The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah group, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on Tuesday said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was lying about missile sites in Lebanon.

"A short while ago, the enemy's prime minister spoke directly in a speech at the United Nations, saying things in order to incite the Lebanese people against Hezbollah, as usual," said Nasrallah.

He added that Netanyahu was trying to provoke the Lebanese against Hezbollah with accusations of missile sites in Beirut.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-hezbollah-posts-in-lebanon-after-firing-at-troops-military-says-323243">Israel strikes Hezbollah posts in Lebanon after firing at troops, military says</a>

Nasrallah during the televised speech invited the media on a Hezbollah-guided tour of the site that Netanyahu earlier, in a video address to the United Nations, accused him of storing weapons in Beirut.

Netanyahu said that the site is next to a gas company in a residential neighbourhood of Beirut, urging the people to "act now" by protesting against the depo mentioned right after his speech.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-warns-of-new-civil-war-in-lebanon-323839">French President Macron warns of new civil war in Lebanon</a>

Nasrallah, talking about the latest government developments of the country expressed that his Shi'ite movement welcomed French efforts to help Lebanon but that did not mean it would agree to any government or that French President Emmanuel Macron could act like the country's ruler.

In a televised speech, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said Hezbollah was still ready for dialogue under the French plan to lift Lebanon from financial crisis, but that a new approach would be needed.

He accused Lebanon's Sunni former prime ministers, including Saad al-Hariri, of trying to exploit the French intervention to score political points.

The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah group, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on Tuesday said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was lying about missile sites in Lebanon.

The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah group, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, on Tuesday said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was lying about missile sites in Lebanon. "A short while ago, the enemy's prime minister spoke directly in a speech at the United Nations, saying things in order to incite the Lebanese people against Hezbollah, as usual," said Nasrallah. He added that Netanyahu was trying to provoke the Lebanese against Hezbollah with accusations of missile sites in Beirut. Also read: Israel strikes Hezbollah posts in Lebanon after firing at troops, military says Nasrallah during the televised speech invited the media on a Hezbollah-guided tour of the site that Netanyahu earlier, in a video address to the United Nations, accused him of storing weapons in Beirut. Netanyahu said that the site is next to a gas company in a residential neighbourhood of Beirut, urging the people to "act now" by protesting against the depo mentioned right after his speech. Also read: French President Macron warns of new civil war in Lebanon Nasrallah, talking about the latest government developments of the country expressed that his Shi'ite movement welcomed French efforts to help Lebanon but that did not mean it would agree to any government or that French President Emmanuel Macron could act like the country's ruler. In a televised speech, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said Hezbollah was still ready for dialogue under the French plan to lift Lebanon from financial crisis, but that a new approach would be needed. He accused Lebanon's Sunni former prime ministers, including Saad al-Hariri, of trying to exploit the French intervention to score political points.

Hezbollah chief hits back at Netanyahu, Macron for statements on Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Tuesday meet with Belarus opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya during his visit to Lithuania in what is seen as a major show of support for the activist.

Belarus opposition leader to meet French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron admonished Lebanon's leaders on Sunday for serving their own interests ahead of their country and vowed to push ahead with efforts to prevent chaos, but appeared to have no back up plan should his initiative fail.

French President Emmanuel Macron accuses Lebanese leaders of betrayal

The 75th UNGA session will go down in history as the most unconventional one. Every world leader seems to be targeting their domestic audience by sparring on a global platform. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you who said what.

Gravitas: The most unconventional UNGA session

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning. Macron called for "swift and flawless" clarification. He warned that France would not allow its red lines on the use of chemical weapons to be crossed.

"We will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Europe, in Russia or in Syria," Emmanuel Macron told the U.N. General Assembly.

"This clarification must be swift and flawless because we will enforce our red lines," Macron said.

Alexei Navalny, opponent and critic of Vladimir Putin was allegedly poisoned on August 20. It is suspected that he was poisoned before his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He received medical care in Charite Hospital for several weeks and was discharged on Wednesday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-hospital-releases-russian-leader-navalny-after-novichok-poisoning-329607">German hospital releases Russian leader Navalny after Novichok poisoning</a> 
 
Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident with Alexei Navalny.

Navalny said in his blog that independent laboratories in Sweden, France and Bundeswehr had confirmed that there was Novichok in his body. Novichok is a Soviet-era nerve agent.

Charite Hospital, where he received treatment, said that "complete recovery" was possible for Alexei Navalny.

(With inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning.

France President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday had strong words for Russain President Vladimir Putin and warned of consequences if Russia did not provide adequate explanation over Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny's alleged poisoning. Macron called for "swift and flawless" clarification. He warned that France would not allow its red lines on the use of chemical weapons to be crossed. "We will not tolerate the use of chemical weapons in Europe, in Russia or in Syria," Emmanuel Macron told the U.N. General Assembly. "This clarification must be swift and flawless because we will enforce our red lines," Macron said. Alexei Navalny, opponent and critic of Vladimir Putin was allegedly poisoned on August 20. It is suspected that he was poisoned before his flight from Tomsk to Moscow. He received medical care in Charite Hospital for several weeks and was discharged on Wednesday. Also Read | German hospital releases Russian leader Navalny after Novichok poisoning Kremlin has denied any involvement in the incident with Alexei Navalny. Navalny said in his blog that independent laboratories in Sweden, France and Bundeswehr had confirmed that there was Novichok in his body. Novichok is a Soviet-era nerve agent. Charite Hospital, where he received treatment, said that "complete recovery" was possible for Alexei Navalny. (With inputs from Reuters)

Navalny poisoning: Macron demands answers from Russia, warns of consequences

Five years ago in January 2015, Paris was rocked by a series of terror attacks which killed 17 people. The attacks began&nbsp;on January 07 when two&nbsp;brothers entered the office of French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and opened fire during its edit meeting, killing 12 people.

The terrorists were identified as Saïd and Chérif Kouachi.

Reports claimed that witnesses heard the terrorists shouting&nbsp;"we have avenged the prophet' and 'god is great". The terrorists were neutralised two days later.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-charlie-hebdo-trial-324841/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the same day, on January 09, a supermarket was attacked where five people were shot.

The attacks were triggered by&nbsp;a series of cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo. The satirical magazine had lampooned prophet Mohammad. To many, it was blasphemy. However, that does not&nbsp;justify killing people in cold blood.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-on-alert-as-charlie-hebdo-reprints-prophet-mohammads-caricature-324588">Also read|&nbsp;France on alert as Charlie Hebdo reprints prophet Mohammad's caricature</a>

Five&nbsp;years on, 14 people are standing trial for the Charlie Hebdo killings. They are facing various charges, including providing arms and logistical support to the terrorists

The trial is being called 'historic'. It is likely to go on for at least 49 days. Reports claim there are at least 200 plaintiffs and&nbsp;144 witnesses are likely to testify in the courtroom. Special viewing galleries have been opened for the public. They can see the accused being tried in the Paris court.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-freedom-of-the-press-says-macron-on-charlie-hebdo-row-324656">Also read|&nbsp;We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row</a>

Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons yesterday to mark the start of the trial.&nbsp;The republishing of the cartoons was aimed at making a statement in support of free speech and expression.

While Charlie Hebdo found support from across the globe, there were others who criticised it for reopening old wounds.&nbsp;Among them was Pakistan. It said "offending billions of muslims cannot be justified as an exercise in press freedom or freedom of expression"

The French President&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron said,&nbsp;"I think the president of the republic in France should never qualify editorial choices of a journalist, editorial staff, never. Because there is a freedom of the press that you are rightly so attached to, deeply."

Macron upheld the freedom of expression. He had the chance to use secularism as an excuse to appease the minority, the nearly five million Muslims of France. However, Macron chose to steer clear of it. Instead, he mentioned that in France you have the freedom to blaspheme, and that blasphemy should not come in between freedom of press or the freedom of expression.

From where I stand, I am here to protect all these freedoms so it's not up to me to qualify the choices of journalists, I can only say that in france, we can criticise governments, presidents, to be blasphemous, etc,"&nbsp;Macron said.

He&nbsp;also added that sketches are not hate speeches. His stand on&nbsp;this controversial issue is exemplary, and there is a lesson for leaders across the globe. It is very easy to succumb to international pressure or&nbsp;slaughter the rights of the majority to appease the minority, or selectively apply the principle of secularism.&nbsp;Standing up for the freedom of expression is never easy, but it is always the right thing to do.

Five years ago in January 2015, Paris was rocked by a series of terror attacks which killed 17 people. The attacks began on January 07 when two brothers entered the office of French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and opened fire during its edit meeting, killing 12 people.

Five years ago in January 2015, Paris was rocked by a series of terror attacks which killed 17 people. The attacks began on January 07 when two brothers entered the office of French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, and opened fire during its edit meeting, killing 12 people. The terrorists were identified as Saïd and Chérif Kouachi. Reports claimed that witnesses heard the terrorists shouting "we have avenged the prophet' and 'god is great". The terrorists were neutralised two days later. On the same day, on January 09, a supermarket was attacked where five people were shot. The attacks were triggered by a series of cartoons published by Charlie Hebdo. The satirical magazine had lampooned prophet Mohammad. To many, it was blasphemy. However, that does not justify killing people in cold blood. Also read| France on alert as Charlie Hebdo reprints prophet Mohammad's caricature Five years on, 14 people are standing trial for the Charlie Hebdo killings. They are facing various charges, including providing arms and logistical support to the terrorists The trial is being called 'historic'. It is likely to go on for at least 49 days. Reports claim there are at least 200 plaintiffs and 144 witnesses are likely to testify in the courtroom. Special viewing galleries have been opened for the public. They can see the accused being tried in the Paris court. Also read| We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row Charlie Hebdo republished the controversial cartoons yesterday to mark the start of the trial. The republishing of the cartoons was aimed at making a statement in support of free speech and expression. While Charlie Hebdo found support from across the globe, there were others who criticised it for reopening old wounds. Among them was Pakistan. It said "offending billions of muslims cannot be justified as an exercise in press freedom or freedom of expression" The French President Emmanuel Macron said, "I think the president of the republic in France should never qualify editorial choices of a journalist, editorial staff, never. Because there is a freedom of the press that you are rightly so attached to, deeply." Macron upheld the freedom of expression. He had the chance to use secularism as an excuse to appease the minority, the nearly five million Muslims of France. However, Macron chose to steer clear of it. Instead, he mentioned that in France you have the freedom to blaspheme, and that blasphemy should not come in between freedom of press or the freedom of expression. From where I stand, I am here to protect all these freedoms so it's not up to me to qualify the choices of journalists, I can only say that in france, we can criticise governments, presidents, to be blasphemous, etc," Macron said. He also added that sketches are not hate speeches. His stand on this controversial issue is exemplary, and there is a lesson for leaders across the globe. It is very easy to succumb to international pressure or slaughter the rights of the majority to appease the minority, or selectively apply the principle of secularism. Standing up for the freedom of expression is never easy, but it is always the right thing to do.

