Problems in France!

Why can't the French keep there house in order? Two policemen were shot in confrontations south of Paris, several public buildings were set on fire and at least 186 arrests were made throughout the country in connection with the disturbances, much of it involving gangs of youths.

A call by French President Jacques Chirac for a return to order went unheeded as opposition politicians criticised his public silence on the violence until yesterday.

The violence began in a Parisian suburb on Oct 27 after two teenagers, one of African and the other of Arab origin, were electrocuted while hiding from police in a power substation after fleeing an identity check.

Since then, more than 4,300 vehicles have been burned and more than 1,000 people have been arrested.