After France promised legal action against soldiers who had signed a letter warning of civil war in the country, a new letter echoing the same sentiment has come to light. At least 75,000 people have signed another letter foretelling a civil war in the country due to the “concessions” given to Islamism under the current government.

The message was published in a right-wing magazine and said that “it is about the survival of our country”.&nbsp; The current letter, like the last one was backed by soldiers. This time, they did it anonymously, after which it received public support.

The recent letter was published by Valuers Actuelles on Sunday. It claims that the letter was signed by members of the military, which remains unclear.&nbsp;The authors of this letter claim to have served in Afghanistan, Mali and the Central African Republic - signifying they’re part of the younger forces.

"They gave their skin to destroy the Islamism to which you are giving concessions on our soil," the message read. In addition, the message criticised French leaders for chiding leaders who had participated in the last letter.

"If a civil war breaks out, the army will maintain order on its own soil," the letter said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/french-soldiers-to-face-military-sanctions-over-warning-of-civil-war-381578" hreflang="en">French soldiers to face military sanctions over warning of 'civil war'</a>

The previous letter was signed by 1,000 active soldiers including both men and women in April. In&nbsp;addition, 20 retired generals also signed the letter. The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of the country. The letter said, “The hour is grave, France is in peril” and was published in a right-wing magazine on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup on April 21.

At the time, Florence Parly, the minister in charge of the French armed forces hit out at the letter, claiming that the military ought to be neutral and loyal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/open-letter-by-french-soldiers-warning-of-civil-war-angers-macron-government-381049" hreflang="en">Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government</a>

"Two immutable principles guide the action of members of the military with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty”, Parly tweeted.

Marine Le Pen, a right-wing leader from France who is also a prominent candidate in next year’s presidential election openly voiced&nbsp;support to the letter.

After France promised legal action against soldiers who had signed a letter warning of civil war in the country, a new letter echoing the same sentiment has come to light.

After France promised legal action against soldiers who had signed a letter warning of civil war in the country, a new letter echoing the same sentiment has come to light. At least 75,000 people have signed another letter foretelling a civil war in the country due to the “concessions” given to Islamism under the current government. The message was published in a right-wing magazine and said that “it is about the survival of our country”. The current letter, like the last one was backed by soldiers. This time, they did it anonymously, after which it received public support. The recent letter was published by Valuers Actuelles on Sunday. It claims that the letter was signed by members of the military, which remains unclear. The authors of this letter claim to have served in Afghanistan, Mali and the Central African Republic - signifying they’re part of the younger forces. "They gave their skin to destroy the Islamism to which you are giving concessions on our soil," the message read. In addition, the message criticised French leaders for chiding leaders who had participated in the last letter. "If a civil war breaks out, the army will maintain order on its own soil," the letter said. Also read: French soldiers to face military sanctions over warning of 'civil war' The previous letter was signed by 1,000 active soldiers including both men and women in April. In addition, 20 retired generals also signed the letter. The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of the country. The letter said, “The hour is grave, France is in peril” and was published in a right-wing magazine on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup on April 21. At the time, Florence Parly, the minister in charge of the French armed forces hit out at the letter, claiming that the military ought to be neutral and loyal. Also read: Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government "Two immutable principles guide the action of members of the military with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty”, Parly tweeted. Marine Le Pen, a right-wing leader from France who is also a prominent candidate in next year’s presidential election openly voiced support to the letter.

Another letter penned by soldiers foretelling civil war in France surfaces

The United States will join an international bid to stamp out violent&nbsp;extremism&nbsp;online, the White House said Friday, some two years after the Trump administration declined to do so.&nbsp;

Biden administration spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington "will join the&nbsp;Christchurch&nbsp;Call&nbsp;to Action to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content&nbsp;Online, a global pledge by member governments and technology partners to work together to address terrorist and violent extremist content&nbsp;online."

The initiative is named after the New Zealand city where a far-right gunman massacred 51 people at two mosques in 2019 while broadcasting his rampage live on Facebook.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="‘Are you like this doggy?’ US embassy asked Chinese students. It backfired.">‘Are you like this doggy?’ US embassy asked Chinese students. It backfired.</a>

"Countering the use of the&nbsp;internet&nbsp;by terrorists and violent extremists to radicalize and recruit is a significant priority for the United States," Psaki said.

"Joining the coalition of governments and companies that have endorsed the&nbsp;Christchurch&nbsp;Call&nbsp;to Action reinforces the need for collective action."

In 2019 the United States cited protecting free speech when it declined to join the&nbsp;call, led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron, though Washington stressed that it did back the initiative's aims.

Psaki said free speech remained a concern.

"The United States applauds language in the&nbsp;Christchurch&nbsp;Call&nbsp;emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law, including the protection of freedom of expression," her statement said.

"In joining the&nbsp;Christchurch&nbsp;Call, the United States will not take steps that would violate the freedoms of speech and association protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, nor violate reasonable expectations of privacy."

She said the US will participate in a virtual summit on May 14.

The United States will join an international bid to stamp out violent extremism online, the White House said Friday, some two years after the Trump administration declined to do so.

The United States will join an international bid to stamp out violent extremism online, the White House said Friday, some two years after the Trump administration declined to do so. Biden administration spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington "will join the Christchurch Call to Action to Eliminate Terrorist and Violent Extremist Content Online, a global pledge by member governments and technology partners to work together to address terrorist and violent extremist content online." The initiative is named after the New Zealand city where a far-right gunman massacred 51 people at two mosques in 2019 while broadcasting his rampage live on Facebook. Also read | ‘Are you like this doggy?’ US embassy asked Chinese students. It backfired. "Countering the use of the internet by terrorists and violent extremists to radicalize and recruit is a significant priority for the United States," Psaki said. "Joining the coalition of governments and companies that have endorsed the Christchurch Call to Action reinforces the need for collective action." In 2019 the United States cited protecting free speech when it declined to join the call, led by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron, though Washington stressed that it did back the initiative's aims. Psaki said free speech remained a concern. "The United States applauds language in the Christchurch Call emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law, including the protection of freedom of expression," her statement said. "In joining the Christchurch Call, the United States will not take steps that would violate the freedoms of speech and association protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution, nor violate reasonable expectations of privacy." She said the US will participate in a virtual summit on May 14.

US belatedly joins 'Christchurch Call' against online extremism

Three&nbsp;members of a neo-Nazi group arrested in eastern&nbsp;France&nbsp;on suspicion of planning an attack on a masonic lodge have been charged, a judicial source said Saturday.

The suspects, two men aged 29 and 56 and a 53-year-old woman, were indicted on Friday evening by a Paris anti-terrorist judge on suspicion of forming a "terrorist criminal association", the source added.

Three&nbsp;others also arrested on Tuesday -- two men and a woman -- have since been released.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="German FA president faces calls to resign after Nazi remark">German FA president faces calls to resign after Nazi remark</a>

Belonging to a group calling itself "Honour and Nation", the suspects are believed to have planned a violent attack, although they were not on the verge of carrying it out, a source familiar with the investigation said.

They were arrested based on their communications, research into explosives and scouting of the potential target.

The probe is just the latest into&nbsp;France's far-right scene.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government">Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government</a>

Last month anti-terror prosecutors requested a trial for nine members of a group calling itself OAS that was dismantled in 2017, suspected of targeting senior politicians or French Muslims.

Another organisation suspected of planning attacks on Muslims, AFO, was taken down in 2018, the same year as still another group believed to have been preparing an attempt on President Emmanuel Macron's life.

Further anti-terrorist probes relate to a neo-Nazi group suspected of targeting Jewish and Muslim places of worship and to a white supremacist who admired the perpetrator of the 2019 attack on mosques in New Zealand city Christchurch.

Three members of a neo-Nazi group arrested in eastern France on suspicion of planning an attack on a masonic lodge have been charged, a judicial source said Saturday.

Three members of a neo-Nazi group arrested in eastern France on suspicion of planning an attack on a masonic lodge have been charged, a judicial source said Saturday. The suspects, two men aged 29 and 56 and a 53-year-old woman, were indicted on Friday evening by a Paris anti-terrorist judge on suspicion of forming a "terrorist criminal association", the source added. Three others also arrested on Tuesday -- two men and a woman -- have since been released. Also read | German FA president faces calls to resign after Nazi remark Belonging to a group calling itself "Honour and Nation", the suspects are believed to have planned a violent attack, although they were not on the verge of carrying it out, a source familiar with the investigation said. They were arrested based on their communications, research into explosives and scouting of the potential target. The probe is just the latest into France's far-right scene. Also read | Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government Last month anti-terror prosecutors requested a trial for nine members of a group calling itself OAS that was dismantled in 2017, suspected of targeting senior politicians or French Muslims. Another organisation suspected of planning attacks on Muslims, AFO, was taken down in 2018, the same year as still another group believed to have been preparing an attempt on President Emmanuel Macron's life. Further anti-terrorist probes relate to a neo-Nazi group suspected of targeting Jewish and Muslim places of worship and to a white supremacist who admired the perpetrator of the 2019 attack on mosques in New Zealand city Christchurch.

France charges three over neo-Nazi attack plot

France will impose a mandatory 10-day quarantine restriction on travellers from Pakistan and six other countries in wake of rising COVID-19 infections, announced the country's Interior Ministry on Friday.

Citing an update on the French Interior Ministry website, CNN reported that Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have been included in the list.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="France eases regional travel restrictions">France eases regional travel restrictions</a>

The total number of countries subject to a travel quarantine in France has now risen to 12.

Earlier, India, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and South Africa were among the countries which required a compulsory quarantine for 10 days, owing to a surge of COVID-19 cases from these countries.