Charlie Hebdo trials: What the world can learn from French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support on Wednesday for a sovereign Iraq and said its main challenges are Islamic State militants and foreign interference in its affairs.

French President Emmanuel Macron says France will continue to support Iraq

French President Emmanuel Macron said Lebanon's embattled leaders had pledged Tuesday to form a crisis cabinet within two weeks to push forward with key reforms, as he visited the disaster-hit country. Macron is in Beirut for a second time since an August 4 explosion there which killed more than 180 people, laid waste to entire city districts and fuelled popular rage against the country's political elite.

French President Emmanuel Macron: Ready to host second aid conference for Lebanon

French President Emmanuel Macron said Lebanon's embattled leaders had pledged Tuesday to form a crisis cabinet within two weeks to push forward with key reforms, as he visited the disaster-hit country.&nbsp;

Macron is&nbsp;in Beirut for a second time since an August 4 explosion there which killed more than 180 people, laid waste to entire city districts and fuelled popular rage against the country's political elite.

He attended muted celebrations marking the centenary of Greater Lebanon, shortly after political leaders settled on a new prime minister, Mustapha Adib, to form a cabinet and lead the country out of political turmoil and an economic crisis that was already crippling the country before the portside blast.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-warns-lebanese-leaders-of-sanctions-if-reforms-are-not-swift-324479" hreflang="en">Macron warns Lebanese leaders of sanctions if reforms are not swift</a>

"What all political parties without exception have committed to this evening right here, is that the formation of this government will not take more than 15 days," he said.

Macron had set himself an ambitious goal for his return visit:&nbsp;to push for deep change, but without being seen as meddling in the former French mandate.

"This is the last chance for the Lebanese system," he warned earlier.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/timeline-from-devastating-beirut-blast-to-new-lebanese-government-324543" hreflang="en">Timeline: From devastating Beirut blast to new Lebanese government</a>

Macron spoke to the press after meeting top Lebanese politicians, while clashes erupted in central Beirut between security forces and protesters rejecting the new prime minister.

One held a poster aloft urging Macron: "Do not cooperate with the corrupt and criminal."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-emmanuel-macron-in-lebanon-for-a-two-day-visit-324471/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New conferences&nbsp;

The French leader arrived Monday, just hours after Adib, a little-known 48-year-old academic and former ambassador to Germany, was designated to form a&nbsp;government.&nbsp;

Macron said it was not his place to "approve" the designation of Adib, whom he met late Monday and again on Tuesday.

The premier designate "has to be given all the tools to succeed... so he can implement reforms" long demanded by the international community, Macron said.

The Beirut explosion compounded Lebanon's worst economic crisis since the war, which has reached the point where the UN has warned that more than half of the population risk food shortages by the end of the year.

On August 9, international donors pledged over&nbsp;$300 million&nbsp;in emergency aid, during a video conference jointly organised by France and the United Nations.

Macron said he was ready to host a second Lebanon aid conference in the second half of October.

He added he had also invited the president, the prime minister and parliament speaker to a second political conference at the same time.

Macron had kicked off his trip not by visiting political leaders, but by spending more than an hour Monday with singing legend Fairuz, who at 85 is a rare unifying figure in Lebanon.

On Tuesday, Macron attended a series of events to mark 100 years since French mandate authorities proclaimed the creation of Greater Lebanon.

In the Jaj forest northeast of Beirut, he planted a cedar tree,&nbsp;Lebanon's national symbol, to express "confidence in the future of the country," his office said.

Macron also returned for a second visit to Beirut port, ground zero of the colossal blast.

French air force jets flew overhead, leaving trails of red, white and green smoke, the colours of the Lebanese flag.

Some on social media criticised the aerial manoeuvre, saying it could trigger traumatic memories among people who experienced the port blast and the 1975-1990 civil war.

Hezbollah has 'popular base'

Activists have blamed the country's entrenched political class for the August 4 explosion of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate after languishing unsafe in the port for years.

They have rejected the choice of Adib as premier, over being too close to established political circles.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters called for the proclamation of a secular state, to replace the multi-confessional country's sectarian power sharing system.

Clashes erupted in the evening, sparking condemnation from activists who denounced the police for beating protesters and alleged that French tear gas had been used.

Representatives of the powerful Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement, designated by the US as a terrorist group, were among those who met Macron Tuesday.&nbsp;

Macron said Hezbollah, which is part of a bloc that has a majority in parliament, "is probably in parliament because of intimidation but also because other forces have failed to run the country well," but it also had a "popular base".

The issue of the disarmement of the group's military would eventually need to be broached, he said, though not immediately.

"This is exactly the discussion we had an hour ago... It should not be a taboo," he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Lebanon's embattled leaders had pledged Tuesday to form a crisis cabinet within two weeks to push forward with key reforms, as he visited the disaster-hit country.

French President Emmanuel Macron said Lebanon's embattled leaders had pledged Tuesday to form a crisis cabinet within two weeks to push forward with key reforms, as he visited the disaster-hit country. Macron is in Beirut for a second time since an August 4 explosion there which killed more than 180 people, laid waste to entire city districts and fuelled popular rage against the country's political elite. He attended muted celebrations marking the centenary of Greater Lebanon, shortly after political leaders settled on a new prime minister, Mustapha Adib, to form a cabinet and lead the country out of political turmoil and an economic crisis that was already crippling the country before the portside blast. Also read| Macron warns Lebanese leaders of sanctions if reforms are not swift "What all political parties without exception have committed to this evening right here, is that the formation of this government will not take more than 15 days," he said. Macron had set himself an ambitious goal for his return visit: to push for deep change, but without being seen as meddling in the former French mandate. "This is the last chance for the Lebanese system," he warned earlier. Also see| Timeline: From devastating Beirut blast to new Lebanese government Macron spoke to the press after meeting top Lebanese politicians, while clashes erupted in central Beirut between security forces and protesters rejecting the new prime minister. One held a poster aloft urging Macron: "Do not cooperate with the corrupt and criminal." New conferences The French leader arrived Monday, just hours after Adib, a little-known 48-year-old academic and former ambassador to Germany, was designated to form a government. Macron said it was not his place to "approve" the designation of Adib, whom he met late Monday and again on Tuesday. The premier designate "has to be given all the tools to succeed... so he can implement reforms" long demanded by the international community, Macron said. The Beirut explosion compounded Lebanon's worst economic crisis since the war, which has reached the point where the UN has warned that more than half of the population risk food shortages by the end of the year. On August 9, international donors pledged over $300 million in emergency aid, during a video conference jointly organised by France and the United Nations. Macron said he was ready to host a second Lebanon aid conference in the second half of October. He added he had also invited the president, the prime minister and parliament speaker to a second political conference at the same time. Macron had kicked off his trip not by visiting political leaders, but by spending more than an hour Monday with singing legend Fairuz, who at 85 is a rare unifying figure in Lebanon. On Tuesday, Macron attended a series of events to mark 100 years since French mandate authorities proclaimed the creation of Greater Lebanon. In the Jaj forest northeast of Beirut, he planted a cedar tree, Lebanon's national symbol, to express "confidence in the future of the country," his office said. Macron also returned for a second visit to Beirut port, ground zero of the colossal blast. French air force jets flew overhead, leaving trails of red, white and green smoke, the colours of the Lebanese flag. Some on social media criticised the aerial manoeuvre, saying it could trigger traumatic memories among people who experienced the port blast and the 1975-1990 civil war. Hezbollah has 'popular base' Activists have blamed the country's entrenched political class for the August 4 explosion of hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate after languishing unsafe in the port for years. They have rejected the choice of Adib as premier, over being too close to established political circles. On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters called for the proclamation of a secular state, to replace the multi-confessional country's sectarian power sharing system. Clashes erupted in the evening, sparking condemnation from activists who denounced the police for beating protesters and alleged that French tear gas had been used. Representatives of the powerful Shiite Muslim Hezbollah movement, designated by the US as a terrorist group, were among those who met Macron Tuesday. Macron said Hezbollah, which is part of a bloc that has a majority in parliament, "is probably in parliament because of intimidation but also because other forces have failed to run the country well," but it also had a "popular base". The issue of the disarmement of the group's military would eventually need to be broached, he said, though not immediately. "This is exactly the discussion we had an hour ago... It should not be a taboo," he said.

Lebanon leaders have promised cabinet within two weeks, says Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite simmering US-Iran tensions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-protests-in-belarus-as-opposition-squabbles-us-weighs-sanctions-324702" hreflang="en">New protests in Belarus as opposition squabbles, US weighs sanctions</a>

Coming straight from a two-day trip to crisis-hit Lebanon, Macron is the most prominent world leader to visit Iraq&nbsp;since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi came to power in May.&nbsp;

The trip aims to "launch an initiative alongside the United Nations to support a process of sovereignty," Macron announced on his final night in Beirut.

In Baghdad, he voiced his support for his Iraqi counterpart Barham Saleh to help Iraq fight Islamic State group sleeper cells and resist foreign interference.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-freedom-of-the-press-says-macron-on-charlie-hebdo-row-324656" hreflang="en">We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row</a>

"Iraq has been going through a challenging time for several years, with war and terrorism," Macron said.

