Unrest is sign of 'profound malaise' - Chirac

The unrest across France is the sign of a “profound malaise” that must be met with firmness but also by being just, President Jacques Chirac said today.

In his first address to the nation since the violence erupted on October 27, the president said that the laws of France must be obeyed and that values must be inspired in youths living in the poor suburbs ringing French cities.

Chirac said that discrimination - seen as a factor behind the violence - should be combated.

But he appeared to rule out US-style affirmative action. ”There is no question of entering in the logic of quotas,” Chirac said, speaking with a French tricolour and EU flag behind him.

Chirac said he had decided to set up a corps of volunteers to offer training for 50,000 youths by 2007. He also said the French media, which is not very ethnically diverse, must ''better reflect the reality of France today''.

He told companies and unions they must encourage diversity and support employment for youths from tough neighbourhoods.