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30/08/2004
Iraqi kidnappings will not change headdress laws, says French government
The French government has said today that it will not give in to demands by Iraqi kidnappers that laws banning Islamic headscarves from schools should be shelved.
Iraqi militants have said that they would only free the two French journalists they are holding if laws forbidding religious garments in state-run schools are scrapped within 48 hours.
On Saturday, the Qatar-based news service Al Jazeera broadcast footage of the two journalists – Christian Chesnot of Radio France and Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro – who are being held by a group calling itself the Islamic Army Of Iraq.
However, it is not clear what will happen to the hostages after tonight's deadline runs out.
According to Al Jazeera, the French government has sent two envoys to the Middle East to negotiate for the release of the two men.
At a press conference in Cairo, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier called for the journalists' release "in the name of principles of humanity and respect for the human being which are at the very heart of the message of Islam and the religious practices of Muslims".
The controversial law regarding religious dress comes into effect at the start of the new school year which begins next week.
(gmcg)
Iraqi militants have said that they would only free the two French journalists they are holding if laws forbidding religious garments in state-run schools are scrapped within 48 hours.
On Saturday, the Qatar-based news service Al Jazeera broadcast footage of the two journalists – Christian Chesnot of Radio France and Georges Malbrunot of Le Figaro – who are being held by a group calling itself the Islamic Army Of Iraq.
However, it is not clear what will happen to the hostages after tonight's deadline runs out.
According to Al Jazeera, the French government has sent two envoys to the Middle East to negotiate for the release of the two men.
At a press conference in Cairo, French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier called for the journalists' release "in the name of principles of humanity and respect for the human being which are at the very heart of the message of Islam and the religious practices of Muslims".
The controversial law regarding religious dress comes into effect at the start of the new school year which begins next week.
(gmcg)
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08 July 2013
Female French Student Killed On 'Boris Bike'
A 20-year-old female French student has died after the 'Boris Bike' she was riding was involved in a collision with a lorry. The incident happened in east London on Friday evening. The victim has not yet been named as authorities have not yet been able to inform her next of kin.
Female French Student Killed On 'Boris Bike'
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24 January 2013
Foreign Office Tells Britons To Leave Libya
The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to immediately leave the Libyan city of Benghazi, following “a specific threat to Westerners".
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The Foreign Office has urged British nationals to immediately leave the Libyan city of Benghazi, following “a specific threat to Westerners".
11 September 2012
Single Gun Used In French Alps Murders
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Single Gun Used In French Alps Murders
In the ongoing investigation into the killing of four members of a British family while on holiday in the French Alps, and a local cyclist, French police have said just one gun was used. Officials told reporters in Annecy that ballistics tests found 25 spent cartridges left at the scene, which came from a 7.65mm calibre semi-automatic pistol.
10 August 2005
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
Judges warn licensing changes could increase violence
The government’s controversial new licensing laws could lead to an increase in rapes, domestic violence and serious assaults. Judges have warned. A report by the Council of Her Majesty’s Circuit Judges warned that alcohol-fuelled crime could rise once the new licensing laws, which allow 24-hour drinking, come into effect on November 24.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
