Chirac says priority to restore order

French President Jacques Chirac has broken his silence on the riots that have rocked his country’s suburbs over the last ten nights.

“Right now the absolute priority is to re-establish security and public order,” he said alongside his prime minister Dominique de Villepin. “But we also realise that, in the long-term, the objective must be to create a climate of respect in our communities, and to pursue equal opportunities and social justice. We are committed to this aim and we will invest the effort that’s needed to achieve it.” De Villepin has announced a reinforcement of riot police amid fears that the disturbances will continue to spread.

Copyright © 2012 euronews