Indian PM Narendra Modi is set to hold 4 bilaterals on the sidelines of the G7 Summit today. Watch this video to know more.

Indian PM to hold 4 bilaterals at G7 Summit today

Indian PM Narendra Modi met Senegal President Macky Sall. Indian 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 meets Senegal President

US President Donald Trump met with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of G7 Summit. Watch this video to know more.

Trump meets Egypt's President on the sidelines of G7 Summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bahrain-honours-pm-modi-with-king-hamad-order-of-the-renaissance-245393">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit.

PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26.

Earlier on August 22, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/climate-change-defence-and-kashmir-in-the-spotlight-as-modi-meets-macron-ahead-of-g7-summit-244916">PM Modi visited France</a> and held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues.

PM&nbsp;Modi is also expected to interact with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-trump-set-to-meet-at-g7-summit-on-august-26-244877">US President Donald Trump</a> and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7.

It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit. PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday departed from Bahrain to France's Biarritz to attend the G7 summit. PM Modi will participate in the G7 summit as Biarritz partner in sessions on the environment, climate, oceans and on digital transformation on August 25 and 26. Earlier on August 22, PM Modi visited France and held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. On the bilateral side, Modi and Macron discussed a gamut of issues. PM Modi is also expected to interact with US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at G7. It's after a gap of more than 10 years that India has been invited at the G7 summit, the last time being 2005 when the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair had invited the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the Gleneagles summit.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for France to attend G7 summit

PM Modi will be one of the few G7 leaders in France not from the G7 group. Macron says that nations need to pull back from the trade war. Climate change & Amazon fires top priority, says Macron. Watch this video to know more.

G7 Summit From Aug 24-26, Indian PM is the special invitee

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in France to attend the G7 Summit. Modi will be joining world leaders for a dinner shortly Watch this video to know more.

Indian PM Modi arrives in France for G7 Summit

G7 leaders gathered in the French resort of Biarritz for the first working session of their latest summit on Sunday, August 25.

G7 leaders hold first working session

'IN' plus 'FRA' is the alliance of 'INDIA' and 'FRANCE', Modi hails India-France partnership

PM Modi and French <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-meets-french-president-macron-delegation-level-talks-to-begin-soon-244889">President Emmanuel Macron</a>&nbsp;issued a&nbsp;joint statement after their&nbsp;delegation-level talks on Thursday evening.

"I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term. I congratulate you for your victory, which also shows how good is the democracy of India," Macron said with PM Modi by his side.

"We spoke on G7. I wanted India to be a part of G7. I have changed some parts about how G7 is organised," President Macron said, adding,"there are several matters in which we can't move without India, there are matters in which India's presence is important."

"Both nations share a lot of confidence," Macron asserted. Macron said it was a priority to talk about climate change with India's prime minister.

The delivery of Rafale fighter jets was one of the key areas of discussion between the two leaders. Macron said the first Rafale jets would reach India next month.

During the meeting, Macron emphasised India's importance in the global arena.

"We've held talks with PM Modi on several issues including digital, cyber security and Africa. We will have to work on such matters together," Macron informed reporters.

PM Modi while sharing Macron's view said India-France ties were reinforced by a shared vision.&nbsp;

Macron expressed condolences for the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14 in which CRPF personnel were killed. French President while mentioning Pulwama attack said, "will work together to eradicate the scourge".

PM Modi told me everything about Kashmir and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Macron told media persons gathered at the presser.&nbsp;

"I said Pakistan and India will have to find a solution together and no third party should interfere or incite violence," Macron said while adding that he will tell the Pakistani PM Imran Khan "that they (India and Pakistan) have to solve issue bilaterally and stability in the region should be maintained and no terror activities should happen."

"We wish to work togther against terrorism," Macron said.

PM Modi emphasised on strategic partnership between India and France while addressing the joint press conference as he thanked the French president for the warm welcome accorded to him in Paris.

PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards climate change while adding that the country stands with France on the issue.

"France and India did not only hold good talks but also took major steps. We are walking on the path of strategic partnership since the last two decades," PM Modi said.

"Defence cooperation is the pillar of our ties," PM Modi said while hailing India-France ties. PM Modi said France and India have always protected democracy.

PM Modi lauded Paris's support to deal with cross border terror.&nbsp;

"We're happy that the first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month. France is the first country with which we have signed the civil nuclear arrangement," the Indian prime minister said.

Earlier, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly just hours after landing in Paris. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.

On Friday, the Indian prime minister will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. 
&nbsp;

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement after their delegation-level talks on Thursday evening. "I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term.

PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron issued a joint statement after their delegation-level talks on Thursday evening. "I'm meeting you for the first time after you won the election for the second term. I congratulate you for your victory, which also shows how good is the democracy of India," Macron said with PM Modi by his side. "We spoke on G7. I wanted India to be a part of G7. I have changed some parts about how G7 is organised," President Macron said, adding,"there are several matters in which we can't move without India, there are matters in which India's presence is important." "Both nations share a lot of confidence," Macron asserted. Macron said it was a priority to talk about climate change with India's prime minister. The delivery of Rafale fighter jets was one of the key areas of discussion between the two leaders. Macron said the first Rafale jets would reach India next month. During the meeting, Macron emphasised India's importance in the global arena. "We've held talks with PM Modi on several issues including digital, cyber security and Africa. We will have to work on such matters together," Macron informed reporters. PM Modi while sharing Macron's view said India-France ties were reinforced by a shared vision. Macron expressed condolences for the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14 in which CRPF personnel were killed. French President while mentioning Pulwama attack said, "will work together to eradicate the scourge". PM Modi told me everything about Kashmir and the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Macron told media persons gathered at the presser. "I said Pakistan and India will have to find a solution together and no third party should interfere or incite violence," Macron said while adding that he will tell the Pakistani PM Imran Khan "that they (India and Pakistan) have to solve issue bilaterally and stability in the region should be maintained and no terror activities should happen." "We wish to work togther against terrorism," Macron said. PM Modi emphasised on strategic partnership between India and France while addressing the joint press conference as he thanked the French president for the warm welcome accorded to him in Paris. PM Modi reiterated India's commitment towards climate change while adding that the country stands with France on the issue. "France and India did not only hold good talks but also took major steps. We are walking on the path of strategic partnership since the last two decades," PM Modi said. "Defence cooperation is the pillar of our ties," PM Modi said while hailing India-France ties. PM Modi said France and India have always protected democracy. PM Modi lauded Paris's support to deal with cross border terror. "We're happy that the first of the 36 Rafale fighter aircraft will be handed over to India next month. France is the first country with which we have signed the civil nuclear arrangement," the Indian prime minister said. Earlier, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly just hours after landing in Paris. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France. On Friday, the Indian prime minister will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

India, Pak should resolve J&K issue bilaterally: Macron during meeting with PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reached Paris in the first leg of his three-nation visit for bilateral engagement with France.

PM Modi reaches Paris, to hold bilateral meeting with Macron

Just hours <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-arrives-in-paris-set-to-meet-president-macron-shortly-244875">after arriving in Paris</a>, PM Modi met French President Macron at the&nbsp;Château de Chantilly on Thursday evening.

This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. India and France delegation-level talks began as the two leaders met today. It will be followed by a joint press conference.

Later, the French president will host a dinner meeting for the Indian prime minister.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Indian prime minister was welcomed by the Indian community at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.

On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

Just hours after arriving in Paris, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly on Thursday evening. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President.

Just hours after arriving in Paris, PM Modi met French President Macron at the Château de Chantilly on Thursday evening. This is PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. India and France delegation-level talks began as the two leaders met today. It will be followed by a joint press conference. Later, the French president will host a dinner meeting for the Indian prime minister. Earlier, the Indian prime minister was welcomed by the Indian community at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France. On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

PM Modi meets French President Macron; delegation-level talks begin

Italy's president will hold a second day of talks aimed at solving the political crisis shaking the country on Thursday after the disintegration of the populist government.

President Sergio Mattarella will meet the main parties, including the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and far-right League, after the breakdown of their dysfunctional coalition.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned on Tuesday after months of alliance sniping and a bid by League leader and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini to force a snap election, just 14 months since coming to power.

