Posted by : Anonymous on Sep 26, 2005 - 09:59 AM General

OYONNAX, France - Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin said Friday that the government is thinking about asking Hewlett-Packard to repay aid, after the U.S. computer and printer maker announced plans to cut 5,900 jobs in Europe. "We must reflect," Villepin said. "When there is public aid, it is normal that there is a minimum of return, of recognition." But the prime minister also said France's aim is not "to put up barriers that block foreign investors" and that he hoped for "constructive" talks with Hewlett-Packard.
Villepin's employment minister, Jean-Louis Borloo, said it was "normal" that France ask Hewlett-Packard to repay aid, even though the amount it received was small.

Hewlett-Packard says it will do away with 5,900 jobs in Europe, including nearly a quarter of its 4,800 employees in France, as a part of a global restructuring plan. The announcement this month was a blow to France, which has made reducing unemployment its top priority.

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