"You have a transition to lead. France will be by your side so the international community can help," he added.

But there were few details on the much-vaunted "sovereignty" initiative, and Iraqi officials told AFP they were not expecting announcements of new financial or military aid.

Saleh thanked Macron for France's support in the anti-IS fight and said he hoped Macron would pay a longer visit to Iraq in 2021.&nbsp;

After dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled by a 2003 US-led invasion &nbsp;-- in which France did not take part -- Iraq was ravaged by waves of sectarian conflict.

That culminated in IS capturing swathes of the country six years ago, before the jihadists were beaten back with international support including a US-led coalition that did include French forces.

<h2>'Essential sovereignty'&nbsp;</h2>

Iraq has been caught for years between its two main allies Iran and the US, a balancing act that has become increasingly tortured since Washington's withdrawal in 2018 from a multilateral nuclear deal with Tehran.

France, one of the key remaining backers of the 2015 agreement, called for de-escalation after a US strike on Baghdad in January killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and prompted Iran to launch missiles against US troops in Iraq.

France has doubled down on its signs of support in recent tumultuous months.

Top diplomat Jean-Yves Le Drian, who was the only minister to accompany Macron from Lebanon, visited Iraq in July and urged Baghdad to "dissociate itself from regional tensions".

Macron last week insisted that "the fight for Iraq's sovereignty is essential."&nbsp;

He said Iraqis, who had "suffered so much", deserved options besides domination by regional powers or Islamist extremists.

Unlike most foreign officials, the French president will not stop over in Arbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, but will instead meet Kurdish president Nechirvan Barzani in Baghdad. &nbsp;

<h2>'France-facing Middle East'&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier this year, following IS's territorial defeat and the emergence of Covid-19, the last contingent of French troops deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition pulled out.

France is seeking to expand its economic ties with Iraq, ranked among the 20 most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International.

Macron is also likely to discuss the fate of 11 French nationals who were condemned to death last year by Iraqi courts for joining IS.&nbsp;

The president's focus on sovereignty was also an indirect message to Turkey, one Iraqi official said, after Ankara launched a cross-border assault on Kurdish rebels in the north.

Tensions are high between France and Turkey over the conflict in Libya and a dispute over offshore gas rights in the eastern Mediterranean.

Macron's lightning visit follows intense talks in Lebanon -- his second since a colossal August 4 explosion at Beirut port killed more than 180 people.

Karim Bitar, a political science professor in France and Lebanon, said the French leader was focusing on Lebanon and Iraq -- which have ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia -- as he believes Paris could play a mediating role if regional tensions escalate further.

"Macron is definitely trying to make a push for a France-facing Middle East," Bitar said.

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite simmering US-Iran tensions.

French President Emmanuel Macron met his Iraqi counterpart Wednesday on his first official visit to Baghdad, where he insisted the war-scarred country should reassert its "sovereignty" despite simmering US-Iran tensions. Also read: New protests in Belarus as opposition squabbles, US weighs sanctions Coming straight from a two-day trip to crisis-hit Lebanon, Macron is the most prominent world leader to visit Iraq since Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi came to power in May. The trip aims to "launch an initiative alongside the United Nations to support a process of sovereignty," Macron announced on his final night in Beirut. In Baghdad, he voiced his support for his Iraqi counterpart Barham Saleh to help Iraq fight Islamic State group sleeper cells and resist foreign interference. Also read: We have freedom of the press, says Macron on Charlie Hebdo row "Iraq has been going through a challenging time for several years, with war and terrorism," Macron said. "You have a transition to lead. France will be by your side so the international community can help," he added. But there were few details on the much-vaunted "sovereignty" initiative, and Iraqi officials told AFP they were not expecting announcements of new financial or military aid. Saleh thanked Macron for France's support in the anti-IS fight and said he hoped Macron would pay a longer visit to Iraq in 2021. After dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled by a 2003 US-led invasion -- in which France did not take part -- Iraq was ravaged by waves of sectarian conflict. That culminated in IS capturing swathes of the country six years ago, before the jihadists were beaten back with international support including a US-led coalition that did include French forces. 'Essential sovereignty' Iraq has been caught for years between its two main allies Iran and the US, a balancing act that has become increasingly tortured since Washington's withdrawal in 2018 from a multilateral nuclear deal with Tehran. France, one of the key remaining backers of the 2015 agreement, called for de-escalation after a US strike on Baghdad in January killed top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani and prompted Iran to launch missiles against US troops in Iraq. France has doubled down on its signs of support in recent tumultuous months. Top diplomat Jean-Yves Le Drian, who was the only minister to accompany Macron from Lebanon, visited Iraq in July and urged Baghdad to "dissociate itself from regional tensions". Macron last week insisted that "the fight for Iraq's sovereignty is essential." He said Iraqis, who had "suffered so much", deserved options besides domination by regional powers or Islamist extremists. Unlike most foreign officials, the French president will not stop over in Arbil, capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, but will instead meet Kurdish president Nechirvan Barzani in Baghdad. 'France-facing Middle East' Earlier this year, following IS's territorial defeat and the emergence of Covid-19, the last contingent of French troops deployed in Iraq as part of the coalition pulled out. France is seeking to expand its economic ties with Iraq, ranked among the 20 most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International. Macron is also likely to discuss the fate of 11 French nationals who were condemned to death last year by Iraqi courts for joining IS. The president's focus on sovereignty was also an indirect message to Turkey, one Iraqi official said, after Ankara launched a cross-border assault on Kurdish rebels in the north. Tensions are high between France and Turkey over the conflict in Libya and a dispute over offshore gas rights in the eastern Mediterranean. Macron's lightning visit follows intense talks in Lebanon -- his second since a colossal August 4 explosion at Beirut port killed more than 180 people. Karim Bitar, a political science professor in France and Lebanon, said the French leader was focusing on Lebanon and Iraq -- which have ties with both Iran and Saudi Arabia -- as he believes Paris could play a mediating role if regional tensions escalate further. "Macron is definitely trying to make a push for a France-facing Middle East," Bitar said.

French President Macron backs Iraq 'sovereignty' on first Baghdad visit

&nbsp;France&nbsp;reported 7,379 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, the most since lockdown, in what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March.

The daily tally was just shy of the record 7,578 high set on March 31, at the peak of an initial wave of COVID-19 infections that paralysed Europe. The surge has raised the possibility that the government could be forced to shut the country down again.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/reports-of-covid-19-reinfection-threatens-lockdown-exit-strategy-294903/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We're doing everything to avoid another lockdown, and in particular a nationwide lockdown," President Emmanuel Macron told journalists earlier on Friday. He added it would be dangerous to rule out any scenario.

In a weekly review of the pandemic, the health ministry said the country was seeing an "exponential progression of virus transmission".

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/paris-plages-seines-open-air-cinema-creates-magic-for-french-movie-lovers-314930">Paris Plages: Seine's open-air cinema creates magic for French movie lovers</a>

Like other hard-hit western European countries,&nbsp;France&nbsp;imposed a sudden and strict lockdown in March, during which most residents were confined to their homes. The restrictions were gradually lifted from May 11 after infections sharply dropped.

The authorities are now searching for ways to limit the spread of the disease without a new lockdown. On Friday, Parisians were ordered to wear masks at all times outdoors in the capital.

The reopening of schools on Tuesday next week has been widely anticipated as a major step back towards normality. More than 12 million children will return to school, most for the first time in more than five months.

So far, the rapid increase in case numbers has yet to lead to a similar surge in hospitalisations or deaths. The ministry reported 20 new COVID-19 deaths on Friday, raising the cumulative total to 30,596. The number of people in hospital with the disease was unchanged at 4,535 and the number in intensive care rose by six to 387.

Authorities say the virus is now spreading among younger people who are less likely to show severe symptoms.

Two weeks after&nbsp;France's lockdown ended on May 11, the number of daily new infections fell to a low of 115 and a seven-day average low of 272. But as the country gradually reopened restaurants, museums and shopping malls, the number of new confirmed cases rose to about 500 per day by the end of June.

That doubled to around 1,000 per day by the end of July, doubled again to around 2,000 by mid-August, and surged above 5,000 this week.

France reported 7,379 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, the most since lockdown, in what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March.

France reported 7,379 new confirmed coronavirus cases on Friday, the most since lockdown, in what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March. The daily tally was just shy of the record 7,578 high set on March 31, at the peak of an initial wave of COVID-19 infections that paralysed Europe. The surge has raised the possibility that the government could be forced to shut the country down again. "We're doing everything to avoid another lockdown, and in particular a nationwide lockdown," President Emmanuel Macron told journalists earlier on Friday. He added it would be dangerous to rule out any scenario. In a weekly review of the pandemic, the health ministry said the country was seeing an "exponential progression of virus transmission". Also see: Paris Plages: Seine's open-air cinema creates magic for French movie lovers Like other hard-hit western European countries, France imposed a sudden and strict lockdown in March, during which most residents were confined to their homes. The restrictions were gradually lifted from May 11 after infections sharply dropped. The authorities are now searching for ways to limit the spread of the disease without a new lockdown. On Friday, Parisians were ordered to wear masks at all times outdoors in the capital. The reopening of schools on Tuesday next week has been widely anticipated as a major step back towards normality. More than 12 million children will return to school, most for the first time in more than five months. So far, the rapid increase in case numbers has yet to lead to a similar surge in hospitalisations or deaths. The ministry reported 20 new COVID-19 deaths on Friday, raising the cumulative total to 30,596. The number of people in hospital with the disease was unchanged at 4,535 and the number in intensive care rose by six to 387. Authorities say the virus is now spreading among younger people who are less likely to show severe symptoms. Two weeks after France's lockdown ended on May 11, the number of daily new infections fell to a low of 115 and a seven-day average low of 272. But as the country gradually reopened restaurants, museums and shopping malls, the number of new confirmed cases rose to about 500 per day by the end of June. That doubled to around 1,000 per day by the end of July, doubled again to around 2,000 by mid-August, and surged above 5,000 this week.

