Chirac appeals for calm after Paris riots
Wednesday, 2 November 2005 16:33
The French President, Jacques Chirac, has appealed for calm following almost a week of violence that has engulfed outlying suburbs of Paris.
The riots erupted following the deaths of two youths who were electrocuted after scaling the wall of an electricity station.
It has been claimed they were being chased by police but authorities deny this. A judicial inquiry into the incident is underway.
Mr Chirac said tempers must be calmed and the law must be applied in a spirit of dialogue and respect.
The French President's comments come after Opposition parties criticised him and the Prime Minister, Dominique de Villepin, over their silence on the issue.
The French Interior Minister, Nicolas Sarkozy, was also criticised for his tough rhetoric on crime, which the opposition said was tarnishing the country's image.
Earlier today, Mr Sarkozy announced he was cancelling visits to Afghanistan and Pakistan to deal with the riots.
Last night violence again broke out in the suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois, with disturbances spreading to other areas.
At least 60 cars were set on fire by rampaging youths during last night's clashes.
Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets.
