News / News Bulletin

French PM: Proposed labor reforms could be modified

Thursday, 26 May 2016 2:50 PM [ Last Update: Thursday, 26 May 2016 2:50 PM ]

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls © AP

Here is a round-up of global news developments:

Leader of Iran’s Islamic Revolution has warned of a plot by the nation’s enemies to influence decision-making bodies in the country. Speaking to members of the Assembly of Experts, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said Iran’s adversaries have adopted a strategy of infiltration to change the Iranian people’s beliefs and alter the officials’ positions.
The US House of Representatives has voted to bar the White House from purchasing heavy water from Iran in the future. Some US lawmakers including pro-Israeli congressmen have been trying to derail the nuclear deal between Iran and the P5+1, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
Pakistanis have hit the streets in the city of Quetta to denounce relentless US drone strikes in the country’s northwestern tribal region. Protesters chanted anti-US slogans and set American flags on fire. Pakistan has repeatedly condemned the US drone attacks as a violation of its sovereignty.
The Iraqi prime minister says the army protects Fallujah and its citizens during the ongoing battle to retake the strategic city from Daesh terrorists. Haider al-Abadi also urged anti-government protesters to postpone their weekly rally on Friday to allow the security forces to focus on the Fallujah operation.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls says it might be possible to make changes to the government’s proposed labor reforms amid nationwide walkouts. Valls said there could be modifications, but the reforms will not be abandoned altogether. Most French nuclear power plants joined nationwide strikes to force the government into quitting the reforms.
Japan is hosting the 42nd summit of the world’s industrialized nations, with global economy topping the agenda of talks. Leaders of the G7 group of countries are also set to discuss the refugee crisis, terrorism, cyber security and maritime security during the two-day summit.
Israeli warplanes have pounded several positions in the south of the besieged Gaza Strip. The Israeli military says the airstrikes hit two sites belonging to the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas. It also said the air attacks were in response to rockets fired from Gaza. No casualties have been reported.
Oil prices surge to their highest level this year amid investor concerns over US interest rates and China's slowing economy. Brent crude for July delivery rose 27 cents to cross 50 dollars a barrel. And The West Texas Intermediate rose 21 cents to stand at about 50 dollars.