France sees nearly 7,400 new daily coronavirus cases in exponential surge

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that Lebanon risks a return to civil war if it is left alone to deal with the crisis that followed the deadly Beirut port explosion this month.

Macron was speaking as he prepared to head to Lebanon on Monday in a new bid to press its leaders to undertake radical reform in the wake of the explosion this month that left 181 dead.

“If we let Lebanon go in the region and if we somehow leave it in the hands of the depravity of regional powers, it will be civil war” as well as “the defeat of what is the very identity of Lebanon,” he said.

Paris is impatient over the lack of progress in forming a new government to undertake reform in the aftermath of the blast, which was blamed on a store of ammonium nitrate left for years in a warehouse.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-at-risk-of-disappearing-french-foreign-minister-warns-323433">Lebanon at 'risk of disappearing', French Foreign Minister warns</a> 
 
Many Lebanese have blamed the disaster on a ruling class they charge as being mired in nepotism, corruption and neglect since the 1975-1990 civil war.

Macron spoke of the “constraints of a confessional system” in a country populated by Christians, Sunni Muslims and Shiites.

But he said that added to this was “what can be mildly described as vested interests” and this had led to “a situation where there is hardly any [political] renewal and where there is there is almost an impossibility of carrying out reforms.”

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&nbsp;

He insisted that France would follow a policy of being “demanding without interfering” and awaited reforms like passing an anti-corruption law and reforming public contracts, the energy sector and the banking system.

“If we do not do this, the Lebanese economy will collapse” and “the only victim will be the Lebanese people… who cannot go into exile,” he warned.

He extolled Lebanon’s multi-confessional make-up saying it “is perhaps one of the last existing forms” in the Middle East of the “peaceful possible coexistence of religions” and a pluralist system based on “education and culture.” 
&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that Lebanon risks a return to civil war if it is left alone to deal with the crisis that followed the deadly Beirut port explosion this month.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that Lebanon risks a return to civil war if it is left alone to deal with the crisis that followed the deadly Beirut port explosion this month. Macron was speaking as he prepared to head to Lebanon on Monday in a new bid to press its leaders to undertake radical reform in the wake of the explosion this month that left 181 dead. “If we let Lebanon go in the region and if we somehow leave it in the hands of the depravity of regional powers, it will be civil war” as well as “the defeat of what is the very identity of Lebanon,” he said. Paris is impatient over the lack of progress in forming a new government to undertake reform in the aftermath of the blast, which was blamed on a store of ammonium nitrate left for years in a warehouse. Also Read | Lebanon at 'risk of disappearing', French Foreign Minister warns Many Lebanese have blamed the disaster on a ruling class they charge as being mired in nepotism, corruption and neglect since the 1975-1990 civil war. Macron spoke of the “constraints of a confessional system” in a country populated by Christians, Sunni Muslims and Shiites. But he said that added to this was “what can be mildly described as vested interests” and this had led to “a situation where there is hardly any [political] renewal and where there is there is almost an impossibility of carrying out reforms.” × He insisted that France would follow a policy of being “demanding without interfering” and awaited reforms like passing an anti-corruption law and reforming public contracts, the energy sector and the banking system. “If we do not do this, the Lebanese economy will collapse” and “the only victim will be the Lebanese people… who cannot go into exile,” he warned. He extolled Lebanon’s multi-confessional make-up saying it “is perhaps one of the last existing forms” in the Middle East of the “peaceful possible coexistence of religions” and a pluralist system based on “education and culture.”

French President Macron warns of new civil war in Lebanon

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday said that Lebanon is at "risk of disappearing". He urged emergency reforms under a new government.

"The risk today is of Lebanon disappearing so these measures have to be taken," he told RTL radio ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's return visit to Beirut next week to push reform and reconstruction after the devastating port blast.

"They are caught up between themselves in a consensus of inactivity," Le Drian said. "That can't go on and we are saying that very clearly."

"The President of the Republic said it when he went to Lebanon on August 6. He will say it again when he'll be in Beirut on Tuesday."

Macron will begin his reconstruction efforts on Monday but will also look at the political scenario in Lebanon after the whole government resigned.&nbsp;

Macron visited Beirut two days after the massive explosion at the port killed 181 people and wounded thousands.

On August 9, he chaired a video conference that saw world leaders pledge more than 250 million euros ($295 million) for Lebanon.

"The country is on the edge of the precipice," Le Drian added, calling for a new government to be set up quickly. "There's a humanitarian and health emergency," he said.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday said that Lebanon is at "risk of disappearing". He urged emergency reforms under a new government. "The risk today is of Lebanon disappearing so these measures have to be taken," he told RTL radio ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's return visit to Beirut next week to push reform and reconstruction after the devastating port blast.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Thursday said that Lebanon is at "risk of disappearing". He urged emergency reforms under a new government. "The risk today is of Lebanon disappearing so these measures have to be taken," he told RTL radio ahead of President Emmanuel Macron's return visit to Beirut next week to push reform and reconstruction after the devastating port blast. "They are caught up between themselves in a consensus of inactivity," Le Drian said. "That can't go on and we are saying that very clearly." "The President of the Republic said it when he went to Lebanon on August 6. He will say it again when he'll be in Beirut on Tuesday." Macron will begin his reconstruction efforts on Monday but will also look at the political scenario in Lebanon after the whole government resigned. Macron visited Beirut two days after the massive explosion at the port killed 181 people and wounded thousands. On August 9, he chaired a video conference that saw world leaders pledge more than 250 million euros ($295 million) for Lebanon. "The country is on the edge of the precipice," Le Drian added, calling for a new government to be set up quickly. "There's a humanitarian and health emergency," he said.

Lebanon at 'risk of disappearing', French Foreign Minister warns

French President Emmanuel Macron is offering to mediate in Belarus to resolve the country's ongoing power struggle. Watch report. The French President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel discussed the crisis at Macron's summer retreat.

French President offers to mediate in Belarus power struggle

French President Emmanuel Macron urged fresh Middle East peace talks after Israel and the UAE agreed to normalise ties in a move praised by many Western governments, including Paris, but unanimously denounced by the Palestinians.

Taking to Twitter after a phone conversation with Mahmoud Abbas, Macron said he told the Palestinian leader he was determined "to work for peace in the Middle East".

He added: "The resumption of talks to reach a fair solution that respects international law remains a priority."

The French leader had hailed the agreement announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday as a "courageous decision" by the UAE, saying it showed Dubai's "desire to contribute to the establishment of a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians".

The question of Israel's intentions regarding the occupied West Bank remained unclear after the UAE claimed that it had extracted an agreement for a halt to "further annexation".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said afterwards that he had agreed only to delay, not cancel, the annexations, and that he would "never give up our rights to our land".

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the suspension of the annexations "must become a definitive measure".

He also urged the resumption of talks towards a two-state solution, which he called "the only option to enable a just and lasting peace".

The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said Abbas told Macron on Sunday that the UAE, "like any other country for that matter, cannot speak in the name of the Palestinian people".

The Palestinian Authority refuses to "allow the Palestinian cause to be used as an excuse to justify normalisation", WAFA said.

It said Macron had invited Abbas to Paris to discuss the "Palestinian question", with the Palestinian president agreeing to such a meeting "on the condition that a date is set quickly".

Under the agreement with Israel, the UAE becomes just the third Arab country to recognise the Jewish state, following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged fresh Middle East peace talks after Israel and the UAE agreed to normalise ties in a move praised by many Western governments, including Paris, but unanimously denounced by the Palestinians.

French President Emmanuel Macron urged fresh Middle East peace talks after Israel and the UAE agreed to normalise ties in a move praised by many Western governments, including Paris, but unanimously denounced by the Palestinians. Taking to Twitter after a phone conversation with Mahmoud Abbas, Macron said he told the Palestinian leader he was determined "to work for peace in the Middle East". He added: "The resumption of talks to reach a fair solution that respects international law remains a priority." The French leader had hailed the agreement announced by US President Donald Trump on Thursday as a "courageous decision" by the UAE, saying it showed Dubai's "desire to contribute to the establishment of a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians". The question of Israel's intentions regarding the occupied West Bank remained unclear after the UAE claimed that it had extracted an agreement for a halt to "further annexation". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said afterwards that he had agreed only to delay, not cancel, the annexations, and that he would "never give up our rights to our land". French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the suspension of the annexations "must become a definitive measure". He also urged the resumption of talks towards a two-state solution, which he called "the only option to enable a just and lasting peace". The official Palestinian news agency WAFA said Abbas told Macron on Sunday that the UAE, "like any other country for that matter, cannot speak in the name of the Palestinian people". The Palestinian Authority refuses to "allow the Palestinian cause to be used as an excuse to justify normalisation", WAFA said. It said Macron had invited Abbas to Paris to discuss the "Palestinian question", with the Palestinian president agreeing to such a meeting "on the condition that a date is set quickly". Under the agreement with Israel, the UAE becomes just the third Arab country to recognise the Jewish state, following Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994.

Macron urges new Mideast talks after call with Mahmoud Abbas

President of France Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned the 'cowardly" attack on humanitarian workers in Niger and said he would do everything to shed light on the incident in which eight people died. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-french-tourists-among-eight-killed-by-gunmen-in-niger-319271">Also read: Six French tourists among eight killed by gunmen in Niger</a> 
 
The French President, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region".

On Sunday, gunmen had killed six French aid workers, a Nigerien guide and a driver in a wildlife park in Niger, according to officials in the West African country.

The group was attacked on Sunday in a giraffe reserve near Koure, a town about 65km (40 miles) from the capital, Niamey. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

"They were intercepted and killed," Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, the governor of Tillaberi region, told Reuters news agency. 
 
The French government has warned citizens against traveling outside of the capital of Niamey as militants linked to Boko Haram, Islamic State and al-Qaida still carry out attacks across the vast West African nation.

Niger borders several countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Libya. Violence by groups linked to IS and al-Qaida is on the rise in the Sahel region.

