DDHK News, France - The French government recognizes the great merit of Muslim soldiers, a century after their sacrifice to France was forgotten. French president, Francois Hollande, said France "owes a debt" to the Muslim soldiers who died in World War I.
He also promised to fight racism and discrimination targeting minorities (Muslims) in his country.
"France will never forget the blood of Muslim soldiers," Hollande said at an event at the Grand Mosque of Paris, Tuesday (18/2), as quoted by Agence France Presse (AFP).
French Muslim leaders have welcomed Hollande's move to remember Muslim warriors.
Hollande's visit to the mosque, his first since being elected president in 2012, comes ahead of events planned for later this year to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the war.
About 600.000 soldiers from the French colonies took part in the 1914-1918 war and about 70.000 Muslims died in the battle of Verdun in 1916.
"Islam is completely compatible with French values," Hollande said, saying his determination to fight discrimination, injustice and racism.
The number of Muslims in France is around 6 million, the largest in Europe. French Muslims have complained about restrictions on their religious freedom, including a ban on headscarves and veils. (mel / onislam.net / localhost / project / personal / ddhongkong.org / ddhongkong.org). *
