PARIS, Feb. 2 (Xinhuanet) -- France on Monday expressed its condolences to the families of the 244 people who died in a crowd stampede during the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

    "France has learned with emotion and sadness about the tragic trampling which caused the deaths of many pilgrims as they undertook the great pilgrimage to Mecca," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous.

    "France pays homage to the efforts of the Saudi authorities who organized as efficiently as possible emergency help and assistance for the victims. In these painful circumstances, we express our sympathy to the kingdom's authorities and present our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims," he said.

    France has Europe's biggest Muslim population, accounting for 5 million of its 60 million inhabitants.

    The stampede, during a climax of the annual Muslim pilgrimage, lasted about half an hour on Sunday, killing 244 people and injuring hundreds of other worshipers, some critically. Enditem