Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Authorities Ban Some Public Gatherings in Paris
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=FBDA12:3919ACA New security
measures take effect following reports rioters may be planning attacks
on downtown areas





Policemen and firefighters stand atop buildings of the Champs Elysees
avenue, keeping a watchful eye on ceremonies marking the 87th
anniversary of World War I armistice, in Paris, Friday, November 11,
2005Security is tight in Paris Saturday as new temporary restrictions
on some public gatherings take effect following reports rioters may be
planning attacks on downtown areas.

The restrictions ban all public meetings authorities believe could
provoke or encourage disorder. The ban is in effect until early Sunday
(0700 UTC).

Paris police issued the order Friday after intercepting a number of
Internet and text messages urging rioters to gather in the capital.

Meanwhile, authorities report about 500 vehicles were torched
overnight, an increase over Thursday that reverses the downward trend
of recent days.

Officials also report two homemade fire bombs thrown at a mosque in
southern France  late Friday, but say there were no injuries.
President Jacques Chirac condemned the attack.

Police say the violence involves mostly young people from the
country's North African minority population, who have complained of
police harassment, racism and job discrimination.

 

Some information for this report provided by AFP and Reuters.


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