France is to press ahead with plans to ban full Islamic veils.

President Nicolas Sarkozy wants the proposal to be submitted to parliament.

A government spokesman said Mr Sarkozy decided it should submit a bill on a "general" ban on such veils "in all public places."

Mr Sarkozy has said the outfits oppress women and are "not welcome" in France. This is the first time he has taken action toward an outright ban.

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