France on Thursday expressed its displeasure at having been excluded from the list of countries citizens of which will not have to quarantine on arrival in England

Next week onwards, citizens from 'amber' list of Britain's traffic light list, who are fully vaccinated by jabs approved by US Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (EMA) would not have to self isolate prior to travel to England. France is the only exception to this rule.

France's European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune called the decision "discriminatory towards French people,"

"It is excessive and makes no sense in terms of health policy," he told the LCI TV channel, adding that "it has no foundation in science".

France was singled out due to British government's concern over the "persistent presence" of the Beta variant, which is believed to be more resistant to vaccines.

But Beaune said the Delta strain accounted for fewer than five percent of Covid cases in France, and mostly occurred in overseas territories from where relatively few people travelled to the UK.

Beaune also said he regretted that travellers from the EU could still not enter the United States, even though American tourists can easily come to EU countries so long as they are vaccinated or have a negative Covid test.

"We should have kept reciprocity as a trump card up our sleeves at the European level," he said. "Perhaps Europe overall should have been tougher in the negotiations."

France on Wednesday reported just under 28,000 new Covid cases for the previous 24 hours and 40 new deaths from the virus.

A total of 111,768 people have died from Covid in France, according to health authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

France on Thursday expressed its displeasure at having been excluded from the list of countries citizens of which will not have to quarantine on arrival in England Next week onwards, citizens from 'amber' list of Britain's traffic light list, who are fully vaccinated by jabs approved by US Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (EMA) would not have to self isolate prior to travel to England.

France on Thursday expressed its displeasure at having been excluded from the list of countries citizens of which will not have to quarantine on arrival in England Next week onwards, citizens from 'amber' list of Britain's traffic light list, who are fully vaccinated by jabs approved by US Food and Drug Administration or European Medicines Agency (EMA) would not have to self isolate prior to travel to England. France is the only exception to this rule. France's European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune called the decision "discriminatory towards French people," "It is excessive and makes no sense in terms of health policy," he told the LCI TV channel, adding that "it has no foundation in science". France was singled out due to British government's concern over the "persistent presence" of the Beta variant, which is believed to be more resistant to vaccines. But Beaune said the Delta strain accounted for fewer than five percent of Covid cases in France, and mostly occurred in overseas territories from where relatively few people travelled to the UK. Beaune also said he regretted that travellers from the EU could still not enter the United States, even though American tourists can easily come to EU countries so long as they are vaccinated or have a negative Covid test. "We should have kept reciprocity as a trump card up our sleeves at the European level," he said. "Perhaps Europe overall should have been tougher in the negotiations." France on Wednesday reported just under 28,000 new Covid cases for the previous 24 hours and 40 new deaths from the virus. A total of 111,768 people have died from Covid in France, according to health authorities. (With inputs from agencies)

France calls England quarantine rules 'discriminatory towards French people'

Cuban foreign ministry on Tuesday (local time) released a footage of petrol bombs being hurled at the embassy in Paris. The ministry posted the footage on Twitter.

A person wearing a dark coloured top with light coloured pants can be seen in the footage throwing a Molotov cocktail towards the compound of the embassy on Monday night (July 26). Another individual can be seen throwing the flammable object towards the building.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Continuamos denunciando el acto de terrorismo contra <a href="https://twitter.com/EmbaCubaFrancia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmbaCubaFrancia</a> del 26 de julio de 2021. 
 
👉Nuevas evidencias en el siguiente video🎥 
 
Quienes instigan a la violencia y celebran el odio son los responsables de este vil suceso.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TerrorismoNuncaM%C3%A1s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TerrorismoNuncaMás</a> <a href="https://t.co/tI0xBpKhPv">pic.twitter.com/tI0xBpKhPv</a>
— Cancillería de Cuba (@CubaMINREX) <a href="https://twitter.com/CubaMINREX/status/1420174938988847119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Cuba's Embassy in Paris said in a statement on Tuesday that three petrol bombs were thrown by two unnamed individuals.

France's foreign ministry condemned the attack on the Cuban embassy, adding that a judicial investigation had been opened to try and determine who was behind it. It confirmed that there had been some material damage but no injuries.

(With inputs from agencies)

Cuban foreign ministry on Tuesday (local time) released a footage of petrol bombs being hurled at the embassy in Paris. The ministry posted the footage on Twitter.

Cuban foreign ministry on Tuesday (local time) released a footage of petrol bombs being hurled at the embassy in Paris. The ministry posted the footage on Twitter. A person wearing a dark coloured top with light coloured pants can be seen in the footage throwing a Molotov cocktail towards the compound of the embassy on Monday night (July 26). Another individual can be seen throwing the flammable object towards the building. Continuamos denunciando el acto de terrorismo contra @EmbaCubaFrancia del 26 de julio de 2021. 👉Nuevas evidencias en el siguiente video🎥 Quienes instigan a la violencia y celebran el odio son los responsables de este vil suceso.#TerrorismoNuncaMás pic.twitter.com/tI0xBpKhPv — Cancillería de Cuba (@CubaMINREX) July 28, 2021 × Cuba's Embassy in Paris said in a statement on Tuesday that three petrol bombs were thrown by two unnamed individuals. France's foreign ministry condemned the attack on the Cuban embassy, adding that a judicial investigation had been opened to try and determine who was behind it. It confirmed that there had been some material damage but no injuries. (With inputs from agencies)

Man seen throwing petrol bomb at Cuban embassy in Paris

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that US&nbsp;President Joe Biden's assessment of Russia as only having nuclear weapons and oil was wide of the mark and betrayed a lack of knowledge about the country.

Biden made the remark on Tuesday during a speech in which he warned that if the United States ended up in a "real shooting war" with a "major power" it could be the result of a significant cyber attack on the country, highlighting what Washington sees as growing threats posed by Russia and China.

Biden boasted that the US&nbsp;intelligence services were superior to their Russian counterparts and said Putin had "a real problem."

"... He’s sitting on top of an economy that has nuclear weapons and oil wells and nothing else. Nothing else. Their economy is, what?, the eighth smallest in the world now, largest in the world? He knows he’s in real trouble, which makes him even more dangerous, in my view," said Biden.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it looked as though Biden, who gave the speech while visiting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), had tailored his message for his country's intelligence community and wanted to make an impression.

Peskov said the United States was an opponent of Russia even though efforts to normalise ties were underway. Senior US&nbsp;and Russian officials began talks on Wednesday on strategic nuclear stability.

Peskov also rejected Biden's allegations that Russia was already interfering in the United States' 2022 mid-term elections.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden's assessment of Russia as only having nuclear weapons and oil was wide of the mark and betrayed a lack of knowledge about the country.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that US President Joe Biden's assessment of Russia as only having nuclear weapons and oil was wide of the mark and betrayed a lack of knowledge about the country. Biden made the remark on Tuesday during a speech in which he warned that if the United States ended up in a "real shooting war" with a "major power" it could be the result of a significant cyber attack on the country, highlighting what Washington sees as growing threats posed by Russia and China. Biden boasted that the US intelligence services were superior to their Russian counterparts and said Putin had "a real problem." "... He’s sitting on top of an economy that has nuclear weapons and oil wells and nothing else. Nothing else. Their economy is, what?, the eighth smallest in the world now, largest in the world? He knows he’s in real trouble, which makes him even more dangerous, in my view," said Biden. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it looked as though Biden, who gave the speech while visiting the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), had tailored his message for his country's intelligence community and wanted to make an impression. Peskov said the United States was an opponent of Russia even though efforts to normalise ties were underway. Senior US and Russian officials began talks on Wednesday on strategic nuclear stability. Peskov also rejected Biden's allegations that Russia was already interfering in the United States' 2022 mid-term elections.