The nationalist, populist government's demonisation of migrants, promoted by Salvini in particular, and attempts to flout EU budget rules had angered many European leaders.

Mattarella met the leaders of both houses of parliament on Wednesday and has been trying to find a way forward.

The formation of a new coalition, a short-term technocratic government or an early election -- more than three years ahead of schedule -- are the main options.

Conditional support

A proposed alliance between M5S and opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) -- previously almost unthinkable -- appears to be gaining traction, with PD leader Nicola Zingaretti saying he is ready to make a deal.

The PD and M5S have been at each other's throats for years -- but an alliance would see Salvini kicked out of government, a powerful motive for compromise.

Zingaretti has said the party would back an M5S coalition dependent on five conditions, including a radical shift in Italy's zero-tolerance policy on migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

He later told "La 7" television he was also against the idea of Conte staying on as prime minister.

M5S would like Conte to remain in place but did not give much away, saying it would "wait for the end of consultations".

In a bid to get a PD-M5S alliance off the ground, former PD premier Matteo Renzi has said he will not participate.

Many in the anti-establishment party view him as elitist.&nbsp;

Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister, on Wednesday, mocked his former coalition allies, saying: "In a week they have gone from the League to Renzi."

He added: "No matter which government emerges, its goals will be against the League."

Risk of recession

The end of the unstable coalition government in the eurozone's third-largest economy has so far been welcomed by the markets, with a sharp rise in the Milan stock market on Wednesday.

The country's debt ratio -- 132 per cent of gross domestic product -- is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece, and youth unemployment is currently above 30 per cent.

Governments have consistently struggled to bring down debt levels and unemployment.

"Italy's disharmonious political backdrop and the country's budgetary challenges extend well before the sovereign debt crisis," said Rabobank analyst Jane Foley.

Rome needs to approve a budget in the next few months or potentially face an automatic rise in value-added tax that would hit the least well-off Italian families the hardest and likely plunge the country into recession.

"(The crisis) arrives at a critical juncture for Europe amid the risk of recession in Germany and the formation of the new European Commission, and could contribute to deteriorating significantly the confidence on the eurozone," said Andrea Montanino, chief economist at the General Confederation of Italian Industry.

After last year's election, it took months of wrangling before a government was formed.

Mattarella has made it clear he wants talks to conclude quickly but splits within the PD and M5S, as well as sharp policy differences, could complicate coalition efforts.

A PD-M5S tie-up would realistically also need support from smaller parties to be an effective government.&nbsp;

Italy's president will hold a second day of talks aimed at solving the political crisis shaking the country on Thursday after the disintegration of the populist government.

Italy's president will hold a second day of talks aimed at solving the political crisis shaking the country on Thursday after the disintegration of the populist government. President Sergio Mattarella will meet the main parties, including the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and far-right League, after the breakdown of their dysfunctional coalition. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigned on Tuesday after months of alliance sniping and a bid by League leader and Interior Minister Matteo Salvini to force a snap election, just 14 months since coming to power. The nationalist, populist government's demonisation of migrants, promoted by Salvini in particular, and attempts to flout EU budget rules had angered many European leaders. Mattarella met the leaders of both houses of parliament on Wednesday and has been trying to find a way forward. The formation of a new coalition, a short-term technocratic government or an early election -- more than three years ahead of schedule -- are the main options. Conditional support A proposed alliance between M5S and opposition centre-left Democratic Party (PD) -- previously almost unthinkable -- appears to be gaining traction, with PD leader Nicola Zingaretti saying he is ready to make a deal. The PD and M5S have been at each other's throats for years -- but an alliance would see Salvini kicked out of government, a powerful motive for compromise. Zingaretti has said the party would back an M5S coalition dependent on five conditions, including a radical shift in Italy's zero-tolerance policy on migrants crossing the Mediterranean. He later told "La 7" television he was also against the idea of Conte staying on as prime minister. M5S would like Conte to remain in place but did not give much away, saying it would "wait for the end of consultations". In a bid to get a PD-M5S alliance off the ground, former PD premier Matteo Renzi has said he will not participate. Many in the anti-establishment party view him as elitist. Salvini, who is also deputy prime minister, on Wednesday, mocked his former coalition allies, saying: "In a week they have gone from the League to Renzi." He added: "No matter which government emerges, its goals will be against the League." Risk of recession The end of the unstable coalition government in the eurozone's third-largest economy has so far been welcomed by the markets, with a sharp rise in the Milan stock market on Wednesday. The country's debt ratio -- 132 per cent of gross domestic product -- is the second-biggest in the eurozone after Greece, and youth unemployment is currently above 30 per cent. Governments have consistently struggled to bring down debt levels and unemployment. "Italy's disharmonious political backdrop and the country's budgetary challenges extend well before the sovereign debt crisis," said Rabobank analyst Jane Foley. Rome needs to approve a budget in the next few months or potentially face an automatic rise in value-added tax that would hit the least well-off Italian families the hardest and likely plunge the country into recession. "(The crisis) arrives at a critical juncture for Europe amid the risk of recession in Germany and the formation of the new European Commission, and could contribute to deteriorating significantly the confidence on the eurozone," said Andrea Montanino, chief economist at the General Confederation of Italian Industry. After last year's election, it took months of wrangling before a government was formed. Mattarella has made it clear he wants talks to conclude quickly but splits within the PD and M5S, as well as sharp policy differences, could complicate coalition efforts. A PD-M5S tie-up would realistically also need support from smaller parties to be an effective government.

Second day of Italy crisis talks after Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte resigns

Prime minister Modi arrived at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-meet-macron-attend-g7-as-he-begins-three-nation-tour-france-uae-and-bahrain-244742">Charles de Gaulle airport</a> in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting.

PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference. It will be PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President.

PM Modi had visited France two year ago and had followed it up with a visit to Paris last year. The Indian prime minister had met President Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively.&nbsp;

On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters.

The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime minister Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting. PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference.

Prime minister Modi arrived at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris on Thursday evening ahead of the G-7 meeting. PM Modi will be meeting French President Macron in a short while and the two leaders are due to appear in a joint press conference. It will be PM Modi's fifth meeting with the French President. PM Modi had visited France two year ago and had followed it up with a visit to Paris last year. The Indian prime minister had met President Macron on the sidelines of G20 summit in Argentina and Japan in December 2018 and June 2019, respectively. On Friday morning, PM Modi will be meeting French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and address the Indian diaspora at the UNESCO headquarters. The Indian prime minister will also be inaugurating memorials for Indian victims of the air India crash in Nid D'Aigle. The memorial commemorates two tragic air crashes of Air India flights 245 and 101 in 1950 and 1966 respectively.

PM Modi arrives in Paris, set to meet President Macron shortly

French leader Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a month of further talks to find a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-germany-hints-at-compromise-france-tells-uk-no-new-brexit-deal-244700">solution to Brexit</a> while ruling out major compromises as he met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks on Thursday.

Like German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, Macron supported allowing another 30 days to find a solution to the vexed issue of the Irish border which has bedevilled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-deal-brexit-seems-most-likely-scenario-french-presidential-aide-244673">negotiations since 2017</a>.

"We need to try to have a useful month," Macron said alongside Johnson who insisted that solutions were "readily available" to prevent checkpoints returning in divided Ireland.

But Macron, who admitted he had a reputation as the "hardest in the gang" on Brexit, has rejected Johnson's calls to scrap a key arrangement for Ireland negotiated between the EU and former British premier Theresa May.

At stake is the so-called "backstop", which is a provision guaranteeing that border checks will not return between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of Britain.

Johnson considers the backstop to be "anti-democratic" and an affront to British sovereignty because it will require London to keep its regulations aligned with the EU during a transition exit period.

"The technical solutions are readily available (to avoid checkpoints) and they have been discussed at great length," Johnson said. "You can have trusted trader schemes, you can have electronic pre-clearing."

The EU argues the backstop is necessary to avoid the re-emergence of checkpoints which could lead to a return of fighting on the divided island where anti-British violence has claimed thousands of lives.

