AFP Video

Play

Football's world ruling body FIFA on Friday officially turned down a request from the Irish to stage a replay of their controversial World Cup playoff defeat to France. Henry's handball helped set up a goal which put France through to the World Cup at Ireland's expense -- prompting government-level exchanges.  Duration: 1:30

Play

European leaders have chosen a low-profile pair to lead a revamped EU, prompting widespread criticism that national leaders deliberately undercut the positions in order to preserve their own influence. The pick of Belgium's premier, Herman Van Rompuy, as president and EU Commissioner Catherine Ashton, a Briton with little foreign policy experience, as the top diplomat, came at a summit of the 27 EU heads of state and government.  Duration: 02:21

Play

After a controversial election, Afghan President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second term on Thursday. But with public confidence at an all time low and the US ramping up pressure to rid the country of its corruption, many Afghans are concerned about the future. Duration: 02:15

Play

The US, which depends on coal for more than half of it’s electricity use, is looking to so-called « clean coal technologies » to lower coal’s carbon footprint. But environmentalists and people living in the areas where coal is mined say that the fuel’s ecological and environmental impacts are devastating and inevitable. Duration: 02:07

Play

A spa outside Tokyo celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau wine by pouring red wine into outdoor pools and inviting the adventurous in for an invigorating bath. Duration: 01:56.

Play

Since Romania joined the European Union in 2007, an estimated 10 percent of its people have left, seeking better fortunes elsewhere in the 27-nation bloc. Some regions have been abandoned by the able-bodied, leaving the elderly and children behind. Duration: 02:04.

Play

Afghan President Hamid Karzai was sworn in for a second term, vowing to combat corruption, bring security and reach out to his political rivals under Western pressure to restore legitimacy. Duration: 01:22.

Play

Following a controversial win which saw France thrust into the 2010 World Cup finals and Ireland shunted to the sidelines, fans in Paris had little but praise for their team. Duration: 00:54.

Play

A handful of the thousands of terra cotta warriors sculpted to protect the tomb of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, touched down in Washington at the National Geographic Society after a tour of three other US cities. Duration: 01:06.

Play

Hundreds of football fans took to the streets of Paris and Marseille on Wednesday night after Algeria beat Egypt 1-0, qualifying the team for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. Fans were seen waving Algerian flags and cheering in both French cities. Duration : 00:30

Play

A superb Antar Yahia goal gave Algeria a 1-0 victory over Egypt Wednesday and a place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The France-born defender who plays for German club VfL Bochum struck on 40 minutes to settle a play-off necessitated by the bitter North African rivals finishing level on points and goal difference in one of five African groups. In Cairo, football fans expressed their bitter disappointment.

Play

On Canusa Avenue, houses on one side of the street are in the USA, but on the other side they are in Canada. It’s a spot favored by illegal immigrants, and authorities are taking notice. The US is planning to build a wall on the street, and they've already installed a customs post. 

Play

If you think anyone can pick up an accordion and flute and busk in the metro, then think again. The RATP, the organisation behind the Parisian underground, has set up a proper audition system since 1997, giving a green light to a lucky few to perform in its corridors. When one artist auditioned for a new metro musicians' try-out, AFPTV went along for a listen.

Play

US President Barack Obama wrapped up his first trip to China on Wednesday by meeting Premier Wen Jiabao, who said the two nations were better off as partners not rivals, and visiting the Great Wall. Duration:00:52

Play

If you're anywhere near a teenage girl, you can't fail to be aware of the Twilight film sequel which gets its European premiere tonight, ahead of the US opening on Friday. The film continues the story of Bella Swan and her relationship with a 105-year-old vampire, played by teen idol Robert Pattinson. Duration: 01:08

Play

Carla Bruni, wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, is visiting Qatar as part of efforts to persuade the emirate to set up branches of major French universities and research bodies. Following her arrival on Tuesday, the singer and former model attended a gala dinner for an education conference patronised by the wife of Qatar's emir, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al-Missned. Duration: 00:25

Play

Jean-Gabriel Chelala is a man on a mission -- to vet all the way around the world without any extraneous carbon emission. That means using only his own body power -- by sea as well as land. He's already cycled across North America and crossed the Atlantic by kayak, and now he's facing the final stretch from Moscow to Paris. Duration: 01:46

Play

An experimental reactor that could harness nuclear fusion has yet to see the light of day, but preparations for the daring multi-billion-dollar project are well under way. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), backed by the European Union, the United States, China, India, Japan, South Korea and Russia, is expected to be fully operational in 2026. It is no less than an effort to reproduce the energy-yielded processes of the Sun and other stars -- which defenders say would be safe and c

Play

After savouring their fresh victory against Algeria, Egypt fans are looking ahead to the make-or-break World Cup qualification play-off taking place in Sudan on Wednesday.

