2017 France Special Weapons News

On Visit to Niger, Macron Pledges Tough Fight Against Extremists VOA 23 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived Friday in the capital of Niger on a trip designed to bolster the morale of French troops in the country in their fight against extremists.
France ready to enhance military presence in Sahel: Macron Press TV 23 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his country's preparedness to beef up its military presence in the Sahel to fight alongside African forces against extremist militants in the region.
France , Qatar sign deals worth around 12 billion euros: Macron Press TV 07 Dec 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar's ruling emir have signed contracts worth around 12 billion euros ($14.15 billion) during the French president's visit to Doha.
Nationalists Surge in First Round of Corsica Elections VOA 03 Dec 2017 -- Nationalist dominated the first round of local elections on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, winning more than 45 percent of the vote in preliminary results. The vote has been closely watched elsewhere, following Catalonia's independence moves in Spain.
Catalonia's Example Looms as Corsicans Prepare to Vote VOA 02 Dec 2017 -- Voters on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica head to the polls Sunday for the first round of territorial elections, with a nationalist ticket projected to score big.
Macron Heads to Africa in Apparent Push to Reboot France's Clout in Region VOA 27 Nov 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Burkina Faso late Monday - the first stop of a three-day Africa tour aimed to reinvigorate what observers see as France's fading influence on the continent. Lisa Bryant has more on Macron's trip that also takes him to Ivory Coast for an EU-Africa summit and to English-speaking Ghana.
UK and France increase security cooperation in the Channel UK MOD 20 Nov 2017 -- In his first bilateral meeting in the UK with French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has agreed to increase maritime intelligence sharing.
Macron In Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Tensions RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Saudi Arabia late on November 9 for an unscheduled visit at a time of heightened tensions between Riyadh and its regional rival Tehran.
EU Ready To Start Talks On 'Ambitious' Bilateral Agreement With Kyrgyzstan RFE/RL 09 Nov 2017 -- During a visit to Bishkek, Europe Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini has expressed the bloc's readiness to start negotiations on a new bilateral agreement between the EU and Kyrgyzstan.
Macron backs JCPOA but takes aim at Iran missiles Press TV 09 Nov 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron has defended a landmark nuclear deal with Iran, warning that a termination of the accord as sought by the US would be "crazy" which could lead to a new conflagration.
French President Not Ruling Out Sanctions Over Iran Ballistic Missile Program Sputnik 09 Nov 2017 -- While the US president has been hinting at the country's possible withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, his French counterpart has commented on the issue.
France hikes defense spending amid involvement in conflicts Press TV 08 Nov 2017 -- French lawmakers have approved an increase of nearly two billion euros in defense spending in 2018 as Paris boosts its involvement in the ongoing conflicts across the Middle East and Africa.
France's New Caledonia Agrees With Paris on 2018 Independence Referendum Sputnik 03 Nov 2017 -- As the tensions over the controversial referendum in Spain remain high, fears that the vote will trigger a series of similar referendums across Europe seem to be materializing with the French overseas territory of New Caledonia stepping up the idea of holding a plebiscite.
Macron Signs Anti-Terror Law to Replace State of Emergency in France Sputnik 30 Oct 2017 -- The French anti-terror legislation is set to replace the state of emergency that has been prolonged six times since November 2015 attacks in Paris.
Stressed Out, Undertrained: 6 in 10 French Soldiers Ready to Leave Army Ranks Sputnik 14 Oct 2017 -- A hefty 62 percent of French military personnel and police are ready to look for a new job, a report by a government committee on the state of the country's armed forces revealed.
France ready for mediation between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurds: Macron Press TV 05 Oct 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says Paris is ready for mediation between Iraq and its Kurdish region seeking secession from the mainland, emphasizing the need to protect the Arab country's "territorial integrity."
French lawmakers adopt anti-terror bill 'at expense of' civil liberties Press TV 03 Oct 2017 -- The French parliament has overwhelmingly adopted a new controversial counterterrorism bill, which will boost police surveillance powers and make it easier to close religious centers, as the European country is under a nearly two-year-old state of emergency.
