A museum in Paris is all set to loan a replica of the Statue of Liberty to the U.S for 10 years. Such bilateral gifts can make or break diplomatic relations. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas | Weird to wonderful: What countries gift

Airbus and Boeing watch out - one of the world's largest aircraft owners says passenger planes could see their wings clipped by the rapid spread of&nbsp;flying&nbsp;taxi startups.

Commercial air travel already faces competition from high-speed trains in parts of the world. But the head of Irish aircraft leasing firm Avolon said competition would shift skywards as it invested up to $2 billion in aerial shuttles.

Avolon is among the launch customers for up to 1,000 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft being developed by Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which plans to go public through a merger with a blank-check firm.

German air shuttle startup Lilium said in March it would float on the U.S. stock market via a similar process.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/military-plane-crashes-near-myanmars-mandalay-killing-12-390492">Also Read |&nbsp;Military plane crashes near Myanmar's Mandalay, killing 12</a>

The deals reflect the growing interest in battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically, offering a new way for travelers to beat traffic and hop between cities.

Vertical's VA-X4 has a range of 120 miles but that could be extended further, Avolon Chief Executive Domhnal Slattery said on late Thursday.

"The challenge for the incumbent (planemakers) is if the range can extend to 400-500 miles, what is the implication for traditional narrowbodies?" he said in a Reuters interview.

Asked if the vehicles for four passengers and a pilot could take business from much larger commercial planes, Slattery said, "Eventually, yes of course. This is the inevitable future." Planemakers have themselves invested in such projects.

PARTNERSHIPS

Helicopter travel could also be squeezed.

"You have got to think that you have these machines that can disintermediate the legacy helicopters through just being 100 times quieter and no emissions," Slattery said.

Avolon has placed a firm order for 310 eVTOLs worth $1.25 billion and 190 options worth $750 million, Slattery said.

They will join an owned or managed fleet of 568 passenger aircraft all the way up to the 396-seat Boeing 777-300ER.

Slattery said Avolon had not decided how to deploy the air&nbsp;taxis, whose relatively short product development cycles mark a shift for leasing companies used to long-term jet investments.

"We could partner with airlines, we could establish our own entities in different jurisdictions around the world, we could partner with helicopter operators," Slattery said.

"I think it is going to take a lot of different forms over time. But the technology is here and we are going to lead commercialization of it with zero-emission credentials".

The move comes at a time when aviation companies are jostling for leadership of the environmental agenda as they came under pressure from investors to help decarbonize&nbsp;flying&nbsp;and bolster their environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores.

Vertical Aerospace says eVTOL aircraft can help the industry meet carbon reduction goals through zero emissions and electrical power, where possible derived from renewable energy.

But experts say questions remain over the timing of safety certification, which eVOTL suppliers expect as early as 2024.

Airbus and Boeing watch out - one of the world's largest aircraft owners says passenger planes could see their wings clipped by the rapid spread of flying taxi startups.

Airbus and Boeing watch out - one of the world's largest aircraft owners says passenger planes could see their wings clipped by the rapid spread of flying taxi startups. Commercial air travel already faces competition from high-speed trains in parts of the world. But the head of Irish aircraft leasing firm Avolon said competition would shift skywards as it invested up to $2 billion in aerial shuttles. Avolon is among the launch customers for up to 1,000 electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVOTL) aircraft being developed by Britain's Vertical Aerospace, which plans to go public through a merger with a blank-check firm. German air shuttle startup Lilium said in March it would float on the U.S. stock market via a similar process. Also Read | Military plane crashes near Myanmar's Mandalay, killing 12 The deals reflect the growing interest in battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically, offering a new way for travelers to beat traffic and hop between cities. Vertical's VA-X4 has a range of 120 miles but that could be extended further, Avolon Chief Executive Domhnal Slattery said on late Thursday. "The challenge for the incumbent (planemakers) is if the range can extend to 400-500 miles, what is the implication for traditional narrowbodies?" he said in a Reuters interview. Asked if the vehicles for four passengers and a pilot could take business from much larger commercial planes, Slattery said, "Eventually, yes of course. This is the inevitable future." Planemakers have themselves invested in such projects. PARTNERSHIPS Helicopter travel could also be squeezed. "You have got to think that you have these machines that can disintermediate the legacy helicopters through just being 100 times quieter and no emissions," Slattery said. Avolon has placed a firm order for 310 eVTOLs worth $1.25 billion and 190 options worth $750 million, Slattery said. They will join an owned or managed fleet of 568 passenger aircraft all the way up to the 396-seat Boeing 777-300ER. Slattery said Avolon had not decided how to deploy the air taxis, whose relatively short product development cycles mark a shift for leasing companies used to long-term jet investments. "We could partner with airlines, we could establish our own entities in different jurisdictions around the world, we could partner with helicopter operators," Slattery said. "I think it is going to take a lot of different forms over time. But the technology is here and we are going to lead commercialization of it with zero-emission credentials". The move comes at a time when aviation companies are jostling for leadership of the environmental agenda as they came under pressure from investors to help decarbonize flying and bolster their environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. Vertical Aerospace says eVTOL aircraft can help the industry meet carbon reduction goals through zero emissions and electrical power, where possible derived from renewable energy. But experts say questions remain over the timing of safety certification, which eVOTL suppliers expect as early as 2024.

Flying taxis hamper future of passenger planes, says Avolon

Tamara Zidansek gave up a future as a snowboarder because she could not stand the cold and after reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round on Friday it looks to have been a wise choice.

The 23-year-old Slovenian, ranked 85th in the world, continued to blossom in the warmer clime of Paris's Bois de Boulogne as she stormed back from a dreadful start to beat Katerina Siniakova 0-6 7-6(5) 6-2.

Having never gone past the second round of a Slam, she now has the chance to reach the quarter-finals here where she will face either Daria Kasatkina or Sorana Cirstea -- both unseeded.

Asked about her Alpine ambitions as a child growing up in mountainous Slovenia, she said: "First I skied. But we lived like 20 minutes away from a ski resort. It was just normal for us to go there every weekend.

