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Ukraine receives first F-16 jets, officials say

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The first batch of much-anticipated F-16 jets has arrived in Ukraine, according to Lithuania’s foreign minister and a U.S. official on Wednesday. This delivery is expected to aid Ukraine in restoring its weakened air force. The F-16s, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, have long been sought by Ukraine due to their significant firepower and widespread availability. Equipped with a 20mm cannon, these fighter jets can carry a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that “F-16s in Ukraine. Another impossible thing turned out to be totally possible.” A U.S. official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the delivery has been completed.

Denmark has pledged a total of 19 jets, while the Netherlands has committed to delivering 24 aircraft. Both nations have played a key role in forming an international coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16s. Norway has also announced it will donate six F-16 fighter jets. Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel have undergone training with the help of Western allies for several months.

As Ukraine has fought against Russia’s full-scale invasion that began in February 2022, it has relied on a limited fleet of Soviet-era aircraft. Ukrainian officials consider the addition of F-16s a crucial enhancement for their Air Force. However, analysts and officials indicate that while the F-16s will strengthen Ukraine’s capabilities, they are unlikely to be a decisive factor in the ongoing conflict.

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Lobster Dinner for King Charles Costs France €450,000

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A lavish lobster dinner for King Charles cost the French president’s office €475,000 (£400,000), according to a report from the country’s audit office. During President Emmanuel Macron’s September visit, guests enjoyed a menu featuring blue lobster, crab, and a variety of cheeses.

The Cour des Comptes, in its annual financial report, highlighted that increased spending on state receptions had left their budget €8.3 million in deficit. It emphasized the need for the Elysée to make “significant efforts” to restore financial balance.

Out of the total dinner cost, more than €165,000 was allocated to catering, with an additional €40,000 spent on drinks. The star-studded guest list included actor Hugh Grant, football manager Arsène Wenger, and Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, who were served blue lobster and crab, followed by Bresse poultry with mushroom gratin. A cheese course featured French Comté and British Stichelton blue, and dessert included a rose macaroon cookie filled with rose petal cream, raspberries, and lychees.

This extravagant banquet at the Palace of Versailles was part of King Charles’ three-day state visit to France, intended to strengthen the alliance between the two nations. Originally scheduled for March, the visit was delayed due to widespread protests over pension reforms.

The report also noted a July 2023 banquet for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre, which cost €412,000. As a result of the increased spending, including state receptions, overall expenditures rose by 14% compared to the previous year, while revenue for the presidency increased by only 6.5%.

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‘Vast number’ of abuse reports on EU border, agency says

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The EU’s Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) is urging more thorough investigations into alleged human rights violations against migrants and refugees by authorities at the EU’s borders, including areas in the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and the English Channel. In a recent report, FRA highlighted the concerning lack of investigations despite numerous credible reports of loss of life and mistreatment along the EU’s land and sea borders.

The agency pointed out that allegations of severe human rights abuses include physical violence, neglect in rescuing individuals in distress, and forced family separations. FRA noted that victims often do not report these incidents to law enforcement due to their vulnerable circumstances.

In France, a civil society organization indicated that only one out of ten cases reported to them in Calais resulted in a formal complaint. Lawyers and civil society groups have stated that victims may hesitate to file complaints due to a lack of trust in the authorities or fear of repercussions on their asylum applications. Additionally, smugglers sometimes advise against reporting such incidents.

An example illustrating the difficulties faced by investigators occurred in October 2022 when French police apprehended an unaccompanied child hiding in a truck bound for the United Kingdom. The child was later found unconscious with a fractured skull by volunteers, who reported the incident to the public prosecutor in Boulogne-sur-Mer. However, when investigators attempted to reach the child a month later, he had already left for the UK and could not be located.

The report centers on border management and does not address asylum-related administrative procedures. FRA expressed concern that the limited number of investigations into these cases reflects poorly on the operations of border management authorities. The agency also noted that even when incidents are looked into, very few result in national court convictions, creating a prevailing sense of impunity.

FRA’s Director, Sirpa Rautio, emphasized that Europe has a “duty” to treat all individuals at its borders “fairly, respectfully, and in full compliance with human rights law.” She called for the implementation of “effective and rights-compliant border management practices” and thorough investigations into all reported instances of rights abuses.

