France to debate Corsican powers

PARIS, France -- French politicians are set to discuss a draft bill offering Corsica more independence.

Corsica has been under French control since the 1700s.

It is hoped the concessions to give the island more powers will help end violence that has plagued Corsica for the past 20 years.

The bill has been criticised by some politicians and Corsican nationalists, including left-wing former interior minister Jean-Pierre Chevenement who resigned over the issue last year.

They fear it will be seen as a capitulation in the face of separatist attacks and could trigger a spate of similar claims.

Chevenement told French radio: "I cannot support this abdication of state responsibility in the face of blackmail by a violent minority."

He added that the bill was "dangerous for the Republic and dangerous for France."

France has enjoyed a highly centralised state since the days of Napoleon.

The government of Lionel Jospin watered down parts of the bill last month in an effort to push it through, while supporters from the left-wing and some conservative opposition parties have tried to garner support for it in the National Assembly.

It is believed most parliamentarians now support the bill.

Surveys show only a small number of Corsicans favour a complete split from Paris, though most favour wresting more control.

The bill offers only modest increased freedom for the Mediterranean island and under the revised text, the national parliament would decide case by case which laws could be subject to amendments by the regional Corsican assembly.

The Corsican language would be a voluntary school subject -- not compulsory as was originally envisaged.

Jean-Guy Talamoni, a moderate Corsican nationalist leader who does not favour complete independence, said this week that the bill was unsatisfactory and warned he "could not guarantee anything, above all peace."

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Corsica Administration
The National Assembly
Office of the French President
The Prime Minister's Office

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