"I chose&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;because I was really cold snowboarding. Oh, my God, I don't like the cold weather at all. It was fun to do at first, and then I saw an opportunity to make something out of this. So I just went for it, I guess."

Zidansek, who is studying for a degree in psychology through the WTA's University of Indiana program and lives part of the year in Qatar, says the draw is now wide open with so many big names falling by the wayside in the first six days.

"I guess it opens up the draw a little bit more, but even in these times with women's&nbsp;tennis, I think it's an open draw all the time," she said.

World number 85 Zidansek had never been beyond the second round at a Grand Slam before this year's tournament in Paris but it was 2009 Roland Garros quarter-finalist Cirstea who showed signs of nerves at the start of the second set.

The 23-year-old Zidansek became more aggressive as Cirstea struggled to move freely because of an ankle issue and raced ahead 5-0 before closing out the victory in 86 minutes.

Zidansek will face 2019 runner-up Marketa Vondrousova or Spain's Paula Badosa in the last eight.

Tamara Zidansek gave up a future as a snowboarder because she could not stand the cold and after reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round on Friday it looks to have been a wise choice.

Tamara Zidansek gave up a future as a snowboarder because she could not stand the cold and after reaching her first Grand Slam fourth round on Friday it looks to have been a wise choice. The 23-year-old Slovenian, ranked 85th in the world, continued to blossom in the warmer clime of Paris's Bois de Boulogne as she stormed back from a dreadful start to beat Katerina Siniakova 0-6 7-6(5) 6-2. Having never gone past the second round of a Slam, she now has the chance to reach the quarter-finals here where she will face either Daria Kasatkina or Sorana Cirstea -- both unseeded. Asked about her Alpine ambitions as a child growing up in mountainous Slovenia, she said: "First I skied. But we lived like 20 minutes away from a ski resort. It was just normal for us to go there every weekend. "I chose tennis because I was really cold snowboarding. Oh, my God, I don't like the cold weather at all. It was fun to do at first, and then I saw an opportunity to make something out of this. So I just went for it, I guess." Zidansek, who is studying for a degree in psychology through the WTA's University of Indiana program and lives part of the year in Qatar, says the draw is now wide open with so many big names falling by the wayside in the first six days. "I guess it opens up the draw a little bit more, but even in these times with women's tennis, I think it's an open draw all the time," she said. World number 85 Zidansek had never been beyond the second round at a Grand Slam before this year's tournament in Paris but it was 2009 Roland Garros quarter-finalist Cirstea who showed signs of nerves at the start of the second set. The 23-year-old Zidansek became more aggressive as Cirstea struggled to move freely because of an ankle issue and raced ahead 5-0 before closing out the victory in 86 minutes. Zidansek will face 2019 runner-up Marketa Vondrousova or Spain's Paula Badosa in the last eight.

French Open: Tamara Zidansek warming to the challenge in Paris

French rock band Indochine performed at a concert venue in central Paris before a crowd of 5,000 fans in a welcomed return to pre-pandemic life, with the exception of masks and mandatory tests.

Paris venue hosts indoor rock concert with masks and virus tests

French rock band Indochine performed at a concert venue in central Paris on Saturday before a crowd of 5,000 fans in a welcomed return to pre-pandemic life, with the exception of masks and mandatory tests. 
 
The show at the Bercy arena was part of an experiment launched by the Paris hospital authority aimed at assessing how concerts will be able to resume as France gradually ends restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis. 
 
Cafes and restaurants resumed serving customers earlier this month following a six-month shutdown mandated by the government to try to contain the spread of infection. But protocols surrounding concert venues and other gatherings of crowds have yet to be decided.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/wes-andersons-the-french-dispatch-to-compete-for-palme-dor-at-cannes-388264" hreflang="en">Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' to compete for Palme d'Or at Cannes</a> 
 
"First, I love Indochine ... It`s always nice to attend a concert, and, in addition, we can help science for these tests, so it is a win-win," Sandra Terrin, a 22-year old music fan, told Reuters. 
 
"We are a bit less depressed because of this. The fact that we can again see people, a concert, music, all that, it`s really pleasant." 
Two groups of people were selected for the experimental event. 
 
The first comprised 5,000 subjects who were allowed to attend the concert after taking a COVID-19 test last week and then another on the day of the event. 
 
Another 2,500 people were selected to stay at home and act as a control group to see if coronavirus spreads among those attending the concert. 
Members of both groups will be tested again next week. The results of the experiment will be disclosed by the end of June. 
 
"We`ve seen our European neighbours do the same types of experiments and they showed pretty good results," Lucas Bauneche, also 22, said. "There`s no reason for this to go badly here."

French rock band Indochine performed at a concert venue in central Paris on Saturday before a crowd of 5,000 fans in a welcomed return to pre-pandemic life, with the exception of masks and mandatory tests.

French rock band Indochine performed at a concert venue in central Paris on Saturday before a crowd of 5,000 fans in a welcomed return to pre-pandemic life, with the exception of masks and mandatory tests. The show at the Bercy arena was part of an experiment launched by the Paris hospital authority aimed at assessing how concerts will be able to resume as France gradually ends restrictions imposed by the coronavirus crisis. Cafes and restaurants resumed serving customers earlier this month following a six-month shutdown mandated by the government to try to contain the spread of infection. But protocols surrounding concert venues and other gatherings of crowds have yet to be decided. Wes Anderson's 'The French Dispatch' to compete for Palme d'Or at Cannes "First, I love Indochine ... It`s always nice to attend a concert, and, in addition, we can help science for these tests, so it is a win-win," Sandra Terrin, a 22-year old music fan, told Reuters. "We are a bit less depressed because of this. The fact that we can again see people, a concert, music, all that, it`s really pleasant." Two groups of people were selected for the experimental event. The first comprised 5,000 subjects who were allowed to attend the concert after taking a COVID-19 test last week and then another on the day of the event. Another 2,500 people were selected to stay at home and act as a control group to see if coronavirus spreads among those attending the concert. Members of both groups will be tested again next week. The results of the experiment will be disclosed by the end of June. "We`ve seen our European neighbours do the same types of experiments and they showed pretty good results," Lucas Bauneche, also 22, said. "There`s no reason for this to go badly here."

