French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he hoped that tensions with Algeria could ease after a row over visas and critical comments by Paris towards Algiers.

"My wish is for a calming down because I think it's better to talk and to make progress," Macron told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that his relations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune were "truly cordial".

Algeria over the weekend recalled its ambassador from Paris and banned French military planes from its airspace, which France regularly uses to reach its forces battling jihadists in the Sahel region.

That came after a bitter row over visas, followed by media reports that Macron had told descendants of Algeria's war of independence that the North African country was ruled by a "political-military system" that had "totally re-written" its history.

Algeria said the reported remarks were an "interference" in its internal affairs.

Algiers was also angered last week after France said it would sharply reduce the number of visas it grants to citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

Paris said the decision had been made necessary by the former colonies' failure to do enough to allow illegal migrants in France to be returned.

The latest row came two weeks after Macron apologised on behalf of his country for abandoning Algerians who fought alongside France in their country's war of independence, which was waged on both sides with extreme brutality, including widespread torture.

During his presidency, Macron has taken steps to defuse lingering tensions with Algeria linked to their colonial history, and face up to France's methods to retain control of its north African colony, which won independence in 1962.

In 2018, he admitted that France had created a "system" that facilitated torture during the war and acknowledged that French mathematician Maurice Audin, a Communist pro-independence activist, was murdered in Algiers.

In July last year, he tasked French historian Benjamin Stora with assessing how France has dealt with its colonial legacy in Algeria.

"We've said things that are not easy to hear. I have not sugarcoated our own history," Macron told France Inter.

More than 60 years since France started its nuclear tests in Algeria, their legacy also continues to poison relations between the North African nation and its former colonial ruler. &nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he hoped that tensions with Algeria could ease after a row over visas and critical comments by Paris towards Algiers.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday he hoped that tensions with Algeria could ease after a row over visas and critical comments by Paris towards Algiers. "My wish is for a calming down because I think it's better to talk and to make progress," Macron told the France Inter broadcaster, adding that his relations with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune were "truly cordial". Algeria over the weekend recalled its ambassador from Paris and banned French military planes from its airspace, which France regularly uses to reach its forces battling jihadists in the Sahel region. That came after a bitter row over visas, followed by media reports that Macron had told descendants of Algeria's war of independence that the North African country was ruled by a "political-military system" that had "totally re-written" its history. Algeria said the reported remarks were an "interference" in its internal affairs. Algiers was also angered last week after France said it would sharply reduce the number of visas it grants to citizens of Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia. Paris said the decision had been made necessary by the former colonies' failure to do enough to allow illegal migrants in France to be returned. The latest row came two weeks after Macron apologised on behalf of his country for abandoning Algerians who fought alongside France in their country's war of independence, which was waged on both sides with extreme brutality, including widespread torture. During his presidency, Macron has taken steps to defuse lingering tensions with Algeria linked to their colonial history, and face up to France's methods to retain control of its north African colony, which won independence in 1962. In 2018, he admitted that France had created a "system" that facilitated torture during the war and acknowledged that French mathematician Maurice Audin, a Communist pro-independence activist, was murdered in Algiers. In July last year, he tasked French historian Benjamin Stora with assessing how France has dealt with its colonial legacy in Algeria. "We've said things that are not easy to hear. I have not sugarcoated our own history," Macron told France Inter. More than 60 years since France started its nuclear tests in Algeria, their legacy also continues to poison relations between the North African nation and its former colonial ruler.

Macron wants 'calming down' in Algeria relations

As France's relation with United States takes an uncertain turn, French president Emmanuel Macron called up Indian PM Narendra Modi and discuss the Indo-pacific cooperation between the two countries.

French Prez Emmanuel Macron hold talks with Narendra Modi amid rift with US

In an apparent effort to clear air after a row over a submarines contract sparked rare tensions between the allies, US President Joe Biden has requested for early talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, France said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The announcement came after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Canberra lied about plans to cancel the contract to buy French submarines. The PM said he had raised concerns over the deal "some months ago". &nbsp;

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The decision of Australia to tear up the deal of French submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels has sparked outrage in Paris. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an unprecedented move, Macron has recalled France's ambassadors to Canberra and Washington. &nbsp;

On Sunday, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said there would be a telephone conversation between Biden and Macron "in the coming days" at the request of the US president. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-foreign-minister-jean-yves-le-drian-seek-to-deepen-india-france-strategic-partnership-414120" hreflang="en">Jaishankar, foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian seek to deepen India-France strategic partnership</a>

After the announcement of a US-Australian-British defence pact that prompted Canberra's cancellation of the huge contract for diesel-electric French vessels, Macron will ask the US president for "clarification". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Attal said, "We want explanations." The US have to answer for "what looks a lot like a major breach of trust". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an apparent effort to clear air after a row over a submarines contract sparked rare tensions between the allies, US President Joe Biden has requested for early talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, France said on Sunday.

In an apparent effort to clear air after a row over a submarines contract sparked rare tensions between the allies, US President Joe Biden has requested for early talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, France said on Sunday. The announcement came after Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Canberra lied about plans to cancel the contract to buy French submarines. The PM said he had raised concerns over the deal "some months ago". Watch: × The decision of Australia to tear up the deal of French submarines in favour of US nuclear-powered vessels has sparked outrage in Paris. In an unprecedented move, Macron has recalled France's ambassadors to Canberra and Washington. On Sunday, French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said there would be a telephone conversation between Biden and Macron "in the coming days" at the request of the US president. Also Read: Jaishankar, foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian seek to deepen India-France strategic partnership After the announcement of a US-Australian-British defence pact that prompted Canberra's cancellation of the huge contract for diesel-electric French vessels, Macron will ask the US president for "clarification". Attal said, "We want explanations." The US have to answer for "what looks a lot like a major breach of trust". (With inputs from agencies)

Amid nuclear submarine contract row, Biden seeks early talks with Macron to clear air  

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

"This is very important. This would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency," Macron said in comments published in the weekly Journal du Dimanche.

Above all such a safe zone would allow the international community "to maintain pressure on the Taliban," who are now in power in Afghanistan, the French leader added.

The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, France, Britain, the US, Russia and China, will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation.&nbsp;

Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone'&nbsp;in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue", Macron said.

"This project is completely feasible," he said on a visit to Mosul in Iraq, after vowing to keep troops in the country.&nbsp;

"I am very hopeful that it will be successful, I don't see who could be against making humanitarian projects secure."

His comments come as international efforts to airlift foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghanis out of the country come to an end.&nbsp;

France ended its evacuation efforts on Friday and the United Kingdom followed suit on Saturday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-visits-us-air-base-to-pay-tribute-to-service-personnel-killed-in-kabul-409232">Also read |&nbsp;Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul</a>

US troops have been scrambling in dangerous and chaotic conditions to complete a massive evacuation operation from the Kabul airport by an August 31 deadline.

Macron announced on Saturday that discussions had been "started with the Taliban" to "protect and repatriate" Afghan nationals at risk beyond August 31.

Speaking to reporters in Iraq, where he was attending a meeting of key regional leaders, Macron added that with help from Qatar, which maintains good relations with the Taliban, there was a possibility of further airlift operations.

He added that France had evacuated 2,834 people from Afghanistan since August 17.

In the article published by the French Sunday newspaper, Macron also took aim at the kind of talk going on in some quarters in France which "stir fears" about the arrival of Afghan refugees in France.

"My role is not to stir up fears among our compatriots, it is to provide solutions to resolve them," he added, assuring that he aims to manage migratory pressures with "humanity, firmness, with an ability to protect our borders as necessary".

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said.

France and Britain will on Monday urge the United Nations to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in the Afghan capital Kabul to protect humanitarian operations, French President Emmanuel Macron said. "This is very important. This would provide a framework for the United Nations to act in an emergency," Macron said in comments published in the weekly Journal du Dimanche. Above all such a safe zone would allow the international community "to maintain pressure on the Taliban," who are now in power in Afghanistan, the French leader added. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council, France, Britain, the US, Russia and China, will meet on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan situation. Paris and London will take the opportunity to present a draft resolution which "aims to define, under UN control, a 'safe zone' in Kabul, that will allow humanitarian operations to continue", Macron said. "This project is completely feasible," he said on a visit to Mosul in Iraq, after vowing to keep troops in the country. "I am very hopeful that it will be successful, I don't see who could be against making humanitarian projects secure." His comments come as international efforts to airlift foreign nationals and vulnerable Afghanis out of the country come to an end. France ended its evacuation efforts on Friday and the United Kingdom followed suit on Saturday. Also read | Biden visits US air base to pay tribute to service personnel killed in Kabul US troops have been scrambling in dangerous and chaotic conditions to complete a massive evacuation operation from the Kabul airport by an August 31 deadline. Macron announced on Saturday that discussions had been "started with the Taliban" to "protect and repatriate" Afghan nationals at risk beyond August 31. Speaking to reporters in Iraq, where he was attending a meeting of key regional leaders, Macron added that with help from Qatar, which maintains good relations with the Taliban, there was a possibility of further airlift operations. He added that France had evacuated 2,834 people from Afghanistan since August 17. In the article published by the French Sunday newspaper, Macron also took aim at the kind of talk going on in some quarters in France which "stir fears" about the arrival of Afghan refugees in France. "My role is not to stir up fears among our compatriots, it is to provide solutions to resolve them," he added, assuring that he aims to manage migratory pressures with "humanity, firmness, with an ability to protect our borders as necessary".

Macron calls for Kabul 'safe zone'

In Pics | Emmanuel Macron visits ISIS former stronghold in Iraq's Mosul

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;was to pay a visit Sunday to the Islamic State group's&nbsp;former&nbsp;Iraqi&nbsp;stronghold&nbsp;Mosul, a day after vowing to keep troops in the country.

Macron&nbsp;made the commitment during a regional summit in Baghdad largely devoted to the fight against terrorism and the impact of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan as the US withdraws.

"No matter what choices the Americans make, we will maintain our presence in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;to fight against terrorism," he told a news conference on Saturday.

On Sunday, the French leader will set foot in&nbsp;Mosul, a Sunni Muslim city recaptured from the Islamic State group (IS) in 2017 after three years.

His visit to&nbsp;Mosul, a melting pot of&nbsp;Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious communities, is seen as an opportunity to renew his support for Christians in the Middle East.

