The Roma's return

France has faced a large amount of criticism from its European neighbours over its treatment of Roma people. Since the start of the year more than 8,000 have been deported. Once they land in Romania, many Roma immediately set about trying to get back to France.

FOCUS

By Mirel BRAN

10/09/2009 - VENEZUELA

Chavez, a unique and controversial figure

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is nothing if not a controversial figure. Having just completed a world tour meeting allies of Venezuela, Chavez continues to stir up opposition at home and in the US, though popularity polls give him 57 percent.

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LEBANON

Salah Ezzedine, the Lebanese 'Madoff' ?

When a big cheque written by Salah Ezzedine, a Lebanese businessman known for his connections with Hezbollah, bounced, it prompted an investigation into a Bernard Madoff-type fraud. But in Ezzedine's hometown, people don't want to believe it.

INFLUENZA A(H1N1)

Is the swine flu threat real?

In France, where 14 people have died from the virus, dozens of schools have been closed to contain the virus since the start of the school year. However, are these preventive measures causing more alarm than needed?

08/09/2009 - THAILAND

Insurgency in the troubled south

On Thailand's southern border with Malaysia, near to the country's paradise holiday resorts, a dangerous and little-known conflict is pitting the army against a unique and highly secretive insurgency, threatening to turn into secretarian violence.

ISRAEL

Israel approves construction of more settlements

Defying demands by the US and the European Union for a freeze on settlement building, Israel has officially approved the construction of more than 455 new housing units in the occupied West Bank.