French PM visits riot-hit areas

Villepin traveled to Aulnay-sous-Bois northeast of Paris a day after

President Jacques Chirac said in a national address that the worst civil unrest in almost 40 years pointed to a deep national malaise and identity crisis.

The prime minister met local residents, teachers and business leaders during the previously unannounced visit, his first to an area that has been hit by rioting by youths who feel excluded from mainstream society.

"During our meeting this morning I heard a lot of people who really want to make progress, to get ahead, realize their projects, find a job. They should be helped," Villepin said afterwards.

"Of course we must be mobilized against the feeling of injustice and against discrimination. It's an every day struggle which should mobilize us all, every French man and woman," said Villepin, who also vowed to be firm with lawbreakers.