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19:35 GMT, Wednesday, 21 May 2008 20:35 UK

In pictures: French fishermen protest

A policeman shields himself from flares near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

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French fishermen have clashed with riot police in Paris during protests over sharp increases in the cost of fuel.

Protest near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

Protest near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

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Dozens of flares were let off near the agriculture ministry, where trade unions were negotiating with the government.

Fishermen block the port of Boulogne-sur-mer, northern France, 21 May 2008

Fishermen block the port of Boulogne-sur-mer, northern France, 21 May 2008

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Fishermen also blockaded several French ports, stopping ferry traffic with the UK.

A protester throws a flare near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

A protester throws a flare near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

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The fishermen are demanding a bigger subsidy from the government, which says it is seeking approval from the European Union to give state aid.

French police trap a protester near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

French police trap a protester near the agriculture ministry in Paris, 21 May 2008

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But the fishermen say that agreement is redundant because fuel prices have risen so sharply.

Fishermen block the port of Boulogne-sur-mer, northern France, 21 May 2008

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The protests began last week in La Rochelle on France's west coast, before spreading to northern ports.

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