France clarifies reports on Taslima

Responding to reports that Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen could seek asylum in France, the French government on Monday said demands for asylum are examined on a case-by-case basis from individuals from all over the world.

"Generally, on the question of asylum, the Ambassador (of France to India Jerome Bonnafont) explained that like India, France is a champion of liberty too.

"Thus, the constitutions of both countries uphold human right to liberty. It is this attachment to liberty that has made France a haven for asylum-seekers down the ages.

Demands for asylum are examined on case-by-case basis from individuals from all over the world", the French Consulate General here said in a statement.

The statement was clarifying the remarks of the Ambassador during his visit here last week in the context of reports that had quoted him as saying that Nasreen could seek asylum in France.

Nasreen has been extended an open invitation to France to receive the prestigious Simone de Beauvoir literary award for her writings.