The two men will aim to agree on disbanding illegal militias, kicking out foreign fighters from the east and Ukraine taking back control over its border. — AFP/VNA Photo PARIS — Russian leader Vladimir Putin will for the first time hold formal talks with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky over the conflict in Ukraine's east on Monday, in a much-anticipated summit in Paris. No comprehensive peace deal is expected from the afternoon meeting -- mediated by French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel -- but diplomats hope that the exercise will help to boost trust between the two men. Diplomats have emphasised that the issue of Crimea is not on the table at the summit. The Kremlin has sent signals that it is ready to work with Zelensky, who Putin has described as "likeable" and "sincere". German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas told the Funke newspaper group ahead of the summit "we have to do everything we can... to make progress in … [Read more...] about Putin set for landmark Paris talks on Ukraine conflict
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‘Star Trek’ actor Rene Auberjonois dead at age 79
Actor Rene Auberjonois, who played the character Odo on the television series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," has died after a battle with cancer. — AFP/VNA Photo LOS ANGELES — Actor Rene Auberjonois, known for his television roles on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and the US sitcom Benson, died on Sunday in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer. He was 79. "We are heartbroken to confirm that Rene passed away today," a statement on the actor's website said. In his official biography, the cause given was metastatic lung cancer. Auberjonois earned legions of fans for his role as Odo, the shape-shifting head of security on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, one of the many spinoff series spawned by the legendary science fiction show. He became a fan favourite at Star Trek conventions for years, donating the proceeds from autographed items to charities, such as Doctors Without Borders. "I have had my share of successes and my share of flops. But nothing has ever been like this. … [Read more...] about ‘Star Trek’ actor Rene Auberjonois dead at age 79
‘Valley of Souls’ triumphs at Marrakesh film festival
British actress Tilda Swinton presents the Etoile d'Or to Colombian director Nicolas Rincon Gille. — AFP/VNA Photo MARRAKESH — Colombian director Nicolas Rincon Gille's Valley of Souls, the story of a father's solitary search for the bodies of his murdered sons, won top prize on Saturday at the Marrakesh film festival. It follows the journey of Jose, who comes home from a night of fishing to discover that paramilitaries have killed his two sons and dumped their bodies in the river. So he sets off in a canoe to try to find their bodies and give them a proper burial. Marrakesh's 18th annual festival was attended by top cinema stars such as Harvey Keitel, Marion Cotillard, Tilda Swinton and Robert Redford, who received a lifetime achievement award. Toby Wallace won Best Actor for his role in the Australian comedy Babyteeth, directed by Shannon Murphy. Nichola Burley and Roxanne Scrimshaw shared the Best Actress prize for British comedy Lynn + Lucy, directed by Fyzal … [Read more...] about ‘Valley of Souls’ triumphs at Marrakesh film festival
US restaurant chain Chili’s opens in HCM City
Chili’s American Grill & Bar opened on Saturday in SC VivoCity Mall in HCM City's District 7. — Photo courtesy of Chili’s The American chain of restaurants Chili’s American Grill & Bar opened its first Chili’s in Viet Nam at SC VivoCity mall in HCM City’s District 7 on December 7. The Golden Gate Red Hots Joint-Stock Company and Brinker International Inc worked together to bring Chili’s American Grill & Bar to the country. The restaurant serves Tex-Mex style meals with steaks, burgers, ribs and fajitas and drinks such as margaritas. Ha Thuc Tu, managing director of the Golden Gate Red Hots Joint-Stock Company, said: “We see the potential for a restaurant model with a bar for high-income people who need a diversity of services. “Chili’s decided to choose this group as the main target audience for the long-term development orientation of Chili’s ® American Grill & Bar in Viet Nam." David Weston, … [Read more...] about US restaurant chain Chili’s opens in HCM City
Former U.S. First Lady visits Vietnam
Nation Former U.S. First Lady visits Vietnam The Saigon Times Daily Monday, Dec 9, 2019,13:43 (GMT+7) Former U.S. First Lady visits VietnamThe Saigon Times Daily Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, who is in Vietnam to promote education programs for girls - PHOTO: REUTERS HCMC - Former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama today, December 9, leads a delegation to visit Vietnam’s Mekong Delta province of Long An to promote education programs for girls. The delegation, which includes actresses Julia Roberts, Ngo Thanh Van and Lana Condor, as well as Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush, visited Can Giuoc High School in the district of the same name, Thanh Nien Online newspaper reported. They listened to the female students relate their experiences and challenges in pursuing education and learned more about the role played by Room to Read, a non-profit education support organization. In … [Read more...] about Former U.S. First Lady visits Vietnam