Gradually, however, the government of President Nicolas Sarkozy has shown that it is squeezing billions of euros of expenditure. While neighbors like Germany, Britain and Spain have publicly announced sweeping programs for tens of thousands of dollars in cuts, Sarkozy and other French leaders have announced plans to save one by one, often in private meetings and always avoiding the word “austerity.”

This is because many here that the word an epithet, and the governments of left and right have preferred to spend their way out of crisis. Sarkozy is breaking with that tradition, but it seems too afraid of public protest – or the resistance within his own party – to say.

Greece, where the crisis began debt Europe, has announced austerity measures worth euro30 billion ($ 37,600,000,000) through 2012 – including utilities and pension pay cuts and higher taxes. Since then the major economies have joined, like Germany, with a plan to save euro80 million in 2014 and Britain has announced plans to save 50 million pounds a year.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon told lawmakers in a closed meeting of legislators from his conservative UMP party that the State will cut spending euro45 million over the next three years. The statement was later reported to the French media.

The cuts that Sarkozy has championed most loudly are those who point to their own ministers, who have come under scrutiny for recent wasteful habits, including billing the government euro12, 000 cigars and euro116, 000 to rent a private jet . Last week, Sarkozy ordered the ax “unreasonable or excessive costs,” end the use of state money to hunt on the grounds of a castle, every year, reducing the number of official vehicles, saying ministers to travel train instead of plane when possible, and not have so many people along when they leave.

These savings occur only nominal, however.

The budget will have a bigger boost from cuts in tax cuts for corporations and the rich. These were initially estimated to produce savings this year of EURO 5 million, a figure the budget minister, Francois Baroin raised to Euro10 million on Wednesday.

Between 150 measures announced in private at a cabinet meeting is cutting 100,000 jobs in the state sector between 2011 and 2013 by not replacing half of workers retire, expects to save Euro3 billion. This is in addition to cuts that Sarkozy is looking at regional and local budgets.

The economist Jean-Herve Lorenzi said on Saturday that France has a vision “outdated” to explain the economic decisions to the public.

“We are convinced that in France, and is a weakness, a truth which announced progressively easier to swallow than the truth, he said clearly,” he said.

Conservative French lawmaker Jean-Francois Cope said it was time for saving and fiscal austerity “is not a curse word.”

“I think the French are asking us to make responsible decisions,” he said.

Sarkozy’s government also intends to increase retirement age from 60 to 62 in an amendment to a pension system anymore. The plan has been in the works for years, but around 800,000 people took to the streets for 10 days to protest against it – that illustrate Sarkozy the French worry about pushing too hard to tighten the belt. Public protests have reduced the pension reform, and governments in the past. The unions walked out of negotiations with the government last week proposed a freeze on public sector salaries.

France’s total budget this year provided euro384 million in expenses, but revenues only euro268 million, a deficit of 8 percent. Sarkozy has pledged to make the 3 percent in 2013 to adhere to the rules of the Union, without explicitly explaining how to do it.

Meanwhile, the country’s debt is huge and growing: He got euro46.5 million in the first quarter to stand at euro1.5 billion euros, or 80.3 percent of gross domestic product, according to figures released on Wednesday.

Many of the cuts should go to the French National Assembly later this year as part of the budget of 2011. Economists question whether it will be enough to calm markets worried, or meet Sarkozy’s own objectives to reduce the deficit.

Perhaps because of these concerns, Sarkozy has taken a different course on austerity abroad.

He joined other European leaders in the discussion to the adjustment budget at the summits of world leaders in Canada a week ago. President Barack Obama has favored stimulus with austerity, and some fear that the cuts will stifle Europe’s recovery from recession. The leaders pledged to reduce public deficits in the rich countries by half by 2013, with scope for achieving the objective.

Martine Aubry, who leads the Socialist opposition and hopes to challenge Sarkozy for the presidency in two years, called the cuts in public sector spending “inept and brutal” and said it would increase insecurity and school failure. Still, even added: “Of course, we must save. We have a deficit and debt are catastrophic.”

