French extend Corsican powers

PARIS, France -- French politicians have narrowly voted in favour of giving Corsica more powers over its own affairs.

The island's assembly, which has been under French rule since 1768, is set to have more say over how some Paris laws can be adapted to suit Corsica's interests as well as promotion of the island's language.

The decision comes after three decades of nationalist violence and bombings which have targeted French public buildings, summer homes and holiday resorts.

French politicians in the lower house, the National Assembly, voted 249-228 in favour of the bill on Tuesday.

Conservatives have vowed to continue their opposition to any concessions saying the bill is incompatible with the French constitution.

The bill, pushed through by Socialist French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, has been watered down during its 18-month passage through the parliamentary process.

Opposition parties say reforms will undermine the French state by paving the way for full Corsican independence.

The bill now goes before the Constitutional Council, France's highest judicial authority.

Corsica failed in its attempt to have decision-making powers over future development of its own Mediterranean shoreline after opposition from Jospin's coalition government partner, the Green Party.

The bill, which touches on subjects from transport to agriculture, will make the Corsican language part of the school curriculum.

Corsica's main nationalist militant group claimed responsibility on Monday for 17 attacks carried out on the island during the past few months and blamed Paris' "lack of political courage" for an increase in tension.