France has deployed thousands of soldiers to help fight the growing insurgency there, and a local Sahel force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania has also been fighting the extremists.

(With inputs from agencies)

President of France Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned the 'cowardly" attack on humanitarian workers in Niger and said he would do everything to shed light on the incident in which eight people died.

President of France Emmanuel Macron on Sunday condemned the 'cowardly" attack on humanitarian workers in Niger and said he would do everything to shed light on the incident in which eight people died. Also read: Six French tourists among eight killed by gunmen in Niger The French President, who spoke with his Niger counterpart Mahamadou Issoufou, added that he was determined to help counter the "terrorist groups in the Sahel region". On Sunday, gunmen had killed six French aid workers, a Nigerien guide and a driver in a wildlife park in Niger, according to officials in the West African country. The group was attacked on Sunday in a giraffe reserve near Koure, a town about 65km (40 miles) from the capital, Niamey. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. "They were intercepted and killed," Tidjani Ibrahim Katiella, the governor of Tillaberi region, told Reuters news agency. The French government has warned citizens against traveling outside of the capital of Niamey as militants linked to Boko Haram, Islamic State and al-Qaida still carry out attacks across the vast West African nation. Niger borders several countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Nigeria and Libya. Violence by groups linked to IS and al-Qaida is on the rise in the Sahel region. France has deployed thousands of soldiers to help fight the growing insurgency there, and a local Sahel force made up of soldiers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mauritania has also been fighting the extremists. (With inputs from agencies)

Macron condemns 'cowardly' attack in Niger, vows to fight 'terrorist groups in the Sahel region'

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday&nbsp;urged the donor countries to act "quickly and effectively" to assist Lebanon in the aftermath of the massive explosion at the port of Beirut.

Macron's message came at a&nbsp;UN-backed virtual conference to drum up aid for Lebanon,.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-information-minister-quits-in-wake-of-beirut-explosion-319243" hreflang="en">Lebanon information minister quits in wake of Beirut explosion</a>

"The objective today is to act quickly and effectively to coordinate our aid on the ground so that it goes as efficiently as possible to the Lebanese people," he said opening the conference to help the country back on its feet.

"It is up to the authorities of the country to act so that the country does not sink, and to respond to the aspirations that the Lebanese people are expressing right now, legitimately, in the streets of Beirut," Macron said.

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"We must all work together to ensure that neither violence nor chaos prevails," he added. "It is the future of Lebanon that is at stake."

The explosion in Beirut killed over 150 people and wounded 6,000. The country was a debt-laden economy was already mired in crisis and reeling from the coronavirus pandemic before the port explosion. It has left nearly 300,000 people homeless, razing businesses and destroying critical grain supplies.

Rebuilding Beirut is estimated to take billions of dollars. Economists forecast the blast could wipe up to 25 per cent off of the country's GDP.

Macron was the first world leader to visit Lebanon after the explosion and promised humanitarian aid would come but that profound political reform was needed to resolve the country's problems and secure longer-term support.

"I guarantee you, this (reconstruction) aid will not go to corrupt hands," Macron said.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged the donor countries to act "quickly and effectively" to assist Lebanon in the aftermath of the massive explosion at the port of Beirut.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday urged the donor countries to act "quickly and effectively" to assist Lebanon in the aftermath of the massive explosion at the port of Beirut. Macron's message came at a UN-backed virtual conference to drum up aid for Lebanon,. Also read: Lebanon information minister quits in wake of Beirut explosion "The objective today is to act quickly and effectively to coordinate our aid on the ground so that it goes as efficiently as possible to the Lebanese people," he said opening the conference to help the country back on its feet. "It is up to the authorities of the country to act so that the country does not sink, and to respond to the aspirations that the Lebanese people are expressing right now, legitimately, in the streets of Beirut," Macron said. × "We must all work together to ensure that neither violence nor chaos prevails," he added. "It is the future of Lebanon that is at stake." The explosion in Beirut killed over 150 people and wounded 6,000. The country was a debt-laden economy was already mired in crisis and reeling from the coronavirus pandemic before the port explosion. It has left nearly 300,000 people homeless, razing businesses and destroying critical grain supplies. Rebuilding Beirut is estimated to take billions of dollars. Economists forecast the blast could wipe up to 25 per cent off of the country's GDP. Macron was the first world leader to visit Lebanon after the explosion and promised humanitarian aid would come but that profound political reform was needed to resolve the country's problems and secure longer-term support. "I guarantee you, this (reconstruction) aid will not go to corrupt hands," Macron said.

'Lebanon's future at stake': Macron tells donor countries during UN-backed conference

Pope Francis has called for international solidarity with Lebanon on Sunday after a massive explosion in Beirut killed over 150 people and injuring 6,000. France has stepped in to help the country and is hosting an international donors conference to aid reconstruction efforts.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bishop-who-defended-indigenous-people-dies-in-brazil-aged-92-319164" hreflang="en">Bishop who defended indigenous people dies in Brazil aged 92</a>

The pope urged all the church leaders in Lebanon to lead by example.

"Last Tuesday's catastrophe calls on all of us, starting with the Lebanese people, to work together for the common good of this beloved country," he said.

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The church in Lebanon should stay close to the people in their hour of need, with "solidarity and compassion", he said, speaking after weekly prayers in Saint Peter's Square.&nbsp;

"I also renew my appeal for generous help from the international community," he added.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron is currently hosting an UN-backed virtual conference to drum up aid for Lebanon after the massive Beirut port blast.

(Inputs from AFP)

Pope Francis has called for international solidarity with Lebanon on Sunday after a massive explosion in Beirut killed over 150 people and injuring 6,000. France has stepped in to help the country and is hosting an international donors conference to aid reconstruction efforts.

Pope Francis has called for international solidarity with Lebanon on Sunday after a massive explosion in Beirut killed over 150 people and injuring 6,000. France has stepped in to help the country and is hosting an international donors conference to aid reconstruction efforts. Also read: Bishop who defended indigenous people dies in Brazil aged 92 The pope urged all the church leaders in Lebanon to lead by example. "Last Tuesday's catastrophe calls on all of us, starting with the Lebanese people, to work together for the common good of this beloved country," he said. × The church in Lebanon should stay close to the people in their hour of need, with "solidarity and compassion", he said, speaking after weekly prayers in Saint Peter's Square. "I also renew my appeal for generous help from the international community," he added. French President Emmanuel Macron is currently hosting an UN-backed virtual conference to drum up aid for Lebanon after the massive Beirut port blast. (Inputs from AFP)

Pope Francis urges international solidarity for Lebanon

After the horrifying blast in Beirut, Lebanon, several countries have come ahead to lend support in every possible manner.&nbsp;

To talk about similar aids,&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron and his American counterpart Donald Trump had a phone call to discuss plans of extending immediate help to the ailing city.

The two leaders spoke on the phone on Friday evening and "expressed their deep sadness over the loss of life and devastation in Beirut," , White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ship-owner-files-lawsuit-against-those-responsible-for-beirut-port-explosion-318961">Also read:&nbsp;Ship owner files lawsuit against those responsible for Beirut port explosion</a>

Trump and Macron also discussed plans of joining other countries in sending the necessary aids to Beirut.

The talk happened after it was observed that while France and other countries offered emergency aid, such as team of doctors and equipment, the US has not offered any sort of aid to the ailing city till now.

The blast, that took place a couple of days ago, has taken more than&nbsp;154 lives, injured 5,000 and caused immense structural damage.

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Had a lengthy discussion this morning with President Macron of France concerning numerous subjects, but in particular the catastrophic event which took place in Beirut, Lebanon...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1291864494608732170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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After the call with the French President, trump also had a call with the Lebanon President who was informed that three large US aircrafts are en route Lebanon with emergency supplies and personnel.

Trump also announced through Twitter that he will be having a conference call with Lebanon President, leaders, French president and their other counterparts from around the world to discuss different ways in which Lebanon can be offered help.&nbsp;

"We will be having a conference call on Sunday with President Macron, leaders of Lebanon, and leaders from various other parts of the world. Everyone wants to help!," he tweeted.

The US Agency for International Development has offered to&nbsp;provide more than $15 million in assistance, including food aid for 50,000 people for three months. The US military will also be sending medical supplies&nbsp;and pharmaceuticals to support up to 60,000 people for&nbsp; the next three months.

Meanwhile, Trump had raised suspicions about the origin of the blast claiming that nobody could be sure if this was an attack or now, at this point.&nbsp;Lebanese President Michel Aoun has promised citizens to look deeper in this matter and hold the guilty people accountable for one of the worst blasts the country has faced in the past few years.

After the horrifying blast in Beirut, Lebanon, several countries have come ahead to lend support in every possible manner. To talk about similar aids, French President Emmanuel Macron and his American counterpart Donald Trump had a phone call to discuss plans of extending immediate help to the ailing city.

After the horrifying blast in Beirut, Lebanon, several countries have come ahead to lend support in every possible manner. To talk about similar aids, French President Emmanuel Macron and his American counterpart Donald Trump had a phone call to discuss plans of extending immediate help to the ailing city. The two leaders spoke on the phone on Friday evening and "expressed their deep sadness over the loss of life and devastation in Beirut," , White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement. Also read: Ship owner files lawsuit against those responsible for Beirut port explosion Trump and Macron also discussed plans of joining other countries in sending the necessary aids to Beirut. The talk happened after it was observed that while France and other countries offered emergency aid, such as team of doctors and equipment, the US has not offered any sort of aid to the ailing city till now. The blast, that took place a couple of days ago, has taken more than 154 lives, injured 5,000 and caused immense structural damage. Had a lengthy discussion this morning with President Macron of France concerning numerous subjects, but in particular the catastrophic event which took place in Beirut, Lebanon... — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 7, 2020 × After the call with the French President, trump also had a call with the Lebanon President who was informed that three large US aircrafts are en route Lebanon with emergency supplies and personnel. Trump also announced through Twitter that he will be having a conference call with Lebanon President, leaders, French president and their other counterparts from around the world to discuss different ways in which Lebanon can be offered help. "We will be having a conference call on Sunday with President Macron, leaders of Lebanon, and leaders from various other parts of the world. Everyone wants to help!," he tweeted. The US Agency for International Development has offered to provide more than $15 million in assistance, including food aid for 50,000 people for three months. The US military will also be sending medical supplies and pharmaceuticals to support up to 60,000 people for the next three months. Meanwhile, Trump had raised suspicions about the origin of the blast claiming that nobody could be sure if this was an attack or now, at this point. Lebanese President Michel Aoun has promised citizens to look deeper in this matter and hold the guilty people accountable for one of the worst blasts the country has faced in the past few years.