Kremlin says Biden is wrong to say that Russia only has nuclear weapons and oil

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris owed "a debt" to French Polynesia over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific territory between 1966 and 1996, but stopped short of apologising.

"I accept responsibility and I want truth and transparency together with you," Macron said in a speech to Polynesian officials during his first official trip to the territory, adding that there should be better compensation for victims of the tests.

"The nation owes a debt to French Polynesia. This debt is from having conducted these tests, in particular those between 1966 and 1974. Nobody can claim that they were clean."

The legacy of French testing in the territory remains a source of deep resentment and is seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of locals.

The tests were conducted&nbsp;from 1966 to 1996 as France developed nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Officials denied any cover-up of radiation exposure earlier this month after French investigative website Disclose reported in March that the impact from the fallout was far more extensive than authorities had acknowledged, citing declassified French military documents.

Macron echoed the sentiments in his remarks on Tuesday.

"I want to tell you clearly that the military who carried them out did not lie to you. They took the same risks... There were no lies, there were risks that weren't calculated, including by the military."

"I think it's true that we would not have done the same tests in La Creuse or in Brittany," he said, referring to regions inside mainland France.

"We did them here because it was further away, lost in middle of the Pacific," he said.

But Macron said he nonetheless "fully" stood behind France's post-war ambition to acquire nuclear arms, including for the defence of French Polynesia.

France conducted its first successful atomic bomb test in 1960, making it the world's fourth nuclear power after the US, the Soviet Union and Britain. &nbsp;

Calls for apology 
Ahead of Macron's four-day visit, residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia had been hoping that Macron would apologise and announce compensation for radiation victims.

Only 63 Polynesian civilians have been compensated for radiation exposure since the tests ended in 1996, Disclose said, estimating that more than 100,000 people may have been contaminated in total, with leukaemia, lymphoma and other cancers rife.

"We're expecting an apology from the president," Auguste Uebe-Carlson, head of the 193 Association of victims of nuclear tests, said ahead of Macron's visit.

"Just as he has recognised as a crime the colonisation that took place in Algeria, we also expect him to declare that it was criminal and that it is a form of colonisation linked to nuclear power here in the Pacific."

Meeting Macron on Tuesday on the island of Moorea, Lena Lenormand, the vice president of the association, renewed the call.

"There are urgent demands, people who are suffering. We're asking you to own what the state did to these Polynesian people, for an apology and real support," she told Macron.

"We can't help but think that you are at the end of your term, so words are one thing, but afterwards, what will be done concretely?" she told Macron.

In response, Macron said he was "committed to changing things" regarding compensation.

"I've heard you, and I've heard what you are asking of me, and you will see my response."&nbsp;

In his speech, Macron said that since his election in 2017, there has been progress in compensation claims, but he admitted that it was not enough and said the deadline for filing claims would be extended.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris owed "a debt" to French Polynesia over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific territory between 1966 and 1996, but stopped short of apologising.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that Paris owed "a debt" to French Polynesia over nuclear tests conducted in the South Pacific territory between 1966 and 1996, but stopped short of apologising. "I accept responsibility and I want truth and transparency together with you," Macron said in a speech to Polynesian officials during his first official trip to the territory, adding that there should be better compensation for victims of the tests. "The nation owes a debt to French Polynesia. This debt is from having conducted these tests, in particular those between 1966 and 1974. Nobody can claim that they were clean." The legacy of French testing in the territory remains a source of deep resentment and is seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of locals. The tests were conducted from 1966 to 1996 as France developed nuclear weapons. Officials denied any cover-up of radiation exposure earlier this month after French investigative website Disclose reported in March that the impact from the fallout was far more extensive than authorities had acknowledged, citing declassified French military documents. Macron echoed the sentiments in his remarks on Tuesday. "I want to tell you clearly that the military who carried them out did not lie to you. They took the same risks... There were no lies, there were risks that weren't calculated, including by the military." "I think it's true that we would not have done the same tests in La Creuse or in Brittany," he said, referring to regions inside mainland France. "We did them here because it was further away, lost in middle of the Pacific," he said. But Macron said he nonetheless "fully" stood behind France's post-war ambition to acquire nuclear arms, including for the defence of French Polynesia. France conducted its first successful atomic bomb test in 1960, making it the world's fourth nuclear power after the US, the Soviet Union and Britain. Calls for apology Ahead of Macron's four-day visit, residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia had been hoping that Macron would apologise and announce compensation for radiation victims. Only 63 Polynesian civilians have been compensated for radiation exposure since the tests ended in 1996, Disclose said, estimating that more than 100,000 people may have been contaminated in total, with leukaemia, lymphoma and other cancers rife. "We're expecting an apology from the president," Auguste Uebe-Carlson, head of the 193 Association of victims of nuclear tests, said ahead of Macron's visit. "Just as he has recognised as a crime the colonisation that took place in Algeria, we also expect him to declare that it was criminal and that it is a form of colonisation linked to nuclear power here in the Pacific." Meeting Macron on Tuesday on the island of Moorea, Lena Lenormand, the vice president of the association, renewed the call. "There are urgent demands, people who are suffering. We're asking you to own what the state did to these Polynesian people, for an apology and real support," she told Macron. "We can't help but think that you are at the end of your term, so words are one thing, but afterwards, what will be done concretely?" she told Macron. In response, Macron said he was "committed to changing things" regarding compensation. "I've heard you, and I've heard what you are asking of me, and you will see my response." In his speech, Macron said that since his election in 2017, there has been progress in compensation claims, but he admitted that it was not enough and said the deadline for filing claims would be extended.

France owes French Polynesia 'a debt' over nuclear tests: Macron

Cuba's embassy in Paris said on Tuesday it had been attacked overnight with petrol bombs that caused some damage but no injuries to its staff, in an incident that prompted French authorities to beef up security around the building.

Three petrol bombs were thrown by two unnamed individuals, causing a fire on the facade and the entrance of the building, the embassy said in a statement.

Cuba has been rocked by protests against a deep economic crisis, the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties, prompting the Communist-run country to restrict access to social media.

Cuba's foreign ministry published photos of the petrol bombs on its official Twitter feed.

"Those directly responsible for these acts are those who incite violence and hatred against our country," it said.

Its embassy in Paris pointed the finger at the United States, saying such acts had been "encouraged by campaigns by the U.S. government against our country."

The foreign ministers of the United States and 20 other countries on Monday condemned mass arrests in Cuba and called for full restoration of Internet access.&nbsp;

France's foreign ministry condemned the attack on the Cuban embassy, adding that a judicial investigation had been opened to try and determine who was behind it. It confirmed that there had been some material damage but no injuries.

Cuba's embassy in Paris said on Tuesday it had been attacked overnight with petrol bombs that caused some damage but no injuries to its staff, in an incident that prompted French authorities to beef up security around the building.

