In his last state ceremony before stepping down as President of France, Nicolas Sarkozy led a ceremony to mark the end of the Second World War in Europe.
He was joined by President-elect Francois Hollande at the Arc de Triomphe war memorial in Paris. A solemn-looking Mr Sarkozy began the proceedings by laying a wreath at the statue of Charles de Gaulle, the former president and leader of the Free French Forces. He also shook hands with military dignitaries, including de Gaulle's 90-year-old son, Philippe.
A cortege followed Mr Sarkozy up the grand central artery to the Place de l'Etoile, where he and outgoing prime minister Francois Fillon inspected the troops.
The Arc de Triomphe has a special significance since Adolf Hitler marched his Nazi troops through it when Germany took France over in 1940. It also was the site where Allied troops celebrated victory over Germany 67 years ago.
Mr Sarkozy and Mr Hollande, the winner of Sunday's presidential run-off, laid another wreath at a First World War memorial.
The two political rivals will meet again on May 15 at the Elysee Palace for the official transfer of power.
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