March 2021 - France Special Weapons News

France's Macron Orders Third Lockdown, Closes Schools VOA 31 Mar 2021 -- President Emmanuel Macron ordered France into its third national lockdown Wednesday in an effort to slow a third wave of COVID-19 infecting his country.
France confirms 30,702 new COVID-19 cases as tighter restrictions loom People's Daily 31 Mar 2021 -- France registered 30,702 COVID-19 cases in the past 24 hours, pushing the total count above 4.5 million. The country's hospitals are nearing the breaking point and a third nationwide confinement is very much on the cards, figures released by the health authorities showed on Tuesday.
Macron, Merkel Discuss Navalny, Possible Vaccine Cooperation With Putin RFE/RL 31 Mar 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have discussed possible cooperation on vaccines with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the French Presidency said on March 30.
FRENCH NAVAL SHIPS IN KOCHI India PIB 30 Mar 2021 -- French Naval Ships Tonnerre (Amphibious Assault Ship) and Surcouf (Frigate Class Ship) are on a two day good will visit to Kochi. The ships arrived at Cochin Port Trust on 30 Mar 21 and were received by Senior Naval Authorities in the background of fanfare by the naval band.
UN incriminates France in January massacre of civilians in Mali Press TV 30 Mar 2021 -- UN) probe has found France guilty of killing a large number of civilians in central Mali, where a persisting French military intervention has already sparked controversy.
Putin Tells Merkel, Macron Russia Ready to Restore Interaction With EU, If Sees Interest Sputnik 30 Mar 2021 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron that Russia was ready to restore normal interaction with the EU, if there is an interest in this, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
Trial Opens in 2004 Bombing of French Base in Ivory Coast VOA 29 Mar 2021 -- A trial opened in Paris Monday over the 2004 bombing of a French military base in then war-torn Ivory Coast that killed an American soil scientist and nine French soldiers. The defendants are being tried in absentia. Nearly two decades later, the attack—and the French government's response—raises many questions.
Al-Shabaab militants call for attacks on US, French interests in Djibouti ahead of country's presidential vote Press TV 28 Mar 2021 -- The al-Shabab militant group has called for attacks on interests of the United States and France in Djibouti, almost two weeks ahead of the presidential election in the East African country.
France Found Bearing 'Overwhelming' Responsibilities Over Rwanda Genocide, Duclert Commission Says Sputnik 26 Mar 2021 -- A commission of historians headed by Vincent Duclert has been gathering data for two years to establish the level of France's complicity in Rwanda's 1994 massacres that left at least 800,000 people dead.
Secretary Blinken's Meeting with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Maas, and UK Foreign Secretary Raab US Dept. of State 23 Mar 2021
Jailing of French Tourist Complicates Bid to Resolve Iran Nuclear Tensions VOA 23 Mar 2021 -- Benjamin Briere is a French tourist who was arrested last May while visiting Iran with his drone and minivan. Still detained, he was charged with espionage and "spreading propaganda against the system." His lawyers deny the charges.
Could 2022 Be the Year for France's Le Pen? VOA 23 Mar 2021 -- She talks feminism and political unity. Commits to protecting the environment, and reforming rather than leaving the European Union and euro single currency.
China Faces New Multi-Country Sanctions Over Xinjiang Policies VOA 23 Mar 2021 -- Several western countries announced new sanctions this week against Chinese officials involved in the mass detentions of ethnic Uyghur Muslims, marking a new united front to pressure Beijing over its human rights abuses.
Who are those on China's sanctions list against EU, and why these sanctions are justified? Global Times 23 Mar 2021 -- Editor's Note: China on Monday imposed tit-for-tat sanctions on 10 EU individuals and four entities that it accused of seriously offending the China's sovereignty via Xinjiang abuses.
China (22 Mar. 2021) France Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs 22 Mar 2021 -- "Following the increase in unacceptable public comments by the Embassy of China in recent days, including in the form of insults and threats against parliamentarians and a French researcher, we reaffirm the basic rules enshrined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations associated with the functioning of a foreign embassy, notably with respect to its public communications. The embassy is urged to strictly comply with these rules."
Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise 21 Underway in U.S. 5th Fleet US Navy 21 Mar 2021 -- France, Belgium, Japan and the U.S. are participating in Group Arabian Sea Warfare Exercise (GASWEX) 21, a multilateral maritime exercise in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.
France Reports 6.14 Million People Have Received 1st COVID-19 Vaccine Shots SPA 20 Mar 2021 -- The French health ministry said today, on Saturday 6,137,375 people have received a first COVID-19 vaccine shot since the beginning of the vaccination campaign in the country, Reuters reported.
France imposes lockdown in Paris as COVID-19 variant cases rise Press TV 19 Mar 2021 -- France has imposed a month-long lockdown on Paris and parts of the north amid a rise in the number of coronavirus variant cases.
Several European Countries Resume Use of AstraZeneca Vaccine VOA 19 Mar 2021 -- France, Germany and Italy resumed use Friday of a coronavirus vaccine made by AstraZeneca after health officials sought to allay concerns it might cause blood clots.