Paris venue hosts indoor rock concert - with masks and virus tests

Two French female drivers set out on a 40,000 kilometres (approximately 24,855 miles) journey along the Pan-American highway aboard a 65-year-old French car, on Wednesday (May 26) in Aulnay-sous-Bois near Paris.

'Legendary' French vintage car to journey 40,000 kms across Americas

For the first time of its history the Eiffel Tower has been illuminated Tuesday using electricity produced from certified renewable hydrogen. It's been provided by zero-emission electro-hydrogen generators made by EODev, a fledgling company that resulted from research and development work carried out aboard the boat Energy Observer.

Eiffel Tower lit up with renewable hydrogen

Once a week, the rooms of the Jeanne Garnier end-of-life care home in southern Paris reverberate to the sound of a solo cello.

'Music soothes pain': Cellist plays to ease suffering for end-of-life patients

French contemporary artist JR unveiled on Wednesday (May 19) his latest art installation, which plays with the eye and gives an impression of cliffs below the Eiffel Tower.

Cliffs below the Eiffel Tower? It's just an optic illusion by French artist JR

Paris revamps museum showcasing royalty and revolutionaries

'For coffee!': Paris cafes and restaurants reopen after covid lockdown

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths. &nbsp;

As health workers administered the world's 1.5 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, Europeans and Americans continued to climb out from under long months of restrictions. &nbsp;

In recent days, Britons have hugged their loved ones and streamed into pubs, gyms and other indoor venues. Italy has relaxed curfews, Dutch music fans have readied for the Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal has welcomed returning tourists.&nbsp;

"It's nice to get away and be back here," said Barry Thompson, a 63-year-old retired policeman from Manchester, who landed in the sun-kissed southern Portuguese town of Faro with his wife and son.&nbsp;

In New York, an early virus epicentre rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remain cautious about a disease that has upended life in almost every corner of the globe.&nbsp;

Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons.&nbsp;

"I think it is too early," he said. "I think they rushed the decision."&nbsp;

In Paris, the terraces and rooftop gardens that define the city for many visitors have been booked out as outdoor dining returns across France, with a few lingering restrictions.&nbsp;

"Like a diesel engine, we'll be warming up slowly," bistro owner Stephanie Mathey said.&nbsp;

The City of Light's museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening ahead of a full-scale unlocking of the economy on June 30.&nbsp;

"We are glad to be able to welcome you again," staff of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, wrote on its website, where demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths.

Parisians returned to their beloved cafe terraces and museums on Wednesday after a six-month Covid-forced hiatus, a glimmer of normal life resuming but India grappled with a record daily number of coronavirus deaths. As health workers administered the world's 1.5 billionth COVID-19 vaccine dose, Europeans and Americans continued to climb out from under long months of restrictions. In recent days, Britons have hugged their loved ones and streamed into pubs, gyms and other indoor venues. Italy has relaxed curfews, Dutch music fans have readied for the Eurovision Song Contest and Portugal has welcomed returning tourists. "It's nice to get away and be back here," said Barry Thompson, a 63-year-old retired policeman from Manchester, who landed in the sun-kissed southern Portuguese town of Faro with his wife and son. In New York, an early virus epicentre rules requiring masks and social distancing are also set to ease, although some residents remain cautious about a disease that has upended life in almost every corner of the globe. Manhattan restaurant manager Juan Rosas plans to still require masks, even for vaccinated patrons. "I think it is too early," he said. "I think they rushed the decision." In Paris, the terraces and rooftop gardens that define the city for many visitors have been booked out as outdoor dining returns across France, with a few lingering restrictions. "Like a diesel engine, we'll be warming up slowly," bistro owner Stephanie Mathey said. The City of Light's museums, cinemas and theatres are also reopening ahead of a full-scale unlocking of the economy on June 30. "We are glad to be able to welcome you again," staff of the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, wrote on its website, where demand for tickets to a Renaissance sculpture show was brisk. (With inputs from agencies)

Paris cafes reopen as virus restrictions ease 

IMF member countries have agreed to clear Sudan's arrears to the institution, France`s president said on Monday, removing a final hurdle to the African nation getting wider relief on external debt of at least $50 billion.

Hosting a conference for Sudan in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron also kick-started the broader debt relief effort, saying his country was in favour of fully cancelling the $5 billion it is owed by Khartoum.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="France hits target of 20mn first COVID-19 vaccinations: PM">France hits target of 20mn first COVID-19 vaccinations: PM</a>

Sudan is emerging from decades of economic sanctions and isolation under ousted former President Omar al-Badri.

It had built up huge arrears on its debt, but has made rapid progress towards having much of it forgiven under the IMF and World Bank's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) scheme, which would reopen access to badly needed cheap international financing.

A transitional military-civilian power-sharing government is trying to pull the country out of a deep economic crisis with inflation at over 300% and shortages of basic goods fuelled by a lack of foreign currency reserves.

In order to reach the 'decision point'&nbsp;that would unlock the HIPC process in June, Sudan recently cleared its arrears to the World Bank and the African Development Bank with bridge loans from Western states.

The remaining step was to clear Sudan's arrears to the IMF, which France confirmed it would facilitate through a $1.5 billion bridge loan, and for that loan to be covered by member state pledges.

Those pledges were made during the Paris conference, paving the way for HIPC to proceed and boosting the prospects of broader economic reform in Sudan, Macron said.

Key recent reforms under an IMF monitoring programme, a requirement for HIPC, include lifting fuel subsidies and sharply devaluing the currency.

"The reduction of Sudan's debt that we are going to soon initiate is a first result of these reforms, and this trajectory ... should be consolidated, both economically and politically," Macron said.

With arrears to multilateral lenders settled, Sudan can move forward to settling its estimated $38 billion debt to bilateral creditors. Of the country's bilateral debt, about half is with Paris Club members. An additional $6 billion of its external debt is commercial debt, an unusually high proportion.

Sudan's ministry of foreign affairs said in a tweet that Italy and Germany had committed to clearing their shares of

Sudan's debt, which total $1.8 billion, according to IMF estimates. Norway's ambassador to Sudan said on Twitter her country would cancel its debt, listed at $100 million.

