French parties rally against EMU

Two parties in the governing left-wing coalition in France have held a demonstration against the single European currency.

Thousands of people attended the protest in Paris, which was organized by the Communist Party and the Citizens' Movement the party of the Interior Minister, Jean-Pierre Chevenement to back calls for a referendum on monetary union.

The French President, Jacques Chirac, and the Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, are against a public vote on the issue.

The BBC's Correspondent in Paris says the rally will add to the pressure on Mr Jospin's coalition, following nationwide protests over unemployment.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service