France to probe samples from Syria for sign of chemical arms
French authorities will analyse samples brought back from Syria by two journalists after they reported the Syrian army was using chemical weapons against rebel forces.
Brussels expected to up pressure for economic reform
The European Commission is expected on Wednesday to increase the pressure on several countries, particularly France, to speed up structural reforms seen as the only reliable way to boost growth and job creation.
Daring lesbian love story wins Cannes top prize
A sexually graphic lesbian love story, "Blue is the Warmest Colour" by French-Tunisian director Abdellatif Kechiche, clinched the top prize Sunday at the Cannes Film Festival in a pivotal year for gay rights.
Thousands protest gay marriage in Paris
At least 150,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Paris to protest a new law allowing gay marriage, a largely peaceful gathering that later turned violent as riot police battled hundreds of right-wingers.
Syrian opposition divided amid international peace bid
International efforts to end the unrest in Syria accelerate Monday with key talks in Paris and Brussels, amid a push for a new peace conference despite growing divisions within the Syrian opposition.
IMF chief avoids charges in French payout scandal
IMF chief Christine Lagarde avoided immediate charges on Friday but was named an "assisted witness" after French prosecutors grilled her for two days over a state payout to a disgraced tycoon when she was finance minister.
Mobile app to help fight against racism in France
A French anti-racism association is launching a mobile application it hopes will help eradicate racist graffiti by enabling users to take photos of offensive tags, geo-locate them and get them removed.
IMF chief grilled for 2nd day over 2007 payout scandal
French prosecutors began questioning IMF chief Christine Lagarde for a second day Friday to decide if she should be charged over a state payout to a disgraced tycoon during her time as finance minister.
France wants to teach Astana EXPO
France has offered help to Astana in holding the international exhibition EXPO-2017.
Ardavichus to take part in truck racing Cup of France
Bronze winner of Dakar rally, Kazakhstan racer Arthur Ardavichus has decided to try himself in track racing on trucks.
Lagarde: global star threatened by French court case
Christine Lagarde smashed the glass ceiling at one of the world's preeminent institutions when she was named two years ago to lead the International Monetary Fund, capping a shooting-star career.
France seeks to brand Hezbollah as 'terrorist' group
France is to call for the military arm of Hezbollah to be added to an EU terror blacklist due to its backing of the Syrian regime.
Hollande, Merkel to mark 150 years of German centre-left
Germany's opposition Social Democrats mark their 150th birthday Thursday, with French President Francois Hollande as the only foreign speaker and conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel in the audience.
Young Kazakhstan composer opens music festival in Paris
A young composer and pianist from Kazakhstan Takhat-Bi Abdyssagin has opened a music festival in Paris.
Far-right writer kills self in Paris's Notre Dame Cathedral
A far-right writer and activist shot himself dead in front of the altar of Paris's famed Notre Dame Cathedral on Tuesday, leaving statements denouncing gay marriage and immigration.
Coen brothers comedy, Chinese shocker lead Cannes pack
A Coen brothers comedy, a daring Chinese expose of exploitation and moral rot, and a divorce drama by an Iranian Oscar winner emerged as the breakout favourites as the Cannes Film Festival hit the halfway mark.
Cannes Festival rocked as Chopard jewels are stolen
Jewellery worth $1.4 million due to be loaned to stars at the Cannes Film Festival was stolen from a local hotel in a pre-dawn heist on Friday but the coveted Palme d'Or trophy was safe.
French president to sign gay marriage bill into law
French President Francois Hollande will sign a gay marriage and adoption bill into law Saturday, after the Constitutional Council threw out a legal challenge by the right-wing opposition.
At Cannes, shock movie tests China's boundaries
The only Chinese contestant in the running for this year's Palme d'Or, "A Touch of Sin" (Tian Zhu Ding) reaped enthusiastic applause at a press screening on Thursday.
Hollande's headache worsens as France slips into recession
President Francois Hollande's nagging headache to reboot the French economy has turned into a migraine as the economy slipped into its second recession in four years, fuelling speculation of an impending cabinet reshuffle.