France to pursue reforms after downgrade
France's prime minister says the goverment will push ahead with reforms after the country's top-tier debt rating was downgraded. Francois Fillon said the decision by ratings agency Standard & Poor's highlights the need for closer European unity and collective governance.
He told a news conference Saturday that the significance of the Friday night decision "should not be dramatized any more than it should be underestimated." He insisted France is a reliable investment and President Nicolas Sarkozy will push ahead with cost-cutting measures he has pledged. (AP)