Saudi regime begins joint drill with France amid war on Yemen Press TV 03 Oct 2017 -- Saudi Arabia and France have begun a joint military exercise in the southwest of the kingdom. The drill takes place at a time that a deadly campaign led by the regime in Riyadh keeps claiming more lives in the impoverished Yemen.
UK sets up joint Caribbean Coordination Cell with French and Dutch allies UK MOD 21 Sep 2017 -- Building on the strong collaboration seen between the three nations so far in the international response to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the UK, Netherlands and France have created the Multinational Caribbean Coordination Cell (MNCCC).
Suspect Arrested After Car Rams Paris Counterterror Troops RFE/RL 09 Aug 2017 -- French police have shot and arrested a suspect following a highway chase after a car rammed into soldiers outside a barracks in a Paris suburb, injuring six.
Police Arrest Man Suspected of Car Attack on French Soldiers Near Paris VOA 09 Aug 2017 -- French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has confirmed the arrest of the man suspected of ramming a car into a group of French soldiers Wednesday in a suburb of Paris, injuring six of them in what authorities say was a deliberate attack.
Level of terrorist threat in France very high: Interior min. Press TV 06 Aug 2017 -- French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb says the level of the terrorist threat in the country is "very high" as over 270 French nationals who have fought alongside Daesh in Iraq and Syria have returned home.
'Strategic Autonomy': France and Germany Flesh Out Plans for EU Army Sputnik 01 Aug 2017 -- France and Germany have drawn up new plans for cooperating to defend Europe in an attempt to achieve "strategic autonomy" for the EU in defense matters.
Italy Loses Patience With France's Macron Over Migrants, Libya VOA 26 Jul 2017 -- In the first flush of enthusiasm for France's Emmanuel Macron, the fresh young politician who upended French politics and snatched his country's presidency this year, Italian politicians were no different from European counterparts in seeing him as a JFK-type figure who'd help Europe overcome major challenges – from Brexit to the migrant crisis.
French army chief resigns over dispute with Macron Press TV 19 Jul 2017 -- France's military chief has resigned following a public dispute with President Emmanuel Macron over the government's proposed defense budget cuts.
French Armed Forces Chief Quits in Row Over Budget Cuts With Macron Sputnik 19 Jul 2017 -- The head of France's armed forces has resigned after a furious row with his new boss, President Emmanuel Macron, over budget cuts. General Pierre de Villiers said he did not believe he could "guarantee the protection of France and the French people."
Germany & France to develop 'new generation' European fighter jet to replace existing fleets RT 13 Jul 2017 -- Germany and France have agreed to develop a "new generation" European fighter jet in an effort to strengthen the EU and increase cooperation between the two countries. French President Emmanuel Macron called the plan a "profound revolution."
Statement from UK, US, France, on ban treaty 07 Jul 2017 -- "France, the United Kingdom and the United States have not taken part in the negotiation of the treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons. We do not intend to sign, ratify or ever become party to it. Therefore, there will be no change in the legal obligations on our countries with respect to nuclear weapons."
Macron Announces Bid To Reinvigorate 'Weakened' EU RFE/RL 03 Jul 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron says he plans to launch "democratic conventions" across Europe in a bid to "refound" the European Union.
French president vows to enhance security, lift state of emergency Press TV 03 Jul 2017 -- President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to intensify security measures in France, stressing that the measure is aimed at restoring the freedoms lost under the country's state of emergency.
Macron Affirms French Support for West African Counter-Terrorism Force VOA 02 Jul 2017 -- West Africa and France must work together to eradicate terrorism, French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday, opening a summit in Bamako, Mali on forming a regional anti-jihadist force.
Macron's Party Wins Clear Majority In French Parliament RFE/RL 18 Jun 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party has won a clear majority in the lower house of parliament after the second round of voting on June 18, official results show.
Macron's Party Heading for Absolute Majority in French Parliament VOA 18 Jun 2017 -- Despite record low turnout, French President Emmanuel Macron's party won an absolute majority of seats in parliament Sunday, according to early polls.
French President Macron Wins Big in Parliamentary Vote VOA 11 Jun 2017 -- The fledgling party of France's new centrist president Emmanuel Macron is set for a landslide victory in parliamentary elections, as early results from Sunday's first round of voting showed it taking more than 32 percent of the vote.
