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

Gravitas: NATO Summit: When Trump met Macron

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan slams Emmanuel Macron over the NATO remarks. Watch this video to know more.

Erdogan slams Macron over NATO remarks

German Chancellor Angela Merkel calls on Europe to develop new weapons. Watch video to know more.

Angela Merkel Calls on Europe to Develop New Weapons

French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about NATO were "dangerous", Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday evening by the Financial Times.

Macron told The Economist last week that NATO was experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination and US&nbsp;unpredictability under President Donald Trump. The French leader also expressed doubt about the US-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all.

NATO was "the most important alliance in the world when it comes to preserving freedom and peace" and Macron’s questioning of whether its members could still be counted on to defend each other was "dangerous", Morawiecki said, according to the FT.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I think President Macron’s doubts about (NATO’s commitment to mutual defence) can make other allies wonder if perhaps it is France that has concerns about sticking to it. I hope that we can still count on France fulfilling its obligations," Morawiecki was quoted as saying.

"France is spending below two&nbsp;per cent of GDP (on defence) . . . I think it’s worth asking why certain aspects of NATO do not look as we wish. And it’s not for the lack of US&nbsp;commitment to the alliance, but rather the lack of reciprocity on the part of some European allies," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

France has traditionally had an ambivalent role in NATO, taking no part in its strategic military planning from 1966 to 2009 despite being a founding member. Still, Macron's comments,&nbsp;a month before NATO's December&nbsp;4 summit in London,&nbsp;were unexpected.

French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about NATO were "dangerous", Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday evening by the Financial Times.

French President Emmanuel Macron's critical remarks about NATO were "dangerous", Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in an interview published on Sunday evening by the Financial Times. Macron told The Economist last week that NATO was experiencing "brain death", citing a lack of coordination and US unpredictability under President Donald Trump. The French leader also expressed doubt about the US-led alliance's security maxim that an attack on one ally would be treated as an attack on all. NATO was "the most important alliance in the world when it comes to preserving freedom and peace" and Macron’s questioning of whether its members could still be counted on to defend each other was "dangerous", Morawiecki said, according to the FT. "I think President Macron’s doubts about (NATO’s commitment to mutual defence) can make other allies wonder if perhaps it is France that has concerns about sticking to it. I hope that we can still count on France fulfilling its obligations," Morawiecki was quoted as saying. "France is spending below two per cent of GDP (on defence) . . . I think it’s worth asking why certain aspects of NATO do not look as we wish. And it’s not for the lack of US commitment to the alliance, but rather the lack of reciprocity on the part of some European allies," he said. France has traditionally had an ambivalent role in NATO, taking no part in its strategic military planning from 1966 to 2009 despite being a founding member. Still, Macron's comments, a month before NATO's December 4 summit in London, were unexpected.

Poland says France's Macron comments on NATO 'dangerous'

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected French President Emmanuel <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-says-nato-experiencing-brain-death-260582">Macron's view that NATO</a> was experiencing "brain death", saying that such comments were not necessary.

Macron "used drastic words, that is not my view of cooperation in NATO," said Merkel after talks with visiting chief of the translantic defence alliance Jens Stoltenberg.

"I don't think that such sweeping judgements are necessary, even if we have problems and need to pull together," she added.

Stoltenberg meanwhile stressed that "NATO is strong", adding that the United States and Europe "work together more than we have done for decades".

Macron's explosive comments came ahead of a NATO summit in Britain next month.

"You have no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making between the United States and its NATO allies. None," charged the French president.

NATO has already been hit by Turkey's latest military operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria -- which was staunchly opposed by fellow members like France -- and President Donald Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the organisation.

"We should reassess the reality of what NATO is in the light of the commitment of the United States," he warned, adding that "In my opinion, Europe has the capacity to defend itself."

Macron argued that Europe could do this if "it accelerates the development of European defence."

