Muslims call on Hollande to speak out

PARIS, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- French Muslims have called on President Francois Hollande to make a "solemn declaration" against Islamophobia as he has against anti-Semitism in the past.

Leaders of the Muslim umbrella body, the CFCM met with Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault Thursday to discuss what they called a rise in Islamophobia, Radio France Internationale reported.

The group said anti-Muslim acts rose 34 percent in 2011.

CFCM called on Hollande to condemn Islamophobia in a "solemn declaration," similar to when he spoke out against anti-Semitism.