Crisis talks between truckers and the French government looked set to continue into Thursday

Crisis talks between truckers and the French government looked set to continue into Thursday night as leaders sought to end protests over fuel taxes that have blocked roads and choked petrol supplies across the country. Although Premier Lionel Jospin drew the line at a 15 percent cut on Wednesday, out on the front line angry truckers blocking petrol stations and refineries seemed bent on forcing the government into a 20 percent reduction in diesel fuel taxes in a display of unrest now raising questions in Brussels. Farmers tried to block the Channel Tunnel freight train entrance and cab drivers traveling at a snail's pace in a protest code-named ``Operation Escargot'' also joined the protest. Transport Minister Jean-Claude Gayssot talked with truck union leaders for 90 minutes late on Thursday. The leaders left to consult their supporters and Gayssot agreed to meet them again separately at 1900 GMT and 2100 GMT respectively. Several hundred taxis turned out to protest at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, 600 in Bordeaux and 1,000 each in Lyon and Marseille, taxi union chief Alain Estival said.