Trump and Macron discuss plans for immediate aid to Lebanon; US to send aid for three months

A man was brought in by French investigators regarding the cathedral fire in Nantes a day ago. The man works in the cathedral.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fire-damages-cathedral-in-french-city-of-nantes-314247" hreflang="en">Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes</a>

The man "was responsible for locking up the cathedral on Friday evening and investigators wanted to clarify elements of the schedule of this person", prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/french-cathedral-catches-fire-in-nantes-contained-within-hours-314289" hreflang="en">French cathedral catches fire in Nantes; contained within hours</a>

But Sennes said that "any interpretation that could implicate this person in what occurred is premature" and the questioning was part of "normal procedure".

A fire had broken out in the cathedral on Saturday. After two hours, emergency teams managed to contain the fire at the gothic structure, built between 15th and 19th centuries, said regional fire chief General Laurent Ferlay.

Prime Minister Jean Castex said he would visit the scene later on Saturday.

"I want to know what happened but first I'm going to show my solidarity with the people of Nantes," Castex told reporters.

President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his "support for our firefighters who are taking all the risks to save this gothic jewel."

As the fire raged, stained glasses and the 17th-century grand organ -- a star attraction of the cathedral was damaged.

(Inputs from AFP)

A man was brought in by French investigators regarding the cathedral fire in Nantes a day ago. The man works in the cathedral. Also read: Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes The man "was responsible for locking up the cathedral on Friday evening and investigators wanted to clarify elements of the schedule of this person", prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP.

A man was brought in by French investigators regarding the cathedral fire in Nantes a day ago. The man works in the cathedral. Also read: Fire damages cathedral in French city of Nantes The man "was responsible for locking up the cathedral on Friday evening and investigators wanted to clarify elements of the schedule of this person", prosecutor Pierre Sennes told AFP. Also see: French cathedral catches fire in Nantes; contained within hours But Sennes said that "any interpretation that could implicate this person in what occurred is premature" and the questioning was part of "normal procedure". A fire had broken out in the cathedral on Saturday. After two hours, emergency teams managed to contain the fire at the gothic structure, built between 15th and 19th centuries, said regional fire chief General Laurent Ferlay. Prime Minister Jean Castex said he would visit the scene later on Saturday. "I want to know what happened but first I'm going to show my solidarity with the people of Nantes," Castex told reporters. President Emmanuel Macron tweeted his "support for our firefighters who are taking all the risks to save this gothic jewel." As the fire raged, stained glasses and the 17th-century grand organ -- a star attraction of the cathedral was damaged. (Inputs from AFP)

'To clarify elements': Investigators question a man over cathedral fire in Nantes

France marked its Bastille Day on July 14 amid the coronavirus pandemic. The invited foreign dignitaries were replaced by guests who helped fight the virus. Watch report.

France Marks its national day: President Macron presides over Bastille day parade

France on Tuesday reported 762 deaths in one-day taking the total number of deaths due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-records-778-one-day-deaths-as-toll-crosses-12000-292487">coronavirus</a> in the country to 15,729.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-greek-model-has-helped-keep-coronavirus-at-bay-292503">Also Read:&nbsp;How the 'Greek model' has helped keep coronavirus at bay</a>

The total number of infected cases in the country currently stands at more than 100,000,&nbsp;health official Jerome Salomon said.

France has extended the lockdown until May 11 after imposing it on March 17 as figures revealed the economy could plunge by eight per cent this year.&nbsp;

"May 11 is a date we will have to win by respecting the confinement rules," interior minister Christophe Castaner said. "You cannot think that on May 12 we can say, 'It's May, we can do what we want.' We will still have to combat this," the minister added.

President Macron had said earlier that the country's borders with non-European nations would remain closed until further notice.

The lockdown will push France's budget deficit up to nine per cent of GDP this year, budget Minister Gerald Darmanin said.

"Each day, each week of confinement... is worsening our public finances," he said.

Schools will continue to remain shut in the country with officials yet to decided if face masks will be made available to teachers and students when the schools reopen. 
&nbsp;

France on Tuesday reported 762 deaths in one-day taking the total number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country to 15,729. Also Read: How the 'Greek model' has helped keep coronavirus at bay The total number of infected cases in the country currently stands at more than 100,000, health official Jerome Salomon said.

France on Tuesday reported 762 deaths in one-day taking the total number of deaths due to coronavirus in the country to 15,729. Also Read: How the 'Greek model' has helped keep coronavirus at bay The total number of infected cases in the country currently stands at more than 100,000, health official Jerome Salomon said. France has extended the lockdown until May 11 after imposing it on March 17 as figures revealed the economy could plunge by eight per cent this year. "May 11 is a date we will have to win by respecting the confinement rules," interior minister Christophe Castaner said. "You cannot think that on May 12 we can say, 'It's May, we can do what we want.' We will still have to combat this," the minister added. President Macron had said earlier that the country's borders with non-European nations would remain closed until further notice. The lockdown will push France's budget deficit up to nine per cent of GDP this year, budget Minister Gerald Darmanin said. "Each day, each week of confinement... is worsening our public finances," he said. Schools will continue to remain shut in the country with officials yet to decided if face masks will be made available to teachers and students when the schools reopen.

France reports 762 deaths in 24 hours as COVID-19 death toll passes 15,000

Even as worries grow over<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-capitol-closed-to-public-after-staffer-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-285967"> coronavirus</a>, US President did a "Namaste", the Indian hand gesture to greet. This even as "Namaste" has&nbsp;become&nbsp;a much-favoured way to greet globally since handshakes&nbsp;risk spreading the coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/namaste-coronavirus-outbreak-forces-change-in-social-interaction-by-world-leaders-285865#emmanuel-macron-285860">In Pics: 'Namaste', coronavirus outbreak forces change in social interaction by world leaders &nbsp;</a>

Recalling&nbsp;his India visit, Trump said, "Just got back from India. And I didn't shake any hands there. It was very easy. You do like this (Namaste)..they were ahead of the curve."

In fact, US President Trump and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar both did ''Namaste"&nbsp;together.

Before Trump, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President Emmanuel Macron and Britains Prince Charles were seen doing "Namaste".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/coronavirus-pandemic-these-are-no-go-zones-in-europe-285941">In Pics: Coronavirus pandemic - These are 'no go' zones in Europe &nbsp;</a>

Netanyahu said, "Avoid shaking hands. Just avoid shaking hands. As I do. You can try to implement Indian system of "Namaste". Or say another word Shalom. Or find a way to avoid shaking hands."

Meanwhile, French President Macron has decided to greet all his counterparts with a "Namaste". He was seen doing a "Namaste"&nbsp;earlier this week while welcoming Spanish King at his residence. French first lady Brigitte Macron also played her part, blowing a kiss in the direction of Queen Letizia as a way of greeting.

Last week, upon arriving at the Queen's Commonwealth service, Prince Charles also used the Indian "Namaste"&nbsp;to greet members of the British cabinet.

Even as worries grow over coronavirus, US President did a "Namaste", the Indian hand gesture to greet. This even as "Namaste" has become a much-favoured way to greet globally since handshakes risk spreading the coronavirus.

Even as worries grow over coronavirus, US President did a "Namaste", the Indian hand gesture to greet. This even as "Namaste" has become a much-favoured way to greet globally since handshakes risk spreading the coronavirus. In Pics: 'Namaste', coronavirus outbreak forces change in social interaction by world leaders Recalling his India visit, Trump said, "Just got back from India. And I didn't shake any hands there. It was very easy. You do like this (Namaste)..they were ahead of the curve." In fact, US President Trump and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar both did ''Namaste" together. Before Trump, Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, French President Emmanuel Macron and Britains Prince Charles were seen doing "Namaste". In Pics: Coronavirus pandemic - These are 'no go' zones in Europe Netanyahu said, "Avoid shaking hands. Just avoid shaking hands. As I do. You can try to implement Indian system of "Namaste". Or say another word Shalom. Or find a way to avoid shaking hands." Meanwhile, French President Macron has decided to greet all his counterparts with a "Namaste". He was seen doing a "Namaste" earlier this week while welcoming Spanish King at his residence. French first lady Brigitte Macron also played her part, blowing a kiss in the direction of Queen Letizia as a way of greeting. Last week, upon arriving at the Queen's Commonwealth service, Prince Charles also used the Indian "Namaste" to greet members of the British cabinet.

Coronavirus effect: After Macron, Trump does a 'Namaste'

Thousands of demonstrators, most of them unionists, filled Paris' streets on Wednesday (January 29) in protest of the French government's planned pensions overhaul, claiming the movement has fallen to President Emmanuel Macron's deaf ears.

Thousands march in Paris against pension reform as support for movement stays strong

Jerusalem's Old City saw a heated exchange between Israeli security and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-russia-want-to-safeguard-iran-nuclear-deal-macron-274067">Emmanuel Macron</a> when the French President was visiting the Church of Saint Anne. The building belongs to the French government and is considered French territory, within the premises of which Marcon was filmed admonishing security personnel for trying to follow him into the Church.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colonialism-was-a-grave-mistake-french-pm-emmanuel-macron-269555">Also read: Colonialism was a grave mistake,says French PM Emmanuel Macron</a>

Officers were accused by Macron for violating rules that prevented them from entering the Crusader-era Church of Saint Anne. "I don't like what you did in front of me. Go outside, please," he warned them in English.&nbsp;

<img alt="French President Jacques Chirac" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efe41a72-6d45-44b2-922b-5cbab6089787" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%288%29_16.jpg" />

[When French President Emmanuel Macron visited Jerusalem's Old City Wednesday, he also walked in the footsteps of one of his predecessors, Jacques Chirac, by engaging in a heated argument with Israeli security.In this file photo taken on October 22, 1996 of French President Jacques Chirac pushing an Israeli security man as he protest angrily over tight security surrounding his visit to the Arab part of Jerusalem's old city. ]

"Nobody has to provoke. Please respect the rules, they are [in place] for centuries. They will not change with me, I can tell you," Macron added during the dispute. A spokeswoman for the Elysée Palace told CNN that the President had intervened after an exchange between Israeli and French security.