Travellers coming from the French department of Guiana are also subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine, reported CNN.

French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal on Wednesday announced that new countries would soon be added to the quarantine list because France "cannot take the risk of new variants lightly".

Meanwhile, Malaysia has announced a travel ban for Pakistan and several other Asian countries over rising cases of COVID-19 in the last couple of weeks.&nbsp;

France will impose a mandatory 10-day quarantine restriction on travellers from Pakistan and six other countries in wake of rising COVID-19 infections, announced the country's Interior Ministry on Friday.

France will impose a mandatory 10-day quarantine restriction on travellers from Pakistan and six other countries in wake of rising COVID-19 infections, announced the country's Interior Ministry on Friday. Citing an update on the French Interior Ministry website, CNN reported that Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar have been included in the list. Also read | France eases regional travel restrictions The total number of countries subject to a travel quarantine in France has now risen to 12. Earlier, India, Brazil, Argentina, Chile and South Africa were among the countries which required a compulsory quarantine for 10 days, owing to a surge of COVID-19 cases from these countries. Travellers coming from the French department of Guiana are also subject to a mandatory 10-day quarantine, reported CNN. French government spokesperson Gabriel Attal on Wednesday announced that new countries would soon be added to the quarantine list because France "cannot take the risk of new variants lightly". Meanwhile, Malaysia has announced a travel ban for Pakistan and several other Asian countries over rising cases of COVID-19 in the last couple of weeks.

COVID-19: France to impose mandatory quarantine for arrivals from 7 countries

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish.

It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing. And right now the stakes could not be higher.

So how did Europe's iron brothers come to a standoff? And where do things go from here? Why are Britain and France sparring?

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Because of the most shoddy bit of deal-making in modern history: Brexit.

Last week, Britain and the EU ratified a post-Brexit agreement. It talks about a new fishing regime in the English channel. This is the waterway that separates Britain from France.

Before Brexit, fishing rights weren't an issue. All EU states shared one common fishing area. But the whole point of Brexit was to change this system. So Britain took back control of its waters. The new agreement allows french fishermen to keep using the channel.

But there is a condition. They can't be first timers. The fishermen must have a history of fishing in British waters.

Now the French say&nbsp;their rights are still being restricted. Not in mainland Britain, But in a crown dependency to the south, the island of Jersey.

Jersey is very close to France, just 22 kilometres away from it. Its distance from mainland Britain is almost 140 kilometres.

A little over 100,000 people live here. And they have their own parliament under the Queen of England. The UK government is responsible for Jersey's defence.

Last Friday, Jersey granted 41 fishing permits. But the fishermen say the permits violated the Brexit agreement. They say additional requirements were added at the last minute. So what did they do?

They gathered their boats and swarmed Jersey. By Thursday morning, 25 French trawlers had arrived. They were threatening to block Jersey's Saint Hellier port.

"We're not happy with the licensing restrictions they handed out to us, we should have had licences to fish as we wished without any restrictions, restrictions on the species. But they impose a restriction on days, some boats will only be able to fish one type of fish when they used to fish three or four," said French fisherman, Laurent Blondel.

But they were not alone in these waters. Britain has deployed two Royal Navy ships to Jersey. HMS Seven and HMS Taymer. They are both armed with two large guns and a short-range anti-aircraft weapon.

What exactly is their mission? Right now, nothing. Downing Street says the ships are there to observe.

Boris Johnson has pledged his unwavering support to Jersey. He says any blockade would be unjustified, but so are naval deployments.

That too over fish.

These are men with fishing nets and harpoons. Hardly a mission for the Royal Navy.

And what about the French? How have they reacted, or over-reacted?

"As you know, the agreement provides for retaliatory measures and these measures of retaliation we are ready to use. Europe, France, has means – they are inscribed in the agreement. In so far as jersey is concerned, I'll remind you, for example, of electricity transportation via undersea cable. So we have the means and even if I regret that we could get to this point, we'll get there if we must," said Annick Girardin, French maritime minister.

The minister is talking about cutting off electricity to Jersey. Most of the island's power comes from France. Almost 95 per cent. It is delivered through three underwater cables.

France is threatening to turn off this tap. They have also deployed a naval patrol of their own.

If this was the Red Sea or the Gulf, we would be having a different discussion.

But this is the English channel. The chances of France and England having a skirmish are practically nil.

But it does reveal the lack of political maturity in Europe. Thursday was election day in Britain. Local body elections.

Some critics say Boris Johnson wanted to flex his muscles ahead of voting. In France, Macron is up for reelection next year. He wants the fishermen on his side. But above all, this standoff is a direct outcome of shoddy dealmaking. The UK just wanted Brexit to be over.

The result was this a lot of contentious issues were ignored. You see, striking a deal and implementing it, are two different things.

And this is just the start of Britain's worries. Because to the north, an even bigger standoff awaits. That of Northern Ireland.

But that's a discussion for another time.

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish. It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing.

The oldest sparring partners of Europe are at it again. They've fought over colonies, they have fought over the seas. And now they are fighting over fish. It does sound trivial but there's big money in fishing. And right now the stakes could not be higher. So how did Europe's iron brothers come to a standoff? And where do things go from here? Why are Britain and France sparring? × Because of the most shoddy bit of deal-making in modern history: Brexit. Last week, Britain and the EU ratified a post-Brexit agreement. It talks about a new fishing regime in the English channel. This is the waterway that separates Britain from France. Before Brexit, fishing rights weren't an issue. All EU states shared one common fishing area. But the whole point of Brexit was to change this system. So Britain took back control of its waters. The new agreement allows french fishermen to keep using the channel. But there is a condition. They can't be first timers. The fishermen must have a history of fishing in British waters. Now the French say their rights are still being restricted. Not in mainland Britain, But in a crown dependency to the south, the island of Jersey. Jersey is very close to France, just 22 kilometres away from it. Its distance from mainland Britain is almost 140 kilometres. A little over 100,000 people live here. And they have their own parliament under the Queen of England. The UK government is responsible for Jersey's defence. Last Friday, Jersey granted 41 fishing permits. But the fishermen say the permits violated the Brexit agreement. They say additional requirements were added at the last minute. So what did they do? They gathered their boats and swarmed Jersey. By Thursday morning, 25 French trawlers had arrived. They were threatening to block Jersey's Saint Hellier port. "We're not happy with the licensing restrictions they handed out to us, we should have had licences to fish as we wished without any restrictions, restrictions on the species. But they impose a restriction on days, some boats will only be able to fish one type of fish when they used to fish three or four," said French fisherman, Laurent Blondel. But they were not alone in these waters. Britain has deployed two Royal Navy ships to Jersey. HMS Seven and HMS Taymer. They are both armed with two large guns and a short-range anti-aircraft weapon. What exactly is their mission? Right now, nothing. Downing Street says the ships are there to observe. Boris Johnson has pledged his unwavering support to Jersey. He says any blockade would be unjustified, but so are naval deployments. That too over fish. These are men with fishing nets and harpoons. Hardly a mission for the Royal Navy. And what about the French? How have they reacted, or over-reacted? "As you know, the agreement provides for retaliatory measures and these measures of retaliation we are ready to use. Europe, France, has means – they are inscribed in the agreement. In so far as jersey is concerned, I'll remind you, for example, of electricity transportation via undersea cable. So we have the means and even if I regret that we could get to this point, we'll get there if we must," said Annick Girardin, French maritime minister. The minister is talking about cutting off electricity to Jersey. Most of the island's power comes from France. Almost 95 per cent. It is delivered through three underwater cables. France is threatening to turn off this tap. They have also deployed a naval patrol of their own. If this was the Red Sea or the Gulf, we would be having a different discussion. But this is the English channel. The chances of France and England having a skirmish are practically nil. But it does reveal the lack of political maturity in Europe. Thursday was election day in Britain. Local body elections. Some critics say Boris Johnson wanted to flex his muscles ahead of voting. In France, Macron is up for reelection next year. He wants the fishermen on his side. But above all, this standoff is a direct outcome of shoddy dealmaking. The UK just wanted Brexit to be over. The result was this a lot of contentious issues were ignored. You see, striking a deal and implementing it, are two different things. And this is just the start of Britain's worries. Because to the north, an even bigger standoff awaits. That of Northern Ireland. But that's a discussion for another time.

Britain and France fight over fish

Argentina's&nbsp;President&nbsp;Alberto Fernandez will&nbsp;head&nbsp;to&nbsp;Europe&nbsp;and meet Pope Francis in the Vatican as the country looks to secure a repayment deal with the International Monetary Fund.

The crisis-hit South American country is due to start repaying the $44 billion loan this year but in March Fernandez said the&nbsp;debt&nbsp;in its current form was "unpayable."

In recession since 2018,&nbsp;Argentina&nbsp;must also repay a $2.8 billion loan with the Paris Club of creditor countries that provide sustainable solutions to debtor countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="EU releases Indo-Pacific strategy; envoy Ugo reaffirms ties with India">EU releases Indo-Pacific strategy; envoy Ugo reaffirms ties with India</a>

Those included three of the countries Fernandez will visit: France, Italy and Spain.

Fernandez is due to arrive in Portugal on Sunday to meet his counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, while Economy Minister Martin Guzman, Foreign Affairs Minister Felipe Sola, and first lady Fabiola Yanez will also make the trip to&nbsp;Europe.

On Monday afternoon he will&nbsp;head&nbsp;to Spain to meet King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

French&nbsp;President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron will host Fernandez at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday and the next day fellow&nbsp;Argentine&nbsp;Pope Francis will welcome him to the Vatican before a final meeting with Italian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez will head to Europe and meet Pope Francis in the Vatican as the country looks to secure a repayment deal with the International Monetary Fund.

Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez will head to Europe and meet Pope Francis in the Vatican as the country looks to secure a repayment deal with the International Monetary Fund. The crisis-hit South American country is due to start repaying the $44 billion loan this year but in March Fernandez said the debt in its current form was "unpayable." In recession since 2018, Argentina must also repay a $2.8 billion loan with the Paris Club of creditor countries that provide sustainable solutions to debtor countries. Also read | EU releases Indo-Pacific strategy; envoy Ugo reaffirms ties with India Those included three of the countries Fernandez will visit: France, Italy and Spain. Fernandez is due to arrive in Portugal on Sunday to meet his counterpart, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, while Economy Minister Martin Guzman, Foreign Affairs Minister Felipe Sola, and first lady Fabiola Yanez will also make the trip to Europe. On Monday afternoon he will head to Spain to meet King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. French President Emmanuel Macron will host Fernandez at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday and the next day fellow Argentine Pope Francis will welcome him to the Vatican before a final meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Mario Draghi.

Argentine president to head to Europe as IMF debt weighs heavy

16 years old Mariem Chourak considers wearing Hijab as an expression of her devotion. But a proposal by french senators might soon deny her freedom to do so in public spaces.

France: French Muslim women rise up against proposed ban

The United Kingdom withdrew its Royal Navy vessels from the waters off Jersey on Thursday but said it would remain on standby to support the Channel island after a dispute with France over post-Brexit fishing rights escalated rapidly.

UK withdraws patrol boats from Jersey after French Brexit row

A French journalist, who disappeared last month in Mali's northern city of Gao appeared in a video on Wednesday appealing to authorities to work for his release. He also said that he had been kidnapped in early April by a jihadist group with links to Al-Qaeda.

French journalist abducted in Mali appears in video asking for help

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns that French fishermen could blockade its main port in an escalating post-Brexit row. France has threatened to cut off electricity to the island, which began issuing licences to French boats under a new system last week.

Boris Johnson sends Royal Navy ships to patrol Jersey port

Indian, French and Australian foreign ministers held the first in-person trilateral meet in London on Tuesday on the sidelines of the G7 summit. Indian Foreign Affairs Minister Jaishankar tweeted about the meet.

India, Australia, France, FMs held first in-person trilateral meet in London

Napoleon a misogynistic, slaving autocrat? France reviews Bonaparte's legacy on death anniversary

Jacques Chirac couldn’t stand him. Nicolas Sarkozy kept his distance. François Hollande shunned him. But on the 200th anniversary this week of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death, Emmanuel Macron has chosen to do what most recent presidents of France have avoided: honor the man who in 1799 destroyed the nascent French Republic in a putsch.

By choosing to lay a wreath Wednesday at Napoleon’s tomb under the golden dome of Les Invalides, Macron is stepping into the heart of France’s culture wars. Napoleon, always a contested figure, has become a Rorschach test for the French at a moment of tense cultural confrontation.

Was Napoleon a modernizing reformer whose legal code, lycée school system, central bank, and centralized administrative framework laid the basis for post-revolutionary France? Or was he a retrograde racist, imperialist, and misogynist?

By paying his respects to Napoleon, Macron will please a restive French right dreaming of lost glory and of a moment when, under its turbulent emperor, France stood at the center of the world. The French obsession with the romantic epic of Napoleon’s rise and fall is undying, as countless magazine covers and talk shows have underscored in recent weeks.

But in the current zeitgeist, Napoleon’s decisive role as founder of the modern French state tends to pale beside his record as colonizer, warmonger and enslaver. Macron is taking a risk. Officials close to him have portrayed his planned speech as an attempt to look Napoleon “in the face,” light and shadow. Others, however, insist Napoleon should be condemned rather than commemorated.

“How can we celebrate a man who was the enemy of the French Republic, of a number of European peoples, and also the enemy of humanity in that he was an enslaver?” Louis-Georges Tin, an author and activist, and Olivier Le Cour Grandmaison, a political scientist, wrote last month in Le Monde.

They argued that Les Invalides should be turned into a museum of France’s five republics and that Napoleon’s remains, like Franco’s in Spain, be returned to his family. The remains have already journeyed a long way. It took 19 years for them to reach France in 1840, after Napoleon’s lonely death at age 51 in British-imposed exile on the remote South Atlantic island of St. Helena.

“Yes, the head of state, the commander in chief, must bow down at the tomb of the victor of Austerlitz,” Jean d’Orléans, a descendant of the French monarchy, wrote in Le Figaro, referring to one of Napoleon’s greatest military triumphs. Honoring Napoleon amounts to “honoring the French people, honoring ourselves.”

Yet this brilliant general who fought to free Europe from the feudal shackles of monarchy also restored slavery by decree in the French Caribbean in 1802, after its post-revolutionary abolition in 1794.

Revolts in Guadeloupe and the then French colony of Saint-Domingue, now Haiti and the Dominican Republic, were ruthlessly repressed. Haiti prevailed, declared independence in 1804 and abolished slavery. France, the only country to have ended and then reinstated slavery, did not re-abolish slavery until 1848.

This history has tended to be eclipsed by the magnetism of the Bonapartist saga. Now, as with Jefferson’s slave-owning in the United States, or the criticism in Britain last year of Churchill for his comments about racial hierarchies, a new age has a new focus.

Claude Ribbe, whose book “Napoleon’s Crimes” caused an outcry when it was published in 2005 because of its descriptions of French brutality in the Caribbean, said: “We can commemorate him, but never celebrate him, because of the shadow of his racism, still felt in France today.”

This view has gained some ground as France has embarked on a reckoning, encouraged by Macron, of its colonial past, particularly in Algeria, and a vigorous debate has begun on whether the country’s purportedly colorblind universalist model masks widespread racism.

Josette Borel-Lincertin, the Socialist president of the departmental council in Guadeloupe, told Le Monde that her community would not participate in tributes to Napoleon, whom every Guadeloupian knows reestablished slavery. “We can only send from this side of the ocean the echo of our pain,” she said.

That echo, in mainland France, can seem faint. Fascination with Napoleon appears more potent than ever, as if, in a time of pandemic-induced uncertainty, he embodies everything France feels it has lost. Napoleon’s life remains a parable for many people, including Macron, of national action, and grandeur — flawed, no doubt, violent without question, but transformative.

This general by his 20s, this “Robespierre on horseback” bearing the anti-clerical message of the 1789 revolution across Europe, this mastermind of the battles of Marengo and Austerlitz, represents a quintessence of French audacity and genius to a France that must now satisfy itself with being a medium-size power.

Pascal Bruckner, a writer, said: “Why the obsession? Because with Napoleon, the Gallic cockerel became an imperial eagle. Now it’s just a tired old hen on its bell tower.”

Éric Zemmour, author of “The French Suicide,” typifies the right’s view of Napoleon. Zemmour likes to recall how it took all of Europe to defeat Napoleon in 1815. By 1940, Nazi Germany crushed France in three weeks. Today, he argues, the country has difficulty even controlling its borders.

It is this caricature of French decline that lay behind a letter last month from 20 retired generals that described France as being in a state of “disintegration” and warned of a possible coup. Marine Le Pen, the rightist leader who is the strongest challenger to Macron in next year’s presidential election, applauded it.

This is the delicate context of Macron’s tribute to a man who came to power in a coup. On May 9, he will mark Europe Day. On May 10, Macron will commemorate the law passed in 2001 that recognized slavery as a crime against humanity.

Gabriel Attal, the government spokesman, said: “To commemorate is to have your eyes wide open on our history and look it in the face. Even with respect to choices that today look questionable.”

Jacques Chirac couldn’t stand him. Nicolas Sarkozy kept his distance. François Hollande shunned him. But on the 200th anniversary this week of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death, Emmanuel Macron has chosen to do what most recent presidents of France have avoided: honor the man who in 1799 destroyed the nascent French Republic in a putsch.

