WORLD leaders have gathered in Paris to mark the end of World War One 100 years ago, turning the city into the epicentre of global commemorations.
More than 60 heads of state and government gathered for a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the mute and powerful symbol of sacrifice to the millions who died from 1914-18.
The commemoration’s host, Emmanuel Macron, warned about the fragility of peace and the dangers of nationalism – a theme that seemed directed, at least in part, at Donald Trump, who listened stony-faced.
“The traces of this war never went away,” Macron said.
“The old demons are rising again,” he intoned. “We must reaffirm before our peoples our true and huge responsibility.”
The commemorations started late, overshooting the centenary of the exact moment when, 100 years earlier at 11am, silence finally reigned on the western front.
Macron and his wife, Brigitte, marched in a stony silence on the cobbles of the Champs-Elysees, after dismounting from their buses.
Trump’s motorcade arrived after passing two topless anti-war protesters. The Femen group claimed responsibility.
Last to arrive was Vladimir Putin. Angela Merkel was positioned in pride of place between Trump and Macron, a powerful symbol of victors and vanquished standing together, shoulder to shoulder.
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