Macron Party Wins Big, On Track For Massive French Parliamentary Majority RFE/RL 12 Jun 2017 -- Final results from the first round of the French parliamentary elections indicate President Emmanuel Macron's centrist party will capture an overwhelming majority in the National Assembly.
UK, France, US Sign Trilateral Submarine Agreement NNS 05 Jun 2017 -- Naval leaders from the United Kingdom, France and the United States signed an agreement June 1, designed to increase coordination for anti-submarine warfare activities of the three countries as they operate in the 5th Fleet area of operations.
US, UK, France Sign Deal to Boost Anti-Submarine Coordination Sputnik 05 Jun 2017 -- Naval leaders from the United Kingdom, France and the United States signed an agreement, June 1, designed to increase coordination for anti-submarine warfare activities of the three countries as they operate in the 5th Fleet area of operations, according to official statement.
Former French Prime Minister Investigated Over Alleged Kickbacks In 'Karachi Affair' RFE/RL 31 May 2017 -- French authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into former French Prime Minister Edouard Balladur in connection with a funding scandal that arose from a 1990s arms deal with Pakistan.
Kremlin Disagrees with Macron's Remarks on RT, Sputnik - Peskov Sputnik 29 May 2017 -- Russian president's spokesman said that Kremlin does not agree with the remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron concerning Russian media outlets Sputnik and RT.
After Talks With Putin, Macron Accuses Russian State Media Of Spreading 'Propaganda' RFE/RL 29 May 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron accused Russian state news outlets of spreading "fake news" and "propaganda" against him during May's presidential election, after holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Versailles Palace outside Paris.
Macron, Putin Discuss Propaganda, Syria VOA 29 May 2017 -- New French President Emmanuel Macron called RT (formerly Russia Today) television and Sputnik multi-media "propaganda" following his first face-to-face talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
New French President Reaffirms Commitment to Fight Terrorism in Sahel VOA 23 May 2017 -- During his election campaign, France's new president Emmanuel Macron promised he would visit French troops in Mali. Just days into his term, he made Mali his second foreign visit, and his first to Africa.
Macron Calls for EU Reforms, Vows to Work Closely with Germany VOA 15 May 2017 -- French President Emmanuel Macron spent his first full day in office traveling to Germany, telling Chancellor Angela Merkel he wants to work closely with her to create "deep reforms" to the European Union.
Macron appoints Edouard Philippe as French prime minister Press TV 15 May 2017 -- Newly-inaugurated French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed a center-right lawmaker and mayor as the country's prime minister, handing a top position in his administration to a moderate from France's conservative Republican Party.
Macron And Merkel Pledge Cooperation On EU Reforms RFE/RL 15 May 2017 -- France's new President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel pledged to work together to strengthen the European Union, saying they were prepared to discuss changes to existing treaties to modernize the 28-nation bloc.
Appointment of Edouard Philippe as New Prime Minister Divides French Politics Sputnik 15 May 2017 -- The choice of newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron to appoint Edouard Philippe as the country's prime minister was supported by some French politicians and criticized by others.
Emmanuel Macron inaugurated as France's president Press TV 14 May 2017 -- France's centrist Emmanuel Macron has taken the reins of the French government as president of the country.
Macron Says France on Brink of 'A Great Renaissance' VOA 14 May 2017 -- France's youngest head of state since Napoleon Bonaparte presented himself as president of all the French Sunday as he was sworn into office in Paris, following in the Fifth Republic footsteps of political giants Gen. Charles De Gaulle and Jacques Chirac.
US Alerted France of Russian Cyberattacks During Presidential Election VOA 11 May 2017 -- The United States informed French officials that Russia had hacked France's computer networks during the country's presidential election before the cyberattacks became public, the National Security Agency chief told Congress on Thursday.
US warned France about Russian hacking before Macron leak: NSA chief Press TV 10 May 2017 -- The head of the US National Security Agency (NSA) says Washington had warned French authorities about Russia's meddling in the country's presidential election before hackers could allegedly steal documents from the centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron's party.
