Moscow, Russia | AFP | The bombastic military parade through Moscow’s Red Square on Saturday was slated to be the spectacle of the year on the Kremlin’s calendar. Standing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron, President Vladimir Putin would have overseen a 90-minute procession of Russia’s military …
Read More »US eyes virus ‘plateau’ as world weighs cautious reboot
Washington, United States | AFP | Coronavirus deaths in the hard-hit United States were flat for a second consecutive day, with New York’s governor saying the “worst is over” as many countries weigh a gradual reopening of their shattered economies. Since emerging late last year, the coronavirus pandemic has killed around …
Read More »WHO urges virus unity after Trump attack
Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | The World Health Organization on Wednesday pleaded for global unity in fighting the coronavirus, following US President Donald Trump’s stinging attack on its handling of the pandemic. As the WHO prepares to mark 100 days on Thursday since it was first notified of the outbreak in …
Read More »Europe locks down as global virus panic spreads
Paris, France | AFP | European leaders plan to ban all non-essential travel into the continent on Tuesday, the latest drastic attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic that has upended society, battered markets and killed thousands around the world. With French President Emmanuel Macron describing the battle against COVID-19 as a …
Read More »Improving ‘brutal’ Paris: key issue in French capital’s vote
Paris, France | AFP | Despite its famed culture, food and romance, Paris can be rough going for residents contending with daily traffic congestion, smog, petty crime, sky-high rents and even rats. When Parisians head to the ballot box to elect their mayor in the first round of France’s local …
Read More »Tensions flare in French protests as pension dispute grinds on
Paris, France | AFP | Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to streets across France on Thursday in the latest mass protests against a pensions overhaul that critics say could cut benefits even while requiring people to work longer before retiring. Tensions flared in Paris and other cities as some black-clad …
Read More »Macron calls for greater ‘political clarity’ from Sahel allies
Abidjan, Ivory Coast | AFP | President Emmanuel Macron called for greater “political clarity” from Sahel countries hosting French troops fighting Islamist militants on Saturday, as he visited the troubled African region amid criticism of the former colonial power’s role. Macron arrived in Ivory Coast on Friday to celebrate Christmas with …
Read More »France’s Macron looks to give ‘new force’ to Sahel anti-jihadist campaign
Port-Bouet, Ivory Coast | AFP | French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Ivory Coast on Friday to celebrate Christmas with French troops, saying Paris would work to give “new force” to the regional fight against Islamist militants. The jihadist insurgency in several poor Sahel nations will be a top item on …
Read More »France’s Macron to mark Xmas with troops on Africa visit
Abidjan, Ivory Coast | AFP In keeping with tradition, President Emmanuel Macron on Friday will celebrate Christmas with French soldiers posted abroad, travelling this year to Ivory Coast as Paris seeks to strengthen regional ties against Islamist militants. Far from protest strikes gripping France, Macron will share a dinner cooked by …
Read More »As strike drags on, French government to unveil pension plan details
Paris, France | AFP | The French government will unveil the details of a pension reform plan Wednesday that has already seen workers down tools in anticipation, crippling transport for a week as hundreds of thousands took to the streets in protest. A speedy resolution appears unlikely, with Prime Minister Edouard …
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