ARMY rebels torched the presidential palace and the French embassy in Guinea-Bissau on Friday, the second day of heavy fighting in the capital Bissau, Portuguese and French sources reported. The residence of President Joao Bernardo Vieira, who has reportedly asked for asylum after his troops were defeated by mutinous soldiers, was ablaze like the French embassy and cultural centre, LUSA news agency said. French diplomats in Dakar said French nationals, numbering about 20 and including 10 commando guards, had to leave the premises and were arrested by rebel troops on doing so, but unharmed. The fires were started by rebel shellfire, a correspondent for the Portuguese news agency said.