Cyber Command Chief Says U.S. Warned France About Russia-Backed Hackers During Election RFE/RL 09 May 2017 -- The United States' top cybersecurity official says Washington warned French officials during the recent presidential election that Russia-backed hackers were penetrating French computer networks.
Ex-French PM Valls Wants to Be Majority Candidate at Legislative Election Sputnik 09 May 2017 -- Former French PM Manuel Valls would like to participate in the upcoming parliamentary election as part of President-elect Emmanuel Macron future support group.
Macron Prepares To Lead France As Challenges Loom RFE/RL 08 May 2017 -- French President-elect Emmanuel Macron on May 8 made his first public appearance after easily defeating nationalist Marine Le Pen a day earlier, joining outgoing President Francois Hollande at a wreath-laying ceremony in Paris as he began preparing his transition to power.
EU Leaders Dodge the Bullet with Macron's Election Win VOA 08 May 2017 -- European Union leaders were breathing a huge sigh of relief Monday as they savor the victory of centrist Emmanuel Macron in the French presidential race.
Projections show Macron elected French President People's Daily 08 May 2017 -- Centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron won Sunday's runoff vote of the French presidential election, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen, according to polling agency projections issued after the vote.
French centrist Macron: a novice at the Elysee Palace People's Daily 08 May 2017 -- Centrist former economy minister Emmanuel Macron has won the French presidential election, defeating his far-right rival Marine Le Pen in Sunday's runoff vote, making him the youngest president in France's modern history, according to polling agency projections.
Macron defeats Marine Le Pen, becomes president: Initial estimates Press TV 07 May 2017 -- Franc's centrist candidate, Emmanuel Macron, has won the country's presidential election by a resoundingly margin over far-right candidate, Marine Le Pen.
Macron Wins French Presidency with 66 Percent, Commits To European Unity RFE/RL 07 May 2017 -- President-elect Emmanuel Macron pledged on May 7 to strengthen France's relationship with Europe after easily defeating nationalist Marine Le Pen to become the nation's youngest president ever following a divisive runoff vote that pitted two diametrically opposed visions for the country's future.
Le Pen Congratulates Macron With Victory as Preliminary Results Announced Sputnik 07 May 2017 -- French right-wing presidential candidate Marine Le Pen congratulated her rival Emmanuel Macron with victory in the French runoff election as the first preliminary results had been announced.
France Elects Macron VOA 07 May 2017 -- Voters in France have elected centrist Emmanuel Macron president, rejecting the anti-EU, anti-immigrant policies of rival Marine Le Pen.
France's Future Course Hangs In Balance Of Presidential Election RFE/RL 06 May 2017 -- French voters will choose a new president on May 7 in a runoff that could determine whether their country embraces its status as a leading member of the European Union or sets it on the path to a "Frexit."
French President Vows Response To Hacking Of Candidate's E-Mails RFE/RL 06 May 2017 -- French President Francois Hollande has promised to respond to the hacking of centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron's campaign e-mails and the spreading of them online just one day before the May 7 runoff election.
French Presidential Campaign Targeted in Huge Computer Hack VOA 06 May 2017 -- The campaign of French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron says it was targeted by a "massive and coordinated" computer hacking operation on the eve of the final round of voting for the country's next president.
France Ready for Sunday's Ballot Box 'Revolution' VOA 06 May 2017 -- Voters in France prepared to go to the polls Sunday, ending what observers describe as the country's most contentious and divisive presidential campaign since the founding of the Fifth Republic.
French Candidates Clash Over Extremism, Russia, Economy In Fiery Debate RFE/RL 04 May 2017 -- France's presidential candidates have clashed in a fiery televised debate, hurling insults and criticisms at each other over issues from remaining in the European Union to fighting terrorism and relations with Russia.
Obama Officially Wades Into French Presidential Election VOA 04 May 2017 -- Former U.S. president Barack Obama officially endorsed French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron Thursday, calling a victory by Marcon "very important to the future of France and the values we care so much about."