"St. Anne belongs to France in Jerusalem. It is up to France to protect these places in this city. The Israeli security forces wanted to enter while security was being provided by French security services. The president reacted to an altercation between the Israeli and French security forces at the time of entering Saint Anne to end it, and to remind everyone of the rules that apply," the spokeswoman said.

More than 40 world leaders will be visiting Jerusalem including the French President Emmanuel Macron for the fifth World Holocaust Forum being held in the Old City. US Vice President Mike Pence, Britain's Prince Charles, President Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries will be in attendance.

Macron is one of many world leaders who are attending the fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem and dignitaries such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Vice President Mike Pence and British Royal Prince Charles are in attendance. Israeli officials state that the visit went according to plan, despite the "discussion" between French and Israeli security personnel.

"Based on the terms agreed upon ahead of time, an Israel Security Agency (ISA) guard and a policeman escorted the French president and his delegation inside," the joint police and ISA stated. An apology was also issued by the French President once the delegation had concluded its visit to the church, they added; though spokespersons travelling with Macron declined to confirm or deny that statement.

Israeli sovereignty over the Old City is not recognized by France as it lies in the eastern part of Jerusalem which the European nation of France regards as occupied territory. Though most of the world shares that characterization, it is disputed by Israel, which considers all of Jerusalem to be its sovereign territory.

Many have stated that the incident was reminiscent of one involving the late French President Jacques Chirac in 1996 when he was filmed in heated dialogue with Israeli security officials during a visit to the same Church.

Jerusalem's Old City saw a heated exchange between Israeli security and Emmanuel Macron when the French President was visiting the Church of Saint Anne. The building belongs to the French government and is considered French territory, within the premises of which Marcon was filmed admonishing security personnel for trying to follow him into the Church.

Jerusalem's Old City saw a heated exchange between Israeli security and Emmanuel Macron when the French President was visiting the Church of Saint Anne. The building belongs to the French government and is considered French territory, within the premises of which Marcon was filmed admonishing security personnel for trying to follow him into the Church. Also read: Colonialism was a grave mistake,says French PM Emmanuel Macron Officers were accused by Macron for violating rules that prevented them from entering the Crusader-era Church of Saint Anne. "I don't like what you did in front of me. Go outside, please," he warned them in English. [When French President Emmanuel Macron visited Jerusalem's Old City Wednesday, he also walked in the footsteps of one of his predecessors, Jacques Chirac, by engaging in a heated argument with Israeli security.In this file photo taken on October 22, 1996 of French President Jacques Chirac pushing an Israeli security man as he protest angrily over tight security surrounding his visit to the Arab part of Jerusalem's old city. ] "Nobody has to provoke. Please respect the rules, they are [in place] for centuries. They will not change with me, I can tell you," Macron added during the dispute. A spokeswoman for the Elysée Palace told CNN that the President had intervened after an exchange between Israeli and French security. "St. Anne belongs to France in Jerusalem. It is up to France to protect these places in this city. The Israeli security forces wanted to enter while security was being provided by French security services. The president reacted to an altercation between the Israeli and French security forces at the time of entering Saint Anne to end it, and to remind everyone of the rules that apply," the spokeswoman said. More than 40 world leaders will be visiting Jerusalem including the French President Emmanuel Macron for the fifth World Holocaust Forum being held in the Old City. US Vice President Mike Pence, Britain's Prince Charles, President Vladimir Putin and other dignitaries will be in attendance. Macron is one of many world leaders who are attending the fifth World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem and dignitaries such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Vice President Mike Pence and British Royal Prince Charles are in attendance. Israeli officials state that the visit went according to plan, despite the "discussion" between French and Israeli security personnel. "Based on the terms agreed upon ahead of time, an Israel Security Agency (ISA) guard and a policeman escorted the French president and his delegation inside," the joint police and ISA stated. An apology was also issued by the French President once the delegation had concluded its visit to the church, they added; though spokespersons travelling with Macron declined to confirm or deny that statement. Israeli sovereignty over the Old City is not recognized by France as it lies in the eastern part of Jerusalem which the European nation of France regards as occupied territory. Though most of the world shares that characterization, it is disputed by Israel, which considers all of Jerusalem to be its sovereign territory. Many have stated that the incident was reminiscent of one involving the late French President Jacques Chirac in 1996 when he was filmed in heated dialogue with Israeli security officials during a visit to the same Church.

'Go outside, please': Macron scolds Israeli security personnel while on tour of the Church of Saint Anne

International leaders have called for restraint and de-escalation following the assassination of Iran’s top general, ordered by US President Donald Trump, as Iran’s allies warned the killing could lead to conflict.

Boris Johnson urges Trump to de-escalate tension with Iran

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/oil-steadies-after-saudi-pledges-to-restore-output-lost-in-attacks-250369">Lavera</a> oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said.

Emmanuel Lepine, secretary-general of the CGT's oil branch, told sources on Sunday evening that CGT union workers at other refineries in France will vote on Monday whether to halt production at their plants.

The CGT's oil branch had warned on Friday it could step up strike action by stopping production, depending on the outcome of worker votes.

"We gave an ultimatum to the government, it didn't listen, so we're doing exactly what we promised," Lepine said.

"What we are demanding is the withdrawal of the reform."

The hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-cgt-union-threatens-more-protests-over-pensions-plan-268467">CGT union</a> has been at the forefront of a two-week-old industrial action against a planned government reform of France's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-strikes-government-stays-firm-on-pension-reforms-as-mass-protests-to-continue-268724">pension system</a>.

The protests against the reform plan, which would scrap special regimes for sectors like the railways and make people work to 64 to draw a full pension, have crippled train services in the run-up to the Christmas holiday season.

Protests in the oil sector have already disrupted supplies of refined products to petrol stations in some parts of France but production has so far continued at refineries.

CGT workers at three refineries run by Total - Grand Puits, La Mede and Feyzin - would vote on Monday on whether to halt output there, Lepine said.

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day Lavera oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said.

A production shutdown started on Sunday at PetroIneos' 210,000-barrels-per-day Lavera oil refinery in southern France after CGT union workers voted to stop output as part of protests over pension reform, a union official said. Emmanuel Lepine, secretary-general of the CGT's oil branch, told sources on Sunday evening that CGT union workers at other refineries in France will vote on Monday whether to halt production at their plants. The CGT's oil branch had warned on Friday it could step up strike action by stopping production, depending on the outcome of worker votes. "We gave an ultimatum to the government, it didn't listen, so we're doing exactly what we promised," Lepine said. "What we are demanding is the withdrawal of the reform." The hardline CGT union has been at the forefront of a two-week-old industrial action against a planned government reform of France's pension system. The protests against the reform plan, which would scrap special regimes for sectors like the railways and make people work to 64 to draw a full pension, have crippled train services in the run-up to the Christmas holiday season. Protests in the oil sector have already disrupted supplies of refined products to petrol stations in some parts of France but production has so far continued at refineries. CGT workers at three refineries run by Total - Grand Puits, La Mede and Feyzin - would vote on Monday on whether to halt output there, Lepine said.

French workers vote to halt output at Lavera refinery over pension reform

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/frances-emmanuel-macron-to-hold-meeting-on-pensions-as-strike-bites-266909">Emmanuel Macron</a>, the president of France on Saturday referred to colonialism as a ''grave mistake''. Additionally, he spoke about ''turning the page'' on the past while he was visiting Ivory Coast's Abidjan, a former French colony in West Africa.

Macron claimed that "[France was seen as] hegemonistic view and the trappings of colonialism that was a grave mistake and a fault of the Republic."

"I belong to a generation which was not part of the colonial-era'', he said.

"Three-fourths of your country never knew colonialism," he said, addressing Ivorians and called on African youth to "build a new partnership of friendship with France."

Earlier, during his election campaign for the presidency, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-strike-against-macron-reforms-enters-day-two-266522">Macron</a> had referred to French colonisation of Algeria as a ''crime against humanity''.

Looking back at a TV interview in 2017, Macron had referred to eight years of war in Algeria as ''genuinely barbaric, and constitute a part of our past that we have to confront by apologising''. Algeria achieved independence in 1962.

(With inputs from agencies)

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France on Saturday referred to colonialism as a ''grave mistake''. Additionally, he spoke about ''turning the page'' on the past while he was visiting Ivory Coast's Abidjan, a former French colony in West Africa.

Emmanuel Macron, the president of France on Saturday referred to colonialism as a ''grave mistake''. Additionally, he spoke about ''turning the page'' on the past while he was visiting Ivory Coast's Abidjan, a former French colony in West Africa. Macron claimed that "[France was seen as] hegemonistic view and the trappings of colonialism that was a grave mistake and a fault of the Republic." "I belong to a generation which was not part of the colonial-era'', he said. "Three-fourths of your country never knew colonialism," he said, addressing Ivorians and called on African youth to "build a new partnership of friendship with France." Earlier, during his election campaign for the presidency, Macron had referred to French colonisation of Algeria as a ''crime against humanity''. Looking back at a TV interview in 2017, Macron had referred to eight years of war in Algeria as ''genuinely barbaric, and constitute a part of our past that we have to confront by apologising''. Algeria achieved independence in 1962. (With inputs from agencies)

Colonialism was a grave mistake: French PM Emmanuel Macron

US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-not-fulfilling-their-commitments-in-nato-they-will-be-dealt-with-trump-266019">Donald Trump</a> and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US&nbsp;interests on trade.