Jacques Chirac couldn’t stand him. Nicolas Sarkozy kept his distance. François Hollande shunned him. But on the 200th anniversary this week of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death, Emmanuel Macron has chosen to do what most recent presidents of France have avoided: honor the man who in 1799 destroyed the nascent French Republic in a putsch. By choosing to lay a wreath Wednesday at Napoleon’s tomb under the golden dome of Les Invalides, Macron is stepping into the heart of France’s culture wars. Napoleon, always a contested figure, has become a Rorschach test for the French at a moment of tense cultural confrontation. Was Napoleon a modernizing reformer whose legal code, lycée school system, central bank, and centralized administrative framework laid the basis for post-revolutionary France? Or was he a retrograde racist, imperialist, and misogynist? By paying his respects to Napoleon, Macron will please a restive French right dreaming of lost glory and of a moment when, under its turbulent emperor, France stood at the center of the world. The French obsession with the romantic epic of Napoleon’s rise and fall is undying, as countless magazine covers and talk shows have underscored in recent weeks. But in the current zeitgeist, Napoleon’s decisive role as founder of the modern French state tends to pale beside his record as colonizer, warmonger and enslaver. Macron is taking a risk. Officials close to him have portrayed his planned speech as an attempt to look Napoleon “in the face,” light and shadow. Others, however, insist Napoleon should be condemned rather than commemorated. “How can we celebrate a man who was the enemy of the French Republic, of a number of European peoples, and also the enemy of humanity in that he was an enslaver?” Louis-Georges Tin, an author and activist, and Olivier Le Cour Grandmaison, a political scientist, wrote last month in Le Monde. They argued that Les Invalides should be turned into a museum of France’s five republics and that Napoleon’s remains, like Franco’s in Spain, be returned to his family. The remains have already journeyed a long way. It took 19 years for them to reach France in 1840, after Napoleon’s lonely death at age 51 in British-imposed exile on the remote South Atlantic island of St. Helena. “Yes, the head of state, the commander in chief, must bow down at the tomb of the victor of Austerlitz,” Jean d’Orléans, a descendant of the French monarchy, wrote in Le Figaro, referring to one of Napoleon’s greatest military triumphs. Honoring Napoleon amounts to “honoring the French people, honoring ourselves.” Yet this brilliant general who fought to free Europe from the feudal shackles of monarchy also restored slavery by decree in the French Caribbean in 1802, after its post-revolutionary abolition in 1794. Revolts in Guadeloupe and the then French colony of Saint-Domingue, now Haiti and the Dominican Republic, were ruthlessly repressed. Haiti prevailed, declared independence in 1804 and abolished slavery. France, the only country to have ended and then reinstated slavery, did not re-abolish slavery until 1848. This history has tended to be eclipsed by the magnetism of the Bonapartist saga. Now, as with Jefferson’s slave-owning in the United States, or the criticism in Britain last year of Churchill for his comments about racial hierarchies, a new age has a new focus. Claude Ribbe, whose book “Napoleon’s Crimes” caused an outcry when it was published in 2005 because of its descriptions of French brutality in the Caribbean, said: “We can commemorate him, but never celebrate him, because of the shadow of his racism, still felt in France today.” This view has gained some ground as France has embarked on a reckoning, encouraged by Macron, of its colonial past, particularly in Algeria, and a vigorous debate has begun on whether the country’s purportedly colorblind universalist model masks widespread racism. Josette Borel-Lincertin, the Socialist president of the departmental council in Guadeloupe, told Le Monde that her community would not participate in tributes to Napoleon, whom every Guadeloupian knows reestablished slavery. “We can only send from this side of the ocean the echo of our pain,” she said. That echo, in mainland France, can seem faint. Fascination with Napoleon appears more potent than ever, as if, in a time of pandemic-induced uncertainty, he embodies everything France feels it has lost. Napoleon’s life remains a parable for many people, including Macron, of national action, and grandeur — flawed, no doubt, violent without question, but transformative. This general by his 20s, this “Robespierre on horseback” bearing the anti-clerical message of the 1789 revolution across Europe, this mastermind of the battles of Marengo and Austerlitz, represents a quintessence of French audacity and genius to a France that must now satisfy itself with being a medium-size power. Pascal Bruckner, a writer, said: “Why the obsession? Because with Napoleon, the Gallic cockerel became an imperial eagle. Now it’s just a tired old hen on its bell tower.” Éric Zemmour, author of “The French Suicide,” typifies the right’s view of Napoleon. Zemmour likes to recall how it took all of Europe to defeat Napoleon in 1815. By 1940, Nazi Germany crushed France in three weeks. Today, he argues, the country has difficulty even controlling its borders. It is this caricature of French decline that lay behind a letter last month from 20 retired generals that described France as being in a state of “disintegration” and warned of a possible coup. Marine Le Pen, the rightist leader who is the strongest challenger to Macron in next year’s presidential election, applauded it. This is the delicate context of Macron’s tribute to a man who came to power in a coup. On May 9, he will mark Europe Day. On May 10, Macron will commemorate the law passed in 2001 that recognized slavery as a crime against humanity. Gabriel Attal, the government spokesman, said: “To commemorate is to have your eyes wide open on our history and look it in the face. Even with respect to choices that today look questionable.”

France battles over whether to cancel or celebrate Napoleon, 200 years since his death

The&nbsp;French&nbsp;parliament&nbsp;is set to&nbsp;vote&nbsp;through a&nbsp;new&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change&nbsp;law&nbsp;on Tuesday intended by President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce his&nbsp;green&nbsp;credentials one year ahead of national&nbsp;elections.

The draft legislation is almost certain to be approved in a first reading by the lower house of&nbsp;parliament, where Macron has a working majority, but it has been heavily&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;by environmental&nbsp;groups.

Campaigners see it as too timid given the pace of&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change globally and accuse the&nbsp;French&nbsp;leader of half-hearted commitment to a cause he has admitted to embracing belatedly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion">As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion</a>

France's environment minister, Barbara Pompili, has defended the text, saying it "will affect the daily life of all of our citizens" and is "one of the biggest&nbsp;laws&nbsp;of the (president's) term".

Measures include bans on domestic flights under two and half hours that can be done by train, restrictions on renting badly insulated properties, or the creation of a&nbsp;new&nbsp;"ecocide" crime to punish polluters.

The overall aim is to put in place measures that will enable France to meet its target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared with 1990 levels by a deadline of 2030.

Lobby&nbsp;groups&nbsp;such as Greenpeace have called it a "lost opportunity of Macron's term", while even the president's own environmental advisory council said it would "have a potentially limited impact".

It is also less ambitious than&nbsp;new&nbsp;targets for 55 per cent cuts agreed at the EU level and falls short of a German plan which was rejected last week by the country's constitutional court as "insufficient".

Climate&nbsp;change and protection of the environment are likely to be bigger themes in next year's presidential&nbsp;election&nbsp;than the last one in 2017, which Macron won while barely campaigning on the issue.

The main&nbsp;Green&nbsp;party in France made major gains in cities such as Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lyon in local&nbsp;elections&nbsp;last year, mirroring a Europe-wide trend in favour of environmental&nbsp;groups.

In Germany, the&nbsp;Green&nbsp;party has overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in recent polls.

The&nbsp;climate&nbsp;law&nbsp;has also been a test of what Macron billed as a more inclusive form of government that has seen members of the public invited to help draft the legislation.

After anti-government riots by so-called "yellow vest" protesters in 2018, he pledged to change his leadership style which was seen by critics as too centralised and removed from the wider public.

A hundred and fifty people were chosen at random to form a "Citizen's Convention on&nbsp;Climate" which was tasked with recommending measures that would enable the country to meet its emissions targets.

But after seeing the legislation submitted to&nbsp;parliament, many members felt let down and accused Macron of reneging on a commitment to adopt their ideas.

Cyril Dion, a leading figure from the convention, attended a protest rally calling for bolder action in March and said the&nbsp;law&nbsp;"absolutely does not enable France to meet its objectives."

The government counters that is trying to find a balance between reducing emissions while protecting workers and industry at a time when the economy has been battered by the Covid pandemic.

"With the&nbsp;law, we are walking a fine line, making big changes while keeping it economically and socially acceptable," Pompili told the Financial Times last week.

Macron was stung by the "yellow vest" protests which were initially sparked by environmental policies such as raising taxes on diesel as well as old, polluting cars.

His predecessor Francois Hollande was forced into a U-turn by truck drivers, known as the "red hats", who protested against his efforts to impose an environmental tax on heavy-goods vehicles.

Even if passed by the lower house and the Senate, the&nbsp;new&nbsp;law&nbsp;will almost certainly need to be updated in order for France to keep up with evolving European Union targets for emissions reductions.

The European&nbsp;Parliament&nbsp;and EU member states agreed a target in late April of cuts of at least 55 per cent by 2030 from 1990 levels -- compared to the 40 per cent target set in the&nbsp;French&nbsp;law.

The French parliament is set to vote through a new climate change law on Tuesday intended by President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce his green credentials one year ahead of national elections.

The French parliament is set to vote through a new climate change law on Tuesday intended by President Emmanuel Macron to reinforce his green credentials one year ahead of national elections. The draft legislation is almost certain to be approved in a first reading by the lower house of parliament, where Macron has a working majority, but it has been heavily criticised by environmental groups. Campaigners see it as too timid given the pace of climate change globally and accuse the French leader of half-hearted commitment to a cause he has admitted to embracing belatedly. Also read: As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion France's environment minister, Barbara Pompili, has defended the text, saying it "will affect the daily life of all of our citizens" and is "one of the biggest laws of the (president's) term". Measures include bans on domestic flights under two and half hours that can be done by train, restrictions on renting badly insulated properties, or the creation of a new "ecocide" crime to punish polluters. The overall aim is to put in place measures that will enable France to meet its target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared with 1990 levels by a deadline of 2030. Lobby groups such as Greenpeace have called it a "lost opportunity of Macron's term", while even the president's own environmental advisory council said it would "have a potentially limited impact". It is also less ambitious than new targets for 55 per cent cuts agreed at the EU level and falls short of a German plan which was rejected last week by the country's constitutional court as "insufficient". Climate change and protection of the environment are likely to be bigger themes in next year's presidential election than the last one in 2017, which Macron won while barely campaigning on the issue. The main Green party in France made major gains in cities such as Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Lyon in local elections last year, mirroring a Europe-wide trend in favour of environmental groups. In Germany, the Green party has overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives in recent polls. The climate law has also been a test of what Macron billed as a more inclusive form of government that has seen members of the public invited to help draft the legislation. After anti-government riots by so-called "yellow vest" protesters in 2018, he pledged to change his leadership style which was seen by critics as too centralised and removed from the wider public. A hundred and fifty people were chosen at random to form a "Citizen's Convention on Climate" which was tasked with recommending measures that would enable the country to meet its emissions targets. But after seeing the legislation submitted to parliament, many members felt let down and accused Macron of reneging on a commitment to adopt their ideas. Cyril Dion, a leading figure from the convention, attended a protest rally calling for bolder action in March and said the law "absolutely does not enable France to meet its objectives." The government counters that is trying to find a balance between reducing emissions while protecting workers and industry at a time when the economy has been battered by the Covid pandemic. "With the law, we are walking a fine line, making big changes while keeping it economically and socially acceptable," Pompili told the Financial Times last week. Macron was stung by the "yellow vest" protests which were initially sparked by environmental policies such as raising taxes on diesel as well as old, polluting cars. His predecessor Francois Hollande was forced into a U-turn by truck drivers, known as the "red hats", who protested against his efforts to impose an environmental tax on heavy-goods vehicles. Even if passed by the lower house and the Senate, the new law will almost certainly need to be updated in order for France to keep up with evolving European Union targets for emissions reductions. The European Parliament and EU member states agreed a target in late April of cuts of at least 55 per cent by 2030 from 1990 levels -- compared to the 40 per cent target set in the French law.