The HIPC process operates by consensus, whereby debt is restructured along similar terms for all creditors.

Kuwait, Sudan's largest creditor by far at $9.8 billion, said in a statement it would support debt 'resolution'&nbsp;discussions.

Saudi Arabia, another major creditor, has also said it will press strongly for a broad agreement on debt.

China has reduced and forgiven some debt and will push for the international community to do the same, said Hua Chunying, a foreign ministry spokeswoman.

The first part of the Paris conference was dedicated to promoting investment, with officials touting reforms in the banking sector and showcasing projects worth billions of dollars in energy, mining, infrastructure and agriculture.

IMF member countries have agreed to clear Sudan's arrears to the institution, France`s president said on Monday, removing a final hurdle to the African nation getting wider relief on external debt of at least $50 billion.

IMF member countries have agreed to clear Sudan's arrears to the institution, France`s president said on Monday, removing a final hurdle to the African nation getting wider relief on external debt of at least $50 billion. Hosting a conference for Sudan in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron also kick-started the broader debt relief effort, saying his country was in favour of fully cancelling the $5 billion it is owed by Khartoum. Also read- France hits target of 20mn first COVID-19 vaccinations: PM Sudan is emerging from decades of economic sanctions and isolation under ousted former President Omar al-Badri. It had built up huge arrears on its debt, but has made rapid progress towards having much of it forgiven under the IMF and World Bank's Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) scheme, which would reopen access to badly needed cheap international financing. A transitional military-civilian power-sharing government is trying to pull the country out of a deep economic crisis with inflation at over 300% and shortages of basic goods fuelled by a lack of foreign currency reserves. In order to reach the 'decision point' that would unlock the HIPC process in June, Sudan recently cleared its arrears to the World Bank and the African Development Bank with bridge loans from Western states. The remaining step was to clear Sudan's arrears to the IMF, which France confirmed it would facilitate through a $1.5 billion bridge loan, and for that loan to be covered by member state pledges. Those pledges were made during the Paris conference, paving the way for HIPC to proceed and boosting the prospects of broader economic reform in Sudan, Macron said. Key recent reforms under an IMF monitoring programme, a requirement for HIPC, include lifting fuel subsidies and sharply devaluing the currency. "The reduction of Sudan's debt that we are going to soon initiate is a first result of these reforms, and this trajectory ... should be consolidated, both economically and politically," Macron said. With arrears to multilateral lenders settled, Sudan can move forward to settling its estimated $38 billion debt to bilateral creditors. Of the country's bilateral debt, about half is with Paris Club members. An additional $6 billion of its external debt is commercial debt, an unusually high proportion. Sudan's ministry of foreign affairs said in a tweet that Italy and Germany had committed to clearing their shares of Sudan's debt, which total $1.8 billion, according to IMF estimates. Norway's ambassador to Sudan said on Twitter her country would cancel its debt, listed at $100 million. The HIPC process operates by consensus, whereby debt is restructured along similar terms for all creditors. Kuwait, Sudan's largest creditor by far at $9.8 billion, said in a statement it would support debt 'resolution' discussions. Saudi Arabia, another major creditor, has also said it will press strongly for a broad agreement on debt. China has reduced and forgiven some debt and will push for the international community to do the same, said Hua Chunying, a foreign ministry spokeswoman. The first part of the Paris conference was dedicated to promoting investment, with officials touting reforms in the banking sector and showcasing projects worth billions of dollars in energy, mining, infrastructure and agriculture.

Sudan clears final hurdle for debt relief at Paris conference

Paris&nbsp;police&nbsp;used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a&nbsp;pro-Palestinian&nbsp;rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-court-bans-pro-palestine-demo-organisers-defiant-385185">French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant&nbsp;</a>

Police&nbsp;blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones.

Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police&nbsp;pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-fallout-germany-will-not-tolerate-anti-semitic-protests-says-merkels-spokesman-384985/amp">Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman</a>

"You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP.

As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard.

A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward&nbsp;police, but no arrests were reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank</a>

Ban 'unacceptable'

The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;march during the last war in 2014 when&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets.

"We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march.

But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing&nbsp;Paris, accused the government of inflaming&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with the ban.

Repeat of&nbsp;unrest?&nbsp;

"If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march.

"They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests.

The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees.

But a&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014."

Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;suburbs.&nbsp;

"We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille.

But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes.

The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression.

Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups."

The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza."

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people.

It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years. Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said. Also read | French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant Police blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the protesters were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones. Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned. Also read | Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman "You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP. As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many protesters left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard. A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward police, but no arrests were reported. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank Ban 'unacceptable' The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar Paris march during the last war in 2014 when protesters took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets. "We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march. But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing Paris, accused the government of inflaming tensions with the ban. Repeat of unrest? "If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march. "They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests. The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees. But a Paris court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014." Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some Paris suburbs. "We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille. But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes. The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression. Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups." The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza." France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people. It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Tensions in Paris as pro-Palestinian protesters defy police

French&nbsp;serial&nbsp;killer&nbsp;Michel Fourniret, the 'Ogre of the Ardennes', who confessed to killing 11 people, died on Monday aged&nbsp;79, taking his final secrets to the grave and denying&nbsp;families&nbsp;of victims long-awaited&nbsp;justice.

Fourniret, whose victims were mostly girls and young women, died at the La Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris where he was admitted on April 28 from the nearby Fresnes prison where he serving two life sentences, Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Protests in France over no trial for Jewish woman's killer">Protests in France over no trial for Jewish woman's killer</a>

An investigation has been opened into his death, Heitz said. This always happens when any person&nbsp;dies&nbsp;in custody in France.

He confessed to 11 murders, including British student Joanna Parrish, who was killed in May 1990 while she was in France as part of her university course.

But he has been linked to other disappearances, most of them in the Ardennes region that straddles the&nbsp;French-Belgian border.

The death of Fourniret, who was reportedly suffering from heart problems and Alzheimer's, dashed the hopes of those&nbsp;families&nbsp;still awaiting&nbsp;justice&nbsp;for murders he may have committed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="France charges three over neo-Nazi attack plot">France charges three over neo-Nazi attack plot</a>

His lawyers said they now expected the&nbsp;judiciary&nbsp;to end all investigations against him, adding that they had recently asked for his term to be suspended due to his ill health.

