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GV Chanting demonstrators marching through streets of Tripoli (4 shots)
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GV Demonstrators with banners listening to speech (4 shots)
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Initials EC



EUROVISION TELERECORDING

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: INTRODUCTION: Thousands of demonstrators marched through Tripoli -- the capital of the Libyan Jamahiriyah -- on Sunday (11 January) to protest against alleged French interference in Africa. France has moved to strengthen its forces in Africa following a proposed merger between Libya and neighbouring Chad.

SYNOPSIS: The demonstrators marched through the streets of the city on their way to a rally outside the French Embassy. According to Libyan radio, they issued a statement condemning 'irresponsible statements' by France.

Last Thursday (8 January) the French Foreign Ministry attacked the suggested merger. The radio broadcast described this as an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of Africa.

At the embassy, the demonstrators were told that armed African guerrillas would go into action to 'destroy French interests throughout the world.'
In February 1980, the French Embassy in Tripoli was burned down by demonstrators in an apparent protest against French military aid to neighbouring Tunisia. The previous year, the United States Embassy was attacked by crowds demonstrating against American foreign policy. Libya has played a decisive role in helping Chad's President Goukouni Oueddei win a civil war in his country.