France’s nuclear aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, has been dispatched on a lengthy mission, following repairs. It is set to battle remnants of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS) and partake in several multinational drills.

The aircraft carrier departed for the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday from the southern French port city of Toulon. The flagship is accompanied by several other surface vessels and a nuclear attack submarine.

The first deployment of the ship, after 18 months of repairs, and five of sea trials, was marked quite pompously, with French Defense Minister Florence Parly appearing on the carrier in person to say farewell to its crew.

The minister lauded the carrier as an “instrument for cooperation, which allows France to shine throughout the world” and insisted that the deployment will make a valuable contribution to the fight against IS.

…more…

https://www.rt.com/news/453092-france-aircraft-carrier-isis/

President Nicolas Maduro has urged Venezuelans to confront the “crazed minority” supporting US-backed Juan Guaido, by staging massive “anti-imperialist” rallies on the same day that the opposition plans to take to the streets.

“Nobody will be able to disturb the peace of Venezuela,” Maduro promised, in his first public comments after the opposition leader Guaido returned to Venezuela on Monday and immediately called on his supporters keep up the heat against the government.

…more…

https://www.rt.com/news/453110-maduro-anti-imperialist-rallies-venezuela/

A primary school in Birmingham, England, has halted LGBT lessons after 600 pupils were reportedly taken out of classes by furious Muslim parents upset at homosexuality being “aggressively” taught to their children.

Parkfield Community School has been forced to suspend its ‘No Outsiders’ classes until after Easter, while a consultation takes place with parents. Tensions between the school and parents have escalated due to a row surrounding LGBT lifestyles being taught in classrooms.

…more…

https://www.rt.com/uk/453057-lgbt-school-muslim-protests/

>>5528781