French Translators Debate Paying for Rescues Follow

A new French government initiative proposes to fine French tourists who are kidnapped or need rescuing while visiting hostile or dangerous countries.  A group of French translators has been debating the topic, which was first proposed by French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner.  Under the proposal, businessmen, journalists, government workers and others on official business would be exempt.  However, the general public will be subject to fees that would reimburse the government for all its expenses incurred to rescue the individuals.  Last year, the French government spent over a million dollars just to fly tourists home from Thailand during that country's civil unrest.  And this is only one of thousands of dangerous tourist destinations that the French government prefers its citizens not visit.