Sarkozy allows Martinique to hold autonomy vote

By RODOLPHE LAMY ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER French President Nicolas Sarkozy stops to take a photograph with a local woman, left, as he arrives at the airport in Abymes, on the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, Friday, June 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Dominique Chomereau-Lamotte) FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday that Martinique is free to hold a referendum on greater political autonomy but made clear the island would always belong to France. Sarkozy traveled to Martinique and Guadeloupe as the islands recover from violent strikes that crippled the economy and shuttered schools and businesses earlier this year. Sarkozy did not say when a referendum might be held, but said he would meet soon with appointed officials. "Martinicans will be free to choose in their heart and conscience the road... [read full story]                    

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