Macron&nbsp;was to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Hour, a church that the UN's cultural agency UNESCO is working to restore.

France, which finances French-speaking Christian schools in the region, aims to boost the plight of Christians in the Middle East, as well as other minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unsc-does-not-refer-to-taliban-in-kabul-airport-attack-statement-409146">Also read |&nbsp;UNSC does not refer to Taliban in Kabul airport attack statement</a>

"This message is civilisational but also geopolitical. There will be no balance in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;if there is no respect for these communities," said the French president.

Macron&nbsp;was also due to make a stop at the site of&nbsp;Mosul's Al-Nuri mosque, where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had declared the establishment of a "caliphate" in 2014.

IS blew up the famed 12th century mosque in June 2017 as Iraqi forces closed in on the jihadists in&nbsp;Mosul's Old City.

UNESCO is now organising a vast project to rebuild it almost identically, with its famed leaning minaret.

The mosque and church are part of three reconstruction projects led by UNESCO and funded by the United Arab Emirates to the tune of $50 million.

The initiative, called "Reviving the Spirit of&nbsp;Mosul", the largest in the organisation's history, includes plans to rebuild Ottoman-style heritage houses as part of a European-funded project.

The French president on Friday visited the Shiite Muslim shrine of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim in northern Baghdad district of Kadhimiya, accompanied by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi.

It was the first such visit for a French president, he said.

Macron&nbsp;will also meet with young Iraqis, including entrepreneurs and students, at the University of&nbsp;Mosul.

He will later Sunday visit Arbil, capital of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan.

After a visit to French special forces at Camp Grenier, he will hold talks with Kurdish President Netchirvan Barzani, as well as his predecessor, Massud Barzani.

"I look forward to discuss bilateral ties, Iraqi elections and other pressing issues with President&nbsp;Macron. I remain grateful for France’s continued support to the Kurdistan Region and&nbsp;Iraq," the Iraqi Kurdish president tweeted.

Macron&nbsp;will also meet the family of a Peshmerga fighter killed by IS, to pay tribute to the Kurdish contribution to the fight against the jihadists.

French President Emmanuel Macron was to pay a visit Sunday to the Islamic State group's former Iraqi stronghold Mosul, a day after vowing to keep troops in the country.

French President Emmanuel Macron was to pay a visit Sunday to the Islamic State group's former Iraqi stronghold Mosul, a day after vowing to keep troops in the country. Macron made the commitment during a regional summit in Baghdad largely devoted to the fight against terrorism and the impact of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan as the US withdraws. "No matter what choices the Americans make, we will maintain our presence in Iraq to fight against terrorism," he told a news conference on Saturday. On Sunday, the French leader will set foot in Mosul, a Sunni Muslim city recaptured from the Islamic State group (IS) in 2017 after three years. His visit to Mosul, a melting pot of Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious communities, is seen as an opportunity to renew his support for Christians in the Middle East. Macron was to visit the Church of Our Lady of the Hour, a church that the UN's cultural agency UNESCO is working to restore. France, which finances French-speaking Christian schools in the region, aims to boost the plight of Christians in the Middle East, as well as other minorities. Also read | UNSC does not refer to Taliban in Kabul airport attack statement "This message is civilisational but also geopolitical. There will be no balance in Iraq if there is no respect for these communities," said the French president. Macron was also due to make a stop at the site of Mosul's Al-Nuri mosque, where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi had declared the establishment of a "caliphate" in 2014. IS blew up the famed 12th century mosque in June 2017 as Iraqi forces closed in on the jihadists in Mosul's Old City. UNESCO is now organising a vast project to rebuild it almost identically, with its famed leaning minaret. The mosque and church are part of three reconstruction projects led by UNESCO and funded by the United Arab Emirates to the tune of $50 million. The initiative, called "Reviving the Spirit of Mosul", the largest in the organisation's history, includes plans to rebuild Ottoman-style heritage houses as part of a European-funded project. The French president on Friday visited the Shiite Muslim shrine of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim in northern Baghdad district of Kadhimiya, accompanied by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi. It was the first such visit for a French president, he said. Macron will also meet with young Iraqis, including entrepreneurs and students, at the University of Mosul. He will later Sunday visit Arbil, capital of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan. After a visit to French special forces at Camp Grenier, he will hold talks with Kurdish President Netchirvan Barzani, as well as his predecessor, Massud Barzani. "I look forward to discuss bilateral ties, Iraqi elections and other pressing issues with President Macron. I remain grateful for France’s continued support to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq," the Iraqi Kurdish president tweeted. Macron will also meet the family of a Peshmerga fighter killed by IS, to pay tribute to the Kurdish contribution to the fight against the jihadists.

Macron visits IS former stronghold in Iraq's Mosul

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;is among leaders set to&nbsp;attend&nbsp;a regional&nbsp;summit&nbsp;Saturday in Iraq, with the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and a deadly jihadist attack in Kabul overshadowing the meeting.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II are due at the&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;summit, while the foreign ministers of arch-foes Iran and Saudi Arabia will also be present.

Organisers have been tight-lipped on the agenda, but the meeting comes as Iraq, long a casualty of jihadist militancy, tries to establish itself as a mediator between Arab countries and Iran.

Iraq seeks to play a "unifying role" to tackle crises shaking the region, sources close to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi have said.

Oil-rich Iraq has been caught for years in a delicate balancing act between its two main allies, Iran and the United States.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kill-list-biden-says-us-troops-may-have-handed-a-list-of-american-citizens-to-taliban-408871">Also read |&nbsp;Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban</a>

Iran exerts major clout in Iraq through allied armed groups within the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful state-sponsored paramilitary network.

Baghdad&nbsp;has been brokering talks since April between US ally Riyadh and Tehran on mending ties severed in 2016.

Macron&nbsp;aims to highlight France's role in the region and its determination to press the fight against terrorism, his office said.

The French president considers Iraq "essential" to stability in the troubled Middle East, it added.

'More urgent than ever'

An Islamic State (IS) group affiliate claimed Thursday's suicide bombing in Kabul that killed scores of people, including 13 US service members.

The attack has revived global concerns that the extremist organisation, which seized swathes of Syria and Iraq before being routed from both countries, is emerging anew, analysts said.

The blast came during the final days of US-led evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban's lightning takeover.

"These events show that it has become more urgent than ever to back the political process in Iraq and involve its neighbours," a source close to&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said.

"A solution to security threats in the region, including Daesh (IS), depends on a stable, sovereign and prosperous Iraq," the source added.

A decade after the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, IS in June 2014 announced a "caliphate" in territory seized in Syria and Iraq, routing the badly prepared Iraqi army without a fight and seizing almost a third of the country.

France was part of a US-led coalition established to battle the extremists.

Iraq declared IS territorially defeated in December 2017, but the group still retains sleeper cells and continues to claim bloody attacks.

New IS 'strides'

One of the deadliest was a July bombing that ripped through a crowded&nbsp;Baghdad&nbsp;market, killing&nbsp;over&nbsp;30 people on the eve of a key Muslim holiday.

According to Colin Clarke, senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, IS "still has access to tens of millions of dollars and will likely continue to rebuild its network throughout Iraq and Syria".&nbsp;

Its "primary goal at the moment is to have its affiliates maintain momentum until it can sufficiently rebuild its core in the Levant," he said.

"(IS) affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa and now Afghanistan will have the opportunity to make strides in the coming year."

In July, President Joe Biden said US combat operations in Iraq would end this year, but that US soldiers would continue to train, advise and support the country's military in the fight against IS.

Washington currently has 2,500 troops deployed to Iraq.&nbsp;

Rasha Al Aqeedi, senior analyst at Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said coalition forces believed Iraq's security personnel could prevent another IS advance.

"Maybe they're not ideal, but they're good enough for America to leave the country believing that Iraq is not going to live through another 2014," she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron is among leaders set to attend a regional summit Saturday in Iraq, with the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and a deadly jihadist attack in Kabul overshadowing the meeting.

French President Emmanuel Macron is among leaders set to attend a regional summit Saturday in Iraq, with the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and a deadly jihadist attack in Kabul overshadowing the meeting. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II are due at the Baghdad summit, while the foreign ministers of arch-foes Iran and Saudi Arabia will also be present. Organisers have been tight-lipped on the agenda, but the meeting comes as Iraq, long a casualty of jihadist militancy, tries to establish itself as a mediator between Arab countries and Iran. Iraq seeks to play a "unifying role" to tackle crises shaking the region, sources close to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi have said. Oil-rich Iraq has been caught for years in a delicate balancing act between its two main allies, Iran and the United States. Also read | Kill list? Biden says US troops 'may' have handed a list of American citizens to Taliban Iran exerts major clout in Iraq through allied armed groups within the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful state-sponsored paramilitary network. Baghdad has been brokering talks since April between US ally Riyadh and Tehran on mending ties severed in 2016. Macron aims to highlight France's role in the region and its determination to press the fight against terrorism, his office said. The French president considers Iraq "essential" to stability in the troubled Middle East, it added. 'More urgent than ever' An Islamic State (IS) group affiliate claimed Thursday's suicide bombing in Kabul that killed scores of people, including 13 US service members. The attack has revived global concerns that the extremist organisation, which seized swathes of Syria and Iraq before being routed from both countries, is emerging anew, analysts said. The blast came during the final days of US-led evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban's lightning takeover. "These events show that it has become more urgent than ever to back the political process in Iraq and involve its neighbours," a source close to Macron said. "A solution to security threats in the region, including Daesh (IS), depends on a stable, sovereign and prosperous Iraq," the source added. A decade after the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, IS in June 2014 announced a "caliphate" in territory seized in Syria and Iraq, routing the badly prepared Iraqi army without a fight and seizing almost a third of the country. France was part of a US-led coalition established to battle the extremists. Iraq declared IS territorially defeated in December 2017, but the group still retains sleeper cells and continues to claim bloody attacks. New IS 'strides' One of the deadliest was a July bombing that ripped through a crowded Baghdad market, killing over 30 people on the eve of a key Muslim holiday. According to Colin Clarke, senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, IS "still has access to tens of millions of dollars and will likely continue to rebuild its network throughout Iraq and Syria". Its "primary goal at the moment is to have its affiliates maintain momentum until it can sufficiently rebuild its core in the Levant," he said. "(IS) affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa and now Afghanistan will have the opportunity to make strides in the coming year." In July, President Joe Biden said US combat operations in Iraq would end this year, but that US soldiers would continue to train, advise and support the country's military in the fight against IS. Washington currently has 2,500 troops deployed to Iraq. Rasha Al Aqeedi, senior analyst at Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said coalition forces believed Iraq's security personnel could prevent another IS advance. "Maybe they're not ideal, but they're good enough for America to leave the country believing that Iraq is not going to live through another 2014," she said.

