France to lead first world war centenary commemorations

ThoseThose nations that fought in the first world war are to commemorate the centenary of the start of the four-year conflict with a series of dedicated events across the globe, reports The Financial Times.

Major events are planned in 2014 with France taking a lead on setting the tone for the way the world marks the centenary of the first world war. Two of its bloodiest battles – Verdun and the Somme – took place on French soil.

France is hosting an international meeting in October to co-ordinate a central message for the global commemorations with ministers from 20 countries expected to attend.

Among other things, France will dedicate its July 14 Bastille day celebrations to launching the international commemorations, with representatives from countries involved in the conflict invited to attend.

Read more of this report from The Financial Times.