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Riots Break Out as EU Summit Opens
Hundreds of stone-throwing protesters rushed barricades around a conference center where European leaders met Thursday for a milestone summit on unity. French riot police drove them back with tear gas and stun grenades, and 45 were detained. The clashes, which recalled similar demonstrations that have marred other high-profile international gatherings in recent months, created scenes of chaos in this resort Riviera city. Some banks and businesses were covered in graffiti - with slogans ranging from ''Long live ETA,'' referring to the violent Basque separatist group, to ''Death to Money.'' Streets were littered with stones, pieces of wood, broken signs and used tear gas canisters.
Tear gas wafted across the entrance to the mammoth, concrete building during the morning confrontation, causing French President Jacques Chirac to sneeze and Prime Minister Lionel Jospin to step away from photographers so he could blow his nose.
Chirac later harshly criticized the violence. ''We solemnly condemn these acts. They are radically opposed to the democratic traditions of all our countries,'' he told a news conference.
At least 20 police officers were lightly injured in the clashes, and 45 protesters were detained.
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