Fourniret's victims included nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, who he raped and killed just months before he was caught in Belgium in 2003.

Fourniret finally admitted to the girl's murder in March 2020 but her body has yet to be found despite intensive searches, including over the last few weeks.

'There is a feeling of anger after so many years of inaction,'&nbsp;said Didier Seban, the lawyer for several&nbsp;families&nbsp;of girls who disappeared including the relatives of Estelle Mouzin.

"There will be no&nbsp;trial&nbsp;and no possibility to have the responses that are expected."

As well as the killing of Parrish, Fourniret had also been charged over the murders of Marie-Angele Domece, who vanished in 1988 and Lydie Loge, a 29-year-old who disappeared in 1993.

His former wife Monique Olivier, who married Fourniret while he was still serving a previous jail term, has also been charged over several of the outstanding cases.

By the time of his arrest, the former forest warden was one of Europe's most notorious&nbsp;serial&nbsp;killers. He even boasted of being a 'far better'&nbsp;killer&nbsp;than the sadistic Belgian paedophile Marc Dutroux.

'Michel Fourniret is taking his secrets with him,'&nbsp;said Richard Delgene, the lawyer of Monique Olivier.

"As we still have a lot of cases in progress, Monique Olivier will remain the only one in the defendants' box to be held accountable."

Fourniret confessed to Estelle Mouzin's murder in March last year only after Olivier gave key testimony that shattered his defence.

Detectives first considered Fourniret a suspect in the girl's disappearance in 2006, after they found a photo of Mouzin on his computer.

Olivier, now 72, is serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 28 years, for her role in some of the abductions and killings.

The Parisien newspaper reported on Monday morning that Fourniret was taken to hospital suffering from a heart condition and Alzheimer's, and that doctors had placed him in an artificial coma.

French serial killer Michel Fourniret, the 'Ogre of the Ardennes', who confessed to killing 11 people, died on Monday aged 79, taking his final secrets to the grave and denying families of victims long-awaited justice.

French serial killer Michel Fourniret, the 'Ogre of the Ardennes', who confessed to killing 11 people, died on Monday aged 79, taking his final secrets to the grave and denying families of victims long-awaited justice. Fourniret, whose victims were mostly girls and young women, died at the La Pitie-Salpetriere hospital in Paris where he was admitted on April 28 from the nearby Fresnes prison where he serving two life sentences, Paris prosecutor Remy Heitz said. Also read | Protests in France over no trial for Jewish woman's killer An investigation has been opened into his death, Heitz said. This always happens when any person dies in custody in France. He confessed to 11 murders, including British student Joanna Parrish, who was killed in May 1990 while she was in France as part of her university course. But he has been linked to other disappearances, most of them in the Ardennes region that straddles the French-Belgian border. The death of Fourniret, who was reportedly suffering from heart problems and Alzheimer's, dashed the hopes of those families still awaiting justice for murders he may have committed. Also read | France charges three over neo-Nazi attack plot His lawyers said they now expected the judiciary to end all investigations against him, adding that they had recently asked for his term to be suspended due to his ill health. Fourniret's victims included nine-year-old Estelle Mouzin, who he raped and killed just months before he was caught in Belgium in 2003. Fourniret finally admitted to the girl's murder in March 2020 but her body has yet to be found despite intensive searches, including over the last few weeks. 'There is a feeling of anger after so many years of inaction,' said Didier Seban, the lawyer for several families of girls who disappeared including the relatives of Estelle Mouzin. "There will be no trial and no possibility to have the responses that are expected." As well as the killing of Parrish, Fourniret had also been charged over the murders of Marie-Angele Domece, who vanished in 1988 and Lydie Loge, a 29-year-old who disappeared in 1993. His former wife Monique Olivier, who married Fourniret while he was still serving a previous jail term, has also been charged over several of the outstanding cases. By the time of his arrest, the former forest warden was one of Europe's most notorious serial killers. He even boasted of being a 'far better' killer than the sadistic Belgian paedophile Marc Dutroux. 'Michel Fourniret is taking his secrets with him,' said Richard Delgene, the lawyer of Monique Olivier. "As we still have a lot of cases in progress, Monique Olivier will remain the only one in the defendants' box to be held accountable." Fourniret confessed to Estelle Mouzin's murder in March last year only after Olivier gave key testimony that shattered his defence. Detectives first considered Fourniret a suspect in the girl's disappearance in 2006, after they found a photo of Mouzin on his computer. Olivier, now 72, is serving a life sentence with no possibility of parole for 28 years, for her role in some of the abductions and killings. The Parisien newspaper reported on Monday morning that Fourniret was taken to hospital suffering from a heart condition and Alzheimer's, and that doctors had placed him in an artificial coma.

Families denied justice as French serial killer dies at 79

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

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

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

France charges three over neo-Nazi attack plot

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

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

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

French parliament to vote new climate law criticised by green groups

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

Police arrested nine people, who took part in protests in London on Saturday, demanding that the government reverse planned legislation that would increase police powers.

More than 1,000 people marched through central London and chanted 'Kill the Bill' outside government buildings, as well as dancing to music played from a bus.

A police statement said nine people had been arrested and officers were 'continuing to engage' with protesters, who had gathered in a park in south London after the march.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34">Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34</a>

Similar protests took place in other cities across England and Wales, including Bristol, which saw several days of clashes between protesters and police in March.

Under the new legislation, the British government wants to increase police powers to block non-violent protests, which have a 'significant disruptive effect' on the public or parliament.

The legislation would target action by groups, such as environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion, which has organised mass protests to block bridges in recent years and whose members have glued themselves to commuter trains.

London's Tower Bridge was closed to traffic in one direction for around an hour on Saturday after an Extinction Rebellion protester glued himself to the road.

Many protesters on Saturday said they did not trust police to protect them and that the new laws would give authorities too much power to shut down politically awkward protests, such as&nbsp;those by Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion.

"I am really scared by the fact that they want to make protesting an arrestable offence," 30-year-old therapist Jade Rea said.

