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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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At an update meeting on the case of the deaths of three Britons and a cyclist in the French Alps, police have said their main line of enquiry remains a dispute over family inheritance. Saad al-Hilli was shot dead along with his wife, Iqbal, her mother Suhaila al-Allaf and French cyclist Sylvain Mollier on 05 September 2012.
08 July 2013
Female French Student Killed On 'Boris Bike'
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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.
09 January 2007
Religious groups stage gay protest
Protestors are to hold a rally outside parliament today against the Sexual Orientation legislation. Religious groups claim that the laws, designed to ensure equality in the provision of goods, facilities and services, will discriminate against religious beliefs.
Religious groups stage gay protest
Protestors are to hold a rally outside parliament today against the Sexual Orientation legislation. Religious groups claim that the laws, designed to ensure equality in the provision of goods, facilities and services, will discriminate against religious beliefs.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