Macron to attend Baghdad summit amid fears over IS

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;warned of the threat the Islamic State group poses ahead of an Iraqi&nbsp;summit&nbsp;Saturday overshadowed by the Taliban's takeover of&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;and a deadly bombing in Kabul.

Organisers have been tight-lipped on the agenda of the&nbsp;summit&nbsp;in Baghdad, but the meeting also comes as&nbsp;Iraq, long a casualty of jihadist militancy, tries to establish itself as a mediator between Arab countries and Iran.

"We all know that we must not lower our guard, because Daesh (IS) remains a threat, and I know that the fight&nbsp;against&nbsp;these terrorist groups is a priority of your government,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said, after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in Baghdad.

Iraq&nbsp;and France "are key partners in the war&nbsp;against&nbsp;terrorism," Kadhemi replied.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II are due at the&nbsp;summit, while the foreign ministers of regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia will also be present.

The prime minster of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, as well as Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah are also expected to attend.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-airstrike-targets-is-in-afghanistan-in-response-to-deadly-suicide-attack-408905">Also read |&nbsp;US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack</a>

Iraq&nbsp;is seeking to play a "unifying role" to tackle crises shaking the region, sources close to&nbsp;Iraq's Kadhemi have said.

Oil-rich&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;has been caught for years in a delicate balancing act between its two main allies, Iran and the United States.

Iran exerts major clout in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;through allied armed groups within the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful state-sponsored paramilitary network.

Baghdad has been brokering talks since April between US ally Riyadh and Tehran on mending ties severed in 2016.

Macron&nbsp;aims to highlight France's role in the region and its determination to press the fight&nbsp;against&nbsp;terrorism, his office said.

The French president considers&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;"essential" to stability in the troubled Middle East, it added.

'More urgent than ever'

An IS affiliate claimed Thursday's suicide bombing in Kabul that killed scores of people, including 13 US service members.

The attack has revived global concerns that the extremist organisation, which seized swathes of Syria and&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;before being routed from both countries, is emerging anew, analysts said.

The blast came during the final days of US-led evacuations from&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;after the Taliban's lightning takeover.

"These events show that it has become more urgent than ever to back the political process in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;and involve its neighbours," a source close to&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said.

"A solution to security threats in the region, including Daesh, depends on a stable, sovereign and prosperous&nbsp;Iraq," the source added.

A decade after the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, IS in June 2014 announced a "caliphate" in territory seized in Syria and&nbsp;Iraq, routing the badly prepared Iraqi army without a fight and seizing almost a third of the country.

France was part of a US-led coalition established to battle the extremists.

Iraq&nbsp;declared IS territorially defeated in December 2017, but the group still retains sleeper cells and continues to claim bloody attacks.

New IS 'strides'

One of the deadliest was a July bombing that ripped through a crowded Baghdad market, killing over 30 people on the eve of a key Muslim holiday.

According to Colin Clarke, senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, IS "still has access to tens of millions of dollars and will likely continue to rebuild its network throughout&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;and Syria".

Its "primary goal at the moment is to have its affiliates maintain momentum until it can sufficiently rebuild its core in the Levant," he said.

"(IS) affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa and now&nbsp;Afghanistan&nbsp;will have the opportunity to make strides in the coming year."

In July, President Joe Biden said US combat operations in&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;would end this year, but that US soldiers would continue to train, advise and support the country's military in the fight&nbsp;against&nbsp;IS.

Washington currently has 2,500 troops deployed to&nbsp;Iraq.

Rasha Al Aqeedi, senior analyst at Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said coalition forces believed&nbsp;Iraq's security personnel could prevent another IS advance.

"Maybe they're not ideal, but they're good enough for America to leave the country believing that&nbsp;Iraq&nbsp;is not going to live through another 2014," she said.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned of the threat the Islamic State group poses ahead of an Iraqi summit Saturday overshadowed by the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and a deadly bombing in Kabul.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned of the threat the Islamic State group poses ahead of an Iraqi summit Saturday overshadowed by the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan and a deadly bombing in Kabul. Organisers have been tight-lipped on the agenda of the summit in Baghdad, but the meeting also comes as Iraq, long a casualty of jihadist militancy, tries to establish itself as a mediator between Arab countries and Iran. "We all know that we must not lower our guard, because Daesh (IS) remains a threat, and I know that the fight against these terrorist groups is a priority of your government," Macron said, after a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in Baghdad. Iraq and France "are key partners in the war against terrorism," Kadhemi replied. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II are due at the summit, while the foreign ministers of regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia will also be present. The prime minster of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, as well as Kuwait's Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah are also expected to attend. Also read | US airstrike targets IS in Afghanistan in response to deadly suicide attack Iraq is seeking to play a "unifying role" to tackle crises shaking the region, sources close to Iraq's Kadhemi have said. Oil-rich Iraq has been caught for years in a delicate balancing act between its two main allies, Iran and the United States. Iran exerts major clout in Iraq through allied armed groups within the Hashed al-Shaabi, a powerful state-sponsored paramilitary network. Baghdad has been brokering talks since April between US ally Riyadh and Tehran on mending ties severed in 2016. Macron aims to highlight France's role in the region and its determination to press the fight against terrorism, his office said. The French president considers Iraq "essential" to stability in the troubled Middle East, it added. 'More urgent than ever' An IS affiliate claimed Thursday's suicide bombing in Kabul that killed scores of people, including 13 US service members. The attack has revived global concerns that the extremist organisation, which seized swathes of Syria and Iraq before being routed from both countries, is emerging anew, analysts said. The blast came during the final days of US-led evacuations from Afghanistan after the Taliban's lightning takeover. "These events show that it has become more urgent than ever to back the political process in Iraq and involve its neighbours," a source close to Macron said. "A solution to security threats in the region, including Daesh, depends on a stable, sovereign and prosperous Iraq," the source added. A decade after the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, IS in June 2014 announced a "caliphate" in territory seized in Syria and Iraq, routing the badly prepared Iraqi army without a fight and seizing almost a third of the country. France was part of a US-led coalition established to battle the extremists. Iraq declared IS territorially defeated in December 2017, but the group still retains sleeper cells and continues to claim bloody attacks. New IS 'strides' One of the deadliest was a July bombing that ripped through a crowded Baghdad market, killing over 30 people on the eve of a key Muslim holiday. According to Colin Clarke, senior research fellow at the Soufan Center, IS "still has access to tens of millions of dollars and will likely continue to rebuild its network throughout Iraq and Syria". Its "primary goal at the moment is to have its affiliates maintain momentum until it can sufficiently rebuild its core in the Levant," he said. "(IS) affiliates in sub-Saharan Africa and now Afghanistan will have the opportunity to make strides in the coming year." In July, President Joe Biden said US combat operations in Iraq would end this year, but that US soldiers would continue to train, advise and support the country's military in the fight against IS. Washington currently has 2,500 troops deployed to Iraq. Rasha Al Aqeedi, senior analyst at Newlines Institute for Strategy and Policy, said coalition forces believed Iraq's security personnel could prevent another IS advance. "Maybe they're not ideal, but they're good enough for America to leave the country believing that Iraq is not going to live through another 2014," she said.

Macron warns against IS as Afghanistan overshadows Iraq summit

France on Monday began enforcing a COVID-19 pass&nbsp;championed by President Emmanuel Macron in cafes, restaurants and trains, a tightening of rules the government hopes will boost vaccinations but which has prompted weeks of angry protests.

The&nbsp;pass, already needed for the last three weeks to go to a cinema, attend a concert or visit a museum, will be needed to partake in usually routine aspects of life in France such as sipping a coffee in a cafe or travelling on an inter-city train.

Almost a quarter of a million rallied nationwide on Saturday against the extension of the&nbsp;pass, the biggest in four consecutive weekends of protests, but Macron has shown little patience with the demonstrators' concerns over vaccination or alleged erosion of civil liberties.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;health&nbsp;pass&nbsp;is generated in a QR code either by a full course of vaccinations, a recent negative virus test or a recovery from Covid-19. The government expects a one-week grace period for consumers and businesses to get used to the new rules.

As cafes opened for business on Monday morning, there were early signs of frustration in establishments that have had to survive long months of closure during pandemic lockdowns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-exports-rise-past-pre-pandemic-levels-in-june-404221">Also read |&nbsp;German exports rise past pre-pandemic levels in June</a>

"They don't have the&nbsp;health&nbsp;pass&nbsp;and there is nothing I can do," said Mirela Mihalca, waiting on a table at a cafe in central Paris, pointing to two customers who sat down but who she had refused to serve.

"Some understand it quickly, others not. It is going to be difficult, we are not the police!" she added.

'Utter mess'

At a cafe in the centre of the southwestern city of Bordeaux, manager David Fourton described the new rules as a "pain" that would require the hiring of an extra person to carry out the checks.

"And if we turn clients away what is there reaction going to be? It will slow things down for sure and risks being an utter mess at busy times."

State railway company SNCF was also gradually implementing controls, with passengers at Montparnasse&nbsp;station in Paris given paper bracelets after showing their&nbsp;health&nbsp;pass&nbsp;to platform agents.

Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said checks were being carried out on around a quarter of inter-city trains on Monday.&nbsp;

Macron hopes the plan will further accelerate the vaccination drive in France where over 55 percent are now double-jabbed. Aides have noted that almost seven million new bookings were made for first jabs since the plans were outlined.

About 237,000 people protested across France on Saturday, including 17,000 in Paris, the interior ministry said, exceeding the 204,000 recorded last weekend -- numbers that are extremely unusual for protests at the height of the summer break.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that a woman had been arrested after the image of a slogan police said was "manifestly anti-Semitic" brandished at a protest in the eastern city of Metz on Saturday went viral on social media.

'Lost their senses'

In remarks to the Paris Match weekly, Macron made no secret of his frustration with the protesters, who he described as "a few tens of thousands of citizens who have lost their senses to such an extent that they say they live in a dictatorship."

The Le Monde daily noted Macron's defiance, saying: "Just a few months before the presidential elections the president is not hesitating to be divisive", while appearing to keep the support of his core electorate.

