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France intensifies security as controversial "Tel Aviv beach" day kicks off

Xinhua, August 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

With 500 police officers, France reinforced security measures on Thursday to ensure the calm and safety of participants at "Tel Aviv beach" day which Paris dedicated to the Israeli capital to shed more light on its gastronomy and culture, a local media reported.

According to a report posted on its website, the daily Le Figaro said the controversial event kicked off at 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT). Stretching over 200 meters, the stand, dedicated to honor Tel Aviv, proposed to visitors to discover the city's culinary art, beach games. A beach party was scheduled later in the evening.

Police searches beach bags before and after the 12-hour-event, it added.

"Everything has been implemented to avoid uncontrolled behaviors", Patrick Klugman, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of international relations told news channel iTELE.

Celebrating Tel Aviv city in Paris beach festivities sparked a deluge a criticism from left wing parties and pro-Palestinians groups which said that the event is a message of support to Israeli settlement policy in the Middle East.

"In order to keep Paris Beach' attractiveness, we invite cities or foreign countries for entertainment or events. After Athens, Brazilian cities or towns of Polynesia, we decided to welcome Tel Aviv," wrote Paris Mayor, Anne Hidalgo on the daily Le Monde on Wednesday.

"By inviting Tel Aviv on the Seine banks on August 13, Paris is faithful to the fun aspect of Paris Beach and values exchange and tolerance too. Our city contributes to a culture of peace and to overcome prejudices," she added.

Parts of the Seine banks in central Paris turned into beaches as the 15th Paris Beach Festival which took place on July 20.

During the month-long event, the Voie George Pompidou on the right bank of the Seine and the Bassin de la Villette, the largest artificial lake in Paris, will be decorated by sands, palm trees, parasols and deckchairs to provide car-free recreation resorts for holidaymakers in French capital. Endit