Saints Day it usually rains, but this year is exceptional,” said Rose-Marie Martini, tanning on the beach in a bathing suit.

She stated that the water at her house was still warm enough for swimming (20 to 21 degrees Celsius) and that the heating was still off.

The exceptionally warm October in Western Europe comes after a summer when sweltering temperatures dried up rivers, farms, and forests and let flames run wild.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-activist-glues-his-head-to-world-famous-painting-girl-with-a-pearl-earring-529050">Climate activist glues his head to world-famous painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'</a>

A series of heatwaves hit&nbsp;Europe and brought attention once again to the risks that climate change caused by humans poses to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-230-people-have-been-killed-amid-tribal-clashes-in-sudan-528544">agriculture</a>, industry, and way of life.

“2022 is already the hottest year on record,” said weather forecaster Frederic Nathan at Meteo France, adding that while Indian summers were not unusual, in recent years the degree of warming had been reaching unprecedented levels.

“Each year now sees dozens of heat records and virtually no low temperatures, in a typical sign of climate change,” he said.

Spain saw exceptionally warm weather on Thursday, with some locations expected to top 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). According to the national weather service AEMET, this October could end up being the warmest on record.

With the exception of October 1st, according to AEMET, every day of the month has been warmer than normal for the season.

Cities like Cordoba and Seville were scheduled to sizzle at over 30C in southern Spain, and Moron de la Frontera exceeded 34.5 (94.1). (86 F).

Temperatures in the normally rainier and cooler Basque Country in the north also stayed above 30 degrees Celsius, with San Sebastian, a coastline city, experiencing heat more typical of July.

Separately, In the last two days, shocking studies regarding the severity of the escalating climate disaster have been released by all three of the major UN agencies. 
One of the top climate experts in the world stated that the climate problem has reached a "very grim point" after a number of significant publications revealed how vulnerable the globe is to disaster.&nbsp;

Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, said: “It’s a really bleak moment, not only because of the reports showing that emissions are still rising, so we’re not delivering on either the Paris or Glasgow climate agreements, but we also have so much scientific evidence that we are very, very close to irreversible changes – we’re coming closer to tipping points.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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France and Spain experienced abnormally high temperatures on Thursday, which attracted some beachgoers but also added to growing worries about changing weather patterns in Europe.

France and Spain experienced abnormally high temperatures on Thursday, which attracted some beachgoers but also added to growing worries about changing weather patterns in Europe. Tourists were sunbathing in bikinis on the French Riviera, the terraces were packed, and the water was warm enough to swim in. “At the end of October it cools down normally and by All Saints Day it usually rains, but this year is exceptional,” said Rose-Marie Martini, tanning on the beach in a bathing suit. She stated that the water at her house was still warm enough for swimming (20 to 21 degrees Celsius) and that the heating was still off. The exceptionally warm October in Western Europe comes after a summer when sweltering temperatures dried up rivers, farms, and forests and let flames run wild. Also read | Climate activist glues his head to world-famous painting 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' A series of heatwaves hit Europe and brought attention once again to the risks that climate change caused by humans poses to agriculture, industry, and way of life. “2022 is already the hottest year on record,” said weather forecaster Frederic Nathan at Meteo France, adding that while Indian summers were not unusual, in recent years the degree of warming had been reaching unprecedented levels. “Each year now sees dozens of heat records and virtually no low temperatures, in a typical sign of climate change,” he said. Spain saw exceptionally warm weather on Thursday, with some locations expected to top 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). According to the national weather service AEMET, this October could end up being the warmest on record. With the exception of October 1st, according to AEMET, every day of the month has been warmer than normal for the season. Cities like Cordoba and Seville were scheduled to sizzle at over 30C in southern Spain, and Moron de la Frontera exceeded 34.5 (94.1). (86 F). Temperatures in the normally rainier and cooler Basque Country in the north also stayed above 30 degrees Celsius, with San Sebastian, a coastline city, experiencing heat more typical of July. Separately, In the last two days, shocking studies regarding the severity of the escalating climate disaster have been released by all three of the major UN agencies. One of the top climate experts in the world stated that the climate problem has reached a "very grim point" after a number of significant publications revealed how vulnerable the globe is to disaster. Rockström, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, said: “It’s a really bleak moment, not only because of the reports showing that emissions are still rising, so we’re not delivering on either the Paris or Glasgow climate agreements, but we also have so much scientific evidence that we are very, very close to irreversible changes – we’re coming closer to tipping points.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Unusually warm autumn in Europe raises climate concerns; UN warns of 'irreversible' climate breakdown

From Erling Haaland to Luis Diaz: Superstar footballers who won't be seen in FIFA World Cup in Qatar

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Paris on Wednesday, amidst recent political differences between the two countries.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris

In order to encourage younger generations to work longer, French president Emmanuel Macron vowed to pursue a pension reform that would gradually raise the retirement age by three years to 65.

