The infamous French impostor or intruder Claude Khazizian (53rd from L 2nd row, red handkerchief, just behind Jacques Chirac and Francois Mitterrand) smiles lightly while posing 08 May 1995 on the steps of the Elysee Palace in Paris surrounded by some of the 80 heads of state gathered to attend ceremonies commemorating the end of World War II. From left, first row: Oscar Luigi Scalfaro (Italy), Jacques Chirac (Franch elected President), Francois Mitterrand (French outgoing President), Edouard Balladur (French PM). From left, second row: Abdou Diouf (Senegal), Khazizian, Vigdis Finnbogadottir (Island), Paul Biya (Cameroon), Helmut Kohl (Germany). Khazizian, distinguished looking gentleman often seen rubbing shoulders with the high and mighty at official receptions in France has turned out to be a former state betting shop employee with a strong gift for gatecrashing. How Khazizian, 64, gets past the security checks without an invitation he will not say, but the television footage and the print media photographs all show he has certainly found a way. No doubt his impeccable double-breasted suit helps. His exploits have made Khazizian the darling of the French media, who identify him only as «Claude X.» AFP PHOTO PASCAL PAVANI (Photo credit should read PASCAL PAVANI/AFP/Getty Images)
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