The numbers in hospital with Covid-19 in France are still way off previous highs but the government admits the country is battling a fourth wave of the virus. Cases have been rising fastest in Corsica and the Mediterranean coast, which are seeing a summer influx of holidaymakers.&nbsp;

But the biggest concern is over France's overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean, notably Martinique and Guadeloupe, where new lockdowns have been ordered amid a slow vaccine uptake.

Recent polls though have shown that a clear majority of French back the&nbsp;pass, even including the extension to cafes and restaurants.

The&nbsp;pass&nbsp;has already been required since July 21 to visit cultural venues&nbsp;such as cinemas, theatres and museums. Its extension was approved by France's Constitutional Council on Thursday.

France on Monday began enforcing a COVID-19 pass championed by President Emmanuel Macron in cafes, restaurants and trains, a tightening of rules the government hopes will boost vaccinations but which has prompted weeks of angry protests.

France on Monday began enforcing a COVID-19 pass championed by President Emmanuel Macron in cafes, restaurants and trains, a tightening of rules the government hopes will boost vaccinations but which has prompted weeks of angry protests. The pass, already needed for the last three weeks to go to a cinema, attend a concert or visit a museum, will be needed to partake in usually routine aspects of life in France such as sipping a coffee in a cafe or travelling on an inter-city train. Almost a quarter of a million rallied nationwide on Saturday against the extension of the pass, the biggest in four consecutive weekends of protests, but Macron has shown little patience with the demonstrators' concerns over vaccination or alleged erosion of civil liberties. The health pass is generated in a QR code either by a full course of vaccinations, a recent negative virus test or a recovery from Covid-19. The government expects a one-week grace period for consumers and businesses to get used to the new rules. As cafes opened for business on Monday morning, there were early signs of frustration in establishments that have had to survive long months of closure during pandemic lockdowns. Also read | German exports rise past pre-pandemic levels in June "They don't have the health pass and there is nothing I can do," said Mirela Mihalca, waiting on a table at a cafe in central Paris, pointing to two customers who sat down but who she had refused to serve. "Some understand it quickly, others not. It is going to be difficult, we are not the police!" she added. 'Utter mess' At a cafe in the centre of the southwestern city of Bordeaux, manager David Fourton described the new rules as a "pain" that would require the hiring of an extra person to carry out the checks. "And if we turn clients away what is there reaction going to be? It will slow things down for sure and risks being an utter mess at busy times." State railway company SNCF was also gradually implementing controls, with passengers at Montparnasse station in Paris given paper bracelets after showing their health pass to platform agents. Transport Minister Jean-Baptiste Djebbari said checks were being carried out on around a quarter of inter-city trains on Monday. Macron hopes the plan will further accelerate the vaccination drive in France where over 55 percent are now double-jabbed. Aides have noted that almost seven million new bookings were made for first jabs since the plans were outlined. About 237,000 people protested across France on Saturday, including 17,000 in Paris, the interior ministry said, exceeding the 204,000 recorded last weekend -- numbers that are extremely unusual for protests at the height of the summer break. Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on Twitter that a woman had been arrested after the image of a slogan police said was "manifestly anti-Semitic" brandished at a protest in the eastern city of Metz on Saturday went viral on social media. 'Lost their senses' In remarks to the Paris Match weekly, Macron made no secret of his frustration with the protesters, who he described as "a few tens of thousands of citizens who have lost their senses to such an extent that they say they live in a dictatorship." The Le Monde daily noted Macron's defiance, saying: "Just a few months before the presidential elections the president is not hesitating to be divisive", while appearing to keep the support of his core electorate. The numbers in hospital with Covid-19 in France are still way off previous highs but the government admits the country is battling a fourth wave of the virus. Cases have been rising fastest in Corsica and the Mediterranean coast, which are seeing a summer influx of holidaymakers. But the biggest concern is over France's overseas territories in the Indian Ocean and Caribbean, notably Martinique and Guadeloupe, where new lockdowns have been ordered amid a slow vaccine uptake. Recent polls though have shown that a clear majority of French back the pass, even including the extension to cafes and restaurants. The pass has already been required since July 21 to visit cultural venues such as cinemas, theatres and museums. Its extension was approved by France's Constitutional Council on Thursday.

France extends Macron's COVID-19 pass despite protests

France's top constitutional authority on Thursday approved a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">Covid pass</a> that limits access to cafes, restaurants and inter-city trains and planes to people who have been vaccinated or tested negative for the virus.

The controversial pass, which will become ubiquitous from Monday, has sparked mass protests, with critics accusing President Emmanuel Macron of running a health "dictatorship".

But the Constitutional Court said the restrictions voted by parliament last month represented a "balanced trade-off" between public health concerns and personal freedom.

Prime Minister Jean Castex welcomed the court ruling, saying it "will allow the full deployment of our battle strategy against COVID-19".

The biggest change concerns restaurants which will now have to turn away patrons who fail to produce the health pass.

"There will be a cost, in terms of time spent checking the pass, and in terms of sales because we will lose customers," Herve Becam, vice president of the Umih hotels and restaurants association, told AFP.

Cyril Wafik, manager of the Indiana Cafe in central Paris, said the pass presented yet another challenge for many restaurant owners who were already having trouble getting customers to wear masks.

'Not police'

"We're not police, that's not our job," he told AFP. "This will affect our relationship with our customers."

Visitors to some shopping centres and department stores will also need the pass, as will visitors to hospitals or care homes and people seeking non-urgent medical care.&nbsp;

But the absence of a health pass must not be an obstacle to patients receiving treatment, the court ruled.

Health workers and others whose job requires them to be in contact with people at risk of Covid must now get vaccinated by law.

But the court rejected as "disproportionate" the government's wish to force people with Covid infections into isolation for 10 days.

The court's judges also struck down another provision included in the health law that brought in the Covid pass, which would allow employers to dismiss people on fixed-term or temporary contracts if they don't have a pass.

The court said this was unfair treatment as employees on open-ended contracts could not be sacked for the same reason.

Staff can, however, be suspended from work without pay if they lack a pass if the nature of their job demands it because, for instance, it brings them into contact with the public.

The health pass will come into force for young people between 12 and 17 on September 30.

Protests against the health pass assembled around 200,000 people across France on Saturday, and organisers have called for more demonstrations this weekend.

According to a Montaigne opinion poll this week, 37 percent of French people sympathise with the demonstrations and 48 percent are against.

Some 60 percent approve mandatory vaccinations.

More than 8,000 people are currently being treated for Covid in French hospitals, with nearly 1,400 in intensive care, the health authorities reported on Wednesday.

Just under 29,000 new cases were reported in the previous 24 hours.

Some 54 percent of the French population are now fully vaccinated.

France's top constitutional authority on Thursday approved a Covid pass that limits access to cafes, restaurants and inter-city trains and planes to people who have been vaccinated or tested negative for the virus.

France's top constitutional authority on Thursday approved a Covid pass that limits access to cafes, restaurants and inter-city trains and planes to people who have been vaccinated or tested negative for the virus. The controversial pass, which will become ubiquitous from Monday, has sparked mass protests, with critics accusing President Emmanuel Macron of running a health "dictatorship". But the Constitutional Court said the restrictions voted by parliament last month represented a "balanced trade-off" between public health concerns and personal freedom. Prime Minister Jean Castex welcomed the court ruling, saying it "will allow the full deployment of our battle strategy against COVID-19". The biggest change concerns restaurants which will now have to turn away patrons who fail to produce the health pass. "There will be a cost, in terms of time spent checking the pass, and in terms of sales because we will lose customers," Herve Becam, vice president of the Umih hotels and restaurants association, told AFP. Cyril Wafik, manager of the Indiana Cafe in central Paris, said the pass presented yet another challenge for many restaurant owners who were already having trouble getting customers to wear masks. 'Not police' "We're not police, that's not our job," he told AFP. "This will affect our relationship with our customers." Visitors to some shopping centres and department stores will also need the pass, as will visitors to hospitals or care homes and people seeking non-urgent medical care. But the absence of a health pass must not be an obstacle to patients receiving treatment, the court ruled. Health workers and others whose job requires them to be in contact with people at risk of Covid must now get vaccinated by law. But the court rejected as "disproportionate" the government's wish to force people with Covid infections into isolation for 10 days. The court's judges also struck down another provision included in the health law that brought in the Covid pass, which would allow employers to dismiss people on fixed-term or temporary contracts if they don't have a pass. The court said this was unfair treatment as employees on open-ended contracts could not be sacked for the same reason. Staff can, however, be suspended from work without pay if they lack a pass if the nature of their job demands it because, for instance, it brings them into contact with the public. The health pass will come into force for young people between 12 and 17 on September 30. Protests against the health pass assembled around 200,000 people across France on Saturday, and organisers have called for more demonstrations this weekend. According to a Montaigne opinion poll this week, 37 percent of French people sympathise with the demonstrations and 48 percent are against. Some 60 percent approve mandatory vaccinations. More than 8,000 people are currently being treated for Covid in French hospitals, with nearly 1,400 in intensive care, the health authorities reported on Wednesday. Just under 29,000 new cases were reported in the previous 24 hours. Some 54 percent of the French population are now fully vaccinated.

French constitutional court backs Macron's Covid pass

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

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

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

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

As French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official trip to French Polynesia, he faced pressure to apologise for devastating impact of decades of nuclear testing.

Macron plans to address legacy of nuclear testing from 1966 to 1996 during his four day visit. He is also likely to discuss South Pacific territory's strategic role and threat posed by global warming.

Residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia are hoping Macron apologises and confirms compensation for radiation victims.&nbsp;

The tests remain a source of deep resentment, seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of islanders.

After touching down Saturday, Macron, whose 2020 trip was postponed due to the pandemic, met hospital workers fighting Covid-19 in the semi-autonomous territory where many are wary of vaccines.

"I want to send a very strong message to call on everyone to get vaccinated," he said, adding: "When you're vaccinated, you're protected and you hardly spread the virus, or at least much less."

As French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official trip to French Polynesia, he faced pressure to apologise for devastating impact of decades of nuclear testing.