"I don't think there's any justification for it because the idea of a protest is to disrupt and really bring to people's attention that something urgent is going on," she added.

London police faced criticism from across the political spectrum in March for their handling of a vigil in memory of a murdered woman, Sarah Everard, whose suspected killer was a serving police officer.

Police arrested nine people, who took part in protests in London on Saturday, demanding that the government reverse planned legislation that would increase police powers.

Police arrested nine people, who took part in protests in London on Saturday, demanding that the government reverse planned legislation that would increase police powers. More than 1,000 people marched through central London and chanted 'Kill the Bill' outside government buildings, as well as dancing to music played from a bus. A police statement said nine people had been arrested and officers were 'continuing to engage' with protesters, who had gathered in a park in south London after the march. Also read: Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34 Similar protests took place in other cities across England and Wales, including Bristol, which saw several days of clashes between protesters and police in March. Under the new legislation, the British government wants to increase police powers to block non-violent protests, which have a 'significant disruptive effect' on the public or parliament. The legislation would target action by groups, such as environmental campaigners Extinction Rebellion, which has organised mass protests to block bridges in recent years and whose members have glued themselves to commuter trains. London's Tower Bridge was closed to traffic in one direction for around an hour on Saturday after an Extinction Rebellion protester glued himself to the road. Many protesters on Saturday said they did not trust police to protect them and that the new laws would give authorities too much power to shut down politically awkward protests, such as those by Black Lives Matter and Extinction Rebellion. "I am really scared by the fact that they want to make protesting an arrestable offence," 30-year-old therapist Jade Rea said. "I don't think there's any justification for it because the idea of a protest is to disrupt and really bring to people's attention that something urgent is going on," she added. London police faced criticism from across the political spectrum in March for their handling of a vigil in memory of a murdered woman, Sarah Everard, whose suspected killer was a serving police officer.

Nine arrested in London protests against greater police powers

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

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

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

Thousands join May Day protests across France, police arrest 34

Disneyland Paris has been converted into a COVID vaccination site at its convention centre to help as the country steps up its inoculation drive.

Disneyland Paris: From Rides to Jabs

Reacting to the stabbing attack in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that the country would never give in to "Islamist terrorism".&nbsp;

"In our fight against Islamist terrorism, we will never give in," Macron said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Macron's comments came after a&nbsp;woman administrator lost her life in a stabbing attack by a Tunisian man at a police station in Paris on Friday, the local prosecutor's office and a police source said.&nbsp;

The attacker died after police opened fire on him at the station in Rambouillet in Paris, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

France's national anti-terrorism prosecutors said that they had launched an investigation into the attack.&nbsp;

France's DGSI domestic intelligence service will be a part of the probe.&nbsp;

The police source also said that the incident occurred in secure entrance area of the station at around 2:20 pm (1220 GMT),

The 48-year-old woman was stabbed in the throat twice, the source said.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Jean Castex and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin both said they were approaching to the scene of attack.&nbsp;

Investigation sources said the perpetrator was aged 36 and unknown to security forces.&nbsp;

AFP mentioning an investigation source said the attacked shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) during the stabbing.&nbsp;

Hundreds of people have lost their lives in France due to a number of attacks by radical Islamists in recent years.&nbsp;

A Pakistani man in September injured two people with a meat cleaver outside the former offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which has published controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammmed that has drawn severe flak from the Islamic world.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Reacting to the stabbing attack in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that the country would never give in to "Islamist terrorism". "In our fight against Islamist terrorism, we will never give in," Macron said on Twitter.

Reacting to the stabbing attack in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday said that the country would never give in to "Islamist terrorism". "In our fight against Islamist terrorism, we will never give in," Macron said on Twitter. Macron's comments came after a woman administrator lost her life in a stabbing attack by a Tunisian man at a police station in Paris on Friday, the local prosecutor's office and a police source said. The attacker died after police opened fire on him at the station in Rambouillet in Paris, news agency AFP reported. France's national anti-terrorism prosecutors said that they had launched an investigation into the attack. France's DGSI domestic intelligence service will be a part of the probe. The police source also said that the incident occurred in secure entrance area of the station at around 2:20 pm (1220 GMT), The 48-year-old woman was stabbed in the throat twice, the source said. Prime Minister Jean Castex and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin both said they were approaching to the scene of attack. Investigation sources said the perpetrator was aged 36 and unknown to security forces. AFP mentioning an investigation source said the attacked shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) during the stabbing. Hundreds of people have lost their lives in France due to a number of attacks by radical Islamists in recent years. A Pakistani man in September injured two people with a meat cleaver outside the former offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which has published controversial cartoons of the Prophet Mohammmed that has drawn severe flak from the Islamic world.

Macron says France will never give in to 'Islamist terrorism' after stabbing attack

Disneyland Paris, normally Europe's biggest tourist attraction, will from Saturday host a mass Covid vaccination site at its convention centre as France seeks to speed up its inoculation drive, officials said on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The amusement park east of the capital has been closed since October 30, when non-essential businesses were ordered to close amid a surge in infections, putting its 17,000 employees out of work.&nbsp;

It had originally planned to re-admit visitors on April 2, but worsening conditions forced it to postpone.&nbsp;

The vaccination site will be housed outside the amusement park proper at its Newport Bay Club, a convention centre near its hotel complex.&nbsp;

It will be run by local authorities and the regional ARS health service, and will be open weekends only, whereas other French vaccination sites often close on Sunday.&nbsp;

The goal is to give shots to at least 1,000 people a day, as France aims to get at least one jab to 20 million people by mid-May.&nbsp;

As of Tuesday, France had given at least one dose to nearly 12.8 million people, or 19 per cent of its population, according to health ministry data.&nbsp;

"Disneyland Paris is proud to help support the authorities... to administer vaccines," the park's vice president of operations, Eric Marion, said in a statement.&nbsp;

The global Disney group has announced 32,000 job cuts at its theme park activities worldwide by the end of the first quarter, mostly in the United States, because of the impact of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

But the Disneyland Park in California is set to reopen on April 30 after more than a year of closure.&nbsp;

Disneyland Paris, normally Europe's biggest tourist attraction, will from Saturday host a mass Covid vaccination site at its convention centre as France seeks to speed up its inoculation drive, officials said on Wednesday.

