Hello. This is David Austin with the BBC News.
France has become the latest country to launch air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria. The presidential office in Paris said that they hit targets identified over the past fortnight. The French air force has already been flying raids in neighboring Iraq, which has also lost territory to IS. Sebastian Usher reports.
The widening of French air strikes against IS, the office of president Hollande said,was a question of national defense. Until now the French had not targeted IS in Syria to avoid strengthening president Assad's position. Western powers still see him as the problem not the solution. The compromise may be in the air. This week's UN General Assembly is the stage for over new diplomatic drive. All eyes will be on president Putin when he speaks tomorrow to gaze whether the diplomatic momentum this time might go further than previous failed initiatives.
Iraq said it has engaged in intelligence and security cooperation with Russia,Iran and Syria to help in the battle against Islamic State Militants. The statement from Iraqi military said the aim was to monitor what it is called movements of terrorists and degrade their capacity. The statement said the agreement had come with increased concern in Moscow over the presence of thousands of Russian engaged in criminal acts with IS. In recent weeks, Russia has stepped up its military support for President Assad in neighboring Syria also aimed, Moscow says, it combating the Jihadists.
The Afghan government said at least three hundred fighters declaring allegiance to the Islamic State group or IS have attacked a number of police posts in the eastern province of Nangaha. Chaws Hevlen reports.
The indications are the clashes with IS are continuing. The local district's chief told BBC government forces were putting up resistance. But he said two of them died, while 35 attackers were killed or injured. The Interior Military spokesman said the attack came a day after a special operation by government forces, which resulted in 51 IS death. There is a concern in both Kabul and Washington about the growth of IS. In Nangaha, there have been torturing and beheading people and taking prisoners, according to locals. Chaws Hevlen.
Voting is underway in the Spanish region of Catalonia in an election it's being seen as the crucial test of support for independence. Catalan separatist parties who was a head in pitting impose say victory will give them mandate to start a process leading to the creation of new state. The Spanish government which refused to allow a referendum has vowed to fight the plan in court. Tom Barridge is in the reporting station in Barcelona. Turnout will be crucial and even if that independence coalition wins majority of seats, it's unclear how they will proceed. And the Spanish government in Madrid said it will use all means possible to stop the creation of independence of Catalonia.
Tom Barridge reporting.
World News from the BBC.
Nepal has asked international airlines flying into Katmandu to bring their own aviation fuel as a consequence of what it called, an unannounced economic blockade by India. Most of petrol stations in Nepal were reported to be closed because protests against the new constitution in southern planes have affected goods traffic from India. Nepal is almost totally dependent on its land route with India for essential supplies.
Newspaper reports from Germany said the embattled Volkswagen company was warned some time ago that illegal practices were being used to falsify emissions tests of its diesel cars. The reports said it became apparent during the current interim investigation that a technician had issued such a warning four years ago. One paper said the company supplying the software had warned Volkswagen as early as 2007 that its use was illegal. The scandal, the biggest in Volkswagen's history, threatens to cost company billions of dollars in fines.
Vehicles have been banned from the central of the French capital Paris today in the symbolic move ahead of Climate Conference to be held there in December. The city's mayor Anne Hildago says she wants to show that it's possible for people to live together with fewer motor vehicles. The historic center including streets around Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower will be open only to pedestrians. From central Paris Fudge Goeffiel has his reports.
So, here I am. Lunchtime on the show is at ease, normally even on a Sunday. The road here will be thick with traffic. Apart from the tourist attraction, the Champs-Elysees is a main thorough fare into the center of Paris. But today,it's completely transformed. There are pedestrians by the thousands strolling down the tarmacs, cyclists, rollerbladers, and so on. Overall, about a third of Paris is covered by this Car-free day. The aim, of course, is to show an example ahead of the UN Climate Conference that takes place here in a couple of months' time. Hugh Schofield reporting from Paris.