Macron said the changes would start being implemented&nbsp;next year, in an interview on France 2 television.

“There’s only one way to do it if we are lucid. Since we are living longer, it’s to work longer,” he said.

Macron nonetheless declared himself "open" to discussing and perhaps amending the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-want-him-to-retire-shoaib-akhtar-after-virat-kohlis-marvellous-knock-sinks-pakistan-in-t20-world-cup-528273">retirement</a> age with unions.

People with sufficient years of employment would be subject to such measures. People who don't meet the requirements have to work until 67 at the moment, like&nbsp;many women who take time off from work to raise their children.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rishi-sunak-reverses-another-liz-truss-policy-reimposes-ban-of-fracking-in-uk-528637">Rishi Sunak reverses another Liz Truss policy, reimposes ban of fracking in UK</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-france-leaves-controversial-energy-charter-treaty-528628">French</a> workers are all eligible for a state pension. As per&nbsp;Macron, the government would have to reduce pension benefits if these reforms weren't made.

Macron's remarks follow the loss of the legislative majority suffered by his centrist coalition in June, which made it considerably harder for his government to pass legislation in the lower house of parliament. The majority of opposition parties and labour organisations are against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmiri-politicians-brief-eu-parliamentarians-over-developments-in-the-union-territory-528454">pension</a> changes.

On Wednesday, Macron made the offer to work with Republican legislators to carry internal reforms, such as the pension overhaul, through parliament.

Earlier this week, opposition MPs from the far-left and left used three no-confidence motions to challenge the use of a unique constitutional authority to ram budget bills through the National Assembly.

During Macron's first term, a proposed pension revision had provoked widespread strikes and protests near the end 2019. In the midst of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lockdown-returns-in-wuhan-the-first-covid-hotspot-528526">COVID-19</a> outbreak, the government made the decision to halt the discussion. In April, Macron won reelection to a second term.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In order to encourage younger generations to work longer, French president Emmanuel Macron vowed to pursue a pension reform that would gradually raise the retirement age by three years to 65.

In order to encourage younger generations to work longer, French president Emmanuel Macron vowed to pursue a pension reform that would gradually raise the retirement age by three years to 65. Macron said the changes would start being implemented next year, in an interview on France 2 television. “There’s only one way to do it if we are lucid. Since we are living longer, it’s to work longer,” he said. Macron nonetheless declared himself "open" to discussing and perhaps amending the retirement age with unions. People with sufficient years of employment would be subject to such measures. People who don't meet the requirements have to work until 67 at the moment, like many women who take time off from work to raise their children. Also read | Rishi Sunak reverses another Liz Truss policy, reimposes ban of fracking in UK French workers are all eligible for a state pension. As per Macron, the government would have to reduce pension benefits if these reforms weren't made. Macron's remarks follow the loss of the legislative majority suffered by his centrist coalition in June, which made it considerably harder for his government to pass legislation in the lower house of parliament. The majority of opposition parties and labour organisations are against the pension changes. On Wednesday, Macron made the offer to work with Republican legislators to carry internal reforms, such as the pension overhaul, through parliament. Earlier this week, opposition MPs from the far-left and left used three no-confidence motions to challenge the use of a unique constitutional authority to ram budget bills through the National Assembly. During Macron's first term, a proposed pension revision had provoked widespread strikes and protests near the end 2019. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, the government made the decision to halt the discussion. In April, Macron won reelection to a second term. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French president vows to raise retirement age to 65, up from 62

France has left a controversial energy charter treaty that allowed fossil fuel firms to sue the government. EU has proposed the modernisation of the treaty.

WION Climate Tracker: France leaves controversial energy charter treaty

In the ongoing season, Autumn rains have triggered an increased growth in mushroom production in France and Switzerland. Watch this report.

WION Climate Tracker: Mushroom season in France, Switzerland

In a pretty rare occurrence a mini tornado hit northern France causing some extensive damage. The tornado hit the village of Bihucourt tearing roofs of buildings, and also littering the streets with debris.

WION Climate Tracker: Tornado creates havoc in Bihucourt, France

A French minister on Monday (October 24) told a gathering of regional African leaders in Senegal that France was calling on African nations to show "solidarity" with Europe over Russia's Ukraine invasion.