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Greece Enacts Measures to Combat ‘Goat Plague’ Outbreak

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Greece has imposed a nationwide ban on the transportation of sheep and goats to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious disease known as “goat plague.” The agriculture ministry announced that the movement of these animals for breeding, fattening, and slaughter is prohibited across the country. New cases of the virus, known as Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), have been identified in the central Larissa region and southern Corinth, where it can kill between 80% and 100% of infected animals, although it does not pose a threat to humans.

In a statement on Monday, the Greek agriculture ministry emphasized that this ban aims to limit the spread and eradicate the disease. They have informed livestock farmers, cheesemakers, slaughterhouse operators, and feed suppliers about the new restrictions. Over the weekend, ministry officials conducted urgent meetings with local authorities in the affected regions. An investigation is underway to trace the source of the outbreak, including the possibility of “suspicious imports” from abroad.

Greece is coordinating with the EU and the veterinary services of member states, as EU regulations dictate that an entire flock must be culled upon confirmation of a PPR case, followed by disinfection of the affected farm. Since the disease was first identified in Greece on July 11, at least 7,000 animals have already been culled. Greece holds the highest population of goats in Europe, and goat and sheep milk is essential for producing feta cheese, a key Greek product. PPR was first reported in Ivory Coast in 1942 and has since spread worldwide.

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Meloni Meets Xi: Relaunching Italy-China Relations

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Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described China as an “important interlocutor” for managing global tensions during her meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Xi acknowledged the “long-established friendly” relations and emphasized “tolerance, mutual trust, and mutual respect” between the two nations.

On her first visit to China since taking office, Meloni and Chinese Premier Li Qiang signed a three-year plan aimed at enhancing economic cooperation. This five-day trip follows Meloni’s decision last year to withdraw Italy from President Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a move motivated by the disappointing returns on the significant investment scheme intended to boost bilateral trade.

Meloni framed her visit as an effort to “relaunch” the Italy-China relationship. After discussions with Xi at Beijing’s Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, she noted the rising global insecurity and the necessity for China to play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Meloni highlighted the need for the two countries to collaborate for stability and peace.

Italy’s prime minister’s office reported that their talks covered various global governance issues, including the Ukraine conflict, potential escalations in the Middle East, and increasing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Xi called for both nations to “uphold the spirit of the Silk Road” to foster a new era in East-West relations, stating that both sides have significant opportunities for mutual growth and welcoming Italian investments in China while expressing a willingness to import more high-quality Italian goods.

Italy was the only major Western nation to sign onto the BRI, which was met with strong criticism from the US and other Western countries. Since assuming office in 2022, Meloni has adopted a more pro-Western and pro-NATO stance than her predecessors, previously criticizing the prior government’s decision to join the BRI as a “serious mistake.” Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for the Asia Pacific at Natixis, remarked that Meloni’s absence from the BRI allows her to engage with China on a more equal footing, as a partner rather than a subordinate.

Under Meloni’s leadership, Italy has blocked a Chinese state-owned firm from acquiring the tire manufacturer Pirelli and supported the European Commission’s recent move to impose tariffs of up to 37.6% on electric vehicles imported from China. Trade between Italy and China reached 66.8 billion euros (£56.3 billion) last year, making China Italy’s largest non-EU trading partner after the US.

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Man Arrested in Connection with Suspected Vandalism of French Railways

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An “ultra-left militant” was arrested in north-west France on Sunday after exhibiting suspicious behavior near a railway site, according to police sources cited by French media. When officers searched the man’s vehicle, they discovered keys to technical facilities, pliers, a set of universal keys, and literature associated with the ultra-left. The 28-year-old suspect is currently being interrogated by police in Rouen.

There are no indications that the man is connected to the suspected coordinated arson attacks on railway lines that occurred on Friday, just before the opening ceremony for the Paris Olympic Games. These acts of sabotage disrupted high-speed TGV services to and from Paris and significantly affected travel across France.

On Monday morning, France’s Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, stated that authorities had identified “a number of profiles of individuals” who could be behind these deliberate and targeted acts of sabotage. He noted that the methods used were characteristic of the ultra-left and suggested there may be a political motive behind the actions. “The question is whether they were manipulated or acting on their own,” Mr. Darmanin said, emphasizing that investigators were making good progress in identifying those responsible.

While he did not confirm any ties between the saboteurs and France’s national rail operator, SNCF, Mr. Darmanin pointed out that the locations of the arson attacks were “extremely specific.” He remarked that the attacks were well-planned, targeting three major lines.

