Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Sarkozy

(Click photo to enlarge.)

Readout of President Obama’s Call with President Sarkozy of France

The President spoke by phone today with President Sarkozy of France while aboard Air Force One en route to Nevada. President Obama expressed his solidarity with President Sarkozy, and the government and people of France, as they deal with the aftermath of the tragic and unprovoked attacks that left seven dead, including three French soldiers, and three children and a teacher at a Jewish school. 

President Obama welcomed the actions taken by French authorities in identifying and locating a suspect in the killings, and their continued efforts to prevent further acts of violence. President Obama underscored that the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with our French allies and friends in this trying time.

Image courtesy of http://www.acclaimimages.com  

Is There a Left Wing Political Turn in Europe ?

After a historic victory at the French Senate, some say the left is gaining ground in Europe.

Sources:The GuardianeuronewsEl PaisYouTubeLe Figaro

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/is-there-a-left-wing-political-turn-in-europe/

By Camille Maestracci

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link courtesy of Newsy.com

French Law Banning Public Prayer Takes Effect

A French law banning public prayer went into effect Friday, keeping thousands of Muslims from their street-side worshiping Friday.

Sources:France 24Al JazeeraCBNJezebelLa Parisien

Watch video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/french-law-banning-public-prayer-takes-effect/

By Erica Coghill

Anchor: Erica Coghill

Link provided by Newsy.com

Jacques Chirac Too Ill to Attend Trial

The trial against Jacques Chirac has begun, but the former French president's doctors say his health is too poor for him to go to court.

Sources:euronewsLe FigaroBBC NewsLibérationThe Economist

Video: http://www.newsy.com/videos/jacques-chirac-too-ill-to-attend-trial/

By Noe Gandillot

Anchor: Zach Toombs

Link provided by Newsy.com

Presidents Obama and Sarkozy Confer on Global Economy, Libya

Readout of the President's Call with President Sarkozy of France

The President and French President Sarkozy spoke today about the situation in Libya and continued their close consultations about the global economic situation and recent developments in financial markets.

With regard to Libya, they agreed that Qadhafi and the remnants of his regime needed to accept that their time is up and relinquish power once and for all, and they welcomed the progress that has been made by the Libyan people in pursuing an end to the Qadhafi regime.

At the same time, they agreed to continue to work with allies and partners in the international community to protect the people of Libya and to support a peaceful transition to democracy. President Sarkozy joined the President in urging the Transitional National Council to continue demonstrating its leadership by respecting the rights of the people of Libya, avoiding civilian casualties, protecting the institutions of the Libyan state, and pursuing a transition to democracy that is just and inclusive for all of the people of Libya.

The two Presidents also discussed the global economic situation, the Eurozone crisis and recent market developments. They agreed on the importance of concerted action, including through the G20, to address these challenges and to spur growth and job creation in the global economy.

Photo source: EPP Summit October 2010

Author: European People's Party
Permission: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic

World News: Newsy Now

France gives Libyan rebels weapons; Ohio court uphold's Obama health care; Russia cuts off Belarus' power; Sony 'knew' about the hack; Ai Wei Wei fin

Sources:RTMSNBCeuronewsCNNBBC

Multisource political news, world news, and entertainment news analysis by Newsy.com

By Samuel Joseph

Anchor: Jim Flink

Video provided by Newsy.com

President Obama Responds to Arrest of Gbagbo

Former Ivory Coast president Laurent Gbagbo

Statement by the President on Cote d'Ivoire

The United States welcomes the decisive turn of events in Cote d’Ivoire, as former President Laurent Gbagbo’s illegitimate claim to power has finally come to an end. This represents a victory for the democratic will of the Ivoirian people, who have suffered for far too long through the instability that followed their election. Today, the people of Cote d'Ivoire have the chance to begin to reclaim their country, solidify their democracy, and rebuild a vibrant economy that taps the extraordinary potential of the Ivoirian people.

In the four months that have passed since Alassane Ouattara was elected President, the United States and international community have strongly supported the results of Cote d’Ivoire’s democratic election, and the right of the Ivoirian people to determine their own destiny. These results came after several years of support by the international community for Cote d’Ivoire’s peace and democratic processes. The United Nations Security Council, members of the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have all worked to advance the goal of a democratic Cote d’Ivoire in which the rule of the people is stronger than the rule of one man. The United States commends the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire and French forces for the actions that they have taken to protect civilians.

For President Ouattara and the people of Cote d'Ivoire, the hard work of reconciliation and rebuilding must begin now. President Ouattara will need to govern on behalf of all the people of Cote d'Ivoire, including those who did not vote for him. All militia groups should lay down their weapons and recognize an inclusive military that protects all citizens under the authority of President Ouattara. The victims and survivors of violence deserve accountability for the violence and crimes that have been committed against them. The international community must continue to support the people of Cote d’Ivoire as they turn the page to a more hopeful and democratic future. In that effort, a democratic Cote d'Ivoire that respects the rights of its people will always have a friend in the United States of America.

Photo source: Zenman
Author: Zenman
Permission: GNU Free Documentation License