Cuba's embassy in Paris said on Tuesday it had been attacked overnight with petrol bombs that caused some damage but no injuries to its staff, in an incident that prompted French authorities to beef up security around the building. Three petrol bombs were thrown by two unnamed individuals, causing a fire on the facade and the entrance of the building, the embassy said in a statement. Cuba has been rocked by protests against a deep economic crisis, the government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and curbs on civil liberties, prompting the Communist-run country to restrict access to social media. Cuba's foreign ministry published photos of the petrol bombs on its official Twitter feed. "Those directly responsible for these acts are those who incite violence and hatred against our country," it said. Its embassy in Paris pointed the finger at the United States, saying such acts had been "encouraged by campaigns by the U.S. government against our country." The foreign ministers of the United States and 20 other countries on Monday condemned mass arrests in Cuba and called for full restoration of Internet access. France's foreign ministry condemned the attack on the Cuban embassy, adding that a judicial investigation had been opened to try and determine who was behind it. It confirmed that there had been some material damage but no injuries.

Cuban Embassy in Paris attacked with petrol bombs, France beefs up security

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. 
 
Macron's phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under surveillance by Morocco, which used NSO Group's Pegasus software, according to France's Le Monde newspaper. The French leader has called for an investigation. 
 
Gantz will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Wednesday, an official Israeli statement said. 
 
"Gantz will discuss the crisis in Lebanon and the developing agreement with Iran. He will also update the minister on the topic of NSO," it said. 
 
Israel's Defence Ministry oversees commercial exports of spyware and cyber-surveillance technologies like Pegasus. 
 
A global investigation published last week by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. 
 
Israel has since set up a senior inter-ministerial team to assess any possible misuse of the spyware. 
 
NSO rejected the reports, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, the company said. 
 
Gantz's trip was planned before the NSO affair and was meant to focus on the growing economic crisis in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, and on world powers' efforts to resume a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli media said. 
 
Israel is concerned a revival of the deal may eventually allow its arch-foe Tehran to acquire atomic weapons. Iran denies seeking the bomb. Attempts to revive the 2015 accord, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress. 
 
France's foreign ministry said on Monday that Iran was endangering the chance of concluding an accord with world powers over reviving the deal if it did not return to the negotiating table soon.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz will travel to France this week to discuss spyware sold by Israeli cyber firm NSO that was allegedly used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron's phone was on a list of targets that were possibly under surveillance by Morocco, which used NSO Group's Pegasus software, according to France's Le Monde newspaper. The French leader has called for an investigation. Gantz will meet French Defence Minister Florence Parly on Wednesday, an official Israeli statement said. "Gantz will discuss the crisis in Lebanon and the developing agreement with Iran. He will also update the minister on the topic of NSO," it said. Israel's Defence Ministry oversees commercial exports of spyware and cyber-surveillance technologies like Pegasus. A global investigation published last week by 17 media organisations, led by the Paris-based non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories, said Pegasus had been used in attempted and successful hacks of smartphones belonging to journalists, government officials and human rights activists. Israel has since set up a senior inter-ministerial team to assess any possible misuse of the spyware. NSO rejected the reports, saying it was "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Pegasus is intended for use only by government intelligence and law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism and crime, the company said. Gantz's trip was planned before the NSO affair and was meant to focus on the growing economic crisis in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel, and on world powers' efforts to resume a nuclear deal with Iran, Israeli media said. Israel is concerned a revival of the deal may eventually allow its arch-foe Tehran to acquire atomic weapons. Iran denies seeking the bomb. Attempts to revive the 2015 accord, after then-President Donald Trump abandoned it in 2018, have been slow to make progress. France's foreign ministry said on Monday that Iran was endangering the chance of concluding an accord with world powers over reviving the deal if it did not return to the negotiating table soon.

Israel defence minister to visit France to discuss Iran, row over NSO spyware Pegasus

Under a new climate change legislation, France has asked govt run schools to provide vegetarian option in meals. Earlier schools had to provide a vegetarian meal option only once a week. Now a vegetarian option has to be provided every day.

France introduces new legislation for meals in schools

Several people across France protested against a bill requiring everyone to have a special virus pass to enter restaurants and mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all health care workers. Police fired water cannons and tear gas on rowdy protesters in Paris.

People take out protests in France against special virus pass

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19.

The talks between members of the National Assembly and Senate come a day after France was again shaken by nationwide protests against the rules that saw over 160,000 rally and dozens arrested.

President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered that the health pass — proof of full vaccination or a negative test — would be required for the French to visit venues such as a cinema or nightclub and ultimately bars and restaurants.

The announcement was a move by Macron to make vaccinations the top weapon against Covid-19 as new variants emerge, essentially requiring people to become vaccinated if they want to continue daily routines.

But it has encountered fierce opposition from some who believe the vaccine passports erode civil liberties, while the ruling party has faced a tough task pushing the legislation through parliament.

While pro-Macron MPs control the lower house National Assembly the upper house Senate is dominated by the opposition right.

The Senate approved the legislation overnight by 199 votes to 123 but added numerous amendments that the government fears risk limiting the impact of the rules.

The two sides were Sunday afternoon holding talks at a parliamentary commission to find a compromise, with the government hoping an agreement can be found for its definitive adoption later Sunday.

In an extra step requested by Prime Minister Jean Castex, the legislation then needs to be approved by France's highest administrative authority, the Constitutional Council, before becoming law.

'Irresponsibility and egoism'

Some 161,000 people, including 11,000 in Paris had protested on Saturday against the health pass, with demonstrators brandishing slogans including "freedom is being trampled on".

Seventy one people were arrested, including 24 in Paris, and 29 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry of the interior said.

On a visit to France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia, Macron scoffed at how slogans of freedom were being brandished at the protests.

"Everyone is free to express themselves calmly with respect for the other," he said. "But freedom where I owe nothing to someone else does not exist".

He said that under such logic, relatives could be infected by someone who is not vaccinated "when there is the chance to have something that protects", or the person could themselves end up in hospital.

"I don't call this freedom, I call this irresponsibility and egoism," he said.

By maximising the number of vaccinations, the government wants to minimise the impact of the virus' fourth wave. Some 40 million people should have received at least one jab by Monday.

Against a background of rising cases fuelled by the Delta variant, the French Mediterranean department of Alpes-Maritimes that includes the resorts of Cannes and Nice said it was reimposing an obligation to wear facemasks outside and was banning alcohol consumption in public spaces like beaches.

As well as making vaccinations obligatory for healthworkers and carers, the new legislation would make a health pass compulsory from August for travel in planes and inter-city trains and also just to visit a cafe or restaurant.

After Macron's announcement, the health pass is already compulsory for cinemas, museums and any venue gathering more than 50 people.

The Senate wants the legislation to take more note of civil liberties by exempting shopping centres, cafe terraces and minors from the rules.

France recorded almost 23,000 new Covid cases on Saturday, twice as many as last week, as the Delta variant causes infections to surge.

But in figures the government credits to the success of the vaccination rollout, there are 878 people in intensive care with Covid, compared with a peak of almost 6,000 at the end of April.

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19.