US, UK, France Complete Exercise Alligator Dagger 17 NNS 25 Apr 2017 -- Forces from the U.S., U.K. and France completed Exercise Alligator Dagger 17, a two-week multilateral amphibious exercise in international waters off the coast of Djibouti and in the vicinity of Djibouti and Arta Beach, April 20.
Russia-Linked Hackers Targeted Macron Campaign, Cyber-Researchers Say RFE/RL 25 Apr 2017 -- French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron's campaign has been targeted in cyberattacks bearing the hallmarks of an aggressive hacking outfit that intelligence officials say is a branch of Russia's espionage apparatus, an Internet security firm says.
After French Vote, Kremlin Media Chorus Longs For Age Of De Gaulle, Mitterrand, Chirac RFE/RL 25 Apr 2017 -- Russian state media and Kremlin-connected political pundits are hammering home a nearly identical talking point about France's presidential election -- French candidates and the Fifth Republic ain't what they used to be.
Macron, Le Pen Head to Runoff in French Presidential Race VOA 23 Apr 2017 -- Preliminary results from France's first round of presidential elections confirmed that centrist candidate Emmanuel Macron and nationalist, anti-immigration candidate Marine Le Pen are heading into a runoff in two weeks, marking what analysts describe as a political earthquake in France.
Hollande: Paris Shooting Looks Like Terrorism VOA 20 Apr 2017 -- French President Francois Hollande says all signs point to terrorism in Thursday night's attack on the Champs-Elysees in Paris that killed one policeman and wounded two others.
Fillon Vows to Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions if Wins Elections Sputnik 06 Apr 2017 -- French The Republicans' party presidential nominee Francois Fillon vowed on Thursday to make efforts to lift anti-Russia sanctions if he is elected the country's president, adding that the restrictive measures turned to be rather counterproductive for the French.
More French military hardware arrive in Estonia Press TV 30 Mar 2017 -- A new batch of French military hardware and vehicles has arrived in Estonia as part of a massive military buildup by NATO in Eastern Europe to deter "Russian aggression."
UK and France strengthen defence cooperation with new weapon system agreement UK MOD 28 Mar 2017 -- Defence Minister Harriett Baldwin and her French counterpart Laurent Collet-Billon today sign an agreement to explore future missile technologies with MBDA
US, UK, France Commit to Increase Cooperation NNS 27 Mar 2017 -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson met in London with the First Sea Lord of the United Kingdom, Adm. Sir Philip Jones, Royal Navy and Chief of Naval Staff, Adm. Christophe Prazuck, French Navy, March 27.
Heavy Equipment for French Troops of NATO Battalion Arrive in Estonia Sputnik 25 Mar 2017 -- Headquarters of the Estonian Defense Forces said in a statement that heavy equipment of the French contingent of the international NATO battalion arrived in Estonia on Saturday.
Putin Meets Le Pen, Says Not Seeking To Influence French Vote RFE/RL 24 Mar 2017 -- French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has met with Russian President Vladimir and said that if elected, she will consider how to swiftly remove sanctions against Moscow.
Le Pen: No Evidence of Russia Meddling in French Election Sputnik 24 Mar 2017 -- Presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said there was no evidence of Russia's alleged meddling in the French election.
Paris Orly Airport Attacker Said He Wanted 'to Die for Allah' VOA 19 Mar 2017 -- French authorities are still working to determine whether a man shot dead at Paris' Orly airport acted on impulse or carefully planned an attack.
Man Killed In Paris Airport After Attacking Soldier RFE/RL 18 Mar 2017 -- French security forces have shot dead a man who attempted to seize a gun from a soldier at Paris's Orly airport, authorities say.
Islamic Radical Suspected in Fatal Paris Airport Scuffle VOA 18 Mar 2017 -- A man fatally shot at a Paris airport Saturday after attempting to seize a rifle from a patrol soldier, was suspected to have ties to radical Islam, officials said.
French judges formally charge Fillon in fake jobs scandal Press TV 14 Mar 2017 -- Judges in France have filed charges against presidential candidate Francois Fillon as part of an investigation into the former prime minister's alleged payment from tax-payer funds to family members for fake jobs.
