France is celebrating Bastille Day.
Leaders from Europe, theMiddle East and North Africa - as well as United NationsSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon - joined French President Nicolas Sarkozyat the celebrations.
The world leaders were already in Paris for Sunday's inaugural Mediterranean Union summit.
Thepresence of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad among leaders reviewingthe parade has angered human rights activists, opposition politiciansand some in the French military who served in a United Nations peaceforce in Lebanon. Mr. Assad has been accused of sponsoring terrorismand undermining Middle East unity.
On the occasion of BastilleDay, Mr. Sarkozy granted his country's highest award - the Legion ofHonor - to a number of notables, including former French-Colombianhostage Ingrid Betancourt.
The French national holidaycommemorates the 1789 storming of the Bastille prison, which marked thebeginning of the French Revolution.
Cities throughout Francehold military parades in the morning and fireworks in the evening onJuly 14. The largest parade in the capital includes a flyover by airforce jets. French communities worldwide also celebrate Bastille Daywith picnics, parties and fireworks.