While the devastating rebel offensive marks time, the French government is showing its teeth. The sending a few days ago of several hundred soldiers to Chad to reinforce the thousand military already in place had been presented as intended to help expatriates (those local agents of imperialism which, it seems, still haven’t been bothered by anybody), the French military authorities said, without laughing, that they observed an attitude of neutrality vis-à-vis the internal affairs of the country. This so-called "neutrality" was reflected, however, by “logistical, medical and intelligence assistance” to the army of Chadian dictator Déby.

The hotly contested 'Caltongate' gentrification plan has been approved by city councillors on Wednesday, in meeting that lasted over 10 hours. The two listed buildings will be demolished. Save Our Old Town protesters were present inside the meeting, and there was a demonstration outside the City Chambers all day. Campaigners vow to continue the struggle against this development, and plan to provoke a public enquiry.

[ full report | photos of demonstration | Save Our Old Town website ]