Public debt increased from € 46500000000 end of the fourth quarter of 2009 to 1535.5 million euros, national statistics office INSEE said. Debt in the fourth quarter was 78.1 percent of GDP, well above the EU limit of 60 per cent of GDP. “The recent increase in debt is linked to the stimulus measures implemented following the crisis,” French Budget Ministry said in a statement following the publication of the figures on Wednesday.

central government borrowing rose € 43400000000 in the quarter, while the social security system fell further € 8600000000 in the red.

The French government expects its level of debt that reached a record 83.2 percent of GDP this year and then continue to increase to a maximum of 87.1 in 2012, before beginning to fall again from 2013 .

The burden of servicing this debt is in addition to France’s public deficit balloons, which will hit 8.0 percent of GDP this year, well above European Union limits of 3.0 percent of GDP.

France is under increasing pressure to settle their finances after the recent announcement of the rigid austerity measures of Germany’s European neighbors and the United Kingdom.

The government has pledged to reduce its deficit to the EU limit for the year 2013, and has announced a three-year freeze on state spending and 10 percent cut in operating expenses of the State.

The elimination of stimulus spending starting in 2011 also is expected to hit 0.6 percent of its deficit.

In an interview with Le Parisien on Wednesday, Budget Minister Francois Baroin confirmed that the government is looking for another 10 million euros in savings by 2013, especially by reducing the number of staff.

Another possibility being discussed is the reduction or elimination of certain tax exemptions, which Baroin said could bring an extra 10 million euros in tax revenue. (Reporting by Buffery Vicky;

His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, Member of Executive Council and President of the UAE Equestrian ‘and’ Racing Federation attended the 2000 meters race Group 1 (4 years or above) competed for 50,000 euros in prize money.

Raky emerged winner of the race and Nayef al-Khalidi and Ladies finished the race in second and third respectively.

Raky and Ladies are owned by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, whereas Nayef Al-Khalidi is owned by Al-Khalidia stables.

Also present were the Ambassador of United Arab Emirates France, Mohammed Abdullah Al-Raeesi Meer, Director of the Court, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Jabr Al-Suwaidi, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian ‘and’ Racing Federation Taleb Al-Muhairi ambassadors, the owners and a lot of fans.

Sheikh Sultan praised the prestigious race he said “now matches those in Europe own events.”

He noted that the federation is developing plans to expand the series in Europe.

“More countries are joining as new scenarios of the series … Owners in Europe are interested in producing Arab thoroughbred stables in France, Germany and U.S.,” he said.

The President Cup UAE – Coupe d’Europe des Chevaux Arab runs more than 2,000 meters and promises to be very competitive. Also in the race card for the day is the Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways Malleret Handicap – both are racing thoroughbreds.

Inaugurated in 1901, with a view to the west of Paris, Saint-Cloud is a field of grass racing horse racing flat has a large number of them three meets a group of events: the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June, which is one of the trials for the Grand Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barri re, the International Crit moratorium and the moratorium Crit de Saint-Cloud in November.

Experts suspect that similar amounts are coming to other European centers and – an illegal trade that is raising concerns about diseases ranging from monkeypox virus Ebola, and is another twist to the continent’s struggle to integrate a growing population of African immigrants.

The research, the first time that experts have documented the amount of bushmeat is smuggled into any European city, was published Friday in the journal Conservation Letters.

“Anecdotally we know that happens … But it is quite surprising volumes that are coming,” said Marcus Rowcliffe, a researcher at the Zoological Society of London and one of the authors of the study.

In the neighborhood of Chateau Rouge in the heart of Paris, bushmeat is on the menu – at least for those who know.

Madame Toukine, an African woman in 50 years, said she receives special deliveries of meat and crocodile hunting every weekend in his shop, green and yellow off Rue des Poissoniere market. He declined to give his full name for fear of arrest.

“Everyone knows the game meat is sold in the area and even know where to buy,” said Hassan Kaouti, a local butcher. “But I say it’s illegal.”