"I want to be very clear. In the coming month, we will not find a new withdrawal agreement that is far from the fundamentals," Macron said at the Elysee palace in central Paris.

Since Johnson's ascent to power last month, the chances of a "no deal" Brexit on October 31 have risen, which economists see as likely to wreak economic damage on Britain and the EU.

"The EU and member states need to take the possibility of a 'no deal' outcome much more seriously than before," a senior EU official told reporters in Brussels on Thursday on condition of anonymity.

A French official said on Wednesday that this was becoming the "most likely" scenario.

The Paris visit was the second leg of Johnson's first foreign trip as prime minister.

On Wednesday, he was in Berlin for talks with Merkel who appeared to offer a glimmer of hope by saying Britain should try to find a breakthrough to the issue over the next month.

"I want a deal," Johnson told Macron. "I think we can get a deal and a good deal."

He added that he had been "powerfully encouraged" by his talks with Merkel. "I admire that 'can do' spirit that she seemed to have."

But many Brexit watchers see Merkel's remarks as fitting a pattern in which she has often been more conciliatory in public about Brexit than Macron, whose abrasive remarks have caused anger in London in the past.

"There is not the width of cigarette paper between Paris and Berlin on these issues," a senior aide to Macron said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

The EU official in Brussels added that the EU was "a little concerned based on what we heard yesterday (in Berlin)."

"We are waiting for new facts, workable ideas," the official added.

- Blame game - 
Johnson, who has deployed his French language skills to charm diplomats in Paris before, has staked his leadership on withdrawing Britain from the EU by the current deadline of October 31 &nbsp;-- "do or die".

Some analysts see a risk of relations between Macron and Johnson becoming stormy in public, which could lead to a blame game about a "no deal" Brexit.&nbsp;

Johnson reportedly once called the French "turds" over their stance on Brexit during his time as foreign secretary -- remarks he later said he could not recall.

But Macron pre-empted any attempt to deflect blame onto the European side during a press conference on Wednesday before Johnson's arrival.

"It will be the responsibility of the British government, always, because firstly it was the British people that decided Brexit, and the British government has the possibility up to the last second to revoke Article 50," he said.

Article 50 is the legal mechanism used by EU members states to withdraw from the bloc which was triggered by Britain in March 2017.

At the weekend, Macron, Merkel and Johnson will meet US President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of both Brexit and Johnson, at a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

French leader Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a month of further talks to find a solution to Brexit while ruling out major compromises as he met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks on Thursday.

French leader Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of a month of further talks to find a solution to Brexit while ruling out major compromises as he met British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for talks on Thursday. Like German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, Macron supported allowing another 30 days to find a solution to the vexed issue of the Irish border which has bedevilled negotiations since 2017. "We need to try to have a useful month," Macron said alongside Johnson who insisted that solutions were "readily available" to prevent checkpoints returning in divided Ireland. But Macron, who admitted he had a reputation as the "hardest in the gang" on Brexit, has rejected Johnson's calls to scrap a key arrangement for Ireland negotiated between the EU and former British premier Theresa May. At stake is the so-called "backstop", which is a provision guaranteeing that border checks will not return between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland which is part of Britain. Johnson considers the backstop to be "anti-democratic" and an affront to British sovereignty because it will require London to keep its regulations aligned with the EU during a transition exit period. "The technical solutions are readily available (to avoid checkpoints) and they have been discussed at great length," Johnson said. "You can have trusted trader schemes, you can have electronic pre-clearing." The EU argues the backstop is necessary to avoid the re-emergence of checkpoints which could lead to a return of fighting on the divided island where anti-British violence has claimed thousands of lives. "I want to be very clear. In the coming month, we will not find a new withdrawal agreement that is far from the fundamentals," Macron said at the Elysee palace in central Paris. Since Johnson's ascent to power last month, the chances of a "no deal" Brexit on October 31 have risen, which economists see as likely to wreak economic damage on Britain and the EU. "The EU and member states need to take the possibility of a 'no deal' outcome much more seriously than before," a senior EU official told reporters in Brussels on Thursday on condition of anonymity. A French official said on Wednesday that this was becoming the "most likely" scenario. The Paris visit was the second leg of Johnson's first foreign trip as prime minister. On Wednesday, he was in Berlin for talks with Merkel who appeared to offer a glimmer of hope by saying Britain should try to find a breakthrough to the issue over the next month. "I want a deal," Johnson told Macron. "I think we can get a deal and a good deal." He added that he had been "powerfully encouraged" by his talks with Merkel. "I admire that 'can do' spirit that she seemed to have." But many Brexit watchers see Merkel's remarks as fitting a pattern in which she has often been more conciliatory in public about Brexit than Macron, whose abrasive remarks have caused anger in London in the past. "There is not the width of cigarette paper between Paris and Berlin on these issues," a senior aide to Macron said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity. The EU official in Brussels added that the EU was "a little concerned based on what we heard yesterday (in Berlin)." "We are waiting for new facts, workable ideas," the official added. - Blame game - Johnson, who has deployed his French language skills to charm diplomats in Paris before, has staked his leadership on withdrawing Britain from the EU by the current deadline of October 31 -- "do or die". Some analysts see a risk of relations between Macron and Johnson becoming stormy in public, which could lead to a blame game about a "no deal" Brexit. Johnson reportedly once called the French "turds" over their stance on Brexit during his time as foreign secretary -- remarks he later said he could not recall. But Macron pre-empted any attempt to deflect blame onto the European side during a press conference on Wednesday before Johnson's arrival. "It will be the responsibility of the British government, always, because firstly it was the British people that decided Brexit, and the British government has the possibility up to the last second to revoke Article 50," he said. Article 50 is the legal mechanism used by EU members states to withdraw from the bloc which was triggered by Britain in March 2017. At the weekend, Macron, Merkel and Johnson will meet US President Donald Trump, a vocal supporter of both Brexit and Johnson, at a G7 summit in the French seaside resort of Biarritz.

I think we can get Brexit deal and a good deal: Johnson to Macron

A no-deal Brexit seems the most likely scenario for Britain's departure from the European Union, a French presidential aide said Wednesday, a day before <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-johnson-urges-merkel-to-budge-on-brexit-244587">Boris Johnson visits Paris</a> for talks with President Emmanuel Macron.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-opening-brexit-bid-rip-out-the-irish-border-backstop-244376">Johnson's demand</a> that the so-called "backstop" mechanism to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland be scrapped.

And he also contradicted Johnson's claim that if Britain leaves the EU without a deal it would not have to pay $47 billion&nbsp;divorce bill that has already been negotiated.

"The scenario that is becoming the most likely is one of no deal," the official said ahead of the first meeting between Macron and Johnson since the British premier took office a month ago.&nbsp;

"The idea of saying 'there's not a deal, so I won't pay' does not work," the official said. "We cannot imagine that a country like the UK would back out of an international commitment."

The official added: "There's no magic wand that makes this bill disappear." &nbsp;

The French official said that a letter sent by Johnson to EU Council President Donald Tusk on Monday asking for what he called the "anti-democratic" backstop to be withdrawn "posed a problem" for the whole EU.&nbsp;

The backstop is a mechanism to avoid border checks between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, part of the UK, with checkpoints there removed as part of a 1998 peace deal on the divided island.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Wednesday of the economic impact of a chaotic no-deal Brexit, hours before she was to receive Johnson on his first foreign visit. 
&nbsp;

A no-deal Brexit seems the most likely scenario for Britain's departure from the European Union, a French presidential aide said Wednesday, a day before Boris Johnson visits Paris for talks with President Emmanuel Macron.