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's view that NATO was experiencing "brain death", saying that such comments were not necessary.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday rejected French President Emmanuel Macron's view that NATO was experiencing "brain death", saying that such comments were not necessary. Macron "used drastic words, that is not my view of cooperation in NATO," said Merkel after talks with visiting chief of the translantic defence alliance Jens Stoltenberg. "I don't think that such sweeping judgements are necessary, even if we have problems and need to pull together," she added. Stoltenberg meanwhile stressed that "NATO is strong", adding that the United States and Europe "work together more than we have done for decades". Macron's explosive comments came ahead of a NATO summit in Britain next month. "You have no coordination whatsoever of strategic decision-making between the United States and its NATO allies. None," charged the French president. NATO has already been hit by Turkey's latest military operation against Kurdish militia in northern Syria -- which was staunchly opposed by fellow members like France -- and President Donald Trump's lack of enthusiasm for the organisation. "We should reassess the reality of what NATO is in the light of the commitment of the United States," he warned, adding that "In my opinion, Europe has the capacity to defend itself." Macron argued that Europe could do this if "it accelerates the development of European defence."

Don't think sweeping judgements are necessary: Merkel on Macron's NATO 'brain death' jibe

As the Trump administration on Monday began the process of formally pulling out of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11000-scientists-caution-against-climate-emergency-warn-of-unavoidable-human-suffering-260246"> Paris climate agreement</a>, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong support for the global accord.&nbsp;

"Both sides attach high importance to measures responding to climate change and protection of ecological diversity, and we agree to cooperate over next year's 15th Biodiversity Convention on Biodiversity held in Kunming to push forth the Paris Climate Accords in response to climate change," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his meeting with President Macron in Beijing.

Xi added that the international community should "jointly protect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-climate-agreement-us-should-take-more-responsibility-says-china-260120">our homeland planet Earth</a>", adding "we are against the attempt to place national interests above the common interests of humanity".

Macron too a swipe at the US, decalaring: "I deplore the choices made by some others, but I want to see them as marginal choices, because when China, the European Union, Russia, which ratified the Paris agreements a few weeks ago, engage with firmness, the isolated choice of one or another (country) is not enough to change the course of the world, it will only lead to them being edged out."

Both leaders also issued a joint statement reaffirming their committment towards the climate agreement. In a joint statement, Xi and Macron reaffirmed "their firm support for the Paris accord which they consider as an irreversible&nbsp;process and a compass for strong action on climate".&nbsp;

Xi and Macron expressed determination to improve international cooperation to "ensure a complete and efficient implementation of the Paris accord" while pledgeing to restore almost a third of degraded land as well as eliminating fossil fuel subsidies in the medium term.

The US had presented its withdrawal letter to the United Nations on Monday which was negotiated by the Obama administration.

As the Trump administration on Monday began the process of formally pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong support for the global accord.

As the Trump administration on Monday began the process of formally pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong support for the global accord. "Both sides attach high importance to measures responding to climate change and protection of ecological diversity, and we agree to cooperate over next year's 15th Biodiversity Convention on Biodiversity held in Kunming to push forth the Paris Climate Accords in response to climate change," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his meeting with President Macron in Beijing. Xi added that the international community should "jointly protect our homeland planet Earth", adding "we are against the attempt to place national interests above the common interests of humanity". Macron too a swipe at the US, decalaring: "I deplore the choices made by some others, but I want to see them as marginal choices, because when China, the European Union, Russia, which ratified the Paris agreements a few weeks ago, engage with firmness, the isolated choice of one or another (country) is not enough to change the course of the world, it will only lead to them being edged out." Both leaders also issued a joint statement reaffirming their committment towards the climate agreement. In a joint statement, Xi and Macron reaffirmed "their firm support for the Paris accord which they consider as an irreversible process and a compass for strong action on climate". Xi and Macron expressed determination to improve international cooperation to "ensure a complete and efficient implementation of the Paris accord" while pledgeing to restore almost a third of degraded land as well as eliminating fossil fuel subsidies in the medium term. The US had presented its withdrawal letter to the United Nations on Monday which was negotiated by the Obama administration.

