Chirac backs Egyptian -Jordanian initiative

President of France Jacques Chirac confirmed support to the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative to stem violence in the occupied territories and resume peace negotiations between Palestinians and Israelis.

Chirac expressed hope for intensifying efforts to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause.

Emerging from a meeting with Emir of Bahrain Sheikh Hamad Ben Issa A1 Khalifa at the Elysee Palace, the French President described the Egyptian-Jordanian initiative as a good start to halt violence and resume peace negotiations.

The French President also expressed hope that the Egyptian -Jordanian initiative, if implemented, would ensure security for the two parties, and pave the way for reaching a just peace agreement.

On his part, Sheikh Hamad said it is necessary to return to the negotiating table to reach an agreement that ensure rights of all parties, including those of the Palestinian people, to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

We are in pressing need to ensure security in the Middle East in order to lead a normal life, said Sheikh Hamad.

Sheikh Hamad appreciated the role played by France and Europe to achieve just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.

Elysee Palace sources said that talks held by Chirac and Sheikh Hamad, dealt with developments in the Gulf in light of the Iraqi crisis in addition to bilateral relations