Jun 05 Biden will mark D-Day anniversary in France as Western democratic alliances face threats at home and abroad By Chris Megerian, Zeke Miller, Associated Press He will arrive at a time when the Western alliances that were forged in that era are being threatened in the United States and overseas. Continue reading
Jun 02 Week of ceremonies for D-Day’s 80th anniversary kicks off with parachute jump over Normandy By John Leicester, Associated Press Parachutists jumped from World War II-era planes into now peaceful Normandy on Sunday to kick off a week of ceremonies marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Continue reading
May 29 France’s Macron urges a green light for Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia with Western weapons By Associated Press It is the most recent sign of a potentially significant policy shift that could help change the complexion of the war. Continue reading
May 27 France to lift state of emergency in efforts to allow political dialogue in riot-hit New Caledonia By Sylvie Corbet, Barbara Surk, Associated Press Macron's office said the move is meant to allow political dialogue following the unrest that left seven people dead and a trail of destruction. Continue reading
May 23 French President Macron says he won’t rush through voting reforms that triggered New Caledonia riots By Claire Rush, John Leicester, Associated Press Speaking after a day of meetings with leaders of Indigenous Kanaks who want independence and pro-Paris leaders who do not, Macron laid out a roadmap that he said could lead to another referendum on the archipelago. Continue reading
May 22 French President Macron arrives in New Caledonia amid unrest, calls for independence By Thomas Adamson, Associated Press The president binned his previously announced schedule to make the journey of some 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles) himself, stung into action by the most severe violence to hit New Caledonia since the 1980s. Continue reading
May 17 Violence in New Caledonia subsides slightly as France sends reinforcements to territory By Thomas Adamson, Associated Press Clashes erupted Monday following protests over voting reforms that passed in the National Assembly in Paris. While the Indigenous Kanaks seek independence, the descendants of colonists want New Caledonia to remain part of France. Continue reading
May 15 French government preparing for a state of emergency after violence in New Caledonia By Barbara Surk, John Leicester, Associated Press France’s government is considering imposing a state of emergency in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia to curb deadly violence on the island. Continue reading
May 15 Manhunt is underway in France for armed gang who ambushed prison convoy, freeing convict By John Leicester, Associated Press Prison workers held moments of silence Wednesday outside prisons in Paris and elsewhere to commemorate the officers who were killed. Continue reading
May 08 Olympic torch makes a grand entrance in Marseille By Sylvie Corbet, Associated Press The ship sailed into Marseille’s old port with the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, echoing from the embankment and a French Air force flyover with planes first drawing the five Olympic rings and then the red-blue-white colors of the nation’s… Continue reading