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                                FRANCE - HOLIDAY

   World dignitaries including United Nations Secretary Ban Ki-moon joined
   French President Francois Hollande for the Bastille Day parade in Paris
   Sunday.
   Close to 5,000 troops, including U.N. soldiers in blue berets and
   servicemen from 13 African countries marched past the presidential
   stage where Mr. Hollande stood with Mr. Ban.
   France`s biggest holiday took place in the shadow of a deadly train
   crash just 20 kilometers south of the French capital. At least seven
   people were reported killed in the Friday train derailment. Many others
   were injured.
   In a televised interview Sunday President Hollande said more has to be
   done to maintain traditional rail lines.
   But the president focused on France`s achievements. He said that
   France`s economy is beginning to recover, citing an increase in
   industrial production and a slight recovery in consumption.
   The traditional military parade on the Champs Elysees was led by a
   Malian officer, drawing attention to France`s role in liberating the
   African country`s north from Islamist and other insurgent groups.
   Bastille Day is France`s biggest national holiday. It commemorates the
   storming of the Bastille fortress in 1789, which marked the start of
   the French Revolution.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/france--holiday/1701420.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/france--holiday/1701420.html