As French President Emmanuel Macron kicked off his first official trip to French Polynesia, he faced pressure to apologise for devastating impact of decades of nuclear testing. Macron plans to address legacy of nuclear testing from 1966 to 1996 during his four day visit. He is also likely to discuss South Pacific territory's strategic role and threat posed by global warming. Residents in the sprawling archipelago of more than 100 islands located midway between Mexico and Australia are hoping Macron apologises and confirms compensation for radiation victims. The tests remain a source of deep resentment, seen as evidence of racist colonial attitudes that disregarded the lives of islanders. After touching down Saturday, Macron, whose 2020 trip was postponed due to the pandemic, met hospital workers fighting Covid-19 in the semi-autonomous territory where many are wary of vaccines. "I want to send a very strong message to call on everyone to get vaccinated," he said, adding: "When you're vaccinated, you're protected and you hardly spread the virus, or at least much less."

Macron under pressure to apologise for nuclear tests in French Polynesia

Emmanuel Macron is one of a number of world leaders named in a recent leak of 50,000 contacts alleged to have been Pegasus targets, including the prime ministers of Pakistan, Egypt and Morocco and the presidents of Iraq and South Africa.

France's Macron changes phone in light of Pegasus case

An official at Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group said Wednesday that the firm's controversial Pegasus spyware tool was not used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

The comments came as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged Israel to suspend exports of the spying technology after heads of state -- including Macron -- and scores of journalists and rights activists featured on a list of alleged targets selected for potential surveillance.

We can "specifically come out and say for sure that the president of France, Macron, was not a target," Chaim Gelfand, chief compliance officer at NSO Group, told the i24 News television network.

But he also alluded to "some cases brought up that we are not so comfortable with", noting that in such circumstances the firm "usually approaches the customer and has a whole long discussion... to try to understand what were his legitimate reasons, if any, to use the system."

Gelfand's comments were broadcast on the same day that RSF head Christophe Deloire called on Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett "to impose an immediate moratorium on surveillance technology exports, until a protective regulatory framework has been established".

Deloire's call came after a list was leaked of some 50,000 phone numbers believed to have been chosen by clients of NSO Group. The numbers purportedly included those of Macron, and 13 other heads of state.

Pegasus can hack into mobile phones without a user knowing, enabling clients to read every message, track a user's location and tap into the phone's camera and microphone.

Contracts with 45 countries

NSO has contracts with 45 countries, and says Israel's defence ministry must approve its deals. The company does not identify its customers.

However, rights group Amnesty International and the Paris-based organisation Forbidden Stories that obtained the list, said NSO's government clients include Bahrain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia.

Reporting by media outlets including The Guardian, Le Monde and The Washington Post found that nearly 200 journalists from organisations including AFP were on the list.

"Enabling governments to install spyware that is used in practice to monitor hundreds of journalists and their sources throughout the world poses a major democratic problem," Deloire said.

Spokespeople for Bennett and Defence Minister Benny Gantz did not respond to questions from AFP on Wednesday.

NSO, a giant of Israeli tech, is based in Herzliya north of Tel Aviv, and has 850 employees.

Its CEO Shalev Hulio, 39, denied in an interview with Israel's 103FM radio on Tuesday that his company was engaged in mass surveillance.

He said NSO had "no connection" to the list of thousands of phone numbers.

On Wednesday, Bennett touted Israeli technological prowess at a cyber conference in Tel Aviv.

"Of every $100 invested in cyber defence across the world, $41 of those were invested in Israeli cyber defence firms," he said.

"We as a government, we as a nation, have to defend ourselves," Bennett added.

He suggested global interest in Israeli technology remained robust, saying "dozens of countries" signed memorandums to obtain Israeli tools that defend against cyber attacks.

A further statement on Wednesday by NSO claimed that the firm was a victim of a "vicious and slanderous campaign", and that it would no longer respond to media questions.

"Any claim that a name in the list is necessarily related to a Pegasus target or Pegasus potential target is erroneous and false," it said.

"NSO is a technology company. We do not operate the system, nor do we have access to the data of our customers, yet they are obligated to provide us with such information under investigations," the company added.

On Tuesday, Gantz said Israel approves export of technology only to governments "exclusively for the purposes of preventing and investigating crime and terrorism".

He said Israel is "studying" recent publications on the subject.

An official at Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group said Wednesday that the firm's controversial Pegasus spyware tool was not used to target French President Emmanuel Macron.

An official at Israeli cybersecurity company NSO Group said Wednesday that the firm's controversial Pegasus spyware tool was not used to target French President Emmanuel Macron. The comments came as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) urged Israel to suspend exports of the spying technology after heads of state -- including Macron -- and scores of journalists and rights activists featured on a list of alleged targets selected for potential surveillance. We can "specifically come out and say for sure that the president of France, Macron, was not a target," Chaim Gelfand, chief compliance officer at NSO Group, told the i24 News television network. But he also alluded to "some cases brought up that we are not so comfortable with", noting that in such circumstances the firm "usually approaches the customer and has a whole long discussion... to try to understand what were his legitimate reasons, if any, to use the system." Gelfand's comments were broadcast on the same day that RSF head Christophe Deloire called on Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett "to impose an immediate moratorium on surveillance technology exports, until a protective regulatory framework has been established". Deloire's call came after a list was leaked of some 50,000 phone numbers believed to have been chosen by clients of NSO Group. The numbers purportedly included those of Macron, and 13 other heads of state. Pegasus can hack into mobile phones without a user knowing, enabling clients to read every message, track a user's location and tap into the phone's camera and microphone. Contracts with 45 countries NSO has contracts with 45 countries, and says Israel's defence ministry must approve its deals. The company does not identify its customers. However, rights group Amnesty International and the Paris-based organisation Forbidden Stories that obtained the list, said NSO's government clients include Bahrain, India, Mexico, Morocco, Rwanda and Saudi Arabia. Reporting by media outlets including The Guardian, Le Monde and The Washington Post found that nearly 200 journalists from organisations including AFP were on the list. "Enabling governments to install spyware that is used in practice to monitor hundreds of journalists and their sources throughout the world poses a major democratic problem," Deloire said. Spokespeople for Bennett and Defence Minister Benny Gantz did not respond to questions from AFP on Wednesday. NSO, a giant of Israeli tech, is based in Herzliya north of Tel Aviv, and has 850 employees. Its CEO Shalev Hulio, 39, denied in an interview with Israel's 103FM radio on Tuesday that his company was engaged in mass surveillance. He said NSO had "no connection" to the list of thousands of phone numbers. On Wednesday, Bennett touted Israeli technological prowess at a cyber conference in Tel Aviv. "Of every $100 invested in cyber defence across the world, $41 of those were invested in Israeli cyber defence firms," he said. "We as a government, we as a nation, have to defend ourselves," Bennett added. He suggested global interest in Israeli technology remained robust, saying "dozens of countries" signed memorandums to obtain Israeli tools that defend against cyber attacks. A further statement on Wednesday by NSO claimed that the firm was a victim of a "vicious and slanderous campaign", and that it would no longer respond to media questions. "Any claim that a name in the list is necessarily related to a Pegasus target or Pegasus potential target is erroneous and false," it said. "NSO is a technology company. We do not operate the system, nor do we have access to the data of our customers, yet they are obligated to provide us with such information under investigations," the company added. On Tuesday, Gantz said Israel approves export of technology only to governments "exclusively for the purposes of preventing and investigating crime and terrorism". He said Israel is "studying" recent publications on the subject.

French President Macron 'was not a target' of spyware, says Pegasus maker NSO 

French President Emmanuel Macron's phone was targeted by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-denies-using-pegasus-spyware-399109">Pegasus</a> spyware, the NGO that leaked the list of numbers claimed on Tuesday.

Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit allegedly had access to the leaked numbers. The NGO said members of Macron's cabinet were also targeted.

Reports said former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and 14 ministers were also under surveillance.

Watch:

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The Pegasus spyware&nbsp;is licensed by&nbsp;an Israeli company NSO. The organization had earlier issued a statement saying the reports were "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories".

Macron's office said: "If this fact is established, it's obviously very serious."

NSO had allegedly hacked smartphones of journalists, government officials and human rights activists worldwide with 50,000 phone numbers believed to be under surveillance.

Meanwhile, French prosecutors opened investigations into allegations that Moroccan intelligence services used Pegasus to spy on the country's journalists.

Investigative website Mediapart had filed a legal complaint on Monday over the spying claims. However, Morocco said it "never acquired computer software to infiltrate communication devices."

French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said the government was "extremely attached to press freedom".

News website Aristegui Noticias had alleged that the Mexican president's wife and children were targets of the Israeli spyware including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, cabinet ministers and other officials.

(With inputs from Agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron's phone was targeted by Pegasus spyware, the NGO that leaked the list of numbers claimed on Tuesday. Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit allegedly had access to the leaked numbers.

French President Emmanuel Macron's phone was targeted by Pegasus spyware, the NGO that leaked the list of numbers claimed on Tuesday. Forbidden Stories, a Paris-based media nonprofit allegedly had access to the leaked numbers. The NGO said members of Macron's cabinet were also targeted. Reports said former French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and 14 ministers were also under surveillance. Watch: The Pegasus spyware is licensed by an Israeli company NSO. The organization had earlier issued a statement saying the reports were "full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories". Macron's office said: "If this fact is established, it's obviously very serious." NSO had allegedly hacked smartphones of journalists, government officials and human rights activists worldwide with 50,000 phone numbers believed to be under surveillance. Meanwhile, French prosecutors opened investigations into allegations that Moroccan intelligence services used Pegasus to spy on the country's journalists. Investigative website Mediapart had filed a legal complaint on Monday over the spying claims. However, Morocco said it "never acquired computer software to infiltrate communication devices." French government spokesman Gabriel Attal said the government was "extremely attached to press freedom". News website Aristegui Noticias had alleged that the Mexican president's wife and children were targets of the Israeli spyware including Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, cabinet ministers and other officials. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pegasus spyware targeted French President Macron: Report

The first round results of France's regional elections marked a form of failure for President Emmanuel Macron's party, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday, although he added it was too soon to draw conclusions for the 2022 Presidential vote. 
 
France's far right performed worse than predicted in Sunday's regional elections, exit polls showed, and the centre-right made a comeback while the vote as a whole was impacted by a high abstention rate. 
 
Asked on France 2 television if Sunday's results were a failure for Macron's party, Darmanin replied: "Of course." 
 
"Democracy means sometimes losing elections. The Presidential majority faced an important hurdle...let us not draw quick conclusions regarding the Presidential elections," he added. 
 