A no-deal Brexit seems the most likely scenario for Britain's departure from the European Union, a French presidential aide said Wednesday, a day before Boris Johnson visits Paris for talks with President Emmanuel Macron. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected Johnson's demand that the so-called "backstop" mechanism to avoid border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland be scrapped. And he also contradicted Johnson's claim that if Britain leaves the EU without a deal it would not have to pay $47 billion divorce bill that has already been negotiated. "The scenario that is becoming the most likely is one of no deal," the official said ahead of the first meeting between Macron and Johnson since the British premier took office a month ago. "The idea of saying 'there's not a deal, so I won't pay' does not work," the official said. "We cannot imagine that a country like the UK would back out of an international commitment." The official added: "There's no magic wand that makes this bill disappear." The French official said that a letter sent by Johnson to EU Council President Donald Tusk on Monday asking for what he called the "anti-democratic" backstop to be withdrawn "posed a problem" for the whole EU. The backstop is a mechanism to avoid border checks between EU member Ireland and Northern Ireland, part of the UK, with checkpoints there removed as part of a 1998 peace deal on the divided island. German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Wednesday of the economic impact of a chaotic no-deal Brexit, hours before she was to receive Johnson on his first foreign visit.

No-deal Brexit seems 'most likely' scenario: French presidential aide

French President Emmanuel Macron hosts his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday for a rare visit, with Paris hoping to nudge Moscow towards steps to help end the conflict in the east of Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosts his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday for a rare visit, with Paris hoping to nudge Moscow towards steps to help end the conflict in the east of Ukraine. Putin is seldom invited by major Western powers for visits at a time of growing tensions, but France believes the arrival of Volodymyr Zelensky as Ukraine's new president could give a new impulse to halting the fighting. Macron will welcome Putin at 5:30 pm (1530 GMT) at his official holiday residence in Bregancon in southern France, days before he hosts other world leaders including US President Donald Trump for the August 24-26 Group of Seven (G7) summit in Biarritz. Russia was slung out of what was the G8 in 2014 after it seized Ukraine's Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, an annexation the international community has deemed illegal. And since 2014, an estimated 13,000 people have been killed in the war between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists over Ukraine's eastern Donbas provinces of Donetsk and Lugansk. Room to manoeuvre Zelensky has pledged to end the five-year-old conflict and shown signs of greater willingness to be flexible than his predecessor Petro Poroshenko, though he has not signalled any major concession. "President Zelensky has made offers to which it seems to us President Putin should respond encouragingly," said a French official, who asked not to be named. "We will intensify our efforts on the question of Ukraine, notably within the Normandy format" that groups Russia, Ukraine, France, and Germany. "The election of President Zelensky gives us some room to manoeuvre," the official added. Macron has taken a keen interest in brokering an end to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, hosting Zelensky for talks in June, one of the former comedian's first foreign trips as president. It would be a major feather in the cap for Macron, who since coming to office in 2017 has sought to magnify France's international role. 'Chance of progress' Zelensky has offered to meet Putin for face-to-face talks, saying "let's do it", and spoke to him by phone last week when four Ukrainian soldiers were killed in a grenade attack. "I called him urgently. I told him that this brings us no closer to peace," Zelensky said. Alexander Baunov, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Moscow Center, said Macron would be looking for ways to resuscitate the 2015 Minsk ceasefire deal. "The main public issue will be reviving the Minsk accords. The main promise of the Ukrainian president is ending the war," Baunov told AFP. He said he believed Putin would be prepared to make a move if the Donbas region, which has a large ethnic Russian population, received a special status within Ukraine. "There is a real chance of progress. Moscow will only go in that direction if its main conditions are respected," Baunov said, adding that these consisted of a transition period and local elections in which the main Ukrainian parties would not take part. Treading carefully Iran will also feature high on the agenda of talks between Macron and Putin, with Paris keen for Moscow to use its close ties with Tehran to prevent a further escalation of conflicts in the Middle East. Tensions have shot up since Washington's unilateral pullout from a 2015 deal to rein in Iran's nuclear ambitions, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JPCOA). Macron will also press Putin to use his influence on the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to stop an offensive in the northern region of Idlib and ward off new refugee flows towards Turkey. On Russia's domestic front, France has repeatedly rebuked Moscow over its crackdown on protesters angered by a refusal to register opposition candidates for elections later this year. But it remains to be seen if Macron will dare spoil the mood of such sensitive talks by raising that issue in public. "Making a point to Putin on this would be seen as interference in Russian internal affairs, but if Macron decides to do this Putin will know what to say," Baunov said. "What is said behind closed doors is another matter."

French president Emmanuel Macron seeks Ukraine progress from Russia's Vladimir Putin in rare pre-G7 talks

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-deal-parties-not-ready-to-launch-dispute-mechanism-against-iran-prefer-more-diplomacy-european-union-236356">2015 nuclear deal</a>, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

"Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-prime-minister-blasts-european-union-for-trying-to-save-iran-nuclear-deal-236278">Iran's legitimate interests</a> and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website.

"Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said.

In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement.

"Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added.

US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme.

Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout.

In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation.

He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran".

His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA".

He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments -&nbsp;what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable".

Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to "accelerate" its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron. "Europe must accelerate its efforts to realise Iran's legitimate interests and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington's) economic war" against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government's official website. "Iran is determined to keep open all options" for preserving the landmark treaty, he added. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed on Thursday on the need to "consolidate efforts" to save the Iran nuclear deal following months of soaring tensions, the Kremlin said. In a phone call, Putin and Macron agreed the Iran deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was an "important factor in ensuring security in the Middle East and maintaining a non-proliferation regime," the Kremlin said in a statement. "Both sides stressed the advisability of consolidating efforts of all countries that are interested in preserving the Comprehensive Plan," it added. US President Donald Trump last year withdrew from the accord negotiated by his predecessor Barack Obama with five other world powers under which Iran drastically scaled back its nuclear programme. Trump instead imposed sweeping sanctions prohibiting Iranian oil exports in a bid to reduce the clerical regime's regional clout. In Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "it would be a mistake to blame" Iran for the situation. He said it was very important to reach "a common position of all the remaining parties of the JCPOA ... and we will not achieve a result if it is claimed that the safeguarding of this agreement depends solely on Iran". His German counterpart Heiko Maas said that "we have always made it clear that we do not understand the exit of the United States from the JCPOA". He added that "we expect Iran to respect its commitments - what has happened in recent days in Tehran is not acceptable". Putin and Macron also discussed ways to settle a separatist conflict in Ukraine as the country is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Accelerate efforts to salvage nuclear deal: Rouhani to Macron in phone call

France's environment minister Francois de Rugy on Tuesday said he was resigning after reports accusing him of extravagant spending, including on luxury dinners, but lashed out at what he described as a "media lynching."

"The attacks and media lynching targeting my family force me to take the necessary step back... I presented my resignation to the prime minister this morning," said Rugy, who also held the post of minister of state which made him the number two in the government after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe.

Environment minister Francois de Rugy had endured a torrid week after the Mediapart investigative website said he hosted lavish dinners -&nbsp;allegedly for friends -&nbsp;while serving as parliament speaker.

De&nbsp;Rugy, visibly angry and choking with emotion, told BFM TV he still had Macron's support. He acknowledged hosting the luxury meals but said that was normal for the National Assembly's speaker. He denied any wrongdoing, describing himself as a frugal man who would make sure the lights were turned off after late-night parliament sessions.

He said he never asked the parliament's chefs to serve lobster. "I don't like it, I don't eat it, I have an intolerance for shellfish," said De&nbsp;Rugy. "I don't like oysters ... I hate caviar and champagne gives me a headache."

Piling on the pressure, Mediapart published a new report saying that Rugy rented a council flat with subsidised rent in western France, even though his salary was "far higher" than the maximum allowed for such aid.

The revelations hit the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron who is looking to recover from six months of anti-government protests sparked by economic inequality and claims that French leaders are out of touch with ordinary people.

Mediapart said that the dinners hosted by Rugy included luxuries like lobster, champagne and vintage wines from parliament's cellar.

Most damagingly, it alleged that the dinners had little connection to his function and were essentially social gatherings hosted by his wife, a journalist with the people magazine Gala, and funded by the taxpayer.

On a visit Thursday to the central town of Deux-Sevres, the minister was met by a giant inflatable lobster and protesters brandishing slogans like "were the lobsters organic?"

France's environment minister Francois de Rugy on Tuesday said he was resigning after reports accusing him of extravagant spending, including on luxury dinners, but lashed out at what he described as a "media lynching.