For the study, European experts see Air France 29 (web | news) flights from Central and West Africa, landing at Paris Roissy-Charles de Gaulle during a period of 17 days in June 2008.

134 wanted persons, nine had bushmeat and 83 had won or fish.

People with bushmeat had as much: A passenger was 112 lbs (51 kilos) of meat from wild animals – and no other luggage. Most wild animals came as smoking and dry channels. Some animals were identifiable, although scientists boiled the remains of others and reassemble the skeletons to determine the species.

They found 11 types of meat from wild animals like monkeys, big rats, crocodiles, small antelope and pangolin, or anteater. Almost 40 percent are listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Based on what the authorities seized – 414 lbs (188 kilos) of meat of wild animals – the researchers estimated that about five tons of wild meat gets into Paris each week.

They also noted that penalties for illegal importation of meat are light and rarely imposed. Under the French law, the maximum penalty is confiscation of property and a $ 556 (€ 450) fine. Of the passengers look for in the study, only one person bushmeat was actually fined.

Bushmeat is widely consumed and sold in Central and West Africa, the Central African Republic, Cameroon and Republic of Congo are the main sources. Vary depending on whether it is legal. Is generally granted where people are allowed to hunt if their prey are not in danger and they can prove the animals were sacrificed in nature.

The ban on bushmeat is applied in Kenya, but it is legal in most parts of the Republic of Congo, where hunters can stalk parks that are not heavily protected. Even after several outbreaks of the deadly Ebola virus linked to eating meat from wild animals, the practice remains widespread.

The scientists cautioned eating bushmeat was a potential health hazard.

“If you have an intimate contact with a wild animal – and eat a very intimate contact – then you may be exposed to all kinds of diseases,” said Malcolm Bennett, UK National Centre for Zoonosis Research, University of Liverpool , who was not connected with the study.

Bennett said the game meat had a higher risk of bacteria such as salmonella and could also lead to new diseases. The virus that causes AIDS originated in monkeys, and the global outbreak of SARS in 2003 came from a virus in bats and civets.

Nina Marano, chief of the quarantine unit at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, also speaking on underground markets for bushmeat exist throughout America.

“We have to be culturally sensitive and recognize that this is important for some communities in Africa,” he said. “But there are no regulations for the preparation of meat from wild animals to make sure.”

The magnitude of illegal trade in bushmeat in Europe suggests the emergence of a luxury market. Prices can be as high as $ 18 per pound (30 euros a kilo), twice more mundane supermarket meat costs.

“It’s like buying the best cut of beef from organic farming,” Rowcliffe said, adding that meat from wild animals such as giant rats, and the porcupine, who has tried, has a strong taste for hunting.

“The first contract involves the transfer of technologies to Russia, which will now have the right to produce official licensed thermal images in Vologda Optical and mechanical equipment,” said Igor Sevastyanov, deputy general director of Rosoboronexport.

“The second interim agreement allows Russia to bring the communications equipment for integration into Russian armored vehicles for testing,” said Sevastyanov. He added that the communications equipment would be mounted on T-90 tanks and BMP-3 armored personnel carriers.

Rosoboronexport did not specify the amount of contracts.

The plant in the city of Vologda, Russia CET will assemble thermal camera images developed by Thales. localized production will enable Russia reduce production and maintenance costs at least 5.10% and manufacture of thermal imaging cameras for civilian purposes in the future.

civilian use of thermal cameras could include monitoring the effectiveness of thermal insulation and heat leak detection and other applications.

Russia may only be able to export thermal images produced at the plant with the permission of the French authorities. The list of potential customers do not include so-called rogue states like Iran.

According to experts, Russia is lagging 20-30 years behind the West in many areas of technological progress and has recently begun to try to close the gap by purchasing production licenses abroad.

Almost nobody is willing to parade around in a French team and there are only rumors that “Les Bleus” to repeat their 1998 exploits. Discontent is rife, and after the Cup side goalless draw against Uruguay World, the voices are as loud as 80,000 unapproving vuvuzela in unison.

