French President pays tribute to late King Mohammed V; D-day Provence landing

French president Jacques Chirac paid a moving tribute to the late king Mohammed V (grandfather of King Mohammed VI) during the official ceremony held on Sunday to mark the 60th anniversary of the D-day Provence landing in France, held with the participation of heads of state from north Africa and southern Africa, including King Mohammed VI and his spouse Princess Lalla Salma.

"Upon liberation, General De Gaulle has granted the 'Croix de Compagnon de la Libération' (Cross of the liberation companion) to Sultan Mohammed Ben Youssef, future Mohammed V," said the French president on board the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

Talking to the Moroccan monarch, the French president said "allow me Sire to quote the remarks by your illustrious grandfather at the darkest moments of our history, (Starting from this date and until the flag of France and its allies is victorious, we owe them unreserved help, we should not spare none of our resources nor save any sacrifice)." The French president was referring to the late king's message that was read out in all Moroccan mosques calling Moroccans for mobilization.

The French head of state also stressed that the struggle waged for freedom reflected actually a common vision of humanity and of the world, a vision based on universal values and principles in the name of which the joint battle was waged.

France honoured African soldiers who helped liberate southern France 60 years ago, paying tribute to the men who helped change the course of the second world war. Chirac pinned France's Legion of Honour award on the chests of 21 veterans whose countries contributed troops to the August 15 1944 landings, codenamed Operation Dragoon.

"To the veterans present today, I express, on behalf of France, in the name of each French man and woman, our eternal gratefulness," said Chirac who also paid tribute to the memory of those who died in the war.