France's environment minister Francois de Rugy on Tuesday said he was resigning after reports accusing him of extravagant spending, including on luxury dinners, but lashed out at what he described as a "media lynching." "The attacks and media lynching targeting my family force me to take the necessary step back... I presented my resignation to the prime minister this morning," said Rugy, who also held the post of minister of state which made him the number two in the government after Prime Minister Edouard Philippe. Environment minister Francois de Rugy had endured a torrid week after the Mediapart investigative website said he hosted lavish dinners - allegedly for friends - while serving as parliament speaker. De Rugy, visibly angry and choking with emotion, told BFM TV he still had Macron's support. He acknowledged hosting the luxury meals but said that was normal for the National Assembly's speaker. He denied any wrongdoing, describing himself as a frugal man who would make sure the lights were turned off after late-night parliament sessions. He said he never asked the parliament's chefs to serve lobster. "I don't like it, I don't eat it, I have an intolerance for shellfish," said De Rugy. "I don't like oysters ... I hate caviar and champagne gives me a headache." Piling on the pressure, Mediapart published a new report saying that Rugy rented a council flat with subsidised rent in western France, even though his salary was "far higher" than the maximum allowed for such aid. The revelations hit the centrist government of President Emmanuel Macron who is looking to recover from six months of anti-government protests sparked by economic inequality and claims that French leaders are out of touch with ordinary people. Mediapart said that the dinners hosted by Rugy included luxuries like lobster, champagne and vintage wines from parliament's cellar. Most damagingly, it alleged that the dinners had little connection to his function and were essentially social gatherings hosted by his wife, a journalist with the people magazine Gala, and funded by the taxpayer. On a visit Thursday to the central town of Deux-Sevres, the minister was met by a giant inflatable lobster and protesters brandishing slogans like "were the lobsters organic?"

'I don't like lobsters': French minister Francois de Rugy resigns over luxury dinners scandal

France to unveil nuclear-powered 'Barracuda' class submarine

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-openly-sowing-seeds-of-hostility-reject-pompeos-baseless-allegation-iran-230839">US&nbsp;President Donald Trump</a> to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region.

"I want to convince Trump that it is in his interest to re-open a negotiation process (and) go back on certain sanctions to give negotiations a chance," Macron told reporters on the train from Tokyo to Kyoto.

The French leader will meet his US&nbsp;counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 summit this weekend.

Macron said the idea would be to begin a discussion and set up the parameters of talks ranging from Iran's nuclear activities to its wider role in the region.

"We'd give ourselves a few months," Macron said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-slams-mike-pompeos-remarks-against-the-countrys-role-in-sponsoring-terrorism-230851/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Washington pulled out of the nuclear accord last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran.

Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to collapse, though it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions - a move the White House has called "nuclear blackmail".

The European powers are scrambling to protect trade with Iran but what they can achieve pales in comparison to US sanctions aimed at slashing Iran's vital oil exports to zero.

Diplomats have also stressed the European signatories are weary of Iranian demands that they sustain a pact that Washington has withdrawn from and said if Tehran followed suit they would have little choice but to acquiesce in the reimposition of UN sanctions.

The International Atomic Energy Agency, which is policing the deal's nuclear restrictions, does not generally comment on details of its inspections. It was not immediately available for comment on Thursday.

"We've made it clear to the Iranians that we have zero tolerance on the nuclear issue," a senior European official said. "They are close to the threshold, but we will wait for the IAEA to report back to us in the coming days."

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince US President Donald Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday he will try to convince US President Donald Trump to suspend some sanctions on Iran to allow for negotiations to de-escalate the crisis in the region. "I want to convince Trump that it is in his interest to re-open a negotiation process (and) go back on certain sanctions to give negotiations a chance," Macron told reporters on the train from Tokyo to Kyoto. The French leader will meet his US counterpart on the sidelines of the G20 summit this weekend. Macron said the idea would be to begin a discussion and set up the parameters of talks ranging from Iran's nuclear activities to its wider role in the region. "We'd give ourselves a few months," Macron said. Washington pulled out of the nuclear accord last year and has imposed punishing economic sanctions against Tehran. Iran has threatened to respond by setting aside some of the deal's restrictions, which could cause the deal to collapse, though it has called on European powers to do more to shield it from US sanctions - a move the White House has called "nuclear blackmail". The European powers are scrambling to protect trade with Iran but what they can achieve pales in comparison to US sanctions aimed at slashing Iran's vital oil exports to zero. Diplomats have also stressed the European signatories are weary of Iranian demands that they sustain a pact that Washington has withdrawn from and said if Tehran followed suit they would have little choice but to acquiesce in the reimposition of UN sanctions. The International Atomic Energy Agency, which is policing the deal's nuclear restrictions, does not generally comment on details of its inspections. It was not immediately available for comment on Thursday. "We've made it clear to the Iranians that we have zero tolerance on the nuclear issue," a senior European official said. "They are close to the threshold, but we will wait for the IAEA to report back to us in the coming days."

I want to convince Trump to drop certain sanctions against Iran to give negotiations a chance: Macron

France said it will not accept a final <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trade-and-horsetrade-top-five-hot-button-g20-issues-230484">G20 communique that does not</a> mention the Paris climate change agreement, as President Emmanuel Macron hardened his position on climate change ahead of the G20 meeting.

Japanese media reported on Wednesday that leaders of the G20 top economies will call this week for the promotion of free trade to achieve strong global growth, as the United States and China seek to resume talks to resolve a bitter trade dispute.

In preparing a joint communique, Japan, the chair of the meetings, seeks common ground between the United States, which opposes language denouncing protectionism, and other nations, which want a stronger warning against the risk of trade tension.

However, France was adamant that any final G20 communique must also mention the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-leave-for-g20-summit-today-first-bilateral-meeting-with-japan-pm-shinzo-abe-230584">2016 Paris Climate Change</a> agreement that was set up to protect the environment.

"I've heard a lot of people say 'I have red lines', and there are a lot of people who are saying that they no longer want to sign G7 or G20 communiques because there are these red lines," Macron told an audience of French expats in Tokyo.

"As for myself, I have one red line. If we don't talk about the Paris Agreement and if we don't get an agreement on it amongst the 20 members in the room, we are no longer capable of defending our climate change goals, and France will not be part of this, it's as simple as that," he added.

France was the driver behind the 2016 Paris Agreement to limit global warming, and the French parliament is now debating an energy bill that targets net zero emissions by 2050.

The G20 group of 20 major economies hold a summit in Japan this weekend.

France said it will not accept a final G20 communique that does not mention the Paris climate change agreement, as President Emmanuel Macron hardened his position on climate change ahead of the G20 meeting.

France said it will not accept a final G20 communique that does not mention the Paris climate change agreement, as President Emmanuel Macron hardened his position on climate change ahead of the G20 meeting. Japanese media reported on Wednesday that leaders of the G20 top economies will call this week for the promotion of free trade to achieve strong global growth, as the United States and China seek to resume talks to resolve a bitter trade dispute. In preparing a joint communique, Japan, the chair of the meetings, seeks common ground between the United States, which opposes language denouncing protectionism, and other nations, which want a stronger warning against the risk of trade tension. However, France was adamant that any final G20 communique must also mention the 2016 Paris Climate Change agreement that was set up to protect the environment. "I've heard a lot of people say 'I have red lines', and there are a lot of people who are saying that they no longer want to sign G7 or G20 communiques because there are these red lines," Macron told an audience of French expats in Tokyo. "As for myself, I have one red line. If we don't talk about the Paris Agreement and if we don't get an agreement on it amongst the 20 members in the room, we are no longer capable of defending our climate change goals, and France will not be part of this, it's as simple as that," he added. France was the driver behind the 2016 Paris Agreement to limit global warming, and the French parliament is now debating an energy bill that targets net zero emissions by 2050. The G20 group of 20 major economies hold a summit in Japan this weekend.

No G20 agreement if Paris climate change not mentioned: Macron

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-has-become-a-vital-forum-to-address-the-most-pressing-issues-brazil-ambassador-to-india-andre-aranha-correa-do-lago-230443">Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th</a>&nbsp;the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term.

PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd.

The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan.

Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement.&nbsp;

PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron &nbsp;He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago.

The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit.

The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis.