Fillon Placed Under Formal Investigation for Embezzling Public Funds Sputnik 14 Mar 2017 -- Embattled French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has been placed under a formal investigation on allegation he had misappropriated public funds, local media reported Tuesday.
French Foreign Ministry Calls on Turkey to Avoid Provocations Amid Rally Ban Sputnik 12 Mar 2017 -- France calls on the Turkish authorities to ease tensions and avoid provocations following recent bans on Turkish ministers by the Netherlands and Germany, the French Foreign Ministry said Sunday.
U.S. Lawmaker Says EU Imperiled By 'Kremlin-Backed Politicians' In France RFE/RL 09 Mar 2017 -- A senior U.S. lawmaker says that the future of the European Union could be in danger if "Kremlin-backed politicians" come to power in France.
France's Fillon Vows to Continue Presidential Race Amid Penelopegate Scandal Sputnik 05 Mar 2017 -- French presidential hopeful from The Republicans party Francois Fillon claimed on Sunday he would continue the presidential race, stressing that "no one has the power" to force him out.
France's Fillon under increasing pressure Press TV 04 Mar 2017 -- French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon has come under mounting pressure to quit the race for the presidency as top campaign staff and dozens of MPs leave his team after corruption charges were filed against him.
UK maritime forces join major French deployment UK MOD 03 Mar 2017 -- UK maritime forces are taking part in a major French naval deployment to the Indian Ocean and Far East.
France's Next President? Former Investment Banker Soars Amid Rivals' Woes VOA 02 Mar 2017 -- France's next president may be a 39-year-old maverick former economy minister, affiliated with no mainstream political party and with no experience running for office. Until now.
Fillon Refuses to Drop Out of French Presidential Race Amid Scandal Sputnik 01 Mar 2017 -- French presidential candidate from The Republicans party Francois Fillon confirmed that he was summoned to court on March 15. Earlier today, he was questioned by magistrates investigating a 'fake work' scandal involving his wife. Fillon is joined by his former rival in the conservative primaries Alain Juppe.
US, France to Start Open Skies Flight Over Russia on Monday Sputnik 27 Feb 2017 -- US and French inspectors will conduct an aerial surveillance flight over Russia, the head of Russia's Nuclear Risk Reduction Center said Monday.
French Foreign Policy Under Le Pen? Think U-turn VOA 24 Feb 2017 -- French far-right presidential front-runner Marine Le Pen offered a preview this week of what France's foreign policy might look like if she is elected. She canceled a meeting with a top cleric in Lebanon over demands she wear a headscarf, and rejected the European Union, NATO and global trade deals in a keynote speech in Paris that favored an independent, France-first course.
Marine Le Pen Aides Under Investigation Over Misuse of EU Money Sputnik 22 Feb 2017 -- Catherine Griset, Marine Le Pen's chief of staff, has been placed under formal investigation over allegations that the Le Pen campaign misused EU money, France24 reports.
French police raid offices of far-right leader Le Pen in probe of EU fraud Press TV 21 Feb 2017 -- French police have raided the headquarters of the country's far-right Front National (FN) Party, led by frontrunner presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, as part of a probe into her alleged misuse of EU funds.
France directly liable for killings in Syria: President Assad Press TV 17 Feb 2017 -- President Bashar al-Assad says France's support for terrorist groups operating against the Syrian government and people is a direct cause of bloodshed in the Arab country.
Algeria Demands French Compensation for Nuclear Tests in Sahara Desert Sputnik 17 Feb 2017 -- In the 1960s, France carried out nuclear tests in Algeria to study the effects of radiation on humans. However, Algerians are still struggling to cope with the consequences of the French atomic experiments.
Readout of Secretary Mattis' Bilateral Meeting with French Minister of Defense Le Drian DoD 15 Feb 2017
French Ship Forbin Assists in Maritime Rescue NNS 15 Feb 2017 -- French Marine Nationale anti-air frigate FS Forbin (D620), assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50, assisted in the rescue of mariners from a sinking dhow Feb. 13.
France Warns Russia Over 'Interference' In Presidential Election RFE/RL 15 Feb 2017 -- France says it will not accept meddling by Russia or any other country in its upcoming presidential election, and that it could respond to such interference with "retaliatory measures."
