AFP, Paris
Paris was on high alert for more street clashes Thursday as unions prepared another march against labour market reforms in a three-month protest campaign which has been marred by violence.
The march is to take place after the another round of bitter negotiations in which the embattled Socialist government tried to ban the protest over security fears, before backing down and agreeing on a short, tightly-contained route.
NATO must be strengthened. says Merkel
Reuters, Berlin
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday underscored her government’s commitment to strengthening NATO’s eastern flank, days after her foreign minister warned against “saber-rattling” that could escalate tensions with Russia. Merkel said Germany would continue to do engage in regular dialogue with Russia but also saw “new threats” close to Europe, and was determined to both increase its own military spending and strengthen the NATO alliance.
India, Iran to join Afghan peace process
Dawn.com, Washington
India and Iran will be included in the Afghan peace process at a later stage, a senior US official has said while recognising Pakistan’s role as well.
In tweets sent after he spoke at a Washington think tank on Tuesday, Ambassador Richard Olson said.
“Pakistan does remain committed to the process of reconciliation and talks in Afghanistan.”
