Macron: I Understand Muslims' Feelings, Reject Offensive Cartoons

French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday that he understands Muslims' feelings about the cartoons offensive to the Prophet Muhammad, stressing that his government does not stand behind these cartoons.

"The cartoons are not a governmental project, but rather they stem from free and independent newspapers that are not affiliated with the government,” he said.

He added that he understood the feelings of Muslims on this issue.

Macron noted that "I think that the reactions were due to lies and distortions of my words and because people understood that I support these cartoons."

“Some people distort Islam and claim to defend it."

The French president said that Muslims are the most affected by the behavior of those who pervert Islam.

Earlier, he had stressed that he would continue fighting extremism relentlessly so that the French could live their faith.

This comes after three people were killed in a knife attack near Notre Dame Church in the southern city of Nice.

Yesterday, Friday, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanan warned of the possibility of more attacks on French soil.

"We are at war and facing an external and internal enemy, and Islamist ideology," he added.