French parliament to vote new climate law criticised by green groups

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes. If anyone wanted to travel farther, the person had obtained permission slips.

"For me, it's freedom," 80-year-old Parisian Madeleine Bugnion told Reuters. "I kept on taking walks but I never went past the 10 kilometres (radius),"

Most said they were especially looking forward to the relaxing of the 7 p.m. nightly curfew and the resumption of outside service for cafes, bars and restaurants that is set to take place on May 19.

"I believe it is something everyone is looking forward to but we have to remain vigilant and keep in mind that the priority is to stay alive, and avoid having overcrowded hospitals," said Parisian Olivier Lacombes.

In order to tackle surge in cases, France began its national lockdown at the end of March.

Under pressure from business and a weary public, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday (April 30) a four-phase plan to ease restrictions.

France reported 113 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals on Sunday (May 2), down from 195 on Saturday (May 1), and the lowest since October, health ministry data showed, on the eve of an easing of the country's lockdown restrictions.

France has accelerated its vaccination campaign.

The health ministry on Sunday said 15.8 million, or 23.7% of the population, have received a first shot of vaccine and 6.5 million, or 9.4% of the population, have received two shots.

(With inputs from agencies)

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes.

Parisians were happy with the easing of travel restrictions in France on Monday. The easing puts an end to a rule that limited people to 10 kilometres from their homes. If anyone wanted to travel farther, the person had obtained permission slips. "For me, it's freedom," 80-year-old Parisian Madeleine Bugnion told Reuters. "I kept on taking walks but I never went past the 10 kilometres (radius)," Most said they were especially looking forward to the relaxing of the 7 p.m. nightly curfew and the resumption of outside service for cafes, bars and restaurants that is set to take place on May 19. "I believe it is something everyone is looking forward to but we have to remain vigilant and keep in mind that the priority is to stay alive, and avoid having overcrowded hospitals," said Parisian Olivier Lacombes. In order to tackle surge in cases, France began its national lockdown at the end of March. Under pressure from business and a weary public, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday (April 30) a four-phase plan to ease restrictions. France reported 113 new coronavirus deaths in hospitals on Sunday (May 2), down from 195 on Saturday (May 1), and the lowest since October, health ministry data showed, on the eve of an easing of the country's lockdown restrictions. France has accelerated its vaccination campaign. The health ministry on Sunday said 15.8 million, or 23.7% of the population, have received a first shot of vaccine and 6.5 million, or 9.4% of the population, have received two shots. (With inputs from agencies)

France eases regional travel restrictions

Pictures: With smelling abilities hit by COVID-19, wine testers fear the loss of livelihood

Last week, an open letter warning that France could face a civil war was published. The letter, which was signed by 1,000 military officers, both serving and retired, also threatened a military coup.

The group of retired and serving officers labels 'Political Islam' as a serious threat. According to them, France's President Emmanuel Macron’s failure to crack down on Islamists may lead to the disintegration of the nation. The signatories also hint at the possibility of a military coup, to take back the control.

These opinions mentioned in this open letter were published by a far-right magazine this month. The signatories of the aforementioned letter include 20 retired generals and has been&nbsp;released on the 60th anniversary of the 1961 failed coup attempt, Algiers putsch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-serving-military-officers-threaten-a-coup-in-france-381797">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-serving-military-officers-threaten-a-coup-in-france-381797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In 1961, generals of the French army had launched a coup against the then-president Charles de Gaulle. The aim behind this coup was to stop the independence of Algeria.

The recently published open letter has met with outrage in the French government. The crackdown following this outrage, with reports of military sanctions on 18 soldiers. According to the French armed forces chief of staff, each of them will be presented before a senior military council and might be either forced into immediate retirement or face de-listing. Other signatories can also face formal action.

The French defence ministry says that by appealing to their peers to take up arms against the country, these servicemen have broken military rules.

A recently conducted poll found that 58 per cent of the French people agree with the sentiments of the letter. French opposition leader Marine Le Pen, who plans to contest against Macron in the next elections, has added more fuel to the fire. She has called on the signatories of this open letter to support her bid for the presidency in 2022.

This clamour from the right wing comes at a time when the French government is pushing for an anti-corruption bill. After several terror attacks in the last seven months, President Macron wants to tighten the surveillance powers of security agencies, planning to use algorithms to detect activity on jihadist and extremist websites.

"One must know that when someone types five or six times a search for a video of a decapitation, for example, from IS (Islamic State group), on the internet, the intelligence services cannot know and follow that person. Tomorrow, we can know this information. The French security agency will ask the interior minister, the Prime Minister and the National Commission of Technical Intelligence, which is an independent administrative body that is already following telephone calls, the possibility to uncover the anonymity of the person who is conducting that search in order to be able — if the threat is grave and confirmed — to follow and eventually intervene,", said Gerald Darmanin, French Interior minister.

France should take a lesson from its history and remember that democracy remains stable only as long as the civilian leadership, i.e. the people elected government remains in control of the armed forces. While, undoubtedly, this letter was merely an outburst from the fringe, the right-wing has dragged the matter into the mainstream media. This can be taken as a clear sign that the threat of Islamic terrorism will dominate the election discourse in next year's French elections.

Last week, an open letter warning that France could face a civil war was published. The letter, which was signed by 1,000 military officers, both serving and retired, also threatened a military coup.

Last week, an open letter warning that France could face a civil war was published. The letter, which was signed by 1,000 military officers, both serving and retired, also threatened a military coup. The group of retired and serving officers labels 'Political Islam' as a serious threat. According to them, France's President Emmanuel Macron’s failure to crack down on Islamists may lead to the disintegration of the nation. The signatories also hint at the possibility of a military coup, to take back the control. These opinions mentioned in this open letter were published by a far-right magazine this month. The signatories of the aforementioned letter include 20 retired generals and has been released on the 60th anniversary of the 1961 failed coup attempt, Algiers putsch. Watch | In 1961, generals of the French army had launched a coup against the then-president Charles de Gaulle. The aim behind this coup was to stop the independence of Algeria. The recently published open letter has met with outrage in the French government. The crackdown following this outrage, with reports of military sanctions on 18 soldiers. According to the French armed forces chief of staff, each of them will be presented before a senior military council and might be either forced into immediate retirement or face de-listing. Other signatories can also face formal action. The French defence ministry says that by appealing to their peers to take up arms against the country, these servicemen have broken military rules. A recently conducted poll found that 58 per cent of the French people agree with the sentiments of the letter. French opposition leader Marine Le Pen, who plans to contest against Macron in the next elections, has added more fuel to the fire. She has called on the signatories of this open letter to support her bid for the presidency in 2022. This clamour from the right wing comes at a time when the French government is pushing for an anti-corruption bill. After several terror attacks in the last seven months, President Macron wants to tighten the surveillance powers of security agencies, planning to use algorithms to detect activity on jihadist and extremist websites. "One must know that when someone types five or six times a search for a video of a decapitation, for example, from IS (Islamic State group), on the internet, the intelligence services cannot know and follow that person. Tomorrow, we can know this information. The French security agency will ask the interior minister, the Prime Minister and the National Commission of Technical Intelligence, which is an independent administrative body that is already following telephone calls, the possibility to uncover the anonymity of the person who is conducting that search in order to be able — if the threat is grave and confirmed — to follow and eventually intervene,", said Gerald Darmanin, French Interior minister. France should take a lesson from its history and remember that democracy remains stable only as long as the civilian leadership, i.e. the people elected government remains in control of the armed forces. While, undoubtedly, this letter was merely an outburst from the fringe, the right-wing has dragged the matter into the mainstream media. This can be taken as a clear sign that the threat of Islamic terrorism will dominate the election discourse in next year's French elections.

As Macron opens attack on Islamic State, France faces a potential military rebellion

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits.

The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad">COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad</a>

These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources.

"A testament to India-France strategic partnership &amp; friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission.

Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI).

Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces.

According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities.

The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities.

This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division.

Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission.

This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion.

Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy.

"We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years.&nbsp;I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post.

"No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said.

Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan.

As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections.

