The French Government categorically turned down the demand of the Iraqi captors from France to remove the ban on turban, in return of releasing the French captives. President Chirac said that they will make no concessions from their national values and launched initiatives for the rescue of the captives.

Government Spokesman Jean-Francois Cope said that "The law that bans head scarf in public schools will be in effect." Speaking to Canal Plus, Cope said about the turban ban that will be in effect as from Thursday at schools that "We want to remind that the French values are a reference for the whole world.  These include tolerance and respect and in France everyone exercise his religion freely, by respecting others."