Macron, the French president, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to "brain death", and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies.

Washington and Paris have long argued over NATO's purpose - France opposed the 2003 Iraq war - but the new tensions will add to doubts over the alliance's future that have grown with Trump's ambivalence over US&nbsp;commitments to defend Europe.

Trump said Macron's criticism of NATO was "very, very nasty" and questioned whether the US&nbsp;military should defend any countries that were "delinquent" on alliance targets for national military spending.

"It's not right to be taken advantage of on NATO and also then to be taken advantage of on trade, and that's what happens. We can't let that happen," Trump said of transatlantic disputes on issues ranging from the aerospace sector to a European digital services tax on US&nbsp;technology giants.

All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent&nbsp;of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal.

But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War.

"If we invest money and put our soldiers' lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO," he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US&nbsp;leaders.

A French presidency official said Trump often makes strident statements ahead of bilateral meetings and cools his rhetoric later. He noted that Macron and Trump "exchanged jokes and were very relaxed" at a joint news conference in London.

Watch: NATO summit - When Trump met Macron

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nato-summit-when-trump-met-macron-266032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Collective defence at stake

Turkey threatened to block a plan to defend Baltic states and Poland against Russian attacks unless NATO backed Ankara in recognising the Kurdish YPG militia as terrorists.

The YPG's fighters have long been US&nbsp;and French allies against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey considers them an enemy because of links to Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey.

"If our friends at NATO do not recognise as terrorist organisations those we consider terrorist organisations ... we will stand against any step that will be taken there," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said before travelling to London.

Erdogan has already strained alliance ties with a move to buy Russian air defence systems. Trump said he was looking at imposing sanctions on Ankara over the issue.

The uncertainty over the plan for Poland and the Baltic states, drawn up at their request after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, raises issues about security on all of NATO's frontiers.

Under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-rise-has-security-implications-for-all-allies-nato-chief-stoltenberg-266007">North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's</a> 1949 founding treaty, an attack on one ally is an attack on all its members, and the alliance has military strategies for collective defence across its territory.

The summit, in a hotel in Hertfordshire just outside London, begins on Wednesday.

On Tuesday evening, alliance leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

The British monarch, in a teal-coloured matching jacket and skirt, greeted the summiteers and accompanying partners, including former fashion model Melania Trump, who was wearing a bright yellow dress with matching cape and purple sleeves.

They were then welcomed to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of the summit a little over a week before the country faces an election.

Several hundred protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: "Dump Trump" and "No to racism, no to Trump". A police line divided them from a small group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again caps, waving American flags and shouting: "Build the wall".

In Washington on Tuesday, Democrats in the US&nbsp;House of Representatives laid out their impeachment case against Trump, accusing him of using the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election.

Hoping to placate Trump, Europe, Turkey and Canada will pledge at the summit some $400 billion in defence spending by 2024, and agree to a reduction of the US&nbsp;contribution to fund the alliance itself.

The allies will approve a new strategy to monitor China's growing military activity, and identify space as a domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea and computer networks.

Trump said he believed Russia wanted deals on arms control and nuclear issues, and that he would be willing to bring China into such accords.

US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance.

US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron clashed over the future of NATO on Tuesday before a summit intended to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Western military alliance. In sharp exchanges underlining discord in a transatlantic bloc hailed by backers as the most successful military pact in history, Trump demanded that Europe pay more for its collective defence and make concessions to US interests on trade. Macron, the French president, stood by comments he made last month describing NATO as suffering from a lack of strategic purpose akin to "brain death", and criticised fellow NATO member Turkey, which he accused of working with Islamic State proxies. Washington and Paris have long argued over NATO's purpose - France opposed the 2003 Iraq war - but the new tensions will add to doubts over the alliance's future that have grown with Trump's ambivalence over US commitments to defend Europe. Trump said Macron's criticism of NATO was "very, very nasty" and questioned whether the US military should defend any countries that were "delinquent" on alliance targets for national military spending. "It's not right to be taken advantage of on NATO and also then to be taken advantage of on trade, and that's what happens. We can't let that happen," Trump said of transatlantic disputes on issues ranging from the aerospace sector to a European digital services tax on US technology giants. All 29 member states have a target of spending 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence and Trump has singled out Germany for falling short of that goal. But Macron stood by his criticism of NATO and said its real problem was a failure to forge a clear purpose since the end of the Cold War. "If we invest money and put our soldiers' lives at risk in theatres of operation we must be clear about the fundamentals of NATO," he said in a tweet at the end of a day overshadowed by tensions between the French and US leaders. A French presidency official said Trump often makes strident statements ahead of bilateral meetings and cools his rhetoric later. He noted that Macron and Trump "exchanged jokes and were very relaxed" at a joint news conference in London. Watch: NATO summit - When Trump met Macron Collective defence at stake Turkey threatened to block a plan to defend Baltic states and Poland against Russian attacks unless NATO backed Ankara in recognising the Kurdish YPG militia as terrorists. The YPG's fighters have long been US and French allies against Islamic State in Syria. Turkey considers them an enemy because of links to Kurdish insurgents in southeastern Turkey. "If our friends at NATO do not recognise as terrorist organisations those we consider terrorist organisations ... we will stand against any step that will be taken there," Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said before travelling to London. Erdogan has already strained alliance ties with a move to buy Russian air defence systems. Trump said he was looking at imposing sanctions on Ankara over the issue. The uncertainty over the plan for Poland and the Baltic states, drawn up at their request after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, raises issues about security on all of NATO's frontiers. Under the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's 1949 founding treaty, an attack on one ally is an attack on all its members, and the alliance has military strategies for collective defence across its territory. The summit, in a hotel in Hertfordshire just outside London, begins on Wednesday. On Tuesday evening, alliance leaders attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace. The British monarch, in a teal-coloured matching jacket and skirt, greeted the summiteers and accompanying partners, including former fashion model Melania Trump, who was wearing a bright yellow dress with matching cape and purple sleeves. They were then welcomed to 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, host of the summit a little over a week before the country faces an election. Several hundred protesters gathered in London's Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: "Dump Trump" and "No to racism, no to Trump". A police line divided them from a small group of Trump supporters wearing Make America Great Again caps, waving American flags and shouting: "Build the wall". In Washington on Tuesday, Democrats in the US House of Representatives laid out their impeachment case against Trump, accusing him of using the powers of his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. Hoping to placate Trump, Europe, Turkey and Canada will pledge at the summit some $400 billion in defence spending by 2024, and agree to a reduction of the US contribution to fund the alliance itself. The allies will approve a new strategy to monitor China's growing military activity, and identify space as a domain of warfare, alongside air, land, sea and computer networks. Trump said he believed Russia wanted deals on arms control and nuclear issues, and that he would be willing to bring China into such accords.

Trump calls Macron's criticism of NATO 'very, very nasty' before Summit

The leaders of world powers including Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and France were recently caught on camera mocking US President Donald Trump's lengthy media appearances before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-macrons-criticism-of-nato-very-very-nasty-before-summit-266035">NATO Summit</a>. The clip was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception.

A British host's camera pool caught the footage on Tuesday evening, which was later subtitled by Canada's CBC. The summit will happen in Watford, outside London.

Macron's meeting with Trump that happened before the summit on Tuesday was proceeded by a media session, whereby leaders publicly discussed NATO strategy and trade. 
 
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson can be heard asking France's President Emmanuel Macron, "Is that why you were late?"

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau interjects, "He was late because he takes a 40-minute press conference off the top." 
In the video, Macron appears to tell an anecdote about the encounter as Britain's Princess Anne and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte look on, but the French leader's back is to the camera and he is inaudible amid the hubbub.

"Oh, yeah, yeah, he announced..." Trudeau declares, adding, "You just watched his team's jaw drop to the floor." 
 
Trump exhibited similar behaviour last year when he trespassed summit protocol and instead used the platform to field questions from global media.

He has condemned "nasty" Macron's criticism of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cool-it-france-and-germany-to-tell-trump-at-nato-talks-266086">brain dead NATO</a>, branded European countries that have failed to meet military spending targets "delinquent" and criticised moves in Washington to impeach him.

Trump is due to give another news conference alone later today after the 29 NATO leaders hold a full three-hour closed-door summit session. Later, a statement celebrating their unity shall be commissioned.

(With inputs from AFP)

The leaders of world powers including Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and France were recently caught on camera mocking US President Donald Trump's lengthy media appearances before the NATO Summit.

The leaders of world powers including Canada, Britain, the Netherlands, and France were recently caught on camera mocking US President Donald Trump's lengthy media appearances before the NATO Summit. The clip was filmed at a Buckingham Palace reception. A British host's camera pool caught the footage on Tuesday evening, which was later subtitled by Canada's CBC. The summit will happen in Watford, outside London. Macron's meeting with Trump that happened before the summit on Tuesday was proceeded by a media session, whereby leaders publicly discussed NATO strategy and trade. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson can be heard asking France's President Emmanuel Macron, "Is that why you were late?" Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau interjects, "He was late because he takes a 40-minute press conference off the top." In the video, Macron appears to tell an anecdote about the encounter as Britain's Princess Anne and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte look on, but the French leader's back is to the camera and he is inaudible amid the hubbub. "Oh, yeah, yeah, he announced..." Trudeau declares, adding, "You just watched his team's jaw drop to the floor." Trump exhibited similar behaviour last year when he trespassed summit protocol and instead used the platform to field questions from global media. He has condemned "nasty" Macron's criticism of brain dead NATO, branded European countries that have failed to meet military spending targets "delinquent" and criticised moves in Washington to impeach him. Trump is due to give another news conference alone later today after the 29 NATO leaders hold a full three-hour closed-door summit session. Later, a statement celebrating their unity shall be commissioned. (With inputs from AFP)

NATO leaders including Trudeau, Macron caught mocking Trump on camera

U.S. President Trump & France President Macron Take Potshots In Public On The NATO The Sidelines Of NATO Summit.

Trump, Macron take pot-shots in public

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