India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, India on Sunday received several essential medical supplies and equipment from France to help fight the second wave of the coronavirus. According to sources, the medical supply from France was received on Sunday includes eight oxygen generators, 28 ventilators, 200 electric syringe pumps, 28 AFNOR/BS Flexible tubes, 500 anti-bacterial filters, 500 machine filters and 500 related patient circuits. The total weight of these materials is more than 28 tonnes.These eight generators are Novair Premium RX 400 Hospital Level Oxygen Generators, with each unit capable of providing year-long oxygen for 250 beds. Also read: COVID-19: First lot of Russian vaccine Sputnik V arrives in Hyderabad These world-class generators would make 8 hospitals oxygen autonomous for over 10 years, informed sources. "A testament to India-France strategic partnership & friendship! 28 tonnes of medical equipment including 8 hospital-level oxygen generators and other medical supplies arrives from France. Deeply appreciate the support from France. Will bolster our oxygen capacities," tweeted Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. According to a press release, this airfreight is the first phase of France's solidarity mission. Furthermore, a second delivery of oxygen generators and medical equipment is underway due to the numerous contributions made by French companies in India with the active involvement of the Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI). Moreover, in the following days, French company Air Liquide will begin shipments of several hundred tonnes of oxygen through a dedicated logistical bridge organised by both governments and implemented with the Indian armed forces. According to the release, the oxygen plants will be delivered to eight Indian hospitals, including six in Delhi, one in Haryana and one in Telangana, based on needs as identified by the Indian authorities. The 28 ventilators and 200 electric syringe pumps will be distributed to several hospitals based on needs to enhance their ICU capacities. This special cargo flight has been chartered free of charge by the French shipping and logistics group CMA CGM through its air cargo division. Alongside CMA CGM, many other French companies present in India have stepped up to pool their contributions and resources with the French government to carry out this exceptional solidarity mission. This support also falls within the framework of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). "We stand by India in these difficult times, just as India has always stood by France. In Spring 2020, when French hospitals were facing acute shortages, India provided lifesaving help through the export of critical medical drugs. The French people have not forgotten. India has, in fact, been at the forefront of international cooperation against the pandemic, including through sharing its massive vaccine production capacity with the countries most in need," said the Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain, on this occasion. Quoting French President Emmanuel Macron, Lenain said that solidarity is at the heart of the strategic partnership between France and India and that a partnership between sovereign countries that have built an exceptional mutual trust and work together to enhance each other's strategic autonomy. "We know now that healthcare is also a pillar of sovereignty. And that is the meaning of our contribution: each of these oxygen generator plants will make an Indian hospital fully oxygen aatmanirbhar for more than 10 years. I believe healthcare can be a new field to develop our strategic partnership, building on our respective strengths. Together, we will prevail," he added. On April 27, Macron had conveyed the message of solidarity in Hindi via a social media post. "No one is untouched by the epidemic we are going through. We know that India is going through a difficult period. France and India have always been united: we are ready to provide our support," he had said. Meanwhile, the MEA also announced that India has received a shipment of 9,000 vials of Remdesivir from Belgium. Earlier on Saturday night, India received several medical supplies from countries including Germany, the United States and Uzbekistan. As India battles a devastating second wave of coronavirus, several countries around the globe including the United Kingdom and Russia have extended support as the country continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising infections. India for the first time reported more than four lakh new COVID-19 cases on Saturday. A total of 4,01,993 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded on Saturday, taking the cumulative count of the cases to 1,91,64,969, the Union Health Ministry reported.

India receives essential medical supplies from France to combat COVID-19 surge

Spanish Police on Sunday announced the interception of a tug boat carrying seven tonnes of hashish. Reportedly, a gang was attempting to smuggle the seven tonnes of hashish into the Spain. This interception marked one of the largest drug busts in the country this year.

The drugs were being carried by three members of a gang in mid-April. The police had stopped a converted tug boat in the sea off the southern coast of Spain. It had 200 packets of hashish, Reuters reported the police as saying.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/myanmar-drug-surge-worry-for-neighbours-including-india-381602" hreflang="en">Myanmar drug surge worry for neighbours including India</a>

The drugs gang was being under the radar of Spanish, Dutch, and French police since March 2020. Reportedly, the group had previously smuggled large quantities of hashish into different countries in Europe. The police have not specified which countries yet.

"This is one of the biggest operations against drugs (gangs) this year, with more than seven tonnes of hashish seized, which reduces the activity of criminal organizations based in the Straits of Gibraltar," the Civil Guard announced in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-lifts-barriers-to-prescribing-addiction-treatment-drug-380949" hreflang="en">US lifts barriers to prescribing addiction treatment drug&nbsp;</a>

The police also said that the gang operates out of the southern city of Huelva. Even then, the nationalities of those arrested have not been revealed. On Sunday, May 2, the police released video footage of the boat which was carrying the drugs which were seized last month.

Spanish Police on Sunday announced the interception of a tug boat carrying seven tonnes of hashish. Reportedly, a gang was attempting to smuggle the seven tonnes of hashish into the Spain.

Spanish Police on Sunday announced the interception of a tug boat carrying seven tonnes of hashish. Reportedly, a gang was attempting to smuggle the seven tonnes of hashish into the Spain. This interception marked one of the largest drug busts in the country this year. The drugs were being carried by three members of a gang in mid-April. The police had stopped a converted tug boat in the sea off the southern coast of Spain. It had 200 packets of hashish, Reuters reported the police as saying. Also read: Myanmar drug surge worry for neighbours including India The drugs gang was being under the radar of Spanish, Dutch, and French police since March 2020. Reportedly, the group had previously smuggled large quantities of hashish into different countries in Europe. The police have not specified which countries yet. "This is one of the biggest operations against drugs (gangs) this year, with more than seven tonnes of hashish seized, which reduces the activity of criminal organizations based in the Straits of Gibraltar," the Civil Guard announced in a statement. Also read: US lifts barriers to prescribing addiction treatment drug The police also said that the gang operates out of the southern city of Huelva. Even then, the nationalities of those arrested have not been revealed. On Sunday, May 2, the police released video footage of the boat which was carrying the drugs which were seized last month.

Spanish police bust gang trying to smuggle 7 tonnes of hashish into Europe

Hundreds of people flouted France's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday.

On Saturday near the eastern city of Dijon, nearly 400 people gathered at an abandoned hangar before police managed to cut power to the sound system at around 2:00 am Sunday.

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Police also used tear gas to prevent dozens of others from trying to sneak in despite efforts to clear the premises.

Two people were detained, including the suspected organiser, and police issued 205 fines for non-respect of the nationwide curfew that starts at 7:00 pm.

"This event is totally irresponsible given the health crisis in the country," the government's top regional official Fabien Sudry told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/may-day-morris-dancers-turn-blue-over-racism-concerns-382213" hreflang="en">May Day: Morris Dancers turn blue over racism concerns</a>

Another illegal party was discovered late Friday in Haut-Corlay, a village in the western Brittany region, that attracted some 500 people.

Despite a police intervention, many people stayed overnight at the site on Saturday as well, though all had left by Sunday morning, police said, adding that nearly 330 fines for Covid infractions were issued.

Police in Paris, meanwhile, thwarted a rave planned in an industrial zone near the city's southeastern edge, detaining three people including a suspected organiser for endangerment.

"These people would do better to stay home, and be patient a little bit longer," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told France Inter radio.

President Emmanuel Macron last week acknowledged the eagerness to exit the country's third virus lockdown as he announced a phased lifting of the restrictions over the next two months.

Secondary schools will reopen Monday and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9 pm on May 19, when cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating only.

Hundreds of people flouted France's coronavirus curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday.

Hundreds of people flouted France's coronavirus curfew over the weekend with underground parties in at least two cities, while police managed to prevent organisers from staging a mass rave in Paris, officials said Sunday. On Saturday near the eastern city of Dijon, nearly 400 people gathered at an abandoned hangar before police managed to cut power to the sound system at around 2:00 am Sunday. Also read | Thousands march in support of Brazil's Bolsonaro defying virus Police also used tear gas to prevent dozens of others from trying to sneak in despite efforts to clear the premises. Two people were detained, including the suspected organiser, and police issued 205 fines for non-respect of the nationwide curfew that starts at 7:00 pm. "This event is totally irresponsible given the health crisis in the country," the government's top regional official Fabien Sudry told AFP. Also read | May Day: Morris Dancers turn blue over racism concerns Another illegal party was discovered late Friday in Haut-Corlay, a village in the western Brittany region, that attracted some 500 people. Despite a police intervention, many people stayed overnight at the site on Saturday as well, though all had left by Sunday morning, police said, adding that nearly 330 fines for Covid infractions were issued. Police in Paris, meanwhile, thwarted a rave planned in an industrial zone near the city's southeastern edge, detaining three people including a suspected organiser for endangerment. "These people would do better to stay home, and be patient a little bit longer," Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti told France Inter radio. President Emmanuel Macron last week acknowledged the eagerness to exit the country's third virus lockdown as he announced a phased lifting of the restrictions over the next two months. Secondary schools will reopen Monday and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9 pm on May 19, when cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen for outdoor seating only.

French police break up mass parties defying Covid curfew

May Day protests across France on Saturday saw hooded, black-clad demonstrators clashing with police in Paris. Thousands of people across the country joined the protests to demand social and economic justice and to voice their opposition to government plans to change unemployment benefits. The police made 34 arrests.

The 'Yellow Vest' movement joined trade unionists. The Yellow Vest movement had triggered wave of anti-government protests three years ago.

Saturday's marchers wore masks in line with coronavirus rules. They carried banners that read, "Dividends, not unemployment benefits are the income of lazy people," and, "We want to live, not survive"

The Prefecture de Police, which deployed 5,000 officers in Paris, said it had prevented `Black Bloc` anarchists from forming a group.

"Loads of money is going to those who have plenty and less for those who have nothing as reflected in the unemployment insurance reform plan that we want scrapped," Philippe Martinez, head of the CGT labour union said.

Check out | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/may-1-history-and-significance-of-international-workers-day-381955">May 1: History and significance of International Workers' Day</a> 
 
About 300 rallies were organised in cities including Lyon, Nantes, Lille and Toulouse.

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen attended May Day events. Both of them plan to challenge French President Emmanuel Macron in presidential elections next year.

"My wish for the working class is that it can be free of the fear of being unemployed," Melenchon told a march in Lille, adding he hoped to return to the northern city as president.

Le Pen, who had earlier laid a wreath in Paris at the statue of Joan of Arc, her party’s nationalist symbol, warned of "total chaos" if Macron is re-elected.

(With inputs from agencies)

May Day protests across France on Saturday saw hooded, black-clad demonstrators clashing with police in Paris. Thousands of people across the country joined the protests to demand social and economic justice and to voice their opposition to government plans to change unemployment benefits.