The Ukraine war has divided opinion in Africa. Nearly half of the continent's countries have abstained or didn't vote to condemn Moscow's annexation of Ukrainian territory.

Russia's invasion is "an existential threat to the stability and integrity of our continent", minister of state at the French foreign ministry Chrysoula Zacharopoulou told the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security.

"This is what all Europeans are living through," she said. "That's why we expect solidarity from Africa.

"We can never repeat it enough: Russia is solely responsible for this economic, energy and food crisis," she told the conference, opened by Senegalese President Macky Sall.

Africa has strongly felt the war's impact. Food prices have soared as imports of cereal and fertilisers have been restricted.

France and the West in general are often the butt of accusations of neo-colonialism in Africa -- that they try to impose policies on local governments or promote their own economic interests.

In Central African Republic and Mali, Russia has built up close ties that have translated into Russian military support and waning French clout.

Zacharopoulou assured the meeting that when Paris sends a military mission such as the Barkhane force to fight jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel it was not to "substitute" for local armies but to "support" them.

Sall, who is also current head of the African Union, told the conference, "Africa is not against Ukraine. One shouldn't get the impression that Africans are insensitive to the situation in Ukraine. That's not it at all."

But, he said, many Africans felt that their own problems, such as security, the economy or health, were being ignored.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A French minister on Monday (October 24) told a gathering of regional African leaders in Senegal that France was calling on African nations to show "solidarity" with Europe over Russia's Ukraine invasion.

A French minister on Monday (October 24) told a gathering of regional African leaders in Senegal that France was calling on African nations to show "solidarity" with Europe over Russia's Ukraine invasion. The Ukraine war has divided opinion in Africa. Nearly half of the continent's countries have abstained or didn't vote to condemn Moscow's annexation of Ukrainian territory. Russia's invasion is "an existential threat to the stability and integrity of our continent", minister of state at the French foreign ministry Chrysoula Zacharopoulou told the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security. "This is what all Europeans are living through," she said. "That's why we expect solidarity from Africa. "We can never repeat it enough: Russia is solely responsible for this economic, energy and food crisis," she told the conference, opened by Senegalese President Macky Sall. Africa has strongly felt the war's impact. Food prices have soared as imports of cereal and fertilisers have been restricted. France and the West in general are often the butt of accusations of neo-colonialism in Africa -- that they try to impose policies on local governments or promote their own economic interests. In Central African Republic and Mali, Russia has built up close ties that have translated into Russian military support and waning French clout. Zacharopoulou assured the meeting that when Paris sends a military mission such as the Barkhane force to fight jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel it was not to "substitute" for local armies but to "support" them. Sall, who is also current head of the African Union, told the conference, "Africa is not against Ukraine. One shouldn't get the impression that Africans are insensitive to the situation in Ukraine. That's not it at all." But, he said, many Africans felt that their own problems, such as security, the economy or health, were being ignored. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France seeks African support over Russian invasion of Ukraine

Tornadoes are one of nature's most devastating forces capable of causing severe damage to both human life and property. On Sunday, a mini-tornado hit a small village called Bihucourt near the port of Calais in France.&nbsp;

According to local reports, few buildings in the area sustained damages as the tornado made landfall. Videos of the incident have gone viral and show the charcoal-black clouds swirling up in the form of a tornado and generating extremely high wind speeds.&nbsp;

A report by Reuters stated that one person suffered injuries. Meanwhile, netizens remarked that it was one of the most violent tornadoes to have ever hit French soil in years.

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🚨TORNADE confirmée ! Première vidéo du phénomène impactant la commune de Buhicourt dans le Pas-De-Calais. D’importants dégâts sont signalés. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/France?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#France</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/orages?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#orages</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tornade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tornade</a> 
 
Credit: Robin G. <a href="https://t.co/89wAGa15w2">pic.twitter.com/89wAGa15w2</a>
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) <a href="https://twitter.com/WxNB_/status/1584236376030990337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-mini-tornado-tears-through-bihucourt-village-near-northern-france-528050">WATCH |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Mini Tornado tears through Bihucourt village near Northern France</a>

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"The municipality of #Bihucourt (Pas-de-Calais) suffered very significant damage following the passage of the #tornado! This could be the most violent tornado to have hit French soil in several years. #storms #MSGU."

