Zarif last week rebuffed Erdogan's accusations and accused the Turkish president of pursuing policies harmful to the region.

Sarkozy, who secured the UMP leadership last November, said "never... has our political family won so many councils".

The surge in optimism was spread across most of the eurozone’s larger members, but was most strongly felt in Italy.

Despite the EU Commission's concerns and Moscow's financial difficulties, Hungarian officials say the deals are not in jeopardy.

Unveiling the first track from the new record 'Handsome', they went on to introduce three more new songs 'Dream Lover', 'Want You So Bad' and '20/20'.

Gibbard and the band are currently preparing for the release of their first studio album since the departure of producer and guitarist, Chris Walla.

A pics-in-post showcase, taking place twice-a-year at Toulouse and San Sebastian, the 27th Films in Progress ran March 26-27.

Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) and Andy Serkis (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes) triumphed in the leading acting categories.

Another new entry this week, "Get Hard", also opened strong with an estimated $34.6 million at No. 2.

The book and three-part miniseries follows a small town after a community leader dies without an obvious replacement for his seat on the committee.