May Day protests across France on Saturday saw hooded, black-clad demonstrators clashing with police in Paris. Thousands of people across the country joined the protests to demand social and economic justice and to voice their opposition to government plans to change unemployment benefits. The police made 34 arrests. The 'Yellow Vest' movement joined trade unionists. The Yellow Vest movement had triggered wave of anti-government protests three years ago. Saturday's marchers wore masks in line with coronavirus rules. They carried banners that read, "Dividends, not unemployment benefits are the income of lazy people," and, "We want to live, not survive" The Prefecture de Police, which deployed 5,000 officers in Paris, said it had prevented `Black Bloc` anarchists from forming a group. "Loads of money is going to those who have plenty and less for those who have nothing as reflected in the unemployment insurance reform plan that we want scrapped," Philippe Martinez, head of the CGT labour union said. Check out | May 1: History and significance of International Workers' Day About 300 rallies were organised in cities including Lyon, Nantes, Lille and Toulouse. Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon and far-right leader Marine Le Pen attended May Day events. Both of them plan to challenge French President Emmanuel Macron in presidential elections next year. "My wish for the working class is that it can be free of the fear of being unemployed," Melenchon told a march in Lille, adding he hoped to return to the northern city as president. Le Pen, who had earlier laid a wreath in Paris at the statue of Joan of Arc, her party’s nationalist symbol, warned of "total chaos" if Macron is re-elected. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34

Indirect&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States on bringing both sides fully back into compliance with the 2015&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;deal are making steady&nbsp;progress&nbsp;and will&nbsp;resume&nbsp;on&nbsp;Friday, the head of&nbsp;Russia's delegation said on Saturday.

The&nbsp;talks&nbsp;began last month in Vienna with the remaining parties to the deal -&nbsp;Iran,&nbsp;Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - meeting in the basement of a luxury hotel, and the United States, based in another hotel across the street.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;has refused to hold direct meetings with US&nbsp;officials.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-welcomes-saudi-arabias-change-of-tone-sees-new-era-of-cooperation-381536">Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia's 'change of tone', sees 'new era of cooperation'</a>

Washington pulled out of the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions against Tehran.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;responded as of 2019 by breaching many of the deal's limits on its&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;activities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-concerns-us-pushes-policy-to-improve-nuclear-arsenal-381500">Despite concerns, US pushes policy to improve nuclear arsenal</a>

"We should not expect breakthroughs in the days to come,"&nbsp;Russia's ambassador to the UN&nbsp;nuclear&nbsp;watchdog, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters after a meeting of the remaining parties that wrapped up the third round of&nbsp;talks. He was the only official to address reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-eyes-major-rollback-in-iran-sanctions-to-revive-nuke-deal-381503">US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal</a>

"We need simply to continue diplomatic, day-to-day work, and we have all the reasons to expect that the outcome, (the) final outcome, will be successful and it will come quite soon, in a few weeks," he said, adding that&nbsp;talks&nbsp;will reconvene on&nbsp;Friday.

The break in&nbsp;talks&nbsp;was widely expected as diplomats said officials from several countries are also involved in the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in London that begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday.

Russia&nbsp;is generally one of the more optimistic voices at the&nbsp;talks. US&nbsp;National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on&nbsp;Friday&nbsp;the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;were in "an unclear place", meaning it was uncertain whether they would lead to an agreement.

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on bringing both sides fully back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal are making steady progress and will resume on Friday, the head of Russia's delegation said on Saturday.

Indirect talks between Iran and the United States on bringing both sides fully back into compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal are making steady progress and will resume on Friday, the head of Russia's delegation said on Saturday. The talks began last month in Vienna with the remaining parties to the deal - Iran, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany - meeting in the basement of a luxury hotel, and the United States, based in another hotel across the street. Iran has refused to hold direct meetings with US officials. Also read | Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia's 'change of tone', sees 'new era of cooperation' Washington pulled out of the deal in 2018 under President Donald Trump and reimposed sanctions against Tehran. Iran responded as of 2019 by breaching many of the deal's limits on its nuclear activities. Also read | Despite concerns, US pushes policy to improve nuclear arsenal "We should not expect breakthroughs in the days to come," Russia's ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters after a meeting of the remaining parties that wrapped up the third round of talks. He was the only official to address reporters. Also read | US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal "We need simply to continue diplomatic, day-to-day work, and we have all the reasons to expect that the outcome, (the) final outcome, will be successful and it will come quite soon, in a few weeks," he said, adding that talks will reconvene on Friday. The break in talks was widely expected as diplomats said officials from several countries are also involved in the Group of Seven foreign ministers' meeting in London that begins on Monday and ends on Wednesday. Russia is generally one of the more optimistic voices at the talks. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Friday the talks were in "an unclear place", meaning it was uncertain whether they would lead to an agreement.

Iran nuclear talks make progress and will resume Friday, Russia says

Around 1000 servicemen and women, including 20 retired generals have signed a letter in France. It says is headed towards a "civil war" and threatens a military coup. Were serving officers planning to overthrow Emmanuel Macron?

Gravitas: Did serving military officers threaten a coup in France?

Eighteen French soldiers will face a military court for signing an open letter warning of a&nbsp;“civil war” in the country due to religious extremism.

The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of France.

According to&nbsp;François Lecointre, the armed forces' chief&nbsp;of staff, the soldiers could be&nbsp;“de-listed” or&nbsp;“put into immediate retirement”.

The letter said, “The hour is grave, France is in peril” and was published in a right-wing magazine on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup on April 21.

Florence Parly, the minister in charge of the French armed forces hit out at the letter, claiming that the military ought to be neutral and loyal.

"Two immutable principles guide the action of members of the military with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty”, Parly tweeted.

Punishments underway

She also said that any signatories that still serve in the military would face punishment for defying the law which mandates soldiers to remain politically neutral.

"For who have violated the duty of reserve, sanctions are planned, and if there are active soldiers among the signatories, I asked the chief of staff of the armed forces to apply the rules... that is to say, sanctions,” she told radio network France Info on Monday.

The letter warned French President Macron and his government of “several deadly dangers” that currently threaten France. These include “Islamism and the hordes of banlieue”, which are suburban towns mostly comprising immigrations that have popped up around French cities.

"It is no longer the time to procrastinate, otherwise tomorrow civil war will put an end to this growing chaos and deaths - for which you will be responsible - with numbers in the thousands," the letter added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eighteen French soldiers will face a military court for signing an open letter warning of a “civil war” in the country due to religious extremism. The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of France.

Eighteen French soldiers will face a military court for signing an open letter warning of a “civil war” in the country due to religious extremism. The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of France. According to François Lecointre, the armed forces' chief of staff, the soldiers could be “de-listed” or “put into immediate retirement”. The letter said, “The hour is grave, France is in peril” and was published in a right-wing magazine on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup on April 21. Florence Parly, the minister in charge of the French armed forces hit out at the letter, claiming that the military ought to be neutral and loyal. "Two immutable principles guide the action of members of the military with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty”, Parly tweeted. Punishments underway She also said that any signatories that still serve in the military would face punishment for defying the law which mandates soldiers to remain politically neutral. "For who have violated the duty of reserve, sanctions are planned, and if there are active soldiers among the signatories, I asked the chief of staff of the armed forces to apply the rules... that is to say, sanctions,” she told radio network France Info on Monday. The letter warned French President Macron and his government of “several deadly dangers” that currently threaten France. These include “Islamism and the hordes of banlieue”, which are suburban towns mostly comprising immigrations that have popped up around French cities. "It is no longer the time to procrastinate, otherwise tomorrow civil war will put an end to this growing chaos and deaths - for which you will be responsible - with numbers in the thousands," the letter added. (With inputs from agencies)

French soldiers to face military sanctions over warning of 'civil war'

France on Friday announced the opening of <a href="wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccinations </a>for all adults from June 15 regardless of any medical conditions.

"You are 18 years of age or over: meet on June 15 to be vaccinated," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter on Friday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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He also added that people above the age of 50 can register for a jab from May 15, extending an earlier age limit of 55 years.&nbsp;

Health Minister Olivier Veran earlier said that vaccinations have begun for people in the age group of 18-50 with chronic illnesses, particularly people suffering from obesity.&nbsp;

Over 15 million people have received a first Covid shot in the country or 29 per cent of the adult population, but so far the vaccines have been reserved for the elderly, people with medical conditions or pregnant women.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/france-reports-first-cases-of-coronavirus-variant-first-detected-in-india-381537">France reports first cases of coronavirus variant first detected in India</a>

As many as 6.2 million people in France or 12 per cent of the adult population have also received the second dose, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Macron on Thursday announced a phase-out approach to lifting coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls will resume operations with limited capacity on May 19, along with non-essential shops and cafes and restaurants with outdoor setting.&nbsp;

The currently-followed 7:00 pm curfew will be gradually eased, to 9:00 pm on May 19 and 11:00 pm on June 9 and will cease to exist from June 30.

France on Friday announced the opening of coronavirus vaccinations for all adults from June 15 regardless of any medical conditions. "You are 18 years of age or over: meet on June 15 to be vaccinated," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter on Friday.

