Latest update: 12/11/2009 

- Colombia


Digging up Colombia's ugly past

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In the name of anti-guerrilla warfare, Colombian paramilitary forces spread terror in the countryside over two decades. Their units now disbanded, some have gone back to the sites of the killings to repent.

FOCUS

Our guest today is Pascal Drouhaud, Latin America specialist at the Institut Choiseul.

Israeli government cracks down on civilians' illegal firearms
22/05/2013 - ISRAEL

Israeli government cracks down on civilians' illegal firearms

In a country where weapons abound, gun owners may sometimes lose track of a gun or a rifle, tucked away at the back of a disused cupboard. Now, after several deadly incidents involving firearms, Israel's Ministry of Public Security and police are collaborating to rein in some of the country's illegally-held weaponry, including guns, assault rifles and cartridges, for which permits have expired. Officials are poring over their files in an attempt to locate the firearms and their current owners.
French Defence Minister goes shopping for drones
21/05/2013 - FRANCE

French Defence Minister goes shopping for drones

France is once again in the market for some unmanned drones, the remotely controlled aircraft favoured by countries such as the US, whose military uses them extensively to monitor difficult enemy terrain in Pakistan and Afghanistan. The current French fleet of drones was purchased 20 years ago and Paris wants to update it. But Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has come in for criticism after approaching US and Israeli manufacturers instead of encouraging French brands to start making them.
Spanish transport system running on empty
21/05/2013 - SPAIN

Spanish transport system running on empty

The Spanish government is set to close dozens of state-run rail routes and cut services on hundreds of other lines as Madrid struggles to right the country's recession-hit economy. The cuts will allow savings of over €85 million but will affect over 1.65 million passengers. Critics accuse the government of building first and thinking later during the boom years.
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20/05/2013 - SYRIA

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Seven Days in Tibet
20/05/2013 - CHINA

Seven Days in Tibet

Tibet has been off-limits to journalists since the Chinese government brutally suppressed riots in the region five years ago. France 24's regional correspondent Cyril Payen managed to get a seven-day visa to enter the region. What he saw lends weight to the complaints of the Dalai Lama and human rights organisations, who say Tibetan culture is being erased.

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