Sarkozy visits French Caribbean territories

FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (AP) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy arrived in Martinique Thursday as part of a two-day trip to French Caribbean territories whose economies were paralyzed earlier this year by violent strikes. He was expected to meet with appointed leaders Thursday night to talk about the status of overseas departments and how to improve economic and political ties. Traveling with him were France's interior and overseas department minister. Sarkozy is to attend Friday's inauguration of the Aime Cesaire Airport, renamed in honor of Martinique's late poet and politician. Sarkozy is then scheduled to fly to nearby Guadeloupe for talks there. Union leaders who organized the strikes have boycotted the meetings and are demanding that the government create more jobs and benefits. Elie Domota, spokesman of Guadeloupe's... [read full story]                    

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