Darmanin also said that Sunday's record low turnout was 'a defeat for all of us' as 'abstention is a message. The French people are telling politicians they do not trust them.' 
 
"No-one can be happy when there is a 70% abstention rate, rising to over 80% among young people," he added. 
 
An IPSOS exit poll showed the centre-right Les Republicains winning 27.2% of the national vote, ahead of the far right on 19.3%, followed by the Green party, the Socialist Party and Macron's La Republique en Marche on 11.2%. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The first round results of France's regional elections marked a form of failure for President Emmanuel Macron's party, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday, although he added it was too soon to draw conclusions for the 2022 Presidential vote.

The first round results of France's regional elections marked a form of failure for President Emmanuel Macron's party, said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday, although he added it was too soon to draw conclusions for the 2022 Presidential vote. France's far right performed worse than predicted in Sunday's regional elections, exit polls showed, and the centre-right made a comeback while the vote as a whole was impacted by a high abstention rate. Asked on France 2 television if Sunday's results were a failure for Macron's party, Darmanin replied: "Of course." "Democracy means sometimes losing elections. The Presidential majority faced an important hurdle...let us not draw quick conclusions regarding the Presidential elections," he added. Darmanin also said that Sunday's record low turnout was 'a defeat for all of us' as 'abstention is a message. The French people are telling politicians they do not trust them.' "No-one can be happy when there is a 70% abstention rate, rising to over 80% among young people," he added. An IPSOS exit poll showed the centre-right Les Republicains winning 27.2% of the national vote, ahead of the far right on 19.3%, followed by the Green party, the Socialist Party and Macron's La Republique en Marche on 11.2%. (With inputs from agencies)

French regional vote marks failure for Macron's party: Interior minister

“Donations of doses by states have to be supplemented by donations of doses by pharmaceutical companies,” Macron told a news conference at the G7 Summit in Cornwall.

Macron calls for pharma giants to donate Covid vaccines

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced major drawdown of country's military presence in Sahel region of Africa. He also announced end of existing Barkhane operation.

"The time has come: Our commitment in the Sahel will not continue in the same way," Macron told a press conference.

"We will undertake a profound transformation of our military presence in the Sahel," he added. "The framework will be made clear in the weeks to come."

Macron said that he saw France's future presence as being part of the so-called Takuba international task force in the Sahel in which "hundreds" of French soldiers would form the "backbone."

This would mean the closure of French bases and would also lead to use of special forces who would be focused on anti-terror operations and military training, he added.

France currently has 5100 troops in the arid and volatile Sahel region which stretches across Africa south of the Sahara desert and spans half a dozen countries.

The Barkhane operation dates back to an initial deployment undertaken from January 2013 as Paris intervened to stop the advance of jihadists in Mali.

Macron said the French drawdown had been decided because the "longstanding presence of France... cannot be a substitute for political stability".

For years Macron has tried to get Western allies to help shoulder the burden of an anti-terror fight in the Sahel where France, the former colonial power in the region, is the lead foreign presence.&nbsp;

The killing in April of the veteran leader of Chad, a close Paris ally, and a coup in Mali last month have also underlined the threat posed by continued political instability in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced major drawdown of country's military presence in Sahel region of Africa. He also announced end of existing Barkhane operation.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced major drawdown of country's military presence in Sahel region of Africa. He also announced end of existing Barkhane operation. "The time has come: Our commitment in the Sahel will not continue in the same way," Macron told a press conference. "We will undertake a profound transformation of our military presence in the Sahel," he added. "The framework will be made clear in the weeks to come." Macron said that he saw France's future presence as being part of the so-called Takuba international task force in the Sahel in which "hundreds" of French soldiers would form the "backbone." This would mean the closure of French bases and would also lead to use of special forces who would be focused on anti-terror operations and military training, he added. France currently has 5100 troops in the arid and volatile Sahel region which stretches across Africa south of the Sahara desert and spans half a dozen countries. The Barkhane operation dates back to an initial deployment undertaken from January 2013 as Paris intervened to stop the advance of jihadists in Mali. Macron said the French drawdown had been decided because the "longstanding presence of France... cannot be a substitute for political stability". For years Macron has tried to get Western allies to help shoulder the burden of an anti-terror fight in the Sahel where France, the former colonial power in the region, is the lead foreign presence. The killing in April of the veteran leader of Chad, a close Paris ally, and a coup in Mali last month have also underlined the threat posed by continued political instability in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron announces major troop drawdown from Sahel region in Africa

The chief of France’s “La République En Marche!” Party recently threatened to withdraw support for one of its Muslim candidates after she was spotted wearing a headscarf in a poster. French President Emmanuel Macron also belongs to this party.

Stanislas Guerini helped establish Macron's movement in 2016. Guerini reacted to the poster of Sara Zemmahi wearing a headscarf in a campaign poster. Zemmahi is running for office in the French city of Montpellier.

"Wearing ostentatious religious symbols on a campaign document is not compatible with the values of LREM,"&nbsp; AFP cited Guerini as writing on Monday.

In the poster, Zemmahi was seen smiling wearing a white headscarf along with three colleagues from the party, which translates into “Republic on the Move” in English. She is also an engineer. The candidates are running in elections that are due to take place on 20 and 27 June.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/another-letter-penned-by-soldiers-foretelling-civil-war-in-france-surfaces-384129" hreflang="en">Another letter penned by soldiers foretelling civil war in France surfaces</a>

France’s right-wing party National Rally’s prominent face Jordan Bardella tweeted the image on Monday, drawing a strong reaction from Guerini.

"Either these candidates change their photo, or LREM will withdraw its support”, Guerini added.

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>

France practices a strict form of secularism called “laicite” which strikes a balance between the state and the Catholic Church.&nbsp; Religious symbols are banned in French schools. And now many in the country are voicing support to extend such restrictions to all public spheres.

Gabriel Attal, a government spokesperson backed the statement of Geurini on Tuesday during a conversation on France Inter radio.

(With inputs from agencies)

The chief of France’s “La République En Marche!” Party recently threatened to withdraw support for one of its Muslim candidates after she was spotted wearing a headscarf in a poster.

The chief of France’s “La République En Marche!” Party recently threatened to withdraw support for one of its Muslim candidates after she was spotted wearing a headscarf in a poster. French President Emmanuel Macron also belongs to this party. Stanislas Guerini helped establish Macron's movement in 2016. Guerini reacted to the poster of Sara Zemmahi wearing a headscarf in a campaign poster. Zemmahi is running for office in the French city of Montpellier. "Wearing ostentatious religious symbols on a campaign document is not compatible with the values of LREM," AFP cited Guerini as writing on Monday. In the poster, Zemmahi was seen smiling wearing a white headscarf along with three colleagues from the party, which translates into “Republic on the Move” in English. She is also an engineer. The candidates are running in elections that are due to take place on 20 and 27 June. Also read: Another letter penned by soldiers foretelling civil war in France surfaces France’s right-wing party National Rally’s prominent face Jordan Bardella tweeted the image on Monday, drawing a strong reaction from Guerini. "Either these candidates change their photo, or LREM will withdraw its support”, Guerini added. Also read: Open letter by French soldiers warning of 'civil war' angers Macron government France practices a strict form of secularism called “laicite” which strikes a balance between the state and the Catholic Church. Religious symbols are banned in French schools. And now many in the country are voicing support to extend such restrictions to all public spheres. Gabriel Attal, a government spokesperson backed the statement of Geurini on Tuesday during a conversation on France Inter radio. (With inputs from agencies)

Head of Macron's party threatens to withdraw support for Muslim candidate over headscarf row

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. &nbsp;

A year before the next presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy as his country inches out of its third partial lockdown.&nbsp;

The centrist president's ability to meet the challenge will be significant for his political future and for France, which is among the world's worst-hit nations with the fourth-highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and the eighth-highest death toll at more than 106,000.&nbsp;

While he has not officially declared his candidacy, Macron has made comments suggesting he intends to seek reelection. And he has pushed recent legislation on issues that potential rivals on the right and the left hold dear, from security to climate change.&nbsp;

Pollsters suggest Macron, who four years ago became the youngest president in French history, has a good chance of winning the presidency again in 2022 despite his government's oft-criticised management of the pandemic and earlier challenges to his policies, from activists protesting what they see as social and economic injustice to unions angry over retirement reforms.&nbsp;

The coronavirus reopening strategy Macron unveiled this month calls for most restrictions on public life to be lifted June 30, when half of France's population is expected to have received at least one vaccine shot. With up to 3 million people in France getting vaccinated each week, the government plans to allow outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, as well as museums and nonessential shops, to resume operating on May 19.&nbsp;

In an interview with French media, Macron said he would visit France's regions over the summer 'to feel the pulse of the country' and to engage with people in a mass consultation aimed at 'turning the page of that moment in the nation's life'. "No individual destiny is worthwhile without a collective project," he said, giving the latest hint about a potential reelection bid.&nbsp;

At the moment, all opinion polls show Macron and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader he beat in a presidential runoff election in 2017, again reaching the runoff next year. The polls also forecast that Macron would defeat National Rally leader Le Pen again, though by a smaller margin.&nbsp;

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term.

President Emmanuel Macron's plans for bringing France out of the pandemic aren't just about resuscitating long-closed restaurants, boutiques and museums. They are also about preparing his possible campaign for a second term. A year before the next presidential election, Macron is focusing on saving jobs and reviving the pandemic-battered French economy as his country inches out of its third partial lockdown. The centrist president's ability to meet the challenge will be significant for his political future and for France, which is among the world's worst-hit nations with the fourth-highest number of reported COVID-19 cases and the eighth-highest death toll at more than 106,000. While he has not officially declared his candidacy, Macron has made comments suggesting he intends to seek reelection. And he has pushed recent legislation on issues that potential rivals on the right and the left hold dear, from security to climate change. Pollsters suggest Macron, who four years ago became the youngest president in French history, has a good chance of winning the presidency again in 2022 despite his government's oft-criticised management of the pandemic and earlier challenges to his policies, from activists protesting what they see as social and economic injustice to unions angry over retirement reforms. The coronavirus reopening strategy Macron unveiled this month calls for most restrictions on public life to be lifted June 30, when half of France's population is expected to have received at least one vaccine shot. With up to 3 million people in France getting vaccinated each week, the government plans to allow outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes, as well as museums and nonessential shops, to resume operating on May 19. In an interview with French media, Macron said he would visit France's regions over the summer 'to feel the pulse of the country' and to engage with people in a mass consultation aimed at 'turning the page of that moment in the nation's life'. "No individual destiny is worthwhile without a collective project," he said, giving the latest hint about a potential reelection bid. At the moment, all opinion polls show Macron and Marine Le Pen, the far-right leader he beat in a presidential runoff election in 2017, again reaching the runoff next year. The polls also forecast that Macron would defeat National Rally leader Le Pen again, though by a smaller margin.

