Joan of Arc does not belong to National Front says Sarkozy

"As head of state, I had a duty to pay today, in the land of her birth, this solemn homage that France pays to those to whom it owes its freedom and greatness," Sarkozy said in a speech at Vaucouleurs in eastern France.

"May we continue to think of her (Joan) as the symbol of our unity and not leave her in the hands of those who would use her to divide. To divide in the name of Joan of Arc is to betray Joan of Arc's memory," said Sarkozy.

Joan of Arc passed through Vaucouleurs in 1429 on her way to the French royal court to lobby the monarch to join the fight against the English and the Burgundians during the Hundred Years War.

Sarkozy had earlier visited Joan of Arc's birthplace at Domremy, as part of his as yet unofficial campaign in his bid for a second mandate in April's presidential election, during which he is expected to face a strong challenge from the far-right National Front (FN).

On Saturday, FN leader Marine Le Pen who will pay her own tribute to the 15th century Catholic martyr at a rally of her party in Paris.

The FN has sought to appropriate Joan of Arc, who has broad appeal among all French, partly for the perception that she "booted out" medieval English "immigrants", and the party organises a parade in her honour every May 1.