Fishermen, port workers block French docks

Protesting port workers and fishermen blocked harbours and fuel depots along France's coastline yesterday in two separate disputes that are proving a headache for President Nicolas Sarkozy to resolve.

Port workers, angry over government plans to privatise part of the ports' activities, staged a one-day strike at the country's largest oil hub, Fos-Lavera near Marseille, stopping 13 oil tankers from entering according to port authorities.

Skirmishes broke out between strikers and police who tried to stop them from approaching Marseille city hall. The workers threw bottles and stones at police who fired back tear gas.

Fishermen also shut off roads leading to Fos-Lavera and blockaded around 20 ports on the Mediterranean, Channel and Atlantic seaboards as well as at least five fuel depots. The fishermen, who staged similar protests last year, want government help to cushion the effects of surging marine fuel prices that have eaten away their profit margins.

The government announced a three-year aid package for fishermen worth €310 million in January but Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier said France still needed European Union permission for some of the planned aid.

"The tools I have prepared to help the fishermen must be approved by Brussels. It's essential," Mr Barnier told RTL radio. He is due to meet fishermen's representatives today.

President Nicolas Sarkozy said the government had pledged €53 million to help fishermen this year of which €30 million had already been disbursed.

However, he appeared less conciliatory towards the striking port workers, insisting that the government privatisation drive would boost the ports.