Disneyland Paris, normally Europe's biggest tourist attraction, will from Saturday host a mass Covid vaccination site at its convention centre as France seeks to speed up its inoculation drive, officials said on Wednesday. The amusement park east of the capital has been closed since October 30, when non-essential businesses were ordered to close amid a surge in infections, putting its 17,000 employees out of work. It had originally planned to re-admit visitors on April 2, but worsening conditions forced it to postpone. The vaccination site will be housed outside the amusement park proper at its Newport Bay Club, a convention centre near its hotel complex. It will be run by local authorities and the regional ARS health service, and will be open weekends only, whereas other French vaccination sites often close on Sunday. The goal is to give shots to at least 1,000 people a day, as France aims to get at least one jab to 20 million people by mid-May. As of Tuesday, France had given at least one dose to nearly 12.8 million people, or 19 per cent of its population, according to health ministry data. "Disneyland Paris is proud to help support the authorities... to administer vaccines," the park's vice president of operations, Eric Marion, said in a statement. The global Disney group has announced 32,000 job cuts at its theme park activities worldwide by the end of the first quarter, mostly in the United States, because of the impact of the coronavirus. But the Disneyland Park in California is set to reopen on April 30 after more than a year of closure.

Disneyland Paris to host mass Covid vaccination site 

Parisians yearning for haute cuisine dining since the COVID-19 pandemic closed down restaurants have found an alternative: private chefs who serve up meals in customers' homes.

In locked down Paris, a chef can come to you

A survey of more than 2,600 industry professionals by the Union of Oenologists showed that among those who had caught COVID-19, more than a third said the disease had affected their ability to do their work. Student oenologists were dropping out of courses after falling ill with the virus, the union said.

Senses dulled by COVID-19, French wine tasters fear for livelihood

China and the United States agree that stronger pledges to fight climate change should be introduced before a new round of international talks at the end of the year, the two countries said in a joint statement on Sunday. &nbsp;

The statement came after a meeting between Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua and his US counterpart, John Kerry, in Shanghai on Thursday and Friday, China’s environment ministry said.&nbsp;

"The United States and China are committed to cooperating with each other and with other countries to tackle the climate crisis," their joint statement said. The two countries will continue to discuss "concrete actions in the 2020s to reduce emissions aimed at keeping the Paris Agreement-aligned temperature limit within reach."&nbsp;

Kerry arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday night under tight Covid-19 protocols and was transferred to a secluded hotel not open to the public. He subsequently traveled to Seoul.&nbsp;

His stop in Shanghai was the first high-level visit to China by a Biden administration official since the new president took office, and followed a contentious exchange between officials from the two countries in March in Alaska.&nbsp;

The talks also mark a resumption of climate dialogue between the world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters. Bilateral discussions ground to a halt during the administration of Donald Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 Paris agreement after claiming it unfairly punished US businesses.&nbsp;

The United States is expected soon to deliver a new pledge to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions in a bid to win back trust from foreign allies. Biden brought the United States back into the Paris climate accord.&nbsp;

Li Shuo, senior climate adviser for the environmental group Greenpeace, said China could soon respond to a new US pledge with one of its own, building on the 'momentum' of the Shanghai talks.&nbsp;

"The statement in my view is as positive as the politics would allow: It sends a very unequivocal message that on this particular issue (China and the United States) will cooperate. Before the meetings in Shanghai this was not a message that we could assume," Li said.&nbsp;

Biden will hold a virtual summit for dozens of world leaders this week to discuss climate change, to be livestreamed for public viewing. Global climate talks are scheduled for November 1-12 in Glasgow. &nbsp;

The statement said the two countries also agreed to discuss specific emission reduction actions including energy storage, carbon capture and hydrogen. They said they would take action to maximise financing for developing countries to switch to low-carbon energy sources.&nbsp;

The Paris agreement encourages countries to submit more ambitious climate pledges if they are able to do so. China has already promised enhanced actions as it tries to meet its goal to become 'carbon neutral’ by 2060.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China and the United States agree that stronger pledges to fight climate change should be introduced before a new round of international talks at the end of the year, the two countries said in a joint statement on Sunday.

China and the United States agree that stronger pledges to fight climate change should be introduced before a new round of international talks at the end of the year, the two countries said in a joint statement on Sunday. The statement came after a meeting between Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua and his US counterpart, John Kerry, in Shanghai on Thursday and Friday, China’s environment ministry said. "The United States and China are committed to cooperating with each other and with other countries to tackle the climate crisis," their joint statement said. The two countries will continue to discuss "concrete actions in the 2020s to reduce emissions aimed at keeping the Paris Agreement-aligned temperature limit within reach." Kerry arrived in Shanghai on Wednesday night under tight Covid-19 protocols and was transferred to a secluded hotel not open to the public. He subsequently traveled to Seoul. His stop in Shanghai was the first high-level visit to China by a Biden administration official since the new president took office, and followed a contentious exchange between officials from the two countries in March in Alaska. The talks also mark a resumption of climate dialogue between the world's two biggest greenhouse gas emitters. Bilateral discussions ground to a halt during the administration of Donald Trump, who withdrew from the 2015 Paris agreement after claiming it unfairly punished US businesses. The United States is expected soon to deliver a new pledge to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions in a bid to win back trust from foreign allies. Biden brought the United States back into the Paris climate accord. Li Shuo, senior climate adviser for the environmental group Greenpeace, said China could soon respond to a new US pledge with one of its own, building on the 'momentum' of the Shanghai talks. "The statement in my view is as positive as the politics would allow: It sends a very unequivocal message that on this particular issue (China and the United States) will cooperate. Before the meetings in Shanghai this was not a message that we could assume," Li said. Biden will hold a virtual summit for dozens of world leaders this week to discuss climate change, to be livestreamed for public viewing. Global climate talks are scheduled for November 1-12 in Glasgow. The statement said the two countries also agreed to discuss specific emission reduction actions including energy storage, carbon capture and hydrogen. They said they would take action to maximise financing for developing countries to switch to low-carbon energy sources. The Paris agreement encourages countries to submit more ambitious climate pledges if they are able to do so. China has already promised enhanced actions as it tries to meet its goal to become 'carbon neutral’ by 2060. (With inputs from agencies)

US, China find common ground over need for stronger climate commitments 

French actors Etienne Coquereau and Isabelle Cagnat are pining to get back on stage once the pandemic is over, but on Sunday (April 11), they had to be content with performing from behind the windows of a fashion boutique.

