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Schools burn as Paris riots enter 10th night. 06/11/2005. ABC News Online

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Last Update: Sunday, November 6, 2005. 12:00pm (AEDT)
More attacks: Schools and businesses have been targeted in a 10th night of riots in Paris.

More attacks: Schools and businesses have been targeted in a 10th night of riots in Paris. (Reuters)

Schools burn as Paris riots enter 10th night

Two schools have been burned down in Paris and hundreds of cars set on fire in cities across France in a 10th night of rioting in poor suburban areas.

The Interior Ministry says the schools have been set ablaze in the Paris suburb of Essonne, but no one has been hurt in the attack.

About 68 people have been arrested after the renewed violence.

Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin summoned eight key ministers and a top Muslim official to his offices on Saturday as he sought to chart an end to the violence.

The violence is seen as the expression of pent-up anger by youths, many Muslims of North African and black African origin, at police treatment, racism, unemployment and their marginal place in French society.

In Saturday night's rioting, the Interior Ministry says 480 cars had been gutted across France, with about 190 in the Paris region and 290 in the rest of the country.

A number of public and commercial buildings have been targeted.

In Evreux in Normandy, a mall has been set on fire, burning more than 50 vehicles while a post office and two schools have also been set alight.

On Friday night, rioters had burnt almost 900 vehicles in the Paris region and large provincial cities like Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Pau, Rennes, Toulouse and Lille.

It is the highest total since unrest, which was sparked by the deaths of two youths apparently fleeing police, began.

"Violence is not a solution," Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy said.

"Once the crisis is over, everyone will have to understand there are a certain number of injustices in some neighbourhoods.

"We are trying to be firm and avoid any provocation. We have to avoid any risk of explosion."

Peace march

On Saturday, hundreds of people have marched in Paris to protest against the violence, and appeal for calm.

Among those taking part in the peace march was Ahmed Brazini.

"We're tired of everything that's been happening these days," he said.

"The flames, the smoke, the burning tyres, the stolen cars.

"We're fed up with all of it, this must come to an end."

Gerard Gaudron, the Mayor of the riot-hit suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois, says what is happening is stupid.

"I want to show the whole of France that there are people who live here who have nothing to do with these events and who are tired of the situation," he said.



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