Speaking at the National Assembly following the terrorist attack in Nice, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian addressed Muslim countries with a message for peace, RFI reported.

“I would like to convey a message for peace to the Muslim world and say that France is not a country of tolerance, not contempt and rejection. Don’t listen to those who try to impose distrust. Muslim religion and culture are a part of French and European history. We respect this. Let’s not get into extremism and arbitrariness” Le Drian said.

This statement comes after anti-French demonstrations and calls for boycott of French goods in several Muslim countries and the escalation of tension with Turkey. The anti-French demonstrations began after President of France Emmanuel Macron made a statement on supporting the freedom of caricature after the murder of teacher Samuel Pati.