Mr. Darmanin also reported that approximately 50 individuals had been arrested in connection with the Olympics, alongside others—estimated to be around 150—who intended to carry out acts of sabotage or radical protests during the early events of the Games. In addition to the train line damage, French media reported that fiber optic cables had been cut in six locations across France from Sunday into Monday, causing some isolated outages.

At this time, it remains unclear whether there is any connection between the vandalism of the telecoms infrastructure and the recent sabotage of the rail network, which impacted around 250,000 passengers on Friday and many more over the weekend. No group has claimed responsibility for either incident, although a security source suggested that the arson attacks resembled tactics used by the extreme left.

Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete announced on Monday that train services had returned to normal after teams worked tirelessly over the weekend to repair the damage. He mentioned that significant resources, including drones and police helicopters, were deployed to enhance the security of France’s extensive railway network. Mr. Vergriete estimated that the acts of sabotage could cost several million euros.

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Convicted Rapist Van de Velde Faces Booing at Olympic Debut

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Convicted child rapist Steven van de Velde made his Olympic beach volleyball debut in Paris, receiving mixed reactions from the crowd, including audible boos. Sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old British girl, Van de Velde and his partner Matthew Immers, currently ranked 10th in the world, lost 2-1 to Italy’s Alex Ranghieri and Adrian Carambula, ranked 25th, at the Eiffel Tower Stadium.

As they entered the arena, the pair received a combination of cheers and boos, and when Van de Velde was announced individually, the crowd again expressed a mix of applause and disapproval. The Dutch duo is scheduled to play again on July 31 against Chile’s Marco and Esteban Grimalt.

An online petition demanding Van de Velde’s ban from the Olympics garnered 90,000 signatures before his first match, and various women’s and safeguarding groups have criticized his inclusion in the Dutch team. Many fans voiced their opposition, with some arguing that his presence contradicts the spirit of the Olympics, while others suggested that a different athlete should have been chosen.

However, some supporters, including a Dutch fan, argued that Van de Velde deserves a chance to compete since he has served his sentence. Immers defended his partner, stating that they had worked hard to qualify for the Olympics and wanted to enjoy the experience.

Van de Velde is not staying in the Olympic village and will not participate in post-match media. Extra security was provided for him during his arrival in Paris. He has expressed regret over his past actions, referring to them as the biggest mistake of his life.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clarified that the responsibility for athlete selection lies with individual national committees. Van de Velde returned to play in 2017 after completing a specialist treatment program and meeting guidelines set by the Dutch Volleyball Federation (NeVoBo). The Dutch Olympic Committee (NOC) stated that he has fulfilled all necessary assessments and shown no risk of reoffending. They also noted that Van de Velde has been transparent about his past and has sought professional counseling.

Mark Adams, an IOC spokesperson, acknowledged the discomfort surrounding Van de Velde’s inclusion but emphasized that the decision was made by the NOC. Analysis from BBC Sports News correspondent Laura Scott highlighted the significant controversy surrounding Van de Velde’s selection, noting that while some fans were unaware of his past, most international fans expressed strong opposition to his participation, whereas Dutch fans tended to be more supportive or hesitant to discuss the topic.

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France Cancels Train Services Amid Ongoing Search for Vandals

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On Saturday, three out of ten French high-speed trains will be cancelled due to a series of coordinated arson attacks that have disrupted rail services. French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal announced that security forces are actively searching for the “saboteurs” responsible for the chaos, which comes just ahead of the Olympic Games. The national rail company, SNCF, reported that the trains that do operate on Saturday will face delays of up to two hours on major routes in and out of Paris, with approximately a quarter of Eurostar services also being cancelled. France’s transport minister indicated that services should return to normal by Monday morning.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to SNCF. The company mentioned that its staff worked overnight in challenging conditions to repair the damage caused by the vandalism, which targeted cabling boxes at junctions on the North, Brittany, and South-West lines just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony was set to begin in Paris. Saboteurs reportedly cut and set fire to specialized fiber optic cables critical for the rail network’s safe operation, with sources in the investigation suggesting the attacks were “well-prepared” and organized by a single group.

Rail workers successfully prevented an attempt to damage safety equipment on a fourth line. SNCF warned that traffic will remain disrupted on Sunday for the North axis, while conditions should improve on the Atlantic axis for weekend returns. The company estimates that around 250,000 passengers were affected on Friday, with junior transport minister Patrice Vergriete suggesting that up to 800,000 could be impacted over the weekend. Eurostar, which operates international services from London to Paris and relies on a high-speed line in France, announced that one in four of its trains would not run during the weekend. Passengers have been advised to postpone their travels, with disruptions anticipated to last until Monday. Among those affected on Friday was Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who had intended to take the train to the Games’ opening ceremony but had to fly instead.

