French Crisis Talks As Strike Squeezes Fuel

Published: 8 September 2000 y., Friday
Crisis talks between truckers and the French government looked set to continue into Thursday night as leaders sought to end protests over fuel taxes that have blocked roads and choked petrol supplies across the country. Although Premier Lionel Jospin drew the line at a 15 percent cut on Wednesday, out on the front line angry truckers blocking petrol stations and refineries seemed bent on forcing the government into a 20 percent reduction in diesel fuel taxes in a display of unrest now raising questions in Brussels. Farmers tried to block the Channel Tunnel freight train entrance and cab drivers traveling at a snail's pace in a protest code-named ``Operation Escargot'' also joined the protest. Transport Minister Jean-Claude Gayssot talked with truck union leaders for 90 minutes late on Thursday. The leaders left to consult their supporters and Gayssot agreed to meet them again separately at 1900 GMT and 2100 GMT respectively. Several hundred taxis turned out to protest at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, 600 in Bordeaux and 1,000 each in Lyon and Marseille, taxi union chief Alain Estival said.
Šaltinis: dailynews.netscape.com
Copying, publishing, announcing any information from the News.lt portal without written permission of News.lt editorial office is prohibited.

Facebook Comments

New comment


Captcha

Associated articles

The most popular articles

Pope creates five new saints

Pope Benedict on Sunday created five new saints. more »

Epic voyage ends in disaster

The boat - a replica war junk from the Ming Dynasty - was on the last leg of a journey across the Pacific when the Captain said disaster struck. more »

Human rights: women in Afghanistan, situation in Camp Ashraf, Special Court of Sierra Leone

In three resolutions adopted at the end of this week's Strasbourg plenary sessions, the European Parliament strongly condemns discrimination and violence against women in Afghanistan, voices concern at the possible closure of Camp Ashraf, Iraq, and expresses support for the Special Court of Sierra Leone. more »

Big break for roaming texters

Using a mobile phone is about to get cheaper again for the tens of millions of people who cross EU borders every day. more »

A world without nuclear weapons?

The spread of Weapons of Mass Destruction and their means of delivery is one of the most serious international stability and security threats according to the Foreign Affairs Committee. more »

Kite runners' big China fest

In eastern China's Weifang City, thousands gather to celebrate the largest international kite festival in history. more »

Susan Boyle: Unlikely pop star

A swarm of photographers and journalists surrounded the house of Susan Boyle in Blackburn, Scotland. She's become an internet sensation and it all started on a little show called “Britain's Got Talent”. more »

Product safety – no compromises

EU keeps consumers safe with alert system for dangerous products. more »

Cyclists promote pedal power

Driving the car off the streets - thousands of cyclists reclaim the streets of Manila. more »

Young people discuss Europe's creative regions and cities

One hundred young creators and innovators designated by European regions gather today in Brussels to mark the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009. more »