Lawmakers from France's upper and lower houses of parliament were on Sunday seeking to agree a deal to allow the adoption of legislation making vaccine passports vital for French daily life in the battle against Covid-19. The talks between members of the National Assembly and Senate come a day after France was again shaken by nationwide protests against the rules that saw over 160,000 rally and dozens arrested. President Emmanuel Macron last week ordered that the health pass — proof of full vaccination or a negative test — would be required for the French to visit venues such as a cinema or nightclub and ultimately bars and restaurants. The announcement was a move by Macron to make vaccinations the top weapon against Covid-19 as new variants emerge, essentially requiring people to become vaccinated if they want to continue daily routines. But it has encountered fierce opposition from some who believe the vaccine passports erode civil liberties, while the ruling party has faced a tough task pushing the legislation through parliament. While pro-Macron MPs control the lower house National Assembly the upper house Senate is dominated by the opposition right. The Senate approved the legislation overnight by 199 votes to 123 but added numerous amendments that the government fears risk limiting the impact of the rules. The two sides were Sunday afternoon holding talks at a parliamentary commission to find a compromise, with the government hoping an agreement can be found for its definitive adoption later Sunday. In an extra step requested by Prime Minister Jean Castex, the legislation then needs to be approved by France's highest administrative authority, the Constitutional Council, before becoming law. 'Irresponsibility and egoism' Some 161,000 people, including 11,000 in Paris had protested on Saturday against the health pass, with demonstrators brandishing slogans including "freedom is being trampled on". Seventy one people were arrested, including 24 in Paris, and 29 members of the security forces were injured, the ministry of the interior said. On a visit to France's Pacific territory of French Polynesia, Macron scoffed at how slogans of freedom were being brandished at the protests. "Everyone is free to express themselves calmly with respect for the other," he said. "But freedom where I owe nothing to someone else does not exist". He said that under such logic, relatives could be infected by someone who is not vaccinated "when there is the chance to have something that protects", or the person could themselves end up in hospital. "I don't call this freedom, I call this irresponsibility and egoism," he said. By maximising the number of vaccinations, the government wants to minimise the impact of the virus' fourth wave. Some 40 million people should have received at least one jab by Monday. Against a background of rising cases fuelled by the Delta variant, the French Mediterranean department of Alpes-Maritimes that includes the resorts of Cannes and Nice said it was reimposing an obligation to wear facemasks outside and was banning alcohol consumption in public spaces like beaches. As well as making vaccinations obligatory for healthworkers and carers, the new legislation would make a health pass compulsory from August for travel in planes and inter-city trains and also just to visit a cafe or restaurant. After Macron's announcement, the health pass is already compulsory for cinemas, museums and any venue gathering more than 50 people. The Senate wants the legislation to take more note of civil liberties by exempting shopping centres, cafe terraces and minors from the rules. France recorded almost 23,000 new Covid cases on Saturday, twice as many as last week, as the Delta variant causes infections to surge. But in figures the government credits to the success of the vaccination rollout, there are 878 people in intensive care with Covid, compared with a peak of almost 6,000 at the end of April.

French lawmakers seek deal on vaccine passports after protests

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune on Friday criticised a planned referendum by Hungary over a controversial law slammed as an attack on LGBTQ rights by Brussels.&nbsp;

"I am concerned about the Hungarian law which was adopted in mid-June and which is the subject of a referendum which does not relate exactly to this law," Beaune said as he arrived for a meeting of the bloc's Europe ministers in Slovenia.&nbsp;

Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Wednesday that a national vote would be held to gauge domestic support for the controversial LGBTQ law, after the European Commission launched legal action against Budapest over the measure.

The legislation, which includes a ban on the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, has drawn scorn across Europe.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-hungarys-annual-drag-contest-is-operating-in-shadow-of-anti-lgbtqia-law-395912">Also read |&nbsp;How Hungary's annual drag contest is operating in shadow of anti-LGBTQIA+ law</a>

It has been billed by Budapest as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTQ community.

Orban said the referendum would comprise five questions, including asking citizens if they agree that schools should be permitted to "talk about sexuality to their children without their consent".&nbsp;

It will also ask participants if they support "the promotion of sex reassignment treatment for minors" or the "unrestricted exposure of children to harmful sexual content".

Beaune complained that issues were being falsely linked and "instrumentalised" to ensure that Orban gets a "No" from those voting in the ballot.&nbsp;

"We must not give in on these points," Beaune said.

No date has been set for the referendum.&nbsp;

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune on Friday criticised a planned referendum by Hungary over a controversial law slammed as an attack on LGBTQ rights by Brussels.

France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune on Friday criticised a planned referendum by Hungary over a controversial law slammed as an attack on LGBTQ rights by Brussels. "I am concerned about the Hungarian law which was adopted in mid-June and which is the subject of a referendum which does not relate exactly to this law," Beaune said as he arrived for a meeting of the bloc's Europe ministers in Slovenia. Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Wednesday that a national vote would be held to gauge domestic support for the controversial LGBTQ law, after the European Commission launched legal action against Budapest over the measure. The legislation, which includes a ban on the "depiction or promotion" of homosexuality and gender reassignment to under-18s, has drawn scorn across Europe. Also read | How Hungary's annual drag contest is operating in shadow of anti-LGBTQIA+ law It has been billed by Budapest as a way to protect children, but opponents argue that it conflates paedophilia with homosexuality and stigmatises the LGBTQ community. Orban said the referendum would comprise five questions, including asking citizens if they agree that schools should be permitted to "talk about sexuality to their children without their consent". It will also ask participants if they support "the promotion of sex reassignment treatment for minors" or the "unrestricted exposure of children to harmful sexual content". Beaune complained that issues were being falsely linked and "instrumentalised" to ensure that Orban gets a "No" from those voting in the ballot. "We must not give in on these points," Beaune said. No date has been set for the referendum.

France concerned by Hungary LGBTQ law referendum

French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors Wednesday to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, which is in the throes of a fourth wave of infections, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system.

The so-called "health pass" is required for all events or places with more than 50 people before being extended to restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in August.

Prime Minister Jean Castex defended the policy, noting that nearly all new infections are in people who have not been immunised.

The number of new infections over 24 hours shot up to 21,000 on Wednesday, the highest level since early May.

"We're in the fourth wave," Castex told TF1 television, adding that the goal of the health pass is to avoid a fourth nationwide lockdown.

Health Minister Olivier Veran lashed out at vaccine refuseniks, who have accused the government of flouting their freedom of choice.

"Freedom is not about dodging taxes, or driving the wrong way up the motorway, or smoking in a restaurant or refusing a vaccine that protects me as much as it protects others," he told parliament.

&nbsp;50-million target

The Louvre museum and Eiffel Tower were among the sites that began implementing the vaccine checks on Wednesday.

But whereas most tourists had their vaccine certificates at hand, having shown them on arrival in the country, some French people were wrong-footed by the new rules.

In the Paris suburb of Rosny-sous-Bois, 28-year-old Marie-Ange Rodrigues was surprised to be barred from a cinema screening after having received her second vaccine shot.

"It's rubbish!" she said of the requirement to have been fully vaccinated for at least a week.

Nearly 38 million people, representing 56 percent of the French population, have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to data by the covidtracker.fr website.

Nearly 46 per cent, have been fully vaccinated.

French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors Wednesday to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, which is in the throes of a fourth wave of infections, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system.