Eyeing reelection bid, Macron looks to repair French economy 

French President Emmanuel Macron`s centre-right party has formed an alliance with the conservative Les Republicains (LR) for regional elections in June in the southern Provence-Alpes-Cote d`Azur region, the prime minister was cited as saying on Sunday. 
 
Coming a year after Macron’s La Republique en Marche (LREM) party got trounced in municipal elections, the alliance shows a recognition within the ruling party that it is too weak and unpopular to win some regions on its own. 
 
Junior Minister Sophie Cluzel, the LREM`s regional candidate, will thus run on same ticket led by Les Republicains` Renaud Muselier, president of the regional assembly. 
 
Prime Minister Jean Castex told Le Journal du Dimanche that Muselier had proposed the alliance, to which Macron`s party had responded "very positively". 
 
Muselier`s will be facing the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, which in 2015 garnered 45% of the votes in the previous regional elections. 
 
However, some conservatives are unhappy with the alliance. Macron has methodically weakened their party since he took power in 2017 by poaching many of its members for positions in government. 
 
The head of Les Republicains party Christian Jacob said on Twitter on Sunday that his party was withdrawing its backing for Muselier`s candidacy, criticising him and Castex for what he called political "manoeuvres". 
 
The Republicains have yet to agree on a candidate for the presidential election next year, and some fear such local alliances with the LREM will further weaken their credibility as an alternative to Macron. 
 
The first round of the regional elections will be held on June 20, with the second round due on June 27.

French President Emmanuel Macron`s centre-right party has formed an alliance with the conservative Les Republicains (LR) for regional elections in June in the southern Provence-Alpes-Cote d`Azur region, the prime minister was cited as saying on Sunday.

French President Emmanuel Macron`s centre-right party has formed an alliance with the conservative Les Republicains (LR) for regional elections in June in the southern Provence-Alpes-Cote d`Azur region, the prime minister was cited as saying on Sunday. Coming a year after Macron’s La Republique en Marche (LREM) party got trounced in municipal elections, the alliance shows a recognition within the ruling party that it is too weak and unpopular to win some regions on its own. Junior Minister Sophie Cluzel, the LREM`s regional candidate, will thus run on same ticket led by Les Republicains` Renaud Muselier, president of the regional assembly. Prime Minister Jean Castex told Le Journal du Dimanche that Muselier had proposed the alliance, to which Macron`s party had responded "very positively". Muselier`s will be facing the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) party, which in 2015 garnered 45% of the votes in the previous regional elections. However, some conservatives are unhappy with the alliance. Macron has methodically weakened their party since he took power in 2017 by poaching many of its members for positions in government. The head of Les Republicains party Christian Jacob said on Twitter on Sunday that his party was withdrawing its backing for Muselier`s candidacy, criticising him and Castex for what he called political "manoeuvres". The Republicains have yet to agree on a candidate for the presidential election next year, and some fear such local alliances with the LREM will further weaken their credibility as an alternative to Macron. The first round of the regional elections will be held on June 20, with the second round due on June 27.

Macron's party teams up with conservatives for regional elections in south

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

Turkey condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that it was meddling in France's next presidential elections.

The Turkish foreign ministry said it found Macron's words "unacceptable and contrary to the friendship and alliance between our countries".

This week, Macron told French television that Turkey was "playing on public opinion" and spreading "lies" in France through the use of state-controlled media.

"There will be attempts at interference in the next (French) presidential elections" in 2022, Macron said. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often criticise each other's countries that oppose each other in regional conflicts.&nbsp;

The barbs hit a low late last year at the time Erdogan told Macron to undergo "mental checks". He had urged France to "get rid of" their president

Months earlier, Macron had suggested that the Turkish people "deserve something else" than the policies of Erdogan.

The Turkish statement on Wednesday said Macron's "dangerous" comments threatened to alienate France's 800,000-strong Turkish community.

(With AFP inputs)

Turkey condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that it was meddling in France's next presidential elections. The Turkish foreign ministry said it found Macron's words "unacceptable and contrary to the friendship and alliance between our countries".

Turkey condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's claims that it was meddling in France's next presidential elections. The Turkish foreign ministry said it found Macron's words "unacceptable and contrary to the friendship and alliance between our countries". This week, Macron told French television that Turkey was "playing on public opinion" and spreading "lies" in France through the use of state-controlled media. "There will be attempts at interference in the next (French) presidential elections" in 2022, Macron said. Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan often criticise each other's countries that oppose each other in regional conflicts. The barbs hit a low late last year at the time Erdogan told Macron to undergo "mental checks". He had urged France to "get rid of" their president Months earlier, Macron had suggested that the Turkish people "deserve something else" than the policies of Erdogan. The Turkish statement on Wednesday said Macron's "dangerous" comments threatened to alienate France's 800,000-strong Turkish community. (With AFP inputs)

Turkey slams French claim of election 'interference'

France will offer Covid-19 shots to anyone over 70 from this weekend, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, as he sought to breathe more urgency into his country's vaccination campaign.&nbsp;

France and its neighbours are suffering a third wave of infections that threatens recovery in Europe's largest economies.&nbsp;

Hospitals could face an 'unprecedented shock' within three weeks as infections explode, said the head of France's hospital federation as he urged tougher curbs on social interaction if the spread did not slow soon.&nbsp;

New Covid restrictions that closed non-essential stores and limited how far people can move came into effect in Paris and much of the north last weekend, but Macron stopped short of a full lockdown.&nbsp;

"We're going to accelerate the vaccine roll-out from Saturday," Macron said, while visiting a vaccination centre in the north.&nbsp;

The president later said he hoped there would be targeted campaigns for certain professions, such as teachers, by April or May and that in a race against time, public holidays should be no barrier to delivering injections.&nbsp;

From Saturday, people over 70 will be able to get inoculated. Previously, the government had slated opening up vaccine slots for the age-group in mid-April. Vaccinations are currently available for over-75s and anyone over 50 with a serious pre-existing condition.&nbsp;

France's faltering campaign has been slowed by bureaucracy and public mistrust of vaccines at home, and Europe-wide supply delays, in particular from AstraZeneca.&nbsp;

The European Union has threatened to ban exports of the Anglo-Swedish vaccine to Britain in order to secure doses after the company this month said it expected to deliver three times fewer vaccines by the end of June than it had contractually committed to.&nbsp;

The EU says AstraZeneca shots manufactured on its territory have been exported to Britain even amid the shortfall. French Europe Minister Clement Beaune demanded Britain reciprocate. &nbsp;

Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher, whose ministry is responsible for procurement in France, insisted AstraZeneca meet its contractual obligations.&nbsp;

"It is up to them to propose an action plan," she told France Info radio.&nbsp;

The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care hit a four-month high in France on Monday.&nbsp;

"The epidemic is gathering pace, the figures are exploding," Frederic Valletoux, who heads the French hospital federation, told LCI television.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

France will offer Covid-19 shots to anyone over 70 from this weekend, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, as he sought to breathe more urgency into his country's vaccination campaign.

France will offer Covid-19 shots to anyone over 70 from this weekend, President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday, as he sought to breathe more urgency into his country's vaccination campaign. France and its neighbours are suffering a third wave of infections that threatens recovery in Europe's largest economies. Hospitals could face an 'unprecedented shock' within three weeks as infections explode, said the head of France's hospital federation as he urged tougher curbs on social interaction if the spread did not slow soon. New Covid restrictions that closed non-essential stores and limited how far people can move came into effect in Paris and much of the north last weekend, but Macron stopped short of a full lockdown. "We're going to accelerate the vaccine roll-out from Saturday," Macron said, while visiting a vaccination centre in the north. The president later said he hoped there would be targeted campaigns for certain professions, such as teachers, by April or May and that in a race against time, public holidays should be no barrier to delivering injections. From Saturday, people over 70 will be able to get inoculated. Previously, the government had slated opening up vaccine slots for the age-group in mid-April. Vaccinations are currently available for over-75s and anyone over 50 with a serious pre-existing condition. France's faltering campaign has been slowed by bureaucracy and public mistrust of vaccines at home, and Europe-wide supply delays, in particular from AstraZeneca. The European Union has threatened to ban exports of the Anglo-Swedish vaccine to Britain in order to secure doses after the company this month said it expected to deliver three times fewer vaccines by the end of June than it had contractually committed to. The EU says AstraZeneca shots manufactured on its territory have been exported to Britain even amid the shortfall. French Europe Minister Clement Beaune demanded Britain reciprocate. Industry Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher, whose ministry is responsible for procurement in France, insisted AstraZeneca meet its contractual obligations. "It is up to them to propose an action plan," she told France Info radio. The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care hit a four-month high in France on Monday. "The epidemic is gathering pace, the figures are exploding," Frederic Valletoux, who heads the French hospital federation, told LCI television. (With inputs from agencies)

French Prez promises faster vaccine roll-out as infections 'explode' 

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen slams Macron and his government during the presentation of her counter-proposal to the antiseparatism bill. The president of the Rassemblement National party vows to ban the wearing of the veil and says the "Islamist offensive" is part of "a total war being waged against us".

France's Marine Le Pen proposes a ban on Muslim headscarf

France will tighten its laws on incest, President Emmanuel Macron said in a series of tweets on Saturday (January 23), after publication of a book accusing a top French political commentator of abusing his stepson sparked outrage across the country.

Macron said in a post on his Twitter account that France needs to adapt its law to better protect children from sexual violence and he had asked the justice minister to chair a consultation aimed at quickly making legislative proposals.

"We have to punish the criminals for their past acts and to prevent any further offence," Macron said in a video posted on Twitter. "Shame, today, is shifting sides."

Macron said France had already increased the statute of limitations on incest to 30 years, counted from the legal age of majority of the victim, and had tightened controls on people working with children, but he said much more needed to be done.

He said that as part of current routine medical examinatons for children, France would introduce sessions about incest in primary and secondary schools in order to give children a chance to talk about incest, which in France is defined as sexual abuse of minors within a family.

