Today's Date:

French Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin has acknowledged that "the increase in racist and anti-Semitic acts is a reality in France" and called for increased security in an interview in Saturday's Le Monde.

The minister considers these facts require "heightened awareness and far-reaching action" based on a tougher criminal response, education of the very young and increased security.

To that end, he said, "Protection will be increased at sensitive places. For example, I want to encourage the installation of video surveillance systems, in liaison with the religious authorities."

The minister said the police had "recorded 160 violent anti-Semitic acts in the first seven months of this year compared with 75 in the corresponding period in 2003."

"Eleven of the 160 acts have been attributed to the far right, 50 were committed by individuals of Arab-Muslim descent and 99--i.e. the majority--took place for reasons that are unclear."

Referring implicitly to the vandalization of Jewish cemeteries in France in the past few months, Mr. de Villepin warned, "The risk of copycat action is undeniable. (...) Desecrations are increasing and affect all religions, Christians and Moslems. Islamophobic acts are multiplying dangerously."

The French Justice Ministry said Thursday that from January 1 to August 20, 2004, it had counted 298 judicial procedures for racist and anti-Semitic acts, including complaints filed directly with the courts.