New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India.&nbsp;

The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO).

The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse.

The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste.&nbsp;

G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries.&nbsp;

After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit.

PM Modi will be leaving for Osaka, Japan today for a three-day visit during which he will be meeting a host of world leaders and take part in the 14th G20 Summit. He will be arriving in Osaka on 27th and on 28th and 29th the Indian prime minister will take part in the G20 summit, his sixth since 2014 and first in his second term. PM Modi's first bilateral on day one will be with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Japanese PM was the first foreign leader to congratulate PM Modi on phone on his re-election on May 23rd. The Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be visiting India later this year for the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit that alternates its location between India and Japan. Last year PM Modi visited Japan for the 13th Annual Summit during which Japan announced it will be joining the New Delhi-led International Solar Alliance and signed a Currency Swap Agreement. PM Modi will be taking part in more than ten bilaterals and pull-asides at the summit. He will be meeting US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron He met Chinese and Russian leaders on the sidelines of Shanghai cooperation organization Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan just two weeks ago. The important trilaterals will also happen, the JAI meet - Japan, America, India grouping and RIC meet - Russia, India and China trilaterals. Besides this, a permanent fixture has been informal the BRICS Summit. The informal meet between Modi-Xi during the informal BRICS summit at the 2017 Hamburg G20 acted as a major ice-breaker between the two countries in the backdrop of the Doklam crisis. New Delhi is expected to strongly raise the issue of economic offenders and black money. Other than this climate change, counter-terrorism, disaster resilient infrastructure, reformed multilateralism, WTO reforms will be other focus for India. The summit is happening in the backdrop of trade wars between World's number 1 and number 2 economies - US and China and Washington's diminishing commitment to global trade body - world trade organization(WTO). The annual gathering of the world's power club will have plenty to talk about including the much talked about meeting between US president Donald Trump and Chinese president Xi Jinping to resolve issues on trade. The US-Iran tiff is also expected to dominate the discourse. The theme of this year's summit under the Japanese Presidency is "human centred future society” and focus will be on a range of issues from Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence to Inclusive and Sustainable World and pressing issues like Energy and Environment, Global Health, Climate change and Marine plastic waste. G20 emerged in the backdrop of Asian financial crisis in 1999 when it was a forum of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of developing and developed countries. After the 2008 global financial crisis, it took shape in its present forum and has summits across the world. G20 members represent around 85 per cent of global gross domestic product, over 75 per cent of global trade, and two-thirds of the world’s population.

PM Modi to leave for G20 Summit today; first bilateral meeting with Japan PM Shinzo Abe

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged US President Trump to "clarify his position" regarding the European Union, repeatedly the target of the US president's barbs.

"What is certain is that we have some ambiguities, especially when you look at Trump's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-no-deal-brexit-i-would-leave-eu-with-a-heavy-heart-jeremy-hunt-229982">position regarding Brexit</a>, and the fact that he promotes a hard Brexit," Macron told the New Yorker magazine an interview published Monday.

"I think he has to clarify his position vis-à-vis Europe," he said.

The interview was held against the backdrop of recent European elections in which Macron's centrist party, Republic on the Move, finished a close second to Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally.

"What is new at the European scale is that the rise of extremism, especially coming from the far right, is everywhere," Macron said when asked about the outcome.

"A few months ago, a lot of people thought that this new coalition of the far right could have a majority or could block any majority at the European Parliament, which didn't happen," he said.

"This is, for me, one of the positive outcomes of these elections, even if they were very much helped by foreign influences."

Asked if he included Trump among those foreign influences, Macron said, "No, because I don't totally assimilate Trump and Bannon."

Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, has been actively attempting to form a nationalist alliance in Europe, and Macron recently accused him of seeking "the dismantlement of Europe."

In an interview with NBC that aired over the weekend, the US president was asked about European efforts to keep alive the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Trump pulled the US out of last year.

"I don't care about the Europeans," Trump said. "The Europeans are going out and making a lot of money. The Europeans are fine."

"And let me tell you, we're very good to Europe. We take care of them. NATO, we spend a tremendous amount, a disproportionate amount. On trade, the European Union's taken, really, they have really taken advantage of us for a long time," he added. 
&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged US President Trump to "clarify his position" regarding the European Union, repeatedly the target of the US president's barbs.

French President Emmanuel Macron has urged US President Trump to "clarify his position" regarding the European Union, repeatedly the target of the US president's barbs. "What is certain is that we have some ambiguities, especially when you look at Trump's position regarding Brexit, and the fact that he promotes a hard Brexit," Macron told the New Yorker magazine an interview published Monday. "I think he has to clarify his position vis-à-vis Europe," he said. The interview was held against the backdrop of recent European elections in which Macron's centrist party, Republic on the Move, finished a close second to Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally. "What is new at the European scale is that the rise of extremism, especially coming from the far right, is everywhere," Macron said when asked about the outcome. "A few months ago, a lot of people thought that this new coalition of the far right could have a majority or could block any majority at the European Parliament, which didn't happen," he said. "This is, for me, one of the positive outcomes of these elections, even if they were very much helped by foreign influences." Asked if he included Trump among those foreign influences, Macron said, "No, because I don't totally assimilate Trump and Bannon." Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist, has been actively attempting to form a nationalist alliance in Europe, and Macron recently accused him of seeking "the dismantlement of Europe." In an interview with NBC that aired over the weekend, the US president was asked about European efforts to keep alive the 2015 nuclear accord with Iran that Trump pulled the US out of last year. "I don't care about the Europeans," Trump said. "The Europeans are going out and making a lot of money. The Europeans are fine." "And let me tell you, we're very good to Europe. We take care of them. NATO, we spend a tremendous amount, a disproportionate amount. On trade, the European Union's taken, really, they have really taken advantage of us for a long time," he added.

Trump promotes hard Brexit, must clarify his position on Europe: Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron presented rock legend Elton John with France's highest civilian honour on Friday and urged international mobilisation for one of the showman's dearest causes: combating AIDS.

"AIDS still exists, still strikes, and continues to advance," Macron told about 2,000 people assembled for the ceremony at the presidential palace.

"We still have a lot to do to convince (people) that they must protect themselves, that it is not a story of the previous generation but of young people today," the president said with the rock star by his side.

Macron called for a mass mobilisation so that the next meeting of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Lyon, France, in October, will be able to raise $13 billion for its next three years of work to tackle the three diseases that still fell millions.

"It is simple, we are at a critical moment because we do not know if we will have the money for the next three years," the French leader said, adding the money could save 16 million lives.

The Global Fund is credited with saving 27 million lives since its creation in 2002. 
 
Macron awarded John, 72, the prestigious Legion of Honour a day after the singer's farewell concert in Paris, describing the Briton as an "icon".

The ceremony took place on France's Fete de la Musique when amateur musicians are invited to make music in the streets to celebrate midsummer.

John, whose rollercoaster life was captured in the 'Rocketman' biopic that wowed critics at the Cannes film festival last month, used the occasion to promote his charity work.

Although parts of his five-decade career were consumed by sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, as depicted in 'Rocketman', &nbsp;he also used his stardom to promote gay rights and raise funds for HIV/AIDS research and treatment.

"This commitment to music and the fight against AIDS is the story of your life, dear Elton," Macron told the superstar, who sported a jacket with the inscription "Bennie and the Jets" and rose-tinted glasses. 
 
John spoke of a special love story with France and thanked the nation for its commitment to the battle against AIDS.

Last year, John announced he would retire after a final global tour, saying he wanted to spend more time with his children with husband David Furnish, who also attended Friday's ceremony.

John's 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour kicked off in Pennsylvania in September.&nbsp;

The three-year extravaganza, expected to involve some 300 shows, took him to the northern city of Lille on Tuesday and to Paris on Thursday. "I'm going to miss you so much," he told more than 26,000 fans who turned out to see him in Lille.

He will also play concerts in Bordeaux and Nimes.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron presented rock legend Elton John with France's highest civilian honour on Friday and urged international mobilisation for one of the showman's dearest causes: combating AIDS.