The mood among the journalists in the nation, found in South Africa, is sober, too. At each juncture, there is a group of Irish scribes were quick to point out that it was handball Thierry Henry said that France’s participation in the global showcase.

Then there are the press conferences with the unpopular coach Raymond Domenech, who has the charisma of a donkey (no, not the lovable Shrek).

The lack of a management team of inspiration and a clever tactic, is just one of several problems facing “Les Bleus” for the Guardian writer Thomas Fourquet terms “a hangover from 10 years old lame disappointing results in 2002, 2004 and 2008, and in 2006, a bad tempered run to the final which ended in the tragicomedy. ”

The side has enough depth to withstand a tournament team taxing and seem more interested in their own petty squabbles instead of forward in South Africa.

Franck Simon, who writes for the heavyweight publication France Football, Football365.co.za revealed that these concerns have been plaguing the country’s football for some time.

Domenech seems to be the chief architect of misfortune “Les Bleus”, and is so unpopular in France as l’Autruchienne or Marie Antoinette.

When asked about whether the nation feels the coach has the necessary tactical mind to the highest international level, Simon said: “There is growing doubt about your ability in this area.

“In reality, since 2004, never really been inspired by the computer from the tactical point of view, even as a meneur d’hommes – someone who is capable of leading men and find the right words to motivate them.”

Aime Jacquet, who led the French to World Cup glory in home in 1998, admitted: “The key to winning a World Cup is to implement a system that could change at any time.

“In my head already is the ability to play with Zinedine Zidane, without Laurent Blanc, Marcel Desailly, no … You can have a group of 22 (now 23) players, not 11.”

But the French team of 23 good enough to carry along the knockout stage if they move from a very difficult?

Simon is not convinced.

“There is some depth on the bench, but not in all sectors,” he said.

“The French are short of good and reliable central defenders. (Marc) plane has no international experience and seems limited. (Anthony) Réveillère on the back is also a second option.

“(Jeremy) Toulalan, a defensive midfielder of the figure from 11, to be a choice as a center back. The second and third goalkeeper (Steve and Cédric Carrasso Mandanda) are far below the level of Hugo Lloris, who can be seen as one of the main caregivers European, and possibly one of the best in the world.

“Among the strikers, Thierry Henry is not an automatic option for more. Nicolas Anelka is, without showing anything in recent weeks.

“André-Pierre Gignac is a good choice as a super sub. What is more surprising is Djibril Cissé situation, which was never considered for the friendly despite having his best season in Greece.”

Recent reports in France, a William Gallas is furious when Patrice Evra was handed the captain’s armband, which would explain the refusal of the Arsenal defense to speak to the media.

It is also suggested that several top players are pushing Domenech in the selection of Abou Diaby and Henry in his starting XI in place of Sidney Govou and Yoann Gourcuff.

Evra Despite protests to the contrary, Simon believes: “If the team is divided or if disagreements persist, it would complicate things for the coach and into the fire.”

Unfortunately France can no longer ask the master of Zidane to play out of trouble. The nation has to rely simply Domenech, Evra and the other 22 to pull through a tough Group A, which consists of hosts South Africa, Mexico and, as they have learned, a stubborn side Uruguay.

But trust the coach can not be easy, since, according to Simon, “perhaps only his family and his girlfriend [a television reporter on the channel M6] still offers no support.”

In fact, there seems to be more support for South Africans “Les Bleus” that the French themselves …

Turkey and Brazil were the only two board members who voted against the resolution 1929, which is the fourth sanctions resolution against Iran adopted since December 2006.

Lebanon abstained in the vote, while Turkey and Brazil said they opposed the sanctions at a time when they have just negotiated a measure of confidence building with Iran in connection with a low enriched uranium fuel for redemption the Tehran research reactor (TRR).

That agreement, signed in May 1917, was seen as a move of some sectors, but fell to the demands of the Security Council of the UN for better cooperation from Iran, in particular the cessation of uranium enrichment and greater transparency in its nuclear program. France, Russia and the U.S. also question nine elements of the tenders in Turkey and Brazil and wants clarification on safety and the amounts of uranium for export to Iran, but those questions are not damage relations, officials said.
“France considers Turkey as an important partner and close and regular consults with him on all major regional and international challenges,” said Foreign Ministry here, indicating the recent high level visits by Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner Istanbul, Turkey not to mention a state visit here last year, which was described as “Year of Turkey.”

“In this context, we have not stopped to welcome the efforts of Turkey and Brazil to try to find a satisfactory solution to the problem of supply for the Tehran research reactor (TRR), continued the ministry.

It was emphasized that this solution was “a useful confidence building” measure complementary to the efforts of the 5 +1 to try to get a real commitment to negotiations for Iran.

The Foreign Ministry rejected any link between Turkeys bid to join the EU and the Iranian issue to a vote, as the question of the EU had “their” own. ”

In any case, France is known to be openly hostile to Turkey’s accession to the EU and has proposed a form of association, which Ankara has rejected.

His selection as preferred bidders are expected to be the key announcement at the Eurosatory arms biennial exhibition held outside Paris from June 14.

A consortium of three French defense companies have been competing with a team led by EADS (EAD.PA) for the first phase of a series of contracts potentially worth billions of euros.

“They have been selected in the first bidding,” said a source familiar with the project, said, requesting anonymity. Two other sources also cited Thales, Safran and Nexter as winners.

French Defense DGA service contracts declined comment.

The project idea is to provide soldiers in the theaters like Afghanistan, with more modern equipment and better protection against the insurgents and roadside bombs.

France is one of a series of military powers working on plans to prepare their ground forces for future conflicts by linking soldiers with more intelligent, network-enabled vehicles.

These systems have so far been plagued by delays and costs attributed to excess complexity. The United States canceled a Boeing-led (BA.N) Future Combat Systems project last year.

Thales linked Boeing (BA.N) as a system integrator “system” for the future of Britain Rapid Effect Systems (FRES), a project to build thousands of new vehicles for the British army and had sunk be restructured last year.

France hopes to not repeat the mistakes of the U.S. and Britain through the introduction of programs of initial design phase focused on getting the basics right first.

The award is considered a crucial year, because the way the “system of systems” could have a far reaching impact on future defense equipment options as governments adjust spending.

Thales, Safran – through its Sagem unit – and Nexter had already emerged as favorites in the bidding Scorpion.

Their involvement could raise questions about whether Nexter and Thales join the next wave of consolidation in the defense industry, Defense News reported recently.

Thales CEO Luc Vigneron, who was appointed last year, was previously responsible for Nexter, the state-owned manufacturer of the Leclerc tank.

Safran and Thales broke off talks on a possible exchange of assets in its defense electronics business last month.

Today, Vladimir Putin, is scheduled to meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.

Also today, Vladimir Putin, is due to inaugurate a Russian national exhibition in the Grand Palais in Paris.

The exhibition includes the major achievements of Russian companies, and is scheduled for Russia-France Year of the Cross, reports the Rossia TV channel-24.

Buzz up!
France vs Uruguay will be a close collaboration with most expected France to win. However, the struggle of France may be weakened by internal strife as coach Raymond Domenech has faced criticism from the moment he took over six years ago. There should be noted that the coach was leading the team to the finals in the 2006 World Cup.

Uruguay has a number of new strikers, it is to reinforce the attack at a high level. Players like Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez has stored the objectives of their clubs. Forlan, who plays in Spain for Atletico Madrid, will lead the attack.

The two teams have met five times, two of them in the World Cup. Uruguay beat France 2-1 in 1966, while the South Americans and the French ended in a goalless draw in 2002.

Coming to the other three parties, Uruguay beat France 5-1 in the first stage of the Olympic football tournament 1924 in Paris, while France won 2-0 in a friendly in Paris in 1985. In 2008, the teams drew 0-0 in Saint Denis