Ministers heading to French Guiana to try to quell strike

Masked members of the collective "500 Brothers" take part in a march supporting a general strike in Cayenne, French Guiana, Tuesday, March 28, 2017. France announced Tuesday that it will send two high-level ministers to French Guiana as more than 10,000 protesters marched through the streets of the French territory in South America during the second day of a general strike over crime and economic hardship. (AP Photo/Pierre-Olivier Jay) (The Associated Press)

People march to support a general strike in Cayenne, French Guiana, Tuesday, March 28, 2017. France announced Tuesday that it will send two high-level ministers to French Guiana as more than 10,000 protesters marched through the streets of the French territory in South America during the second day of a general strike over crime and economic hardship. (AP Photo/Pierre-Olivier Jay) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – The French government has decided to send a high-level ministerial mission to French Guiana as the region faced its second day of a general strike by some 27 labor unions over crime and economic difficulties.

French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said Tuesday that Interior Minister Matthias Fekl and Overseas Minister Erick Bareigts would go to the French territory in South America on Wednesday.

Cazeneuve says the ministers will meet with union representatives, politicians and residents.

He praised a "spirit of appeasement" observed Tuesday in ongoing protests that, along with the strike, have paralyzed French Guiana in recent days.

Protesters are angry over high crime, the cost of living and the poor quality of health care.

The strike and protests have halted flights, disrupted a rocket launch and prompted a U.S. travel warning.