A tribunal in the city previously ruled a burkini ban in the Villeneuve-Loubet resort was “necessary, appropriate and proportionate” to prevent public disorder.
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He said: “However, Muslims must continue to engage with us over gender equality, the inviolable nature of the principles of the French Republic, and tolerance in order to live together”.
He spoke after a day-long conference with Muslim leaders, professionals and some lawmakers to try to mount a project meant to bind Muslims to the nation, a task given new urgency after deep divisions surfaced over burkini bans in 30 French beach towns and after extremist attacks that also stigmatized Muslims. By overthrowing the decision of the mayor, the court has “stated the law”, he added.
More than 20 French Mayors are refusing to lift the restrictions, despite a court ruling deeming them illegal.
The stand-off has created a dilemna for the French government and Cazeneuve is expected to make an announcement on Monday as to whether he will force mayors to back down.
Rightwing figures are pushing for a nationwide ban to be written into law, led by former president Nicolas Sarkozy, who this week launched his bid to regain the presidency in next year’s election.
Although clearly playing to prejudice fanned by the far right against Muslims, Sarkozy’s ostensible objective, supported by all too many on the left, is the defence of France’s much-vaunted, totemic tradition of laicité, rigorous, enforced secularism.
But speaking to French newspaper Le Croix, Mr Cazaneuve said it was unlikely this would come into place.
The two women were preparing to enjoy a family picnic in Nice when a police boat headed towards them and told them to leave.
In early campaigning for presidential elections in April 2017, the controversy along with terror attacks on the country, have become subjects of heated debate, putting French identity and security issues at the forefront.
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The ban caused outrage in the United Kingdom with a protest staged outside the French embassy in London on Thursday.
