These are some of the headlines we are tracking for you in this episode of On the News Line:
Macron vs. Le Pen: The final debate
The two finalists of the French presidential election met on Wednesday evening for the final televised debate before Sunday’s vote. For the first time in French history, the two candidates do not represent the traditional parties in French politics,, and this was reflected in their debate, which saw very non traditional forms of discussion. The debate was regarded by many as an opportunity to exchange personal insults and attacks on each other, which both candidates did admirably, with Macron calling Le Pen a liar, and Le Pen fiercely attacking Macron by saying that France will be led by a woman no matter what, either herself, or Merkel, whom Macron appears very close to.
De-escalation zones in Syria
A Glimmer of hope to reduce violence in Syria; ceasefire guarantor states Iran, Russia and Turkey have signed a three-page memorandum at the end of their latest round of talks in the Kazakh capital. The Astana memorandum calls for the creation of four “de-escalation zones” across Syria. The zones are aimed at separating notorious terrorist groups like Daesh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham formerly known as Nusra Front from other groups fighting the Syrian government. The de-escalation agreement also aims to ban weapons in certain zones, allow for the restoration of basic services and facilitate the return of refugees.