:dateline:On April 9th 2013, Conseil Representatif des Sikhs de France met Paul Giacobbi,�Socialist MP and Chairman of France at the the French�Parliament�to share�various issues and concerns of French Sikhs.
Ranjit G. Singh, Director of Public Affairs, explained the concerns of French�Sikh community and the changes that should be�pushed by the French MPs. Despite UN decisions, the French Government is still not moving its position on Dastar on ID cards. �It should be noted that the law banning�religious symbols in public schools is contrary to the international conventions. �MP Paul Giacobbi added that this law should change and only�prohibit signs which are disturbing law and order in public schools, such�as Nazi cross, and not specifically religious signs.
Human rights issues�and abolition of death penalty in India were also discussed with MP Paul�Giacobbi, who assured that France policy was always to encourage and�support the abolition of death penalty.
MP Paul Giacobbi expressed that it was awkward for French delegation in India to deal with the French Sikhs�issues. �He hoped that the awareness program and work of�Conseil Representatif des Sikhs de France will help resolve French�Sikhs issues.
In November�2013,�The Conseil Representatif des Sikhs de France will be organizing a Book Fair in Paris on�Sikh Heritage and Commune History of Sikhs and France. �MP Paul Giacobbi will be a chief guest at the event.
The meeting was attended by senior French Sikh leaders, including Bhai Parmjit Singh�Sohal and Bhai Davinder Singh Ghuman (Shiromani Akali Dal Amritsar, France), and Bhai Basant Singh Panjhata (Sikh Council France). �The Sikh delegation expressed that it was glad�to have a 5th French MP supporting French Sikhs’ Issues.