French cinemas, museums and sports venues began asking visitors Wednesday to furnish proof of Covid-19 vaccination or a negative test as the country, which is in the throes of a fourth wave of infections, rolled out a controversial vaccine passport system. The so-called "health pass" is required for all events or places with more than 50 people before being extended to restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in August. Prime Minister Jean Castex defended the policy, noting that nearly all new infections are in people who have not been immunised. The number of new infections over 24 hours shot up to 21,000 on Wednesday, the highest level since early May. "We're in the fourth wave," Castex told TF1 television, adding that the goal of the health pass is to avoid a fourth nationwide lockdown. Health Minister Olivier Veran lashed out at vaccine refuseniks, who have accused the government of flouting their freedom of choice. "Freedom is not about dodging taxes, or driving the wrong way up the motorway, or smoking in a restaurant or refusing a vaccine that protects me as much as it protects others," he told parliament. 50-million target The Louvre museum and Eiffel Tower were among the sites that began implementing the vaccine checks on Wednesday. But whereas most tourists had their vaccine certificates at hand, having shown them on arrival in the country, some French people were wrong-footed by the new rules. In the Paris suburb of Rosny-sous-Bois, 28-year-old Marie-Ange Rodrigues was surprised to be barred from a cinema screening after having received her second vaccine shot. "It's rubbish!" she said of the requirement to have been fully vaccinated for at least a week. Nearly 38 million people, representing 56 percent of the French population, have received at least one dose of a vaccine, according to data by the covidtracker.fr website. Nearly 46 per cent, have been fully vaccinated.

France launches controversial vaccine pass as fourth Covid wave hits

Morocco has said that it "categorically rejects and condemns these unfounded and false allegations", adding that it was "erroneous" and "false" to say the country had infiltrated the phones of national or foreign public figures, the report said.

Why would Morocco spy on French President?

From Wednesday, people who want to go out to cinemas, museums, sporting matches and other cultural venues in France will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test. This comes as the country braces for a feared spike in cases from the highly transmissible Delta variant.

The new 'health pass' will be required for all events or places with more than 50 people.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a televised speech that the 'health pass' will be required for all events or places with more than 50 people before being extended to restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in August.

The initial COVID-19 pass was implemented by decree, while lawmakers will vote on its extension to restaurants and trains or planes for long-distance travel.

Health minister Olivier Veran warned of an unprecedented increase in COVID-19 cases because of the Delta variant. On Tuesday, 18,000 cases were reported over 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-seen-this-before-britain-france-spain-witness-surge-in-covid-19-cases-399293">Also read |&nbsp;'Never seen this before': Britain, France &amp; Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases</a>

"That means we have an increase in the spread of the virus of around 150 per cent in the last week: we've never seen that," Veran told parliament.&nbsp;

In Paris and much of southern and western France, COVID-19 incidence rates now exceed the warning level of 50 per 100,000 people.&nbsp;

However, the government is hoping that widespread vaccination will help in coping up with the upcoming wave.

The country has been hit hard due to the Delta variant&nbsp;which authorities said was more contagious than the previous strains even as vaccination has picked up in the country.

France has&nbsp;vaccinated&nbsp;over 55 per cent of the population with a single dose with over 44 per cent fully protected as unvaccinated travellers entering the country were put under restrictions.

From Wednesday, people who want to go out to cinemas, museums, sporting matches and other cultural venues in France will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test.

From Wednesday, people who want to go out to cinemas, museums, sporting matches and other cultural venues in France will have to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test. This comes as the country braces for a feared spike in cases from the highly transmissible Delta variant. The new 'health pass' will be required for all events or places with more than 50 people. French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a televised speech that the 'health pass' will be required for all events or places with more than 50 people before being extended to restaurants, cafes and shopping centres in August. The initial COVID-19 pass was implemented by decree, while lawmakers will vote on its extension to restaurants and trains or planes for long-distance travel. Health minister Olivier Veran warned of an unprecedented increase in COVID-19 cases because of the Delta variant. On Tuesday, 18,000 cases were reported over 24 hours. Also read | 'Never seen this before': Britain, France & Spain witness surge in COVID-19 cases "That means we have an increase in the spread of the virus of around 150 per cent in the last week: we've never seen that," Veran told parliament. In Paris and much of southern and western France, COVID-19 incidence rates now exceed the warning level of 50 per 100,000 people. However, the government is hoping that widespread vaccination will help in coping up with the upcoming wave. The country has been hit hard due to the Delta variant which authorities said was more contagious than the previous strains even as vaccination has picked up in the country. France has vaccinated over 55 per cent of the population with a single dose with over 44 per cent fully protected as unvaccinated travellers entering the country were put under restrictions.

France now launches a 'health pass'. Here is what you should know

France and Britain have agreed to deploy more police and invest in detection technology on the French coast to try to stop boats carrying illegal migrants from reaching British shores.

France & United Kingdom's bid to crackdown on illegal migrants

The French police have shot dead a man who was suspected of beheading a 13-year-old man in southern France.

Local police found a body that was beheaded in an apartment in Tarascon. After investigation, it was found out that the apartment was by a 32-year-old man who reportedly suffered from a psychiatric disorder.

The matter came to notice after a boy was reported missing from a care home in Marseille, a French city. Police started investigating the missing person case, which led them to this rented apartment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reimposition-of-covid-curfews-cannot-be-ruled-out-in-france-minister-399073">Reimposition of Covid curfews cannot be ruled out in France: Minister</a>

"The body found may be that of the minor," local public prosecutor Laurent Gumbau told news agency AFP. Police have not been able to confirm the identity and the prosecutor clarified that as of now it would be "impossible at the current time to confirm the hypothesis of anthropophagy (cannibalism)".

When the police reached the location, the man who has been booked for few previous acts of violence fled his apartment over rooftops. The chase ended three hours later when the police located him at a location in Tarascon and he was shot dead.

However, as per initial reports, the deceased suspect was not armed at the time of his death, and he has also not been identified as the killer of the 13-year-old minor man.

An investigation into both the killings has been launched.

The French police have shot dead a man who was suspected of beheading a 13-year-old man in southern France. Local police found a body that was beheaded in an apartment in Tarascon.

The French police have shot dead a man who was suspected of beheading a 13-year-old man in southern France. Local police found a body that was beheaded in an apartment in Tarascon. After investigation, it was found out that the apartment was by a 32-year-old man who reportedly suffered from a psychiatric disorder. The matter came to notice after a boy was reported missing from a care home in Marseille, a French city. Police started investigating the missing person case, which led them to this rented apartment. Also read | Reimposition of Covid curfews cannot be ruled out in France: Minister "The body found may be that of the minor," local public prosecutor Laurent Gumbau told news agency AFP. Police have not been able to confirm the identity and the prosecutor clarified that as of now it would be "impossible at the current time to confirm the hypothesis of anthropophagy (cannibalism)". When the police reached the location, the man who has been booked for few previous acts of violence fled his apartment over rooftops. The chase ended three hours later when the police located him at a location in Tarascon and he was shot dead. However, as per initial reports, the deceased suspect was not armed at the time of his death, and he has also not been identified as the killer of the 13-year-old minor man. An investigation into both the killings has been launched.

France: Police shoots dead man with psychiatric disorder suspected of beheading minor

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> infections are increasing, owing to new variants, a minister has claimed that the reimposition of Covid curfews cannot be completely ruled out.

The comment was issued by junior European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune to a local media house, BFM TV, on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-thousands-protest-in-france-against-health-pass-398783">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-19-thousands-protest-in-france-against-health-pass-398783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

His statement comes a little after the French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-prepares-law-to-ensure-mandatory-vaccination-for-health-workers-396767">restrictions for unvaccinated</a> people in the country. While Macron had earlier claimed that vaccines will not be compulsory, his government has now been pushing people to get inoculated against the dangerous virus as soon as possible.