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🚨 La commune de <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bihucourt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bihucourt</a> (Pas-de-Calais) a subit de très importants dégâts suite au passage de la <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tornade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tornade</a> ! Il pourrait s’agir là de la plus violente tornade à avoir frappé le sol français depuis plusieurs années. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/orages?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#orages</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MSGU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MSGU</a> <a href="https://t.co/2TF3L1EHXH">pic.twitter.com/2TF3L1EHXH</a>
— Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) <a href="https://twitter.com/WxNB_/status/1584239478784217088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kansas-tornados-trail-of-devastation-videos-show-cars-being-tossed-into-walls-watch-it-here-475326">Read more:&nbsp;Kansas tornado's trail of devastation: Videos show cars being tossed into walls. Watch it here</a>

Much like rest of the Europe, France had sizzled with record-high temperatures in the summer months. Thus, the tornado appearing out-of-the-blue and in a region that is not really known for such freak natural events was a surprise for the residents of&nbsp;Bihucourt.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Tornadoes are one of nature's most devastating forces capable of causing severe damage to both human life and property. On Sunday, a mini-tornado hit a small village called Bihucourt near the port of Calais in France.

Tornadoes are one of nature's most devastating forces capable of causing severe damage to both human life and property. On Sunday, a mini-tornado hit a small village called Bihucourt near the port of Calais in France. According to local reports, few buildings in the area sustained damages as the tornado made landfall. Videos of the incident have gone viral and show the charcoal-black clouds swirling up in the form of a tornado and generating extremely high wind speeds. A report by Reuters stated that one person suffered injuries. Meanwhile, netizens remarked that it was one of the most violent tornadoes to have ever hit French soil in years. 🚨TORNADE confirmée ! Première vidéo du phénomène impactant la commune de Buhicourt dans le Pas-De-Calais. D’importants dégâts sont signalés. #France #orages #Tornade Credit: Robin G. pic.twitter.com/89wAGa15w2 — Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) October 23, 2022 × WATCH | WION Climate Tracker: Mini Tornado tears through Bihucourt village near Northern France × "The municipality of #Bihucourt (Pas-de-Calais) suffered very significant damage following the passage of the #tornado! This could be the most violent tornado to have hit French soil in several years. #storms #MSGU." 🚨 La commune de #Bihucourt (Pas-de-Calais) a subit de très importants dégâts suite au passage de la #tornade ! Il pourrait s’agir là de la plus violente tornade à avoir frappé le sol français depuis plusieurs années. #orages #MSGU pic.twitter.com/2TF3L1EHXH — Nahel Belgherze (@WxNB_) October 23, 2022 × Read more: Kansas tornado's trail of devastation: Videos show cars being tossed into walls. Watch it here Much like rest of the Europe, France had sizzled with record-high temperatures in the summer months. Thus, the tornado appearing out-of-the-blue and in a region that is not really known for such freak natural events was a surprise for the residents of Bihucourt. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: French village pounded by a freak mini-tornado

A 12-year-old girl, whose murderer lead to a ferocious political debate in France, was to be laid to rest on Monday (October 24). The brutal murder of the schoolgirl, identified as Lola, shocked the French capital Paris.

A 12-year-old girl, whose murderer lead to a ferocious political debate in France, was to be laid to rest on Monday (October 24). The brutal murder of the schoolgirl, identified as Lola, shocked the French capital Paris. Her body was discovered in a container in the courtyard of her apartment building. French President Emmanuel Macron termed the killing of the young girl as "evil". The murder also led the critics to accuse Macron's administration, stating that it was not doing enough to stop illegal immigration, to which officials fired back that such criticism was out of place at the time. When Lola's funeral is held later on Monday in the town of Lillers, in her native region of northern France, her family has pleaded for squabbles to be set aside and the young girl to be laid to rest in "respect and dignity". Although the public is welcome to attend the funeral mass, the family requests complete privacy for the burial in the cemetery. Gerald Darmanin, the interior minister and a close ally of Macron, is attending. "I want that Lola's parents have the possibility to live. I hope that people are very sober, discreet and very respectful," the bishop of Arras Olivier Leborgne, who will lead the ceremony, told France 3 TV. Who is the accused? A 24-year-old Algerian-born woman is the main suspect in the case. She was arrested by the police. The woman is named in the press as Dahbia B. Media reports have stated that she is suffering from psychiatric disorders. She was questioned by the police earlier Monday alongside an older man suspected of sheltering her. A source close to the case told the news agency AFP said that the woman has been charged with the rape and murder of a minor aged under 15. She is also accused of torture and abuse. The probe into the murder began after that and Lola's body was found inside the container. Reports mentioned that her hands and feet were tied and her body was hidden by a covering of material. The autopsy revealed that the young girl died due to "cardio-respiratory failure with signs of asphyxia and cervical compression" and reports mentioned that she had a gash on her neck. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

France: 12-year-old girl Lola laid to rest after 'evil' murder

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