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Paris 2024: A Dazzling Opening Ceremony on the Seine

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The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris with a stunning and innovative ceremony, marking the first time athletes paraded along the River Seine instead of in a stadium. The nearly four-hour spectacle featured 6,800 athletes from 205 delegations sailing on 85 boats, passing iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. The event culminated in a dramatic moment as French judo champion Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lit a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon, which soared into the Parisian sky.

Despite heavy rain and earlier disruptions caused by arson attacks on the French train network, the ceremony unfolded with vibrant performances. Among the highlights were US singer Lady Gaga, who delivered a cabaret act, and Celine Dion, who made an emotional return to the stage. The artistic direction, led by Thomas Jolly, brought to life a narrative celebrating French history, art, and sport, with contributions from approximately 2,000 musicians and dancers.

The last two boats to parade were the US team, the next hosts for the 2028 Olympics, and the French delegation, which had the largest number of athletes onboard. Great Britain was represented by flagbearers Helen Glover and Tom Daley. IOC President Thomas Bach addressed the athletes, emphasizing the Olympics as a unifying event amid global tensions and conflicts.

Over 10,500 athletes will compete in 32 sports throughout the Games, which run until August 11. The ceremony’s visual spectacle included fireworks in the colors of the French flag and featured various artistic segments, from ballet to performances inspired by French culture. Celine Dion thrilled the crowd with a rendition of Edith Piaf’s “L’Hymne à l’amour,” marking her first performance since revealing a serious health condition.

Despite some minor gaffes, such as confusing South Korea with North Korea, the ceremony was a remarkable celebration of sport and unity, setting the stage for the upcoming competitions.

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French high-speed rail sabotaged before Olympic ceremony

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French rail company SNCF has reported that at least 250,000 passengers will be affected by what Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has called “acts of sabotage.” These disruptions were caused by a series of fires early Friday morning, just hours before the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

Several high-speed TGV lines heading west, north, and east of Paris have been impacted, and Eurostar has warned customers of potential delays and cancellations. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and Mr. Attal stated that security forces are actively searching for the perpetrators, while the public prosecutor’s office is conducting an investigation.

According to Mr. Attal, these “prepared and coordinated” acts of sabotage targeted SNCF installations. The company described the fires as a “massive attack” involving “malicious acts,” and workers are currently repairing the damaged cables manually. SNCF anticipates that up to 800,000 people could be affected over the weekend due to the disruptions.

SNCF’s head, Christophe Fanichet, assured that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions and that affected travelers would be reimbursed. He advised people not to go to the stations unless they have been informed that their trains are operational. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete indicated that all evidence points to these being arson attacks, noting that they occurred simultaneously, and vans were found at the scene from which individuals had fled. Flammable materials were also discovered.

Three major TGV routes connecting Paris with cities like Lille, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg were targeted, while authorities prevented a fourth attack on the Paris-Marseille line. Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra condemned the attacks as “downright appalling” and highlighted the potential impact on the public and Olympic athletes.

Paris 2024, the organizing committee for the Olympic Games, is currently assessing the situation and collaborating with SNCF. The rail company has reported severe disruptions, with Eurostar and other high-speed services being diverted, causing ripple effects on other routes. Eurostar announced it would be cancelling one in four of its services on Friday, with similar disruptions expected over the weekend and potentially lasting until Monday morning.

Megan Murphy, a passenger traveling from London, reported her Eurostar train was delayed by 90 minutes and made a brief stop in Lille to switch tracks. Germany’s Deutsche Bahn has also warned of disruptions to its long-distance rail network and advised passengers to check their travel plans.

SNCF is already on site to investigate the damage and begin repairs, though they caution that the situation could extend throughout the weekend and beyond. Mr. Farrandou lamented that this disruption ruins what should have been a festive holiday period and a celebratory day for the Olympics.

This incident occurs amid a heightened security operation in Paris, involving tens of thousands of troops and police aimed at protecting the global sporting event. French authorities have vowed to locate and punish those responsible for these “criminal acts.” A security source suggested that the sabotage might be linked to extreme left groups, although no direct Russian connection has been established. Earlier this week, a Russian man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in a destabilization plot against the Games, but France has not connected him to the rail sabotage. Despite Russia’s ban from the Olympics, some of its athletes are still competing as neutrals.

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