Corsica granted more freedom

PARIS, France -- French politicians have approved a plan to give the Mediterranean island of Corsica more independence.

Corsica has been under French control since the 1700s.

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

Only a small number of the 577 deputies were present in the National Assembly when the measure was voted on. It was passed by 59 votes to 13.

Prime Minister Lionel Jospin's plan will allow the local Corsican regional assembly to adapt some French laws to make them more suitable to "the specificities of the island." However, the national parliament will have to authorise the changes.

It also includes aid for infrastructure development and measures such as the teaching of the Corsican language in primary schools.

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

But critics 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 had tried to garner support for it in the National Assembly.

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