The French government on Tuesday declared a state of emergency in riot-hit parts of the country in order to combat the worst outbreak of urban unrest since the May 1968 student revolt.

Meeting in crisis session under the chairmanship of President Jacques Chirac, the cabinet invoked a 50-year-old law originally drawn up at the start of the Algerian war which permits the declaration of curfews, house-searches and a ban on public meetings. The measure will come into effect at midnight Tuesday after the government has issued a decree setting out the geographical limits for the state of emergency.

 In remarks conveyed by his spokesman, Chirac said he had decided to "give the forces of law and order supplementary means in order to assure the protection of our fellow citizens and their property... It is necessary to hasten a return to calm." 

It was the toughest response to date to nearly two weeks of rioting in the country's high-immigration suburbs which has left more than 6,000 cars burned, public and private property destroyed, tens of policemen injured and one civilian death. More than 1,500 people -- mainly Arab and black youngsters -- have been detained.