Latest update: 08/01/2013 

- demonstrations - Northern Ireland


More riots in Belfast

No Flash warning
To take advantage of all the features on FRANCE24.COM, please click here to download the latest version of Flash Player.

There's been more violence in Northern Ireland, as youths from the region's unionist community clashed with police. The protests are in reaction to a decision last month by Belfast City Council to no longer fly the British flag over City Hall. The decision was taken to allow the city council take a neutral stance between the pro-British Unionists and the largely Catholic Irish nationalist community. The flag will now be flown only on selected days.

FOCUS
By Aurore Cloe DUPUIS / Clovis CASALI / Patrick LOVETT
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.
The battle for Qusair
20/05/2013 - SYRIA

The battle for Qusair

In recent days Syrian government forces and rebel fighters have struggled for control of the town of Qusair, located 10 kilometres from the Lebanese border on a vital supply route. Fighters from the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah have reportedly lent support to the Syrian army, while Sunni gunmen allegedly crossed the border to reinforce the rebels.
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.

React to the article
Comment this article typing your message in the above text zone. Please note that this is limited to 1500 characters or less.
(0) Reactions
Read more
Close