Macron, Xi declare Paris climate accord 'irreversible process'

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 22nd, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 17th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 16th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 15th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 14th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 13th, 2019

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 9th, 2019

France President Emmanuel Macron paid tribute to the slain police officials. 4 Police personnel were stabbed to death by their co-workers. Watch this video to know more.

France: Macron vows an unrelenting fight against Islam extremists

Just hours after meeting <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/defence-minister-rajnath-singh-meets-french-president-emmanuel-macron-254457">President Macron in Paris</a>, India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to France, travelled in a French military aircraft to Mérignac to receive the first Rafale fighter aircraft.&nbsp;

As he landed in Mérignac, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier.&nbsp;Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year. India had signed a deal with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale jets.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh met French President Emmanuel Macron calling France India's "important strategic partner".

"Our special relationship goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. My visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries," India's defence minister said in a tweet.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-rituals-in-france-before-receiving-first-rafale-jet-shastra-puja-to-be-done-254399/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The highly anticipated Rafale jet handover ceremony coincides with the foundation day of the Indian Air Force and the festival of Dussehra. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France last month.

The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a vital role in finalising the Rafale deal.

Just hours after meeting President Macron in Paris, India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to France, travelled in a French military aircraft to Mérignac to receive the first Rafale fighter aircraft.

Just hours after meeting President Macron in Paris, India's Defence minister Rajnath Singh, who is on a three-day visit to France, travelled in a French military aircraft to Mérignac to receive the first Rafale fighter aircraft. As he landed in Mérignac, Rajnath Singh was welcomed by Dassault Aviation CEO Éric Trappier. Four jets are expected to arrive in India in May next year. India had signed a deal with France for the procurement of 36 Rafale jets. Earlier on Tuesday, Rajnath Singh met French President Emmanuel Macron calling France India's "important strategic partner". "Our special relationship goes far beyond the realm of formal ties. My visit to France is aimed at expanding the existing strategic partnership between both the countries," India's defence minister said in a tweet. Watch Video: The highly anticipated Rafale jet handover ceremony coincides with the foundation day of the Indian Air Force and the festival of Dussehra. The first aircraft with tail number RB-01 was received by a team of Indian Air Force officers led by Air Marshal VR Chaudhary in France last month. The tail number RB-01 has been named after Indian Air Force chief Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who had played a vital role in finalising the Rafale deal.

Rajnath Singh lands in Mérignac airport to receive Rafale fighter jet

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said on Tuesday that&nbsp;he believed that the&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;for the leaders of the United States and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-says-iran-resists-sanctions-drives-us-desperate-251461">Iran</a> to meet were now in place, but the ball was now in their court to make it happen.

"I believe that the&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;in this context for a rapid return to negotiations have been created,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told reporters before heading back to Paris from New York, where he attended the annual United Nations General Assembly.

"It's now&nbsp;up&nbsp;to the Iranians and the United States to seize these&nbsp;conditions&nbsp;and work together to relaunch momentum", he added.

The French leader has been pushing to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran over the last few weeks, especially after an attack on Saudi oil facilities on September 14. that the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran.

Macron&nbsp;used two days of shuffle diplomacy at the United Nations to try to bring US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Iranian President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;face-to-face or at the very least get&nbsp;them&nbsp;to engage, fearing that a new incident could inflame the region.

But, with&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;demanding that the US lift tough sanctions that have strangled its economy and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-rouhani-meeting-not-scheduled-as-speculation-swirls-251685">Washington refusing</a> to do so until Iran comes to the table without&nbsp;conditions, the chances of a breakthrough still appear slim, even if the two leaders are still in New York on Wednesday.

"There is a common desire to progress and to not just find the terms of deescalation, but build a long-term accord,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said. "But it depends on the will of both sides."

Macron&nbsp;said the parameters of the&nbsp;talks&nbsp;were to ensure that Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, end Yemen's civil war, develop a plan for regional security that includes other crises in the region, ensure maritime flows in the Strait of Hormuz and lift economic sanctions.

