Briefly

FRANCE

Macron warns of 'sacrifices' ahead

President Emmanuel Macron warned on Wednesday that France faced "sacrifices" ahead in a new era marked by climate change and conflict in Europe. Macron delivered a bleak message to the first cabinet meeting after the traditional August holiday break. The speech appeared designed to prepare the country for what promises to be a difficult winter ahead, with energy prices rising sharply.

IRAN

Gas arrangement struck with Russia

Iran's oil minister said on Wednesday that the country has finalized talks with Russia on a gas purchase and swap arrangement, according to the oil ministry's news service Shana. The contract will soon be signed in Moscow, Javad Owji said following a meeting with Igor Levitin, the visiting senior aide of the Russian president. The nations are negotiating a memorandum of understanding for the development of a further 14 Iranian oil and gas fields, he said.

JAPAN

Police chief to resign over Abe killing

Japan's national police chief said on Thursday he will resign to take responsibility for shortfalls in security. An investigation by his own agency showed that it did not adequately safeguard former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe from a fatal shooting at a campaign event last month. National Police Agency Chief Itaru Nakamura's announcement came as his agency released a report blaming flaws in police protection－from planning to guarding at the scene－that led to Abe's assassination.

Agencies - Xinhua