G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Ukraine US Dept. of State 18 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
France enters third wave of coronavirus pandemic: PM People's Daily 17 Mar 2021 -- France has entered "a form of third wave (of the coronavirus pandemic) characterized by numerous virus variants," Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Tuesday, stressing that his government still considers vaccination a top priority of its strategy to stem the spread of the virus.
Ex-French President Sarkozy Goes on Trial for Illegal Campaign Financing Sputnik 17 Mar 2021 -- A trial into illicit financing of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's 2012 reelection campaign opened in Paris on Wednesday.
France Battles a Third Wave of COVID Infections VOA 16 Mar 2021 -- Despite the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, France is once again under pressure to take new measures to curb a new spread of the virus in the country.
Statement by NSC Spokesperson Emily Horne on National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's Call with Counterparts from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom The White House 16 Mar 2021
Taiwan condemns Chinese ambassador to France for bullying letter CNA 16 Mar 2021 -- Officials in Taiwan on Tuesday condemned Beijing's attempt to stop a French legislator from visiting Taiwan this summer, saying the China's "Wolf Warrior" diplomacy was unacceptable.
Chinese envoy's letter to French senator over Taiwan island trip plan a 'measured heads-up' Global Times 16 Mar 2021 -- A letter from Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye to French Senator Alain Richard, who is planning to visit the island of Taiwan in the summer, was a "measured heads-up," Chinese observers said, noting the French politician is taking an opportunistic path to challenge the bottom line of China's sovereign integrity concerning the island for the sake of individual interests and at the cost to overall friendly China-France ties.
Russia 'Reaches Agreement' On Sputnik Vaccine With Firms From Italy, Spain, France, And Germany RFE/RL 15 Mar 2021 -- The head of Russia's RDIF sovereign wealth fund says it has reached "agreements with companies from Italy, Spain, France, and Germany to launch production" of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine.
EU Nations Considering Starting Talks With Producers of Russia's Sputnik V, Reports Suggest Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- Some European countries are considering starting talks with the creators of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, an EU official in charge of negotiations with the vaccine's developers told Reuters.
Russia's RDIF Agrees With Italy, Spain, France, Germany on Joint Sputnik V Production Sputnik 15 Mar 2021 -- Last month, Hungary became the first nation in the European Union to approve the Russian vaccine. In March, the RDIF said that it could supply the bloc with the vaccine after approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
European States Halt AstraZeneca Vaccine Over Blood Clot Fears VOA 15 Mar 2021 -- Germany, France and Italy became the latest European countries to halt the rollout of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine Monday, as scientists investigated reports of possible adverse side effects among several people in Norway who received the injection.
Joint Statement by the Secretary of State of the United States of America, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, and the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, and Italy US Dept. of State 15 Mar 2021 -- The following statement was released by United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio, and UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of the Syrian uprising:
French Coronavirus Cases Rise By 29,759 SPA 14 Mar 2021 -- France reported today, on Saturday 29,759 new COVID-19 cases, up from 25,229 the previous day, Reuters cited the latest data from the health ministry as showing.
Secretary Blinken's Call with French Foreign Minister Le Drian US Dept. of State 14 Mar 2021
France Lifts Pandemic Travel Ban for Japan, 6 Other Nations SPA 13 Mar 2021 -- The French government said it will remove Japan and six other countries from a travel ban imposed on non-European Union nations since late January to prevent the spread of variants of the novel coronavirus, Kyodo reported.
French Warship Docks in Vietnam as Foreign Powers Step Up in South China Sea Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2021 -- A French frigate docked at Cam Ranh Port in Vietnam this week, the latest sign that foreign powers are pushing back against China's assertive behavior and expansive claims in the South China Sea.
G7 Statement on Hong Kong Electoral Changes US Dept. of State 12 Mar 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
China's Hong Kong Move an Assault on Democracy, Autonomy: Foreign Ministers Radio Free Asia 12 Mar 2021 -- The international community has condemned recent changes by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to Hong Kong's political system, saying the insistence that political candidates be pre-approved by Beijing is an "assault" on the limited democracy the city once enjoyed.
Joint Statement of the Governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America on Houthi Attacks US Dept. of State 11 Mar 2021 -- The following statement was released by the governments of France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
Joint Statement by France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States on an Interim Government of National Unity in Libya US Dept. of State 11 Mar 2021 -- France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America welcome the vote of confidence by the overwhelming majority of the members of the House of Representatives meeting in Sirte 8-10 March to endorse the cabinet chosen by Prime Minister-designate Abdulhamid Dabaiba for an interim Government of National Unity.
Saudi Arabia, France Conduct Mixed Maritime Exercise SPA 10 Mar 2021 -- The Royal Saudi Naval Forces and the French Navy conducted Mixed Maritime Exercise (White Shark-21).
