PARIS. – Campaigning for the upcoming presidential elections, incumbent French President and presidential candidate Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday told during a public rally in Villepinte his position relating to the support of the Armenian people.

Referring to the quote by André Malraux—the culture minister of General de Gaulle—: “France is France when she fights for others,” he said: “France must be on the side of the people, of the freedom, of the justice. Today France must be with the Syrian people; the murderers must be held accountable. France will be uncompromising in defense of Israel’s security. She will defend the principle of a Palestinian state. She will defend gender equality, religious freedom, the right of Eastern Christians to live in peace. That is why I defend the wounded memory of the Armenians.”

Even before the French President’s speech, however, many personalities, such as Alain Terzian, the French-Armenian film producer and President of Cesar’s Academy, had supported the candidacy of Nicolas Sarkozy.

This public rally was broadcast live on several French television stations.