Play

Tokyo has overtaken Paris as the city with the most Michelin three-star restaurants, the publisher of the renowned culinary guide announced Tuesday. Duration: 01:36

Play

On Wednesday the Queen presents the British government's law-making plans for the coming year at the formal opening of parliament. Gordon Brown's Labour party wants to tighten the rules that govern the financial system but critics say there's not enough time for any new bills to come into force before the next general election. Duration: 01:54

Play

After savouring their fresh victory against Algeria, Egypt's national football team are looking for a decisive win in the World Cup qualifier taking place in Sudan on Wednesday. Footage of Egypt team praticing in Khartoum. Duration: 00:57

Play

Vladimir Nabokov wanted it burned on his death, but "The Original of Laura" survived and now, 32 years later, the unfinished novel is published for the first time. Despite Nabokov's dying wish, publication of the manuscript will provide what many hope will be an unexpected glimpse of his genius. Duration: 01:13

Play

More items belonging to the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge go under the hammer on Tuesday. The auction, being held in a Paris theatre, runs through Friday.

Play

Wanted: new residences for homeless big cats! Wildlife rescuers at one centre in South Africa are trying to rehome six wild caracals, a species halfway between a lion and a domestic cat. Duration: 01:58

Play

Over 50 artworks from the collection of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York are being shown off in Abu Dhabi ahead of the opening of the emirate's own Guggenheim museum in 2013. Duration: 01:18

Play

The Islamists of Hamas have imposed their socially conservative rule on the Gaza Strip since taking over in June 2007. But not everyone practices in private what is publicly preached. Since no alcohol is for sale in stores, some Gazans now brew their own at home -- at great personal risk. Duration: 01:45

Play

Nicknamed "spiders" for their gravity-defying skills in web-like constructions, Hong Kong's bamboo scaffolders have risen above predictions that their trade would disappear. They remain a common sight high above the streets of the city, scaling the sides of towering, ultra-modern steel and glass buildings on traditional bamboo poles linked through ancient design concepts. Duration: 02:14

Play

American billionaire Donald Tompkins, founder of the clothing brand North Face, has bid corporate America farewell. He moved to Patagonia with his wife, and the couple has dedicated their lives to fighting for the environment. 

Play

US President Barack Obama arrived in Beijing on Monday from Shanghai, for the second leg of his maiden state visit to China. Obama was due to attend a welcome dinner hosted by Chinese President Hu Jintao. The pair will hold formal bilateral talks on Tuesday.

Play

President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting with Chinese students in Shanghai, which was streamed live on the Internet on Monday.

Play

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger, the charismatic former movie star known for his muscular, tough-talking roles, made a flying visit Monday to Baghdad. Duration: 01:29

Play

The Afghan government said on Monday it had formed a major crime unit to tackle corruption, following escalating Western pressure on President Hamid Karzai to wipe out corruption. Duration: 00:52

Play

Pendjari National Park is Benin's green lung, a biosphere reserve set aside along the border with Burkina Faso to protect west Africa's flora and fauna. Though the park draws wildlife lovers from around the world, generating tourism revenue, it has not been easy for locals, who have had to adapt their way of living. Duration: 01:54

Play

The poverty gap between men and women has continued to widen in recent years, according to the United Nations, with women being increasingly disadvantaged. Although the trend has been largely visible in the developing world, developed countries are not immune. AFPTV went to meet one Frenchwoman trying to survive on society's margins. Duration: 01:38

Play

US President Barack Obama arrived in China late Sunday for his first visit to the Asian giant -- a three-day mission aimed at convincing Beijing that Washington is its partner, not its rival. Obama touched down in China's financial hub after a flight from Singapore, where he and other Asia-Pacific leaders pledged to revamp the world economy but scuppered hopes that key climate change talks next month would end in a pact. Duration: 00:50

Play

With the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall earlier this month, all eyes have been turned on Germany. But in Czechoslovakia too, the non-violent "Velvet Revolution" of 1989 was another major turning point in history, bringing down the Communist regime in a matter of months. Duration: 01:55

Play

Sarah Palin’s autobiography hits stores Tuesday. "Going Rogue" is the 2008 election told by the Republican vice presidential candidate, and running mate to John McCain. She may have her sights set on the White House in 2012, but is she still the darling of the Republican base?

Play

US President Barack Obama on Sunday won the strongest backing yet from Russia on the Iranian nuclear crisis as he warned that Tehran was "running out of time". Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said after talks with Obama that neither he nor the US leader were satisfied with the pace of progress, as Tehran drags its feet over its response to a UN-sponsored nuclear enrichment deal. Duration: 00:39

Play

A roar of delight erupted in Cairo on Saturday as Egypt beat Algeria, setting up a World Cup play-off with their bitter rivals in Sudan on Wednesday. The tense encounter took place in the wake of an attack on the visiting team's bus by local fans. Duration: 00:48