Paris Underestimated French Polynesia Nuclear Testing Fallout, Report Says Sputnik 09 Mar 2021 -- In 2019, Paris admitted that its nuclear testing in French Polynesia between 1966 and 1996 damaged the health of the local population.
Algerian arrested in Italy on suspicion of assisting Paris terrorist attackers Press TV 08 Mar 2021 -- Italian police have arrested a 36-year-old Algerian man on suspicion of belonging to the Daesh terrorist group and aiding the operators of the November 2015 Paris attacks.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Participates in Oman-led Exercise Khunjar Hadd 26 US Navy 07 Mar 2021 -- The Royal Navy of Oman, Royal Air Force of Oman, United Kingdom Royal Navy, France Marine Nationale and U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) participated in exercise Khunjar Hadd 26, Feb 21-25.
Africa's Sahel abandons hope in France, starts negotiation with armed groups Press TV 07 Mar 2021 -- Leaders of countries in West Africa's Sahel region have abandoned their hopes in purported counter-terrorism efforts by France and started negotiating with armed militants to bring peace to the restive region.
France slams EU members states for showing interest in Russian, Chinese vaccines Press TV 06 Mar 2021 -- A French cabinet minister has censured the European Union (EU) member states for showing interest in the Russian and Chinese COVID-19 vaccines instead of the ones developed by the US and the UK.
France tightens COVID-19 restrictions, steps up vaccine rollout People's Daily 05 Mar 2021 -- To contain the spread of new coronavirus variants in France, Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday announced weekend lockdown in more areas, tougher rules against social mixing in high-risk regions and faster vaccination rollout.
EU Must Retain 'Solidarity' Over Russian, Chinese COVID-19 Jabs, French Minister Says Amid Shortages Sputnik 05 Mar 2021 -- The comments come after several EU member-states picked the Russian and Chinese jabs for their national vaccine rollouts and as US and Anglo-Swedish firms failed to provide sufficient jabs for Europe's vaccine programmes, sparking rows with Brussels.
COVID-19 infections rise again in France as gov't mulls easing rules from mid-April People's Daily 04 Mar 2021 -- A total of 3,810,316 people in France have been diagnosed with COVID-19 after 26,788 positive cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, the biggest daily increase since Feb. 24, official figures showed on Wednesday.
French Former PM Balladur Acquitted In 'Karachi Affair' RFE/RL Gandhara 04 Mar 2021 -- A French court has acquitted former Prime Minister Edouard Balladur on corruption charges over an arms deal with Pakistan in the mid-1990s.
France Could Ease COVID-19 Restrictions Next Month VOA 03 Mar 2021 -- A French government spokesman said Wednesday officials are hoping to lift some of the nation's COVID-19-related restrictions by the middle of next month, as vaccinations have, so far, proven effective at lowering infection rates.
USS Donald Cook Supports Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group US Navy 03 Mar 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) is providing multi-warfare defense to the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CDG CSG) in the Mediterranean in support of NATO Exercise Dynamic Manta and other operations, demonstrating our mutual commitment to stability and security throughout the European region, March 3, 2021.
Macron admits France killed Algerian freedom fighter Press TV 03 Mar 2021 -- President Emmanuel Macron has admitted that French forces 'tortured and murdered' Algerian freedom fighter Ali Boumendjel in Algeria's war for independence.
France Reverses Course on Using AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine on Citizens Over 65 VOA 02 Mar 2021 -- France will now vaccinate people aged 65 years and older with the COVID-19 vaccine jointly developed by Oxford University and British-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca.
Rouhani to Macron: Failure to seize chances of saving Iran deal to complicate impasse Press TV 02 Mar 2021 -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called on the parties to the 2015 nuclear deal not to miss the remaining chances to revive the landmark agreement, warning that any "unconstructive" move at the UN nuclear watchdog's upcoming board meeting will complicate the stalemate surrounding the accord.
Macron 'Playing with Fire,' Says France's Leading Left-wing Newspaper VOA 02 Mar 2021 -- French President Emmanuel Macron is being pulled in contrary political directions, swerving both left and right, as he seeks to work out the political trajectory most likely to secure him reelection next year, according to critics and analysts.
French ex-president Sarkozy sentenced to 3 years on corruption charges People's Daily 02 Mar 2021 -- A French court on Monday convicted former president Nicolas Sarkozy on charges of corruption and influence peddling and handed him three-year prison sentence, including two years suspended.
France reports nearly 20,000 new coronavirus cases, 122 deaths People's Daily 01 Mar 2021 -- France registered 19,952 new coronavirus infection cases and 122 related deaths in the pas
Jihadist Women's Demands Come at Crucial Time for France VOA 01 Mar 2021 -- A group of French women who joined the so-called Islamic State militant group and are currently detained in Syria continue a hunger strike as the French government denies their requests to be repatriated to France, along with their children.
France's former president Sarkozy convicted of corruption, handed jail sentence Press TV 01 Mar 2021 -- Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty by a court in the country's capital, Paris, on charges of corruption and influence peddling.

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March 2021 - France Special Weapons News