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France celebrates Bastille Day amidst high security

President Jacques Chirac has reviewed troops amid tight security in central Paris at the start of France`s traditional Bastille Day celebrations.
He stood in an open jeep which moved down the Champs Elysees, signalling the start of a colourful military parade.

Earlier he had urged "constant mobilisation and vigilance" following the UK bombings a week ago. After last week?s deadly terrorist bombings in London, France raised its terror alert status to the second-highest level, of "red". The move triggered measures such as raising the number of soldiers that protect sensitive sites like train stations and airports.

When asked about the possibility of terrorism in France, French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said "the risk exists" and added that the country is now in a period that requires them to be at a maximum level of vigilance. About 5,000 police were deployed for this year`s celebrations.

Protecting the event has been a priority since a gunman tried to kill Mr Chirac during the 2002 parade. The president was not hurt in that attack, and the attempted assassin was sentenced to 10 years in jail last December. Celebrants must pass through metal detectors while police film the crowds and are limiting access to Metro subway stations.