But while&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said that those were the&nbsp;conditions, there appeared little to suggest that either side had agreed to take the next step.

"I think that lifting of sanctions on the part of the Americans without any visibility on the other subjects is not possible,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said.

"At the same time, clear commitments from Iran on the points I mentioned are not possible without American commitments", he added.

When asked whether he thought that they could still meet this week,&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;urged the two leaders to not miss the chance.

"I don't think in the coming weeks and months there will be an opportunity for him <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-president-rouhani-calls-for-unity-to-overcome-us-economic-war-246275">(Rouhani)</a> to come back to the US, and I don't think President&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;will be going to Tehran," he said.

"It's a physical opportunity to seize because I think the best way to start a negotiation is to have a meeting, have a frank discussion between the two main protagonists,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he believed that the conditions for the leaders of the United States and Iran to meet were now in place, but the ball was now in their court to make it happen.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he believed that the conditions for the leaders of the United States and Iran to meet were now in place, but the ball was now in their court to make it happen. "I believe that the conditions in this context for a rapid return to negotiations have been created," Macron told reporters before heading back to Paris from New York, where he attended the annual United Nations General Assembly. "It's now up to the Iranians and the United States to seize these conditions and work together to relaunch momentum", he added. The French leader has been pushing to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran over the last few weeks, especially after an attack on Saudi oil facilities on September 14. that the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia have blamed on Iran. Macron used two days of shuffle diplomacy at the United Nations to try to bring US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani face-to-face or at the very least get them to engage, fearing that a new incident could inflame the region. But, with Rouhani demanding that the US lift tough sanctions that have strangled its economy and Washington refusing to do so until Iran comes to the table without conditions, the chances of a breakthrough still appear slim, even if the two leaders are still in New York on Wednesday. "There is a common desire to progress and to not just find the terms of deescalation, but build a long-term accord," Macron said. "But it depends on the will of both sides." Macron said the parameters of the talks were to ensure that Iran can never acquire a nuclear weapon, end Yemen's civil war, develop a plan for regional security that includes other crises in the region, ensure maritime flows in the Strait of Hormuz and lift economic sanctions. But while Macron said that those were the conditions, there appeared little to suggest that either side had agreed to take the next step. "I think that lifting of sanctions on the part of the Americans without any visibility on the other subjects is not possible," Macron said. "At the same time, clear commitments from Iran on the points I mentioned are not possible without American commitments", he added. When asked whether he thought that they could still meet this week, Macron urged the two leaders to not miss the chance. "I don't think in the coming weeks and months there will be an opportunity for him (Rouhani) to come back to the US, and I don't think President Trump will be going to Tehran," he said. "It's a physical opportunity to seize because I think the best way to start a negotiation is to have a meeting, have a frank discussion between the two main protagonists," Macron said.

Macron says Trump, Rouhani know conditions for talks, but up to them to deliver

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-trump-rouhani-know-conditions-for-talks-but-up-to-them-to-deliver-251896">Macron</a> had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right.

"France cannot host everyone if it wants to host people well," Macron told Europe 1 in an interview from the United Nations in New York where he is attending the annual General Assembly.

Macron noted France had seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people asking for asylum since the 2017 presidential election and said much tighter European cooperation was needed.

"There is not enough cooperation in Europe and we need to look at this migratory phenomenon and take decisions," he said.

Macron's comments come as the French parliament is set next week for a major debate on migration policy, with the lower house National Assembly discussing the issue on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday.

The French president, whose first term expires in 2022, is keenly aware that his biggest political rival remains Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party which has built its popularity on a strong anti-immigration stance.

"In order to be able to welcome everyone properly, we should not be too attractive a country," said Macron.

He said he wanted to look at the basket of state medical aid offered to migrants while emphasising that getting rid of such help entirely would be "ridiculous".

"It would be an error to say that the question of migration is a taboo or just something to raise when there are crises," he said, emphasising that France had always been a country of migration.