The statement has reinstated fears of another lockdown in the country, which has not appealed to the locals who had earlier spent weeks locked in their homes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-allows-travellers-vaccinated-with-covishield-to-enter-country-398745">France allows travellers vaccinated with Covishield to enter country</a>

This has also led to continuous protests against Macron and his government’s Covid regulations. Locals have taken to the streets to voice their concerns against the revival and extension of coronavirus regulations.

Meanwhile, France has also made <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-to-require-24-hour-negative-covid-19-test-for-some-european-arrivals-398657">Covid negative results</a> compulsory for travellers entering the country from some of the European nations.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, and the Netherlands will be subject to the new rule, which comes into effect at midnight Saturday into Sunday, Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement.

As the coronavirus infections are increasing, owing to new variants, a minister has claimed that the reimposition of Covid curfews cannot be completely ruled out.

As the coronavirus infections are increasing, owing to new variants, a minister has claimed that the reimposition of Covid curfews cannot be completely ruled out. The comment was issued by junior European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune to a local media house, BFM TV, on Monday. WATCH | His statement comes a little after the French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced restrictions for unvaccinated people in the country. While Macron had earlier claimed that vaccines will not be compulsory, his government has now been pushing people to get inoculated against the dangerous virus as soon as possible. The statement has reinstated fears of another lockdown in the country, which has not appealed to the locals who had earlier spent weeks locked in their homes. Also read | France allows travellers vaccinated with Covishield to enter country This has also led to continuous protests against Macron and his government’s Covid regulations. Locals have taken to the streets to voice their concerns against the revival and extension of coronavirus regulations. Meanwhile, France has also made Covid negative results compulsory for travellers entering the country from some of the European nations. Arrivals from the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, and the Netherlands will be subject to the new rule, which comes into effect at midnight Saturday into Sunday, Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement.

Reimposition of Covid curfews cannot be ruled out in France: Minister

Following years of protests by animal welfare activists, on Sunday, France&nbsp;Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie&nbsp;announced that from 2022, the country will outlaw the culling of male chicks in the poultry industry.

It is estimated that every year, millions of male chicks are killed either by being shredded or gassed with carbon dioxide after hatching. This takes place&nbsp;due to their inability to lay eggs and smaller sizes as compared to females.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-posts-mesmerising-video-of-jupiters-moon-398894">NASA posts mesmerising video of Jupiter's moon</a>

A 2009 EU directive authorises shredding for chicks less than 72 hours old as long as it results in the chick's "immediate" death.&nbsp;

While opponents denounce unnecessary cruelty and call for more effective ways to find male eggs before they hatch, farmers argue that&nbsp;there are no practical and affordable ways of determining a chick's gender in the egg.

Talking to a daily, Le Parisien,&nbsp;Denormandie said from January 1, 2022, all poultry hatcheries would be required to have installed or ordered machines that will determine the sex of a chick at the egg stage.&nbsp;

This law is expected to prevent the killing of 50 million male chicks annually.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spending-time-outdoors-positively-impacts-the-brain-study-398883">Spending time outdoors positively impacts the brain: Study</a>

Denormandie said that farmers will receive $10 million ($11.8 million) financial aid from the state to purchase the necessary equipment.

The controversial practice will also be banned in Germany next year.&nbsp;Last year, Switzerland banned the shredding of live chicks, but allows their gassing.

Following years of protests by animal welfare activists, on Sunday, France Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie announced that from 2022, the country will outlaw the culling of male chicks in the poultry industry.

Following years of protests by animal welfare activists, on Sunday, France Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie announced that from 2022, the country will outlaw the culling of male chicks in the poultry industry. It is estimated that every year, millions of male chicks are killed either by being shredded or gassed with carbon dioxide after hatching. This takes place due to their inability to lay eggs and smaller sizes as compared to females. Also read | NASA posts mesmerising video of Jupiter's moon A 2009 EU directive authorises shredding for chicks less than 72 hours old as long as it results in the chick's "immediate" death. While opponents denounce unnecessary cruelty and call for more effective ways to find male eggs before they hatch, farmers argue that there are no practical and affordable ways of determining a chick's gender in the egg. Talking to a daily, Le Parisien, Denormandie said from January 1, 2022, all poultry hatcheries would be required to have installed or ordered machines that will determine the sex of a chick at the egg stage. This law is expected to prevent the killing of 50 million male chicks annually. Also read | Spending time outdoors positively impacts the brain: Study Denormandie said that farmers will receive $10 million ($11.8 million) financial aid from the state to purchase the necessary equipment. The controversial practice will also be banned in Germany next year. Last year, Switzerland banned the shredding of live chicks, but allows their gassing.

After Germany, France also announces a ban on culling of live male chicks

Thousands of people protested across France against the government’s latest measures to push people to get vaccinated and curb rising infections by the delta variant of the Coronavirus.

COVID-19: Thousands protest in France against health pass

France said Saturday it would require people not fully vaccinated and arriving from some European countries to show a negative COVID-19&nbsp;test taken within the previous 24 hours.&nbsp;

Arrivals from the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and the Netherlands will be subject to the new rule, which comes into effect at midnight Saturday into Sunday, Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement.&nbsp;

To date, people arriving from the United Kingdom are required to show a negative test taken within the past 48 hours.&nbsp;

Arrivals from Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, the Netherlands and Greece have had to show tests taken within 72 hours.&nbsp;

But Castex said that people who are fully vaccinated with a jab recognised by the European Medicines Agency -- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson &amp; Johnson -- will not be required to show a test.&nbsp;

The statement said the exemption was in place because "vaccines are effective against the virus, and in particular its variant Delta".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patients-taking-statin-are-at-41-lower-risk-of-an-in-hospital-death-due-to-covid-19-398625">Also read |&nbsp;Patients taking statin are at 41% lower risk of an in-hospital death due to COVID-19</a>

France will consider people fully vaccinated one week after they received the second dose of Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca, instead of 14 days previously, and 28 days after their Johnson &amp; Johnson jab, Castex said.

France will now also accept vaccination by Covishield, a copy of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India, for its health pass.&nbsp;

The government also said that Tunisia, Mozambique, Cuba and Indonesia will be added to France's so-called red list.

Travel from red-list countries is only allowed on pressing grounds and even then vaccinated travellers must self-isolate for seven days.&nbsp;

'Exponential' rise in cases

The new measures come as several European nations battle rising caseloads, blamed in part on the highly transmissible Delta variant which has taken hold on the continent.&nbsp;

New infections have ticked up in France in recent weeks, hitting nearly 11,000 on Friday, even as the government races to vaccinate the population.

President Emmanuel Macron said this week that vaccine health passes would be required for entry to most public places and that all healthcare workers must be fully inoculated, sparking a rush to book appointments for the jab. &nbsp;

Around 35.5 million people -- just over half of France's population -- have received at least one vaccine dose so far.&nbsp;

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said this week it expects a sharp increase in coronavirus cases on the continent, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1.

In an effort to control the rising numbers, France's region of Pyrenees-Orientales will require bars, restaurants, beach venues and food shops to close at 11:00 pm from Saturday until August 2, the prefecture announced on Saturday.&nbsp;

The move came after cases in the region shot up within a single week from 41.5 per 100,000 people to 258.8 per 100,000 people.

"This exponential progression is starting to translate into an equally rising number of hospitalisations," the prefecture warned in its statement announcing the measures.