French President Emmanuel Macron presented rock legend Elton John with France's highest civilian honour on Friday and urged international mobilisation for one of the showman's dearest causes: combating AIDS. "AIDS still exists, still strikes, and continues to advance," Macron told about 2,000 people assembled for the ceremony at the presidential palace. "We still have a lot to do to convince (people) that they must protect themselves, that it is not a story of the previous generation but of young people today," the president said with the rock star by his side. Macron called for a mass mobilisation so that the next meeting of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Lyon, France, in October, will be able to raise $13 billion for its next three years of work to tackle the three diseases that still fell millions. "It is simple, we are at a critical moment because we do not know if we will have the money for the next three years," the French leader said, adding the money could save 16 million lives. The Global Fund is credited with saving 27 million lives since its creation in 2002. Macron awarded John, 72, the prestigious Legion of Honour a day after the singer's farewell concert in Paris, describing the Briton as an "icon". The ceremony took place on France's Fete de la Musique when amateur musicians are invited to make music in the streets to celebrate midsummer. John, whose rollercoaster life was captured in the 'Rocketman' biopic that wowed critics at the Cannes film festival last month, used the occasion to promote his charity work. Although parts of his five-decade career were consumed by sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, as depicted in 'Rocketman', he also used his stardom to promote gay rights and raise funds for HIV/AIDS research and treatment. "This commitment to music and the fight against AIDS is the story of your life, dear Elton," Macron told the superstar, who sported a jacket with the inscription "Bennie and the Jets" and rose-tinted glasses. John spoke of a special love story with France and thanked the nation for its commitment to the battle against AIDS. Last year, John announced he would retire after a final global tour, saying he wanted to spend more time with his children with husband David Furnish, who also attended Friday's ceremony. John's 'Farewell Yellow Brick Road' tour kicked off in Pennsylvania in September. The three-year extravaganza, expected to involve some 300 shows, took him to the northern city of Lille on Tuesday and to Paris on Thursday. "I'm going to miss you so much," he told more than 26,000 fans who turned out to see him in Lille. He will also play concerts in Bordeaux and Nimes.

Hand-in-hand, Macron and Elton John join forces on AIDS

It was a symbolic gift from Emmanuel Macron to Donald Trump at the height of their “bromance” last year: an oak tree ceremoniously planted in the manicured lawns of the White House by both leaders.

Trump and Macron’s symbolic friendship tree dies

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-macron-honour-d-day-veterans-who-fought-through-fires-of-hell-225003">French president Emmanuel Macron</a> will send a replacement oak tree to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-relations-with-macron-outstanding-225049">US President Donald Trump</a> after the original was dug up from the White House garden and died.&nbsp;

The French leader offered the young oak to Trump during a state visit to Washington in 2018, and the two shovelled dirt around it under the watchful eyes of their wives and cameras from around the world.

It was a symbolic gesture: the tree came from a northern French forest where 2,000 US Marines died during World War I.

But after the cameras left, the young oak was dug up and placed in quarantine, where it died soon after, with many seeing it as a symbol of US-France ties, which have since frayed over issues ranging from Iran to trade.

"The poor thing did not survive," Macron said Tuesday when he also asked reporters not to "look for meaning where there is none".

"I will send another."

The two leaders recently marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day together, with Macron -- who has been an outspoken critic of Trump's nationalism and isolationist tendencies -- using the occasion to send a message to his American visitor.

"America is never as big as when it is fighting for the freedom of others," he said.

French president Emmanuel Macron will send a replacement oak tree to US President Donald Trump after the original was dug up from the White House garden and died.

French president Emmanuel Macron will send a replacement oak tree to US President Donald Trump after the original was dug up from the White House garden and died. The French leader offered the young oak to Trump during a state visit to Washington in 2018, and the two shovelled dirt around it under the watchful eyes of their wives and cameras from around the world. It was a symbolic gesture: the tree came from a northern French forest where 2,000 US Marines died during World War I. But after the cameras left, the young oak was dug up and placed in quarantine, where it died soon after, with many seeing it as a symbol of US-France ties, which have since frayed over issues ranging from Iran to trade. "The poor thing did not survive," Macron said Tuesday when he also asked reporters not to "look for meaning where there is none". "I will send another." The two leaders recently marked the 75th anniversary of D-Day together, with Macron -- who has been an outspoken critic of Trump's nationalism and isolationist tendencies -- using the occasion to send a message to his American visitor. "America is never as big as when it is fighting for the freedom of others," he said.

Let's tree again: Macron offers Trump replacement for 'friendship' oak

European Union leaders are engaged in a spar over who should become the next chief of the European Commission. Watch this video to know more.

Macron-Merkel spar over top EU post

Filmmaker Ladj Ly urged French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday to watch his thriller about a chaotic police patrol, in the running for the top award at Cannes, as an insight into France's "yellow vest" street protests.

Set in a Paris suburb, 'Les Miserables'&nbsp;tells the story of three policemen who scramble to cover their tracks and keep the peace after their arrest of a local teen spiral out of control and is recorded by a passing drone.

Ly's pulsating debut, selected for the main Palme d'Or competition, comes six months into a wave of sometimes violent French street demonstrations against high living costs and the perceived indifference of the ruling class.

The protests have drawn attention to police tactics including their use of flash-ball riot control guns.

"Today, with the 'yellow vests', you feel like people are just discovering all this police violence," Ly told a news conference after the movie's premiere on Wednesday.

"We've been 'yellow vests' for more than 20 years," said the 37-year-old director, who grew up in one of Paris's tough suburbs and based the film on a real arrest that he had once filmed. "We've been getting flash-balls in the face for over 20 years."

"We would like Mr Macron to watch this film," Ly added, saying little had changed for kids growing up in the "banlieues" since a wave of rioting in 2005.

Set among sprawling housing estates where teenagers, the Muslim Brotherhood and migrant families are all trying to carve out territory, the film is at times bitingly funny.

Its crude police trio take pot-shots at each other and come across eccentric delinquents; tense street scuffles suddenly become absurd misunderstandings.

But its taut pace also brings the promise of violence, and when a race to track down local troublemaker Issa gets out of hand, a more frantic struggle ensues.

Only early on in the film does the grand Champs-Elysees avenue, scene of many "yellow vest" protests, make a brief appearance, teeming with celebrating soccer fans -- an exuberant opening that cuts abruptly to the next day's reality.

Critics said the film's concerns echoed well beyond France.

"It pits a nervous, trigger-happy police force against an aggravated urban underclass in a battle of wills and weaponry that is all too universally recognizable," wrote Variety critic Guy Lodge.

Ly's choice of the title makes clear that the theme is by no means a new one, either, and many of the scenes are shot in the Montfermeil neighbourhood that inspired the atmosphere of brewing revolution in Victor Hugo's epic novel of the 1830s.

Filmmaker Ladj Ly urged French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday to watch his thriller about a chaotic police patrol, in the running for the top award at Cannes, as an insight into France's "yellow vest" street protests.

Filmmaker Ladj Ly urged French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday to watch his thriller about a chaotic police patrol, in the running for the top award at Cannes, as an insight into France's "yellow vest" street protests. Set in a Paris suburb, 'Les Miserables' tells the story of three policemen who scramble to cover their tracks and keep the peace after their arrest of a local teen spiral out of control and is recorded by a passing drone. Ly's pulsating debut, selected for the main Palme d'Or competition, comes six months into a wave of sometimes violent French street demonstrations against high living costs and the perceived indifference of the ruling class. The protests have drawn attention to police tactics including their use of flash-ball riot control guns. "Today, with the 'yellow vests', you feel like people are just discovering all this police violence," Ly told a news conference after the movie's premiere on Wednesday. "We've been 'yellow vests' for more than 20 years," said the 37-year-old director, who grew up in one of Paris's tough suburbs and based the film on a real arrest that he had once filmed. "We've been getting flash-balls in the face for over 20 years." "We would like Mr Macron to watch this film," Ly added, saying little had changed for kids growing up in the "banlieues" since a wave of rioting in 2005. Set among sprawling housing estates where teenagers, the Muslim Brotherhood and migrant families are all trying to carve out territory, the film is at times bitingly funny. Its crude police trio take pot-shots at each other and come across eccentric delinquents; tense street scuffles suddenly become absurd misunderstandings. But its taut pace also brings the promise of violence, and when a race to track down local troublemaker Issa gets out of hand, a more frantic struggle ensues. Only early on in the film does the grand Champs-Elysees avenue, scene of many "yellow vest" protests, make a brief appearance, teeming with celebrating soccer fans -- an exuberant opening that cuts abruptly to the next day's reality. Critics said the film's concerns echoed well beyond France. "It pits a nervous, trigger-happy police force against an aggravated urban underclass in a battle of wills and weaponry that is all too universally recognizable," wrote Variety critic Guy Lodge. Ly's choice of the title makes clear that the theme is by no means a new one, either, and many of the scenes are shot in the Montfermeil neighbourhood that inspired the atmosphere of brewing revolution in Victor Hugo's epic novel of the 1830s.

