Violence has broken out for a seventh straight night in the suburbs of Paris, as the French government struggles to find a solution.
Rampaging youths clashed with police late Wednesday in nine suburban towns that have large North African populations. The rioters burned cars, buses and garbage cans, and vandalized at least two buildings.
The violence began last week when two teenagers said to be of North African descent were electrocuted. They hid in a power station, believing police were chasing them. Authorities deny police were pursuing the teens.
Many French citizens say the violence is the result of unemployment, discrimination, and police harassment of ethnic minorities. President Jacques Chirac Wednesday called for calm and measures to control the violence. But he said dialogue and respect are also needed.