The region had on Friday made masks mandatory in all public spaces except for beaches and large nature spaces and prohibited consumption of alcohol in public spaces outside of bars and restaurants.

France said Saturday it would require people not fully vaccinated and arriving from some European countries to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 24 hours.

France said Saturday it would require people not fully vaccinated and arriving from some European countries to show a negative COVID-19 test taken within the previous 24 hours. Arrivals from the United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece and the Netherlands will be subject to the new rule, which comes into effect at midnight Saturday into Sunday, Prime Minister Jean Castex said in a statement. To date, people arriving from the United Kingdom are required to show a negative test taken within the past 48 hours. Arrivals from Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, the Netherlands and Greece have had to show tests taken within 72 hours. But Castex said that people who are fully vaccinated with a jab recognised by the European Medicines Agency -- Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna, AstraZeneca or Johnson & Johnson -- will not be required to show a test. The statement said the exemption was in place because "vaccines are effective against the virus, and in particular its variant Delta". Also read | Patients taking statin are at 41% lower risk of an in-hospital death due to COVID-19 France will consider people fully vaccinated one week after they received the second dose of Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca, instead of 14 days previously, and 28 days after their Johnson & Johnson jab, Castex said. France will now also accept vaccination by Covishield, a copy of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India, for its health pass. The government also said that Tunisia, Mozambique, Cuba and Indonesia will be added to France's so-called red list. Travel from red-list countries is only allowed on pressing grounds and even then vaccinated travellers must self-isolate for seven days. 'Exponential' rise in cases The new measures come as several European nations battle rising caseloads, blamed in part on the highly transmissible Delta variant which has taken hold on the continent. New infections have ticked up in France in recent weeks, hitting nearly 11,000 on Friday, even as the government races to vaccinate the population. President Emmanuel Macron said this week that vaccine health passes would be required for entry to most public places and that all healthcare workers must be fully inoculated, sparking a rush to book appointments for the jab. Around 35.5 million people -- just over half of France's population -- have received at least one vaccine dose so far. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said this week it expects a sharp increase in coronavirus cases on the continent, with nearly five times as many new infections by August 1. In an effort to control the rising numbers, France's region of Pyrenees-Orientales will require bars, restaurants, beach venues and food shops to close at 11:00 pm from Saturday until August 2, the prefecture announced on Saturday. The move came after cases in the region shot up within a single week from 41.5 per 100,000 people to 258.8 per 100,000 people. "This exponential progression is starting to translate into an equally rising number of hospitalisations," the prefecture warned in its statement announcing the measures. The region had on Friday made masks mandatory in all public spaces except for beaches and large nature spaces and prohibited consumption of alcohol in public spaces outside of bars and restaurants.

France to require 24-hour negative COVID-19 test for some European arrivals

Military intervention in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;"is not on the agenda", France's foreign minister has said, following a Haitian request for international help with security.

The July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which came during a period of heightened gang violence and political instability, has plunged the nation into confusion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-moises-suspected-assassins-plead-innocence-us-agrees-to-tentatively-aid-haiti-397492">As Moise’s suspected assassins plead innocence, US agrees to tentatively aid Haiti</a>

Haiti&nbsp;asked the United States and United Nations to help secure key strategic sites following the attack, but France's Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday said the capital's airport and oil installations came under "police protection, not military".

Le Drian suggested France would be prepared to supply police if needed but said: "this must be done under the authority of the United Nations".

A dispatch of police officers "should be seen as part of a strengthening in the United Nations presence, which is currently insufficient, to be able to ensure the electoral process", he said outside a UN meeting on Libya and the protection of humanitarian workers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haitian-police-deny-link-of-interim-prime-minister-to-president-moises-assassination-398506">Haitian police deny link of interim prime minister to President Moise's assassination</a>

Paris and Washington intervened militarily in&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;in 2004 during the downfall of ex-leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

A UN peacekeeping mission followed between 2004 and 2007, comprising around 9,000 soldiers.

In October 2017 a police mission, the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in&nbsp;Haiti, took over and lasted until October 2019.

Any fresh UN operation would have to be authorized by the UN Security Council, according to several diplomats.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/haiti-police-hold-presidents-palace-security-chief-398330">Haiti police hold president’s palace security chief</a>

On Thursday US President Joe Biden said sending American troops to&nbsp;Haiti&nbsp;was "not on the agenda".

Military intervention in Haiti "is not on the agenda", France's foreign minister has said, following a Haitian request for international help with security. The July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which came during a period of heightened gang violence and political instability, has plunged the nation into confusion.

Military intervention in Haiti "is not on the agenda", France's foreign minister has said, following a Haitian request for international help with security. The July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, which came during a period of heightened gang violence and political instability, has plunged the nation into confusion. Also read | As Moise’s suspected assassins plead innocence, US agrees to tentatively aid Haiti Haiti asked the United States and United Nations to help secure key strategic sites following the attack, but France's Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday said the capital's airport and oil installations came under "police protection, not military". Le Drian suggested France would be prepared to supply police if needed but said: "this must be done under the authority of the United Nations". A dispatch of police officers "should be seen as part of a strengthening in the United Nations presence, which is currently insufficient, to be able to ensure the electoral process", he said outside a UN meeting on Libya and the protection of humanitarian workers. Also read | Haitian police deny link of interim prime minister to President Moise's assassination Paris and Washington intervened militarily in Haiti in 2004 during the downfall of ex-leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide. A UN peacekeeping mission followed between 2004 and 2007, comprising around 9,000 soldiers. In October 2017 a police mission, the United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, took over and lasted until October 2019. Any fresh UN operation would have to be authorized by the UN Security Council, according to several diplomats. Also read | Haiti police hold president’s palace security chief On Thursday US President Joe Biden said sending American troops to Haiti was "not on the agenda".

France says military intervention in Haiti 'not on agenda'

Some may say that Napoleon Bonaparte divides opinions. For some, he was a master strategist and exceptional general who took France to great heights. For others, he was a ruler with ever-increasing need to bring more countries under French rule.

What brings both these camps together is the fact that Napoleon was a significant personality who has left indelible mark on history. And so, anything Napoleonic garners much interest.

And now his own hat is being auctioned.

Auction house Sotheby's is bringing the singularly important thing to the auction table. The head that wore this hat on military campaigns also wielded the crown of France. &nbsp;

Sotheby describes Napoleon as an Emperor “whose extraordinary destiny continues to fascinate on every continent, 200 years after his passing”.

The characteristically shaped felt bicorne hat that's up for auction was worn by Napoleon during his triumphant campaign against Russia during the first decade of 1800s. Only 19 such hats have been identified as having belonged to Napoleon.

The one that is being auctioned now was acquired in 1814 by Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart. The hat was then handed down generation to generation until now when it is being auctioned.

The hat will be auctioned in the month of September.

So if you want to own a significant historical artifact and have 400,000 t0 600,000 Euros lying around, you should take part in the auction because this is the price range in which Sotheby's thinks it will be picked up.

Some may say that Napoleon Bonaparte divides opinions. For some, he was a master strategist and exceptional general who took France to great heights. For others, he was a ruler with ever-increasing need to bring more countries under French rule.

