11.   However, critics faulted the decision of an Anglo-French governing agency to reopen the tunnel, with some questions about safety still being floated.

12.   In August, a majority of people in three eastern French towns voted against reopening the tunnel to truck traffic in an unofficial referendum.

13.   Lawmakers are also expected to get into the debate over whether the fire-damaged Mont Blanc tunnel should be reopened to heavy truck traffic.

14.   Repair work began last year, and the tunnel could be reopened later this autumn.

15.   Reopening the tunnel will make it easier to deliver humanitarian aid from Russia and other countries to the north to needy Afghans in Kabul and central Afghanistan.

16.   Repair work began last year, and the tunnel could be reopened in the autumn.

17.   Repair work began last year, and the tunnel could be reopened later this year.

18.   The tunnel was reopened Sunday despite worldwide protests.

19.   For financial reasons, Italy hopes the tunnel can be reopened as soon as possible.

20.   Ghuysen and committee officials said the intergovernmental commission would decide on when to reopen the tunnel to truck shuttles soon.