The French parliament adopted on Thursday an anti-terrorist law partly inspired by measures introduced in Britain after the July bomb attacks in London.

The law authorized increased use of surveillance cameras in public places, such as train stations, churches and shopping malls.

Under the law, internet and mobile phone operators will be obliged to to keep client records for one year, and officials will have more authority in conducting checks on cross-border trains.

The new law prolonged the custody of terrorist suspects from the current four days to six days, and perpetrators of terrorist acts will face longer terms in prison.

The law also gives the police wider access to previously confidential information of customers of rail, maritime and air transport services.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2005 )