Curfew in France Is a Mere Formality

Last midnight, local time, a decree proclaiming a state of emergency came into force in France. The decision had been taken on November 8 by President Jacques Chirac in an attempt to check the spread of violence in the country.

French premier Dominique de Villepin, speaking to the lower house of parliament, said: "We have to deal with organized crime and bandit gangs who would stop at nothing to wreak havoc in the country. It will take time to restore order. We shall have to carry out this work requiring immense efforts".

French authorities hope that the imposition of the curfew would give the law-enforcement organs an additional lever in protecting citizens and their property. In addition, the government has announced a whole complex of measures aimed at improving the living standards in the violence-gripped suburbs. In particular, it has been proposed to open up additional employment agencies and provide work for the young.

The riots began in Paris suburbs nearly two weeks ago. Youth gangs, mainly children of poor Moslem immigrants from northern Africa, burned and destroyed cars, attacked firemen and police. Despite the imposition of emergency measures, unrest is continuing in France. Last night two supermarkets and a newspaper editorial office in Paris were set on fire.