PARIS, Nov. 14 (Xinhuanet) -- French President Jacques Chirac vowed Monday to help young people, especially those in difficulty,to get employment after the "identity crisis" revealed by the latest French violence.

    "This is a crisis of meaning, a crisis of reference points, a crisis of identity," Chirac said in a televised address to the whole nation.

    "We will respond with firmness and justice," he said.

    "These events are the sign of a deep malaise. Some people started fires in their own neighborhoods, burned the cars of theirneighbors, their friends, attacked their schools and sports centers," he said.

    More than 8,000 cars were burned and more than 2,760 people were arrested since the violence sparked on October 27 in Clichy-sous-bois in northeast Paris suburb after the accidental electrocution of two teenagers who tried to flee police identity check.

    "Children from these difficult neighborhoods ... whatever theirorigins ... are all sons and daughters of the republic," Chirac said.

    "Children, teenagers need values, points of reference. Parentalauthority is key. Families must take their full responsibilities,"he added.

    "To help young people, especially young people in difficulty, to get employment I've decided to create a voluntary task force combining support and training," he said, adding that the program would help 50,000 young people in 2007.

    He also stressed that restoring public order remained the government's priority, and that the country would respond with firmness and justice.

    "The justice system has been alerted, it will shed full light (on the unrest), it will be without weakness," Chirac said.

    "Everyone must know that the law cannot be broken with impunity," he said, adding "In the republic, no one can break the law without being arrested, prosecuted and sanctioned." Enditem