Cannes filmmaker urges Macron to watch tale of French police violence

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted representatives of the Kurdish-led force that defeated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-at-least-six-killed-seven-wounded-in-rocket-fire-launched-by-jihadists-210420">Islamic State (IS) extremists in Syri</a>a, assuring them of France's support in the fight against remaining jihadists.

The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had in late March flushed out IS from their last bastion in Syria but still warn the jihadists remain a threat in places.

The SDF is an umbrella force of Kurds and Arabs dominated by Kurds from the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. It is regarded with huge distrust by neighbouring Turkey which sees the YPG as a terror group.&nbsp;

Macron assured the SDF representatives, who were not named, of the "active support of France in the fight against Daesh which continues to be a menace for collective security," the presidency said in a statement, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

Particularly important was the support in the "handling of terrorist fighters held as prisoners along with their families."

European capitals are all keeping a careful eye on the IS prisoners held by the SDF after the defeat of the jihadists, given many are dual nationals.

Macron also vowed that financial support would be allocated to "respond to the humanitarian needs and the socio-economic stabilisation of civilian populations in Syria."

The SDF were the key ally of the West in defeating IS and waged the bulk of the fighting on the ground.

But they fear being abandoned by their patrons now IS is beaten, after US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American forces from Syria.&nbsp;

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had in April announced $1.1 million&nbsp;in humanitarian aid for camps housing displaced people, notably Al-Hol which holds thousands of women and children who lived in IS-held areas.

France's past contacts with the SDF's Syrian Kurds have angered Turkey, which regards the YPG as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The PKK has waged a 35-year insurrection against the Turkish state.

Macron also made clear of the importance to Paris of "the security of Turkey and a de-escalation along the Syrian-Turkish border," the presidency said.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted representatives of the Kurdish-led force that defeated Islamic State (IS) extremists in Syria, assuring them of France's support in the fight against remaining jihadists.

President Emmanuel Macron on Friday hosted representatives of the Kurdish-led force that defeated Islamic State (IS) extremists in Syria, assuring them of France's support in the fight against remaining jihadists. The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had in late March flushed out IS from their last bastion in Syria but still warn the jihadists remain a threat in places. The SDF is an umbrella force of Kurds and Arabs dominated by Kurds from the People's Protection Units (YPG) militia. It is regarded with huge distrust by neighbouring Turkey which sees the YPG as a terror group. Macron assured the SDF representatives, who were not named, of the "active support of France in the fight against Daesh which continues to be a menace for collective security," the presidency said in a statement, using an Arabic acronym for IS. Particularly important was the support in the "handling of terrorist fighters held as prisoners along with their families." European capitals are all keeping a careful eye on the IS prisoners held by the SDF after the defeat of the jihadists, given many are dual nationals. Macron also vowed that financial support would be allocated to "respond to the humanitarian needs and the socio-economic stabilisation of civilian populations in Syria." The SDF were the key ally of the West in defeating IS and waged the bulk of the fighting on the ground. But they fear being abandoned by their patrons now IS is beaten, after US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of American forces from Syria. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had in April announced $1.1 million in humanitarian aid for camps housing displaced people, notably Al-Hol which holds thousands of women and children who lived in IS-held areas. France's past contacts with the SDF's Syrian Kurds have angered Turkey, which regards the YPG as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The PKK has waged a 35-year insurrection against the Turkish state. Macron also made clear of the importance to Paris of "the security of Turkey and a de-escalation along the Syrian-Turkish border," the presidency said.

Macron meets Syrian Kurds, vows French support in fight against Islamic State

French military joins police to tackle 'Yellow Vest' protest

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates.

Protesters wearing the neon high-visibility vests that have come to symbolise the movement were joined by others donning pink tops, as child-care workers turned out against reform of their unemployment subsidies.

Other gatherings were planned on Saturday in several French cities such as Bordeaux and Toulouse as well as smaller towns such as southerly Puy-en-Velay.

Some demonstrators staged a "flashmob" at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, waving French flags and dancing in one of the terminals, television footage on BFM TV showed.

What started out last November as a backlash against Macron's plan to hike fuel taxes -- part of his bid to push a cleaner energy model -- has morphed into a broader movement decrying the government as out of touch with the hardships faced by some households and low-income workers.

Turnout has dwindled since nearly 300,000 people took part in road blockades and march across France on November 17, coming in at 46,600 last Saturday according to the interior ministry.

But protesters have carried on nonetheless, with few signs of a halt in demonstrations any time soon. The latest turnout figures were not yet available.

Macron, who dropped the fuel tax increase and budgeted an extra 10 billion euros ($11.24 billion) to help the poorest workers, has also sought to defuse the unrest with a series of town hall-like meetings across France.

Consultations with local representatives are due to draw to a close next weekend, coinciding with calls by some 'yellow vest' campaigners to up the pressure on the government throughout March. The movement has no single leader.

After protests descended into riots in December, recent demonstrations been largely peaceful.

Some 54 per cent of French people backed or had sympathy with the 'yellow vests', an Ifop poll taken on March 7 and 8 for online news site Atlantico showed on Saturday. That was up from 50 per cent in mid-February but down from a peak of 72 per cent.

Macron's popularity has also improved in recent weeks. An Ipsos poll released on March 6 showed his ratings improved by 8 percentage points since December of 2018, to a 28 per cent approval level.

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates.

Hundreds of "yellow vest" protesters began marches in Paris on Saturday, marking the 17th straight weekend of anti-government demonstrations despite attempts by French President Emmanuel Macron to quell discontent with a nationwide series of debates. Protesters wearing the neon high-visibility vests that have come to symbolise the movement were joined by others donning pink tops, as child-care workers turned out against reform of their unemployment subsidies. Other gatherings were planned on Saturday in several French cities such as Bordeaux and Toulouse as well as smaller towns such as southerly Puy-en-Velay. Some demonstrators staged a "flashmob" at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, waving French flags and dancing in one of the terminals, television footage on BFM TV showed. What started out last November as a backlash against Macron's plan to hike fuel taxes -- part of his bid to push a cleaner energy model -- has morphed into a broader movement decrying the government as out of touch with the hardships faced by some households and low-income workers. Turnout has dwindled since nearly 300,000 people took part in road blockades and march across France on November 17, coming in at 46,600 last Saturday according to the interior ministry. But protesters have carried on nonetheless, with few signs of a halt in demonstrations any time soon. The latest turnout figures were not yet available. Macron, who dropped the fuel tax increase and budgeted an extra 10 billion euros ($11.24 billion) to help the poorest workers, has also sought to defuse the unrest with a series of town hall-like meetings across France. Consultations with local representatives are due to draw to a close next weekend, coinciding with calls by some 'yellow vest' campaigners to up the pressure on the government throughout March. The movement has no single leader. After protests descended into riots in December, recent demonstrations been largely peaceful. Some 54 per cent of French people backed or had sympathy with the 'yellow vests', an Ifop poll taken on March 7 and 8 for online news site Atlantico showed on Saturday. That was up from 50 per cent in mid-February but down from a peak of 72 per cent. Macron's popularity has also improved in recent weeks. An Ipsos poll released on March 6 showed his ratings improved by 8 percentage points since December of 2018, to a 28 per cent approval level.

Hundreds march in Paris as childminders join 'yellow vest' protests

macron

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