Furthermore the world should be made aware of the real situation in France and is to be informed about the policies and measures already put in place. France is not the only country with problems with African immigrants as was highlighted by Douste-Blazy, who stated that this issue was common for many countries.
The French cabinet has approved a three-month extension of emergency police action to deal effectively with the violence. It was also officially confirmed that these riots are the worst since the student unrest in May 1968.
The statistics (updated daily) indicate that so far 8000 cars have been burned, numerous buildings devastated and many policemen injured in the present troubles. It's also important to add that 2764 people have been arrested and 375 have been sent to prison.
French diplomats are to use their power in order to attempt to influence foreign media to play down the presentation of the recent riots in France. Foreign minister Philippe Douste-Blazy claims that the broadcast images of the riots in the French suburbs are harmful to France. A need for sensationalism so loved by some foreign media, leads to serious concerns for the public which has an impact on tourism as well as foreign investment.