France on Friday announced the opening of coronavirus vaccinations for all adults from June 15 regardless of any medical conditions. "You are 18 years of age or over: meet on June 15 to be vaccinated," French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on Twitter on Friday. Watch | He also added that people above the age of 50 can register for a jab from May 15, extending an earlier age limit of 55 years. Health Minister Olivier Veran earlier said that vaccinations have begun for people in the age group of 18-50 with chronic illnesses, particularly people suffering from obesity. Over 15 million people have received a first Covid shot in the country or 29 per cent of the adult population, but so far the vaccines have been reserved for the elderly, people with medical conditions or pregnant women. Also read | France reports first cases of coronavirus variant first detected in India As many as 6.2 million people in France or 12 per cent of the adult population have also received the second dose, news agency AFP reported. Meanwhile, Macron on Thursday announced a phase-out approach to lifting coronavirus restrictions. Museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls will resume operations with limited capacity on May 19, along with non-essential shops and cafes and restaurants with outdoor setting. The currently-followed 7:00 pm curfew will be gradually eased, to 9:00 pm on May 19 and 11:00 pm on June 9 and will cease to exist from June 30.

Vaccination for all adults to begin in France from June 15

French Prime Minister Jean Castex paid tribute in a nationally televised ceremony on Friday to an administrative police worker stabbed to death last week at a police station, saying she was victim of "Islamist terrorism".

The killing of Stephanie Monferme, a 49-year-old mother of three, by a Tunisian national who was then shot dead by police was the latest in a string of Islamist-inspired attacks on French soil in recent years.

France faces a presidential election next year where issues such as militant Islam, immigration and violent crime are expected to dominate the agenda.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="France reports first cases of coronavirus variant first detected in India">France reports first cases of coronavirus variant first detected in India</a>

"Stephanie was murdered because she represented the French police and the authority of the state. She was murdered because she served France," Castex told a ceremony attended by top government and police officials.

"Islamist terrorism has declared war on us but it is a war led by cowards. Only a coward could attack a woman who, because of her job, did not carry a weapon," he said.

Castex ended the ceremony by posthumously awarding Monferme France's highest medal, the Chevalier de La Legion d'Honneur. A minute of silence was followed by the Marseillaise national anthem.

On Wednesday, draft legislation was submitted to President Emmanuel Macron's government to strengthen counter-terrorism laws by permitting the use of algorithms to detect activity on jihadist and other extremist websites.

The official investigation had shown that Stephanie Monferme's assailant had watched religious videos glorifying acts of jihad just before carrying out his attack on the police worker in the Paris commuter town of Rambouillet.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex paid tribute in a nationally televised ceremony on Friday to an administrative police worker stabbed to death last week at a police station, saying she was victim of "Islamist terrorism".

French Prime Minister Jean Castex paid tribute in a nationally televised ceremony on Friday to an administrative police worker stabbed to death last week at a police station, saying she was victim of "Islamist terrorism". The killing of Stephanie Monferme, a 49-year-old mother of three, by a Tunisian national who was then shot dead by police was the latest in a string of Islamist-inspired attacks on French soil in recent years. France faces a presidential election next year where issues such as militant Islam, immigration and violent crime are expected to dominate the agenda. Also read | France reports first cases of coronavirus variant first detected in India "Stephanie was murdered because she represented the French police and the authority of the state. She was murdered because she served France," Castex told a ceremony attended by top government and police officials. "Islamist terrorism has declared war on us but it is a war led by cowards. Only a coward could attack a woman who, because of her job, did not carry a weapon," he said. Castex ended the ceremony by posthumously awarding Monferme France's highest medal, the Chevalier de La Legion d'Honneur. A minute of silence was followed by the Marseillaise national anthem. On Wednesday, draft legislation was submitted to President Emmanuel Macron's government to strengthen counter-terrorism laws by permitting the use of algorithms to detect activity on jihadist and other extremist websites. The official investigation had shown that Stephanie Monferme's assailant had watched religious videos glorifying acts of jihad just before carrying out his attack on the police worker in the Paris commuter town of Rambouillet.

France pays tribute to woman police worker stabbed to death in Islamist-inspired attack

France is nearing the end of a third national lockdown imposed to try and tame a severe third wave of infections.

France to reopen cafes, bars, museums from May

To counter terrorism and further strengthen anti-terror law, French Interior Minister has submitted a draft legislation to President Emmanuel Macron in a cabinet meeting.

France draws up bill on surveillance of jihadist & extremist websites

The French government has hit out at an open letter signed by active soldiers who warned of a “civil war” in the country due to religious extremism. The letter was signed by 1,000 active soldiers including both men and women. In&nbsp;addition, 20 retired generals also signed the letter.

The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of the country. The letter said, “The hour is grave, France is in peril” and was published in a right-wing magazine on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup on April 21.

Marine Le Pen, a right-wing leader from France who is also a prominent candidate in next year’s presidential election openly voiced her&nbsp;support to the letter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-knife-attack-tunisian-stabber-watched-jihadist-propaganda-videos-380326" hreflang="en">France knife attack: Tunisian stabber watched jihadist propaganda videos</a>

Florence Parly, the minister in charge of the French armed forces hit out at the letter, claiming that the military ought to be neutral and loyal.

"Two immutable principles guide the action of members of the military with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty”, Parly tweeted.

Punishments underway

She also said that any signatories that still serve in the military would face punishment for defying the law which mandates soldiers to remain politically neutral.

"For who have violated the duty of reserve, sanctions are planned, and if there are active soldiers among the signatories, I asked the chief of staff of the armed forces to apply the rules... that is to say, sanctions,” she told radio network France Info on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/macron-says-france-will-never-give-in-to-islamist-terrorism-after-stabbing-attack-379558" hreflang="en">Macron says France will never give in to 'Islamist terrorism' after stabbing attack</a>

The letter warned French President Macron and his government of “several deadly dangers” that currently threaten France. These include “Islamism and the hordes of banlieue”, which are suburban towns mostly comprising immigrations that have popped up around French cities.

"It is no longer the time to procrastinate, otherwise tomorrow civil war will put an end to this growing chaos and deaths - for which you will be responsible - with numbers in the thousands," the letter added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The French government has hit out at an open letter signed by active soldiers who warned of a “civil war” in the country due to religious extremism. The letter was signed by 1,000 active soldiers including both men and women.

The French government has hit out at an open letter signed by active soldiers who warned of a “civil war” in the country due to religious extremism. The letter was signed by 1,000 active soldiers including both men and women. In addition, 20 retired generals also signed the letter. The letter pinned the blame on “fanatic partisans” for creating divisions between communities while alleging that Islamists have taken over whole parts of the country. The letter said, “The hour is grave, France is in peril” and was published in a right-wing magazine on the 60th anniversary of a failed coup on April 21. Marine Le Pen, a right-wing leader from France who is also a prominent candidate in next year’s presidential election openly voiced her support to the letter. Also read: France knife attack: Tunisian stabber watched jihadist propaganda videos Florence Parly, the minister in charge of the French armed forces hit out at the letter, claiming that the military ought to be neutral and loyal. "Two immutable principles guide the action of members of the military with regard to politics: neutrality and loyalty”, Parly tweeted. Punishments underway She also said that any signatories that still serve in the military would face punishment for defying the law which mandates soldiers to remain politically neutral. "For who have violated the duty of reserve, sanctions are planned, and if there are active soldiers among the signatories, I asked the chief of staff of the armed forces to apply the rules... that is to say, sanctions,” she told radio network France Info on Monday. Also read: Macron says France will never give in to 'Islamist terrorism' after stabbing attack The letter warned French President Macron and his government of “several deadly dangers” that currently threaten France. These include “Islamism and the hordes of banlieue”, which are suburban towns mostly comprising immigrations that have popped up around French cities. "It is no longer the time to procrastinate, otherwise tomorrow civil war will put an end to this growing chaos and deaths - for which you will be responsible - with numbers in the thousands," the letter added. (With inputs from agencies)

Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in COVID-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday.

The assistance is to include badly needed oxygen ventilators, a source told AFP without providing further details. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-crisis-eu-uk-us-denmark-pitch-in-to-assist-india-380206">Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India&nbsp;</a> 
 
France joins other countries such as Germany, Britain and the United States in coming to the aid of India, which with a new coronavirus variant spreading through its 1.3 billion people, has become the world's top coronavirus hotspot in recent days, reporting 3,49,691 new cases on Sunday alone.

The EU as a whole is also preparing rapid assistance for India, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said earlier.

"Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support," von der Leyen said on Twitter.

"The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India's request for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. 
 
The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. 
 
We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! <a href="https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3">https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3</a>
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1386292464277852162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The mechanism allows European Union countries to coordinate their aid in cases of emergency.

India recorded 2,767 deaths from Covid-19 on Sunday -- the highest since the start of the pandemic. In Delhi, there have been reports of overwhelmed hospitals.

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in COVID-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday.

France plans to offer India "significant" extra oxygen capacity in the coming days to help the country cope with a record surge in COVID-19 infections, the French presidency said on Sunday. The assistance is to include badly needed oxygen ventilators, a source told AFP without providing further details. Covid Crisis: EU, UK, US, Denmark pitch in to assist India France joins other countries such as Germany, Britain and the United States in coming to the aid of India, which with a new coronavirus variant spreading through its 1.3 billion people, has become the world's top coronavirus hotspot in recent days, reporting 3,49,691 new cases on Sunday alone. The EU as a whole is also preparing rapid assistance for India, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said earlier. "Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support," von der Leyen said on Twitter. "The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India's request for assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism." Alarmed by the epidemiological situation in India. We are ready to support. The EU is pooling resources to respond rapidly to India’s request for assistance via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. We stand in full solidarity with the Indian people! https://t.co/Pv8ezFPdS3 — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) April 25, 2021 × The mechanism allows European Union countries to coordinate their aid in cases of emergency. India recorded 2,767 deaths from Covid-19 on Sunday -- the highest since the start of the pandemic. In Delhi, there have been reports of overwhelmed hospitals.

COVID-19: France to provide 'significant' oxygen support to India

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