French actors deprived of stage perform behind store window

More than 110 people dining at a clandestine restaurant were fined late on Friday for violating a COVID-19 lockdown, Paris police said, days after the government denied allegations that ministers had attended similar underground soirees.

The swoop in the French capital`s 19th arrondissement was the latest police action against restaurants breaking the rules to offer patrons a slice of pre-pandemic life.

Restaurants, bars and cafes have been closed for sit-down dining for months, and public frustration is growing amid a third national lockdown and another wave of coronavirus infections.

"Guests fined for failing to respect sanitary measures. Organiser and manager arrested," the city`s police force said on Twitter.

In a separate incident, dozens of diners were sanctioned for eating out at a restaurant in the Paris suburb of Saint-Ouen at Friday lunchtime.

President Emmanuel Macron`s government rejected allegations aired on the private M6 television station by a flamboyant businessman, who said earlier this week that he had hosted several illicit dinner parties attended by ministers.

The businessman, Pierre-Jean Chalencon, later retracted his remarks about the ministers` presence, but the matter has continued to hound the government.

Government spokesman Gabriel Attal told a news conference on Thursday the government had no reason to think any minister had attended an unlawful dinner party.

Chalencon was briefly detained by police for questioning on Friday, but played down the incident.

"The police are marvellous people," he told reporters. "It was nothing more than a simple questioning."

More than 110 people dining at a clandestine restaurant were fined late on Friday for violating a COVID-19 lockdown, Paris police said, days after the government denied allegations that ministers had attended similar underground soirees.

More than 110 people dining at a clandestine restaurant were fined late on Friday for violating a COVID-19 lockdown, Paris police said, days after the government denied allegations that ministers had attended similar underground soirees. The swoop in the French capital`s 19th arrondissement was the latest police action against restaurants breaking the rules to offer patrons a slice of pre-pandemic life. Restaurants, bars and cafes have been closed for sit-down dining for months, and public frustration is growing amid a third national lockdown and another wave of coronavirus infections. "Guests fined for failing to respect sanitary measures. Organiser and manager arrested," the city`s police force said on Twitter. In a separate incident, dozens of diners were sanctioned for eating out at a restaurant in the Paris suburb of Saint-Ouen at Friday lunchtime. President Emmanuel Macron`s government rejected allegations aired on the private M6 television station by a flamboyant businessman, who said earlier this week that he had hosted several illicit dinner parties attended by ministers. The businessman, Pierre-Jean Chalencon, later retracted his remarks about the ministers` presence, but the matter has continued to hound the government. Government spokesman Gabriel Attal told a news conference on Thursday the government had no reason to think any minister had attended an unlawful dinner party. Chalencon was briefly detained by police for questioning on Friday, but played down the incident. "The police are marvellous people," he told reporters. "It was nothing more than a simple questioning."

Diners at clandestine Paris soiree fined for lockdown breaches

An Artcurial's auction house overlooking the shuttered boutiques of the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, vintage fashion expert Clara Vivien is overseeing the sale of hundreds of Chanel jackets, shoes and jewelled accessories - all online.

Pandemic lends modern twist to vintage fashion sales

France is currently investigating “clandestine” luxury dinners in Paris in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic after a French television channel alleged the same.

A private channel aired footage recorded from a hidden camera from a high-end restaurant of Paris where no diners and staff members were wearing any masks.

In the aftermath of the revelation, people have expressed outrage over the country’s political elite flouting norms.

For the last five months, all cafes and restaurants in the country have remained closed. Starting Monday, the country also imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/france-set-to-enter-third-lockdown-amid-coronavirus-surge-375143" hreflang="en">France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge</a>

After the channel aired the footage and the news went national, the hashtag #OnVeutLesNoms (translating into “We Want the Names”) trended on Twitter, with people wondering who all were involved in these parties.

Remy Heitz, a prosecutor from Paris on Sunday said that a criminal probe had been ordered for putting the lives of others at risk.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-will-depend-on-us-soon-macron-assured-france-will-match-britain-vaccine-targets-soon-373926" hreflang="en">'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon</a>

AFP said that the investigations would assess "if these evenings were organised in defiance of health rules and to determine who were the possible organisers and participants."

According to the news agency, removing face masks was considered obligatory. At the venue, the cost of the items on menu would range between $189-578.

France is currently investigating “clandestine” luxury dinners in Paris in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic after a French television channel alleged the same.

France is currently investigating “clandestine” luxury dinners in Paris in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic after a French television channel alleged the same. A private channel aired footage recorded from a hidden camera from a high-end restaurant of Paris where no diners and staff members were wearing any masks. In the aftermath of the revelation, people have expressed outrage over the country’s political elite flouting norms. For the last five months, all cafes and restaurants in the country have remained closed. Starting Monday, the country also imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of infections. Also read: France set to enter third lockdown amid coronavirus surge After the channel aired the footage and the news went national, the hashtag #OnVeutLesNoms (translating into “We Want the Names”) trended on Twitter, with people wondering who all were involved in these parties. Remy Heitz, a prosecutor from Paris on Sunday said that a criminal probe had been ordered for putting the lives of others at risk. Also read: 'UK will depend on us soon': Macron assured France will match Britain vaccine targets soon AFP said that the investigations would assess "if these evenings were organised in defiance of health rules and to determine who were the possible organisers and participants." According to the news agency, removing face masks was considered obligatory. At the venue, the cost of the items on menu would range between $189-578.

'No mask' high-profile gatherings in Paris under probe after exposé

As France put into effects the 3rd national lockdown to curb the surge in cases, the Easter celebrations in the country have been impacted for the second consecutive year. But one French chocolatier famous store in Paris, people lined up to enjoy some easter sweets as the lockdown kicked in.

Paris: Chocolate shops open during France's lockdown

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