Riots: France to impose curfews

2005-11-07 22:05

Paris - France will impose curfews "wherever it is necessary" to stop rioting that has spread out of its tough suburbs, said the prime minister on Monday, calling a return to order "our No 1 responsibility".

Dominique de Villepin also said 9 500 police officers and gendarmes were being deployed, as violence entered a 12th night.

They included 1 500 police and gendarme reservists being called up to reinforce the massive security deployment.

"The response is one of firmness," said the prime minister on TF1 television.

Curfews will be allowed "wherever it is necessary," he said.

Local government officials will be able to put them in place "if they think it will be useful to permit a return to calm and ensure the protection of residents".

"That is our No 1 responsibility," he added.

Asked whether the curfews would involve everyone or just minors, De Villepin responded: "It applies to the entire territory."

Local government officials will decide, "which neighbourhoods are the most sensitive, where they believe such measures must be taken".

- AP