Burma opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is wrapping up her long-awaited European tour with a visit to France that puts the accent on youth and includes a debate with students at the Sorbonne.

The French transport strike appeared to be crumbling today as a steady trickle of drivers returned to work.

French students clashed with police outside the Sorbonne University in Paris yesterday, rampaging after a protest against a new jobs law that was part of nationwide demonstrations drawing about 500,000 people. More than 150 people were arrested.

French President Jacques Chirac today urged immediate negotiations between the government and students and unions to defuse escalating anger over a new labour law that sparked nationwide marches and clashes with police.

Police detained 300 people around France after nationwide student marches against a new labour law turned violent.