He also said that better psychological help for victims of incest would be made available and that it would be reimbursed by social security.

In recent weeks, hundreds of people have taken to social media to tell their stories of incest after the publication of a book accusing French professor and constitutional specialist Olivier Duhamel of abusing his stepson.

The book was written by Duhamel's stepdaughter Camille Kouchner, daughter of Bernard Kouchner, former foreign minister and founder of NGO of Medecins Sans Frontieres.

Duhamel resigned earlier this month from his post overseeing Sciences Po, one of France's top universities, following publication of the book.

"Being the object of personal attacks and wanting to preserve the institutions in which I work, I put an end to my functions," he said on Twitter on Jan. 4.

Neither Duhamel nor his lawyer have commented on the accusations dating back to the 1980s.

Higher Education Minister Frederique Vidal has ordered an inspection at Sciences Po to determine responsibilities and potential failings. The Paris prosecutor opened an investigation for rape and sexual abuse by a person with authority over a minor of 15 years old in early January.

France will tighten its laws on incest, President Emmanuel Macron said in a series of tweets on Saturday (January 23), after publication of a book accusing a top French political commentator of abusing his stepson sparked outrage across the country.

France will tighten its laws on incest, President Emmanuel Macron said in a series of tweets on Saturday (January 23), after publication of a book accusing a top French political commentator of abusing his stepson sparked outrage across the country. Macron said in a post on his Twitter account that France needs to adapt its law to better protect children from sexual violence and he had asked the justice minister to chair a consultation aimed at quickly making legislative proposals. "We have to punish the criminals for their past acts and to prevent any further offence," Macron said in a video posted on Twitter. "Shame, today, is shifting sides." Macron said France had already increased the statute of limitations on incest to 30 years, counted from the legal age of majority of the victim, and had tightened controls on people working with children, but he said much more needed to be done. He said that as part of current routine medical examinatons for children, France would introduce sessions about incest in primary and secondary schools in order to give children a chance to talk about incest, which in France is defined as sexual abuse of minors within a family. He also said that better psychological help for victims of incest would be made available and that it would be reimbursed by social security. In recent weeks, hundreds of people have taken to social media to tell their stories of incest after the publication of a book accusing French professor and constitutional specialist Olivier Duhamel of abusing his stepson. The book was written by Duhamel's stepdaughter Camille Kouchner, daughter of Bernard Kouchner, former foreign minister and founder of NGO of Medecins Sans Frontieres. Duhamel resigned earlier this month from his post overseeing Sciences Po, one of France's top universities, following publication of the book. "Being the object of personal attacks and wanting to preserve the institutions in which I work, I put an end to my functions," he said on Twitter on Jan. 4. Neither Duhamel nor his lawyer have commented on the accusations dating back to the 1980s. Higher Education Minister Frederique Vidal has ordered an inspection at Sciences Po to determine responsibilities and potential failings. The Paris prosecutor opened an investigation for rape and sexual abuse by a person with authority over a minor of 15 years old in early January.

France to tighten legislation on incest, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday urged students to look out for one another to help cope with stress and depression caused by COVID-19 restrictions which he said weren't going away soon.

French President Macron offers COVID-hit students cheap meals

A day after the&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron&nbsp;tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he has issued a video statement assuring everyone about his wellbeing.

Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-emmanuel-macron-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-350432">French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus</a>

"I am doing well. I have the same symptoms as yesterday: tiredness, headaches, dry everywhere. Like hundreds of thousands of others of you," he said in the video. "My activity is a little slowed down due to the virus. But I am continuing to take care of the priority issues like the epidemic or, for example, Brexit."

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The announcement of the President testing positive was made by the&nbsp;French Presidency on Thursday. "The President of the Republic has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 today," the officials had reported.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-leaders-self-isolate-after-macron-tests-covid-19-positive-350545">European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive</a>

His diagnosis was concluded through a&nbsp;PCR test which was performed as soon as Macron reported first symptoms.

Following Macron's diagnosis, several European Union leaders such as&nbsp;European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation. The precaution was taken as Macron had attended a conference of&nbsp;Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Brussels last week.

A day after the French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he has issued a video statement assuring everyone about his wellbeing.

A day after the French President Emmanuel Macron tested positive for the novel coronavirus, he has issued a video statement assuring everyone about his wellbeing. Macron took to Twitter to post a video message in French and informed people that he is 'doing well' but is a little tired which has 'slowed down' his daily activities. Also read| French President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for coronavirus "I am doing well. I have the same symptoms as yesterday: tiredness, headaches, dry everywhere. Like hundreds of thousands of others of you," he said in the video. "My activity is a little slowed down due to the virus. But I am continuing to take care of the priority issues like the epidemic or, for example, Brexit." pic.twitter.com/MrfTQXpRBW — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 18, 2020 × The announcement of the President testing positive was made by the French Presidency on Thursday. "The President of the Republic has been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 today," the officials had reported. Also read| European leaders self-isolate after Macron tests COVID-19 positive His diagnosis was concluded through a PCR test which was performed as soon as Macron reported first symptoms. Following Macron's diagnosis, several European Union leaders such as European Council president Charles Michel and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez went into self-isolation. The precaution was taken as Macron had attended a conference of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Brussels last week.

Emmanuel Macron claims he is 'doing well' from COVID-19 and concentrating on Brexit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, where both the leaders discussed a wide range of issues.

Indian PM speaks to Macron, conveyed condolences for France terror attacks

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron on Monday spoke during which several issues were discussed - from Covid to maritime security. During the talks, PM Modi&nbsp;conveyed his condolences to&nbsp;President Macron&nbsp;for the terror attacks in France and&nbsp;reiterated "India's full support to France in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalism", an Indian government release said.&nbsp;

Between September to October, the country saw three&nbsp;terror attacks in form of knife attacks--in Paris, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and Nice. Four people were killed in these attacks, in the aftermath of controversy arising over controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.

Other key focus areas of the talks were improving the affordability and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines, post-covid economic recovery, something that has been top focus areas globally.&nbsp;

On the security front, the focus was on the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, defence cooperation. Both countries are closely aligned on several subjects, and increasingly working together in tandem on the security front. Earlier this year, French Defence minister had visited India for the&nbsp;Rafale induction ceremony.&nbsp;

The Indian govt release said, "The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the India-France Strategic Partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to continue working closely together in the post-COVID era."

Climate change was also discussed, an issue which has seen Paris -Delhi working on ambitious&nbsp;International Solar Alliance project. India initiated the project which now has over 120 members, was launched in Paris in 2015.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday spoke during which several issues were discussed - from Covid to maritime security.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday spoke during which several issues were discussed - from Covid to maritime security. During the talks, PM Modi conveyed his condolences to President Macron for the terror attacks in France and reiterated "India's full support to France in the fight against terrorism, extremism and radicalism", an Indian government release said. Between September to October, the country saw three terror attacks in form of knife attacks--in Paris, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine and Nice. Four people were killed in these attacks, in the aftermath of controversy arising over controversial cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. Other key focus areas of the talks were improving the affordability and accessibility of COVID-19 vaccines, post-covid economic recovery, something that has been top focus areas globally. On the security front, the focus was on the cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, maritime security, defence cooperation. Both countries are closely aligned on several subjects, and increasingly working together in tandem on the security front. Earlier this year, French Defence minister had visited India for the Rafale induction ceremony. The Indian govt release said, "The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and strength that the India-France Strategic Partnership has acquired in recent years and agreed to continue working closely together in the post-COVID era." Climate change was also discussed, an issue which has seen Paris -Delhi working on ambitious International Solar Alliance project. India initiated the project which now has over 120 members, was launched in Paris in 2015.

Modi-Macron speak as Indian PM extends support to France in fight against terror, extremism

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record.

The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates.

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"I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights)," Macron said during a joint press conference. 
 
He was speaking at a conference where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/i-hope-france-will-get-rid-of-macron-says-turkey-president-erdogan-347552" hreflang="en">I hope France will get rid of Macron, says Turkey President Erdogan</a> 
 
"It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added.

Earlier today, France welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade in Paris. France perceived Egypt as a force against Islamist militants in the peninsula of Sinai and in Libya.

Macron also alluded to the right to asylum.

"I will defend the right to asylum, until the end. The right to asylum means protecting those fighting for freedom, wherever they come from”, he said to Brut.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/amid-erdogan-macron-row-eu-ponders-over-turkey-dilemma-347319" hreflang="en">Amid Erdogan, Macron row, EU ponders over Turkey dilemma</a>

"We will always protect the right to asylum. But at present, the right to asylum is being twisted by trafficking networks, and you have a lot of people coming who will never have the right to asylum because they don't come from a place where they are under threat or where there is political conflict. But in some way, it is circumventing the right to asylum to help illegal migration channels. We need to stop this. If not, we will always be overwhelmed”, he said.

France added that an end to the abuse of the right to asylum by human traffickers is required.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record. The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday said that he would provide arms to Egypt regardless of their human rights track record. The president added that he does not want to weaken Egypt’s ability to fight terrorism in the region, even if the country continues to flout global human rights dictates. "I will not condition matters of defence and economic cooperation on these disagreements (over human rights)," Macron said during a joint press conference. He was speaking at a conference where he met President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. The two leaders held talks in the Elysee Palace. Also read: I hope France will get rid of Macron, says Turkey President Erdogan "It is more effective to have a policy of demanding dialogue than a boycott which would only reduce the effectiveness of one our partners in the fight against terrorism," he added. Earlier today, France welcomed Sisi with a Cavalry parade in Paris. France perceived Egypt as a force against Islamist militants in the peninsula of Sinai and in Libya. Macron also alluded to the right to asylum. "I will defend the right to asylum, until the end. The right to asylum means protecting those fighting for freedom, wherever they come from”, he said to Brut. Also read: Amid Erdogan, Macron row, EU ponders over Turkey dilemma "We will always protect the right to asylum. But at present, the right to asylum is being twisted by trafficking networks, and you have a lot of people coming who will never have the right to asylum because they don't come from a place where they are under threat or where there is political conflict. But in some way, it is circumventing the right to asylum to help illegal migration channels. We need to stop this. If not, we will always be overwhelmed”, he said. France added that an end to the abuse of the right to asylum by human traffickers is required.

France will sell arms to Egypt despite human rights track record: Macron

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