Some may say that Napoleon Bonaparte divides opinions. For some, he was a master strategist and exceptional general who took France to great heights. For others, he was a ruler with ever-increasing need to bring more countries under French rule. What brings both these camps together is the fact that Napoleon was a significant personality who has left indelible mark on history. And so, anything Napoleonic garners much interest. And now his own hat is being auctioned. Auction house Sotheby's is bringing the singularly important thing to the auction table. The head that wore this hat on military campaigns also wielded the crown of France. Sotheby describes Napoleon as an Emperor “whose extraordinary destiny continues to fascinate on every continent, 200 years after his passing”. The characteristically shaped felt bicorne hat that's up for auction was worn by Napoleon during his triumphant campaign against Russia during the first decade of 1800s. Only 19 such hats have been identified as having belonged to Napoleon. The one that is being auctioned now was acquired in 1814 by Sir Michael Shaw-Stewart. The hat was then handed down generation to generation until now when it is being auctioned. The hat will be auctioned in the month of September. So if you want to own a significant historical artifact and have 400,000 t0 600,000 Euros lying around, you should take part in the auction because this is the price range in which Sotheby's thinks it will be picked up.

Napoleon's hat expected to fetch up to 600,000 Euros in auction

In Pics | Here is how France celebrated Bastille Day

Thousands of military and public security personnel paraded by foot, on vehicles and aboard jets over Paris' Champs Elysees avenue on Wednesday (July 14) as France celebrated its national day.

Military personnel march on Paris' Champs Elysees for Bastille Day parade

French director Julia Ducournau and the cast of "Titane" walked the red carpet for the film's Cannes premiere on Tuesday (July 13).

Raw drama "Titane" from French director Ducournau premieres at Cannes

French President Emmanuel Macron is leading Bastille Day commemorations in Paris as the country marks its national day on Wednesday, July 14. This year marks a return to a more traditional military parade, but COVID-19 restrictions remain in place.

France's Bastille Day celebration takes place despite COVID-19 threat

A record number of people in France booked vaccination appointments on Monday night after President Emmanuel Macron announced new measures designed to push more people to get vaccinated.

Record number of people make vaccine appointments in France as Macron announces new measures

France to make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for health workers: Macron

French champagne producer Michel Drappier loves Russian customers. He sells them thousands of bottles every year, the national airline serves his brand in business class, and it was on the menu when Vladimir Putin visited France. But Drappier worries a new Russian law on labeling imported champagne will undermine the principle he holds sacrosanct, that only champagne produced in France's Champagne region is worthy of the name.

French champagne maker: We can't let Russia water down our brand

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin,&nbsp;on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region.

"In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met.

Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations."

He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-govt-to-rush-troops-to-border-to-tackle-taliban-397247">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban</a>

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31.&nbsp;

Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks.

Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots.

In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation.

Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said.

"This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial."

Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver."

Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China.

In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group.

The US and French defence chiefs signed a new "roadmap" for cooperation between their special operations forces Friday as both seek to build international efforts to counter non-state threats like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. French Defense Minister Florence Parly signed the pact at the Pentagon with her counterpart Lloyd Austin, on a visit that came as the US pulls out of Afghanistan and France cuts its counter-terror operations in Africa's Sahel region. "In the face of terrorism, our special forces have developed a true brotherhood of arms. This convention will deepen the exceptional ties that they have forged," Parly said in a tweet after the two met. Pentagon spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton Semelroth called the roadmap "a statement of intent to broaden cooperation in all areas of special operations." He said there was no specific regional focus of the agreement. But both countries are said to be looking for ways for allies to continue working together to battle Islamic jihadist groups even as they reduce the presence of their troops in Africa, Iraq and Afghanistan. Also read | Afghan govt to rush troops to border to tackle Taliban President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the near two-decade US military involvement in Afghanistan would end by August 31. Earlier Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his country would start closing military bases in northern Mali by year-end, as the jihadist threat in the Sahel begins to shift south and exposes more countries in the region to Islamist attacks. Both countries remain deeply concerned about non-state extremist insurgents in Africa, with Biden saying the US counter-terrorism effort needs to shift from Afghanistan to the continent and other hotspots. In a discussion at the Atlantic Council after her Pentagon visit, Parly said the Takuba task force, nine European and African countries' special forces working together in the Sahel, was a model for future cooperation. Takuba "is a remarkable and concrete example of Europeans taking their responsibilities by accompanying the Malian armed forces in combat," she said. "This task force has already achieved major successes against terrorism," she said, adding: "The US support to our operations in the Sahel is crucial." Citing other joint missions in recent years, she said: "Our operational cooperation delivers concrete results. And it will continue to deliver." Ahead of their discussions, Austin called France an "ideal partner" in the Indo-Pacific, where Washington is trying to build stronger partnerships to counter China. In Washington, Parly also visited US Cyber Command, which is the Pentagon's cyber warfare body.

US, France expand special forces cooperation

An appeals court in France on Thursday acquitted two French pilots who were found guilty of involvement in a major drugs bust in the Dominican Republic in 2013.

In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, two men had been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to smuggle 600 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of drug out of the country.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/honduras-police-unearth-15-tonnes-of-buried-cocaine-383450">Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine</a>

It has long been alleged that Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos were aware of the cocaine being carried on board, something that they continue to deny.

During the trial, a key figure who has not appealed his own conviction claimed that the two pilots were "conned".&nbsp; &nbsp;

Both pilots were freed, but the court upheld the sentences of&nbsp;Ali Bouchareb, the man accused of masterminding the drug trafficking ring and&nbsp;the&nbsp;aviation company's&nbsp;directors.

The drugs were discovered by Dominican police at the&nbsp;Dominican beach resort of Punta Cana&nbsp;as a Falcon 50 jet was preparing to fly to Saint-Tropez in the south of France. The drugs were packed into 26 suitcases on board the jet.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-woman-arrested-after-cocaine-hidden-in-sole-of-shoes-found-in-airport-382864">US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport</a>

The two pilots while out on bail, fled from the Dominican Republic under mysterious circumstances and fled to French territory in the Caribbean. They were arrested on their return to Paris after returning to the French mainland in November 2015.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An appeals court in France on Thursday acquitted two French pilots who were found guilty of involvement in a major drugs bust in the Dominican Republic in 2013. In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, two men had been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to smuggle 600 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of drug out of the country.

An appeals court in France on Thursday acquitted two French pilots who were found guilty of involvement in a major drugs bust in the Dominican Republic in 2013. In what has become known as the "Air Cocaine" case, two men had been sentenced to six years in prison for attempting to smuggle 600 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of drug out of the country. Also read | Honduras police unearth 1.5 tonnes of buried cocaine It has long been alleged that Pascal Fauret and Bruno Odos were aware of the cocaine being carried on board, something that they continue to deny. During the trial, a key figure who has not appealed his own conviction claimed that the two pilots were "conned". Both pilots were freed, but the court upheld the sentences of Ali Bouchareb, the man accused of masterminding the drug trafficking ring and the aviation company's directors. The drugs were discovered by Dominican police at the Dominican beach resort of Punta Cana as a Falcon 50 jet was preparing to fly to Saint-Tropez in the south of France. The drugs were packed into 26 suitcases on board the jet. Also read | US: Woman arrested after cocaine hidden in sole of shoes found in airport The two pilots while out on bail, fled from the Dominican Republic under mysterious circumstances and fled to French territory in the Caribbean. They were arrested on their return to Paris after returning to the French mainland in November 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

Air cocaine case: 8 years later, accused pilots acquitted of all charges

Actors, models and influencers mingled on the Cannes red carpet on Thursday (July 8), the third day of the film festival.

Film stars and fashionistas hit Cannes red carpets

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