Machine-gun attack on Corsica base

AJACCIO, France -- Buildings and vehicles were damaged but no one was hurt when a Corsica police base was hit with machine-gun fire.

Attackers in a passing car sprayed the base with bullets before speeding away, the Reuters news agency reported.

The attack occurred late Sunday night north of Ajaccio, the main city on the French-ruled island. No details about the suspects were available.

This week, France's lower house of parliament is expected to vote on a two-year-old government proposal designed to stop years of separatist violence on the Mediterranean island.

The bill would give local leaders limited autonomy, but many separatists are unhappy that the parliamentary process has weakened the initial devolution proposal.

This week also is expected to see the end of the high-profile arson trial of former Corsica governor Bernard Bonnet, who is accused of ordering police to burn illegal beach restaurants.

Prime Minister Lionel Jospin began the Corsica devolution effort soon after the alleged arson attacks came to light.