The fundamental group of the complement of a plane algebraic curve

$\pi_1(\mathbf C^2-K)$ is computed, where $K$ is an algebraic curve having only simple double points and satisfying certain restrictions at infinity. These restrictions are satisfied, for example, for a general curve parametrized by polynomials of given degrees, and also for a general curve with given Newton polyhedron. As a corollary, a new proof of the Fulton-Deligne theorem that $\pi_1(\mathbf CP^2-K)$ is abelian is obtained, if $K$ has only simple double points in $\mathbf CP^2$.
Figures: 1.
Bibliography: 7 titles.