23/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On 23 June, as the polemic surrounding the wearing of the Burqa continues to gain pace in France, European Commissioner for Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot declared on La Tribune's website that “reflection is needed at European level on the subject of the burqa. This calls for great caution as we must not traumatise a number of Muslims who consider such dress customs are the expression of their faith. I believe one should not pass laws but that one should explain there must be respect for women and avoidance of any obligation”. A parliamentary committee composed of 32 French representatives is responsible for reflecting as of July during 6 months on the question of wearing the full veil in France, and possibly on a law to ban it. Several European countries, after the fashion of Belgium, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands (school and public transport) prohibit (at least in theory) the wearing of the burqa in public. In the United Kingdom, it is authorised although the debate on this issue is very heated. (B.C./transl.jl)