Christians gathered at the Church of the Nativity in the holy city of Bethlehem on Tuesday to mark a solemn Christmas overshadowed by war, as Pope Francis led mass in the Vatican. FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Jerusalem.
On his first visit to China since becoming Japan's top diplomat earlier this year, Iwaya told Wang that Tokyo was "closely monitoring the Taiwan situation and recent military developments", according to his foreign ministry. Meeting with Wang at Beijing's opulent Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, he also "expressed serious concerns over the East China Sea situation, including around the Senkaku Islands (and) China's increasing military activity," Tokyo said. Iwaya in addition called for the "swift release"... Читать дальше...
"I came because I feel alone and it's sad," said Walter Villagra, a 54-year-old homeless man who survives by collecting cans after he lost his job as an electrician four years ago. Titled "No Family Without Christmas," the event in front of the National Congress was held for the eighth consecutive year, and Tuesday's turnout exceeded organizers' expectations. "To say that it is a special year because there is more and more poverty is sad, but it is true," Mariana Gonzalez, spokesperson for the Movement of Excluded Workers... Читать дальше...
A fleet of 105 will set sail from Sydney Harbour in one of the world's great ocean races before they head down Australia's east coast, then tackle the notorious Bass Strait towards the Tasmanian state capital Hobart. In the final race briefing, meteorologist Gabrielle Woodhouse said the boats can expect fine weather and brisk north-easterly winds to get them underway before gusts strengthen as they fly down the coast. "We'll see those winds strengthening and potentially getting gale-force speeds... Читать дальше...
In tonight's edition, at least 21 people died in Mozambique in post-electoral violence, after the top court confirmed long-ruling party Frelimo's victory. Also, Famine has spread across war-torn Sudan and is projected to expand even further, a UN-backed assessment says. And Scuba Claus makes the over 13 000-kilometer trip to Capetown for the joy of children and sharks and jellyfish!
France 24's Noga Tarnopolsky reports from Bethlehem on the subdued and sombre Christmas celebrations, overshadowed for a second year by the war in Gaza.