Russia Denies Meddling In French Presidential Candidate's Campaign RFE/RL 14 Feb 2017 -- Russia has denied carrying out media and Internet attacks against French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron.
French Presidential Front-Runner Macron Claims Russia Interfering In Election RFE/RL 14 Feb 2017 -- French presidential front-runner Emmanuel Macron's party chief said Macron is being targeted by Russian media and internet attacks with the goal of helping the election campaigns of his pro-Moscow rivals.
French Soldier Shoots Machete-Wielding Man At The Louvre RFE/RL 03 Feb 2017 -- A French soldier shot and wounded a man armed with a machete who was trying to enter the Louvre museum in Paris in what the government said appeared to have been a terrorist attack.
France includes two of Fillon's children in embezzlement probe Press TV 02 Feb 2017 -- Investigators in France have decided to extend their probe into allegations of illegal payment to family members by presidential candidate Francois Fillon to include two of his children.
French far-right leader won't repay $321k in misused funds to European Parliament Press TV 01 Feb 2017 -- France's leading ultra-right politician and presidential hopeful Marine Le Pen has refused to return some 298,000 euros (321,300 dollars) in misused funds to the European Parliament, ignoring her repayment deadline.
French Socialists Pick Presidential Candidate VOA 29 Jan 2017 -- Socialists in France have chosen former junior minister Benoit Hamon as their candidate for president, in a victory that analysts say is not likely to boost his election chances when French voters begin first-round balloting for a new president in April.
Europe needs new military alliance: French politician Press TV 24 Jan 2017 -- French presidential front-runner Francois Fillon has called for a new military alliance in Europe after US President Donald Trump described NATO obsolete.
In France Primaries, Dire Predictions for the Left VOA 21 Jan 2017 -- Five years after a triumphant electoral sweep that returned it to power for the first time in a decade, France's ruling Socialist Party is weak, deeply unpopular and ideologically divided ahead of the first round Sunday of presidential primaries. Some even warn it risks implosion.
Female, Far-right and Proudly Populist: Le Pen Stumps to Be France's Next Leader VOA 18 Jan 2017 -- France's April-May election is among Europe's most closely watched this year, and Le Pen is riding a wave of voter anger over a lackluster economy, rising immigration and militant Islam.
France Deploys Troops Globally in Counter-Extremism Fight AFPS 17 Jan 2017 -- France is committed to stopping the spread of violent extremism and has deployed significant military resources worldwide in the fight, a French military official said here yesterday.
French PM Calls for Creation of Independent European Defense System Sputnik 17 Jan 2017 -- French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve called Tuesday for the establishment of a European defense system to guarantee Europe's independence in the light of US President-elect Donald Trump's criticism of NATO.
Why France May Not Be Russia's Next Hacking Target VOA 13 Jan 2017 -- Amid growing alarm Europe may be the next target of Russian cyberattacks, some believe France – which is gearing up for presidential and parliamentary elections this year – may not be the obvious choice.
French Far-Right Presidential Contender Says Crimean Annexation Legitimate RFE/RL 04 Jan 2017 -- France's far-right leader and presidential candidate Marine Le Pen said on January 3 that Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014 was "not illegal."
Liberation of Syrian Raqqa to Be Next Step After Iraqi Mosul Freed - Hollande Sputnik 02 Jan 2017 -- The liberation of the Syrian city of Raqqa, currently held by the Daesh terrorist group, will be the next target of the international coalition, French President Francois Hollande, currently on a visit to Iraqi capital of Baghdad, said Monday.
In Iraq, Hollande Thanks French Troops for Fighting Terror VOA 02 Jan 2017 -- French President Francois Hollande vowed that Islamic State will soon be beaten. He spoke during a one-day visit to Iraq, the same day a suicide bomber struck a busy Baghdad market, killing at least 32 people.
French president in Iraq to visit troops, hold talks with officials Press TV 02 Jan 2017 -- French President Francois Hollande is in Iraq to visit his country's troops deployed to the Arab state as part of a US-led coalition purportedly fighting Daesh terrorists.

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2017 France Special Weapons News