French taxi drivers on strike over govt. deregulation proposalsJanuary 10, 2013 - 18:48 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A strike by taxi drivers has hit travellers across France. The drivers are striking over government deregulation proposals they fear will damage their business, Belfast Telegraph reported. Thousands of protesting taxi drivers lined up in single file on roadsides across the country, refused fares or drove on major roads at a crawl. At one point in the late morning, a trip into Paris that would normally take 20 minutes was listed on traffic signs at more than two hours. The drivers called it Operation Escargot. Taxi associations oppose government proposals to allow private companies to transport the sick to medical appointments and allow for new chauffeur businesses. At Paris's Orly airport, with riot police on hand, scores of taxi drivers prevented access to the drop-off point at the West terminal, forcing air travellers to walk further to get inside. French government officials were negotiating with drivers' associations, hoping to put an end to the strike. A senior official said the government was confident it could reach a resolution, but stood firm on some measure of deregulation. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |