A new intelligence report, quoted in the Le Figaro newspaper, warned that any spark could fuel anger at police, who are taking extra measures to keep order and stay discreet.

Officials in restive areas have been asked to clear out abandoned cars from city streets and rearrange garbage pickup schedules so that trash bins are empty by nightfall. Images of flames -- primarily cars torched in rampages -- became the hallmark of last year's riots.

The unrest started Oct. 27, 2005, after two youths were electrocuted in a power substation in Clichy-Sous-Bois, northeast of Paris, while hiding from police.

The Japan Times Weekly: Oct. 28, 2006
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