Chirac discuss with Saudi foreign minister the Iraqi situation
Saudi Arabia-France, Politics, 9/11/2002

In conclusion of his meeting with the French President Jacques Chirac, the Saudi foreign minister prince Saud al-Faisal announced that fearing any military "action against Iraq stems from the fear that such an action will affect Iraq's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," stressing that view points with Paris are similar though not almost identical, and that any action to be decided against Iraq should go through the UN, considering that this very stand is not in contradiction with the US policy.

Al-Faisal had arrived in France amid joint concern between the two countries that preparations to striking Iraq are serious and nearby.

This was days following similar talks Chirac had held with the Syrian Vice President Abdul Halim Khaddam with the aim of coordinating stances with several Arab states in order to convince Iraq to allow the return of the UN inspectors, on the one hand and on the other hand to create a pressure climate on the American public opinion to control George Bush administration to that effect.

The spokeswoman for the Elysee palace Catherene Colona said that Chirac during the talks expressed his "concern" over the Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon's rejection of the European proposals and his recent announcement of "the death of Oslo agreement," noting Chirac's comments that there is now a drastic need more than any other time before to resume the peace process because it is the sole way to ensure peace and security for the peoples of the ME region.

The French spokeswoman quoted that the talks centered on the situation in the Middle East and the Saudi peace efforts, especially the initiative made by the Saudi crown prince Abdullah, approved at the Beirut's Arab summit. She added that "Chirac did not hide his concern over the deteriorated conditions at the general level or at the humanitarian level, alike."

Previous Stories:
  Chirac discusses with al-Faisal ME developments   (7/17/2002)
  Saudi- French agreement supporting the foundation of the Palestinian state   (11/12/2001)
  Saudi crown prince in Paris   (6/29/2001)

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