In the first appearance of a French president in parliament in 136 years, Nicholas Sarkozy says women wearing 'burqa' have no place in France.

Sarkozy on Monday addressed parliament on various issues including the controversial subject of 'burqa', which has sparked many campaigns and protests across France.

The French president voiced support for the parliament's 'burqa' proposal, saying they were "a sign of the subjugation of women".

"The issue of the burqa is not a religious issue, it is a question of freedom and of women's dignity," he said in his speech.

Last week around 60 cross-party lawmakers backed a proposal to look into the growing 'burqa' trend in France.

More than 900 legislators from both houses of parliament - the National Assembly and the Senate - attended Sarkozy's speech at the Versailles Palace.

FA/HGH