During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron lavished support on the open door policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in allowing in over a million refugees, saying it had "saved our collective dignity".

He said two priorities now had to be given asylum as quickly as possible to those who have a right to France's protection and integrating them more effectively through more French courses and more aggressive employment policy.

But he said those who had entered France illegally needed to be moved away "much more efficiently", and that current processes last too long.

France last year received a record 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration. Macron had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday said France "cannot host everyone", intensifying his tough rhetoric on immigration. Macron had last week signalled a tougher line on immigration in the second half of his mandate, arguing the government must stop voters drifting to the far-right. "France cannot host everyone if it wants to host people well," Macron told Europe 1 in an interview from the United Nations in New York where he is attending the annual General Assembly. Macron noted France had seen a sharp increase in the numbers of people asking for asylum since the 2017 presidential election and said much tighter European cooperation was needed. "There is not enough cooperation in Europe and we need to look at this migratory phenomenon and take decisions," he said. Macron's comments come as the French parliament is set next week for a major debate on migration policy, with the lower house National Assembly discussing the issue on Monday and the Senate on Wednesday. The French president, whose first term expires in 2022, is keenly aware that his biggest political rival remains Marine Le Pen and her far-right National Rally party which has built its popularity on a strong anti-immigration stance. "In order to be able to welcome everyone properly, we should not be too attractive a country," said Macron. He said he wanted to look at the basket of state medical aid offered to migrants while emphasising that getting rid of such help entirely would be "ridiculous". "It would be an error to say that the question of migration is a taboo or just something to raise when there are crises," he said, emphasising that France had always been a country of migration. During the 2017 presidential campaign, Macron lavished support on the open door policy of German Chancellor Angela Merkel in allowing in over a million refugees, saying it had "saved our collective dignity". He said two priorities now had to be given asylum as quickly as possible to those who have a right to France's protection and integrating them more effectively through more French courses and more aggressive employment policy. But he said those who had entered France illegally needed to be moved away "much more efficiently", and that current processes last too long. France last year received a record 122,743 asylum requests, up 22 per cent compared to 2017.

'France can't host everyone,' says Macron in new toughening of migration stance

Macron meets Rouhani at UNGA but Trump stays away

Iranian President Hassan&nbsp;Rouhani&nbsp;met French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;on the sidelines of the UN&nbsp;General Assembly on Monday.

Macron&nbsp;plans to&nbsp;meet&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Tuesday as he seeks to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on Monday. Macron plans to meet US President Donald Trump on Tuesday as he seeks to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Rouhani, Macron meet at UN summit

Paris metro workers on Friday went off work over President's Macron's pension plan as thousands of commuters were left waiting on platforms with main <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-yellow-vest-protesters-look-to-revive-movement-248327">suburban lines coming</a> to a virtual standstill.

"Ten of the city's 16 metro lines were shut down completely, while service on most others was extremely disrupted, Paris RATP transit operator told AFP.

French metro workers say &nbsp;President Emmanuel Macron's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reviews-police-methods-after-yellow-vest-protests-228069">universal pension system</a> works against them as it takes away their right for early retirement which was agreed upon decades ago as a compensation for working long hours.

During his election campaign, Macron had pledged to relook the pension plans and had sought reforms. The plan seeks to merge forty-two different pension systems into a single-point based system.

The current plan ensures workers would now retire at age 62 with reduced pension with full pension available from 64.

Lawyers, airline pilots, stewards and medical workers have also decided to join the protest, calling for a separate strike on Monday.

As a result of the strike, people were left stranded with several looking for alternate avenues to move around the city. &nbsp;French officials said there were 235km of traffic jams with media reports of crammed platforms on metro lines.

The strikes come close on the heels of the "yellow vest" protests last month when anti-government protesters calling for social justice sought the ouster of President Emmanuel Macron.

Paris saw an upsurge of violence as thousands of protesters took to the streets to clash with police as authorities repeatedly used tear gas shells to quell the violence. The protests spread to other cities Marseille, Rouen, Lille, Strasbourg, Dijon, Bordeaux and Toulouse as police arrested several protesters amid large scale violence.

Paris metro workers on Friday went off work over President's Macron's pension plan as thousands of commuters were left waiting on platforms with main suburban lines coming to a virtual standstill.

Paris metro workers on Friday went off work over President's Macron's pension plan as thousands of commuters were left waiting on platforms with main suburban lines coming to a virtual standstill. "Ten of the city's 16 metro lines were shut down completely, while service on most others was extremely disrupted, Paris RATP transit operator told AFP. French metro workers say President Emmanuel Macron's universal pension system works against them as it takes away their right for early retirement which was agreed upon decades ago as a compensation for working long hours. During his election campaign, Macron had pledged to relook the pension plans and had sought reforms. The plan seeks to merge forty-two different pension systems into a single-point based system. The current plan ensures workers would now retire at age 62 with reduced pension with full pension available from 64. Lawyers, airline pilots, stewards and medical workers have also decided to join the protest, calling for a separate strike on Monday. As a result of the strike, people were left stranded with several looking for alternate avenues to move around the city. French officials said there were 235km of traffic jams with media reports of crammed platforms on metro lines. The strikes come close on the heels of the "yellow vest" protests last month when anti-government protesters calling for social justice sought the ouster of President Emmanuel Macron. Paris saw an upsurge of violence as thousands of protesters took to the streets to clash with police as authorities repeatedly used tear gas shells to quell the violence. The protests spread to other cities Marseille, Rouen, Lille, Strasbourg, Dijon, Bordeaux and Toulouse as police arrested several protesters amid large scale violence.

Paris faces traffic chaos as metro workers strike over Macron's pension reform

Now, Bolsonaro won't use French Bic ballpoint pens made in Brazil

In a meet with Indian PM Modi, U.S President Donald Trump said that it would be best if the Kashmir issue is resolved bilaterally.

Trump changes tune on Kashmir issue

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-pledges-millions-to-help-fight-amazon-fires-245803">20 million euros to fight Amazon fires</a>, news agency AFP reported&nbsp;on Tuesday.

"We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe,"&nbsp;Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral.

Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires.

But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course.

The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest.

The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon.

The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention.

Watch:&nbsp;G7 Nations extend help for Amazon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-nations-extend-help-for-amazon-245815/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and&nbsp;accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting&nbsp;farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land.

On Saturday, the Brazilian&nbsp;authorities deployed troops&nbsp;in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster.

(With inputs from AFP)

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website. "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral. Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires. But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course. The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest. The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention. Watch: G7 Nations extend help for Amazon Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land. On Saturday, the Brazilian authorities deployed troops in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil rejects G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the road ahead was difficult "but worth trying" after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on the sidelines of the G7 summit on Sunday, August 25. Watch this video to know more.

Iran FM Javad Zarif makes surprise visit to G7 Summit

Football references, Domestic Politics, Kashmir decision, Climate Change; Indian PM Modi's address to the Indian diaspora covered various aspects.

WION Gravitas: When 'Modi' chant reverberated in Paris

G7 leaders joined in a family photo on Sunday, August 25 at the French resort hosting the summit which has been troubled by differences between U.S. President Donald Trump and Western allies over a raft of issues. Watch this video to know more.

G7 Summit: Trade, Iran tensions on agenda

Row over sexists posts on Brigitte Macron. Macron Hits back at Bolsonaro and said that his actions are extremely rude

Macron Hits back at Bolsonaro

Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump today at 3:45 PM IST today. PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

All eyes on crucial Modi-Trump bilateral meet

Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump at 3:45 PM IST today. PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

India at G7 Summit after a gap of 10 years

PM Modi-Trump to hold talks at 3:45 PM IST today

Indian PM Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump today. PM Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

Indian PM Modi to meet US President today

macron

Macron, News on Macron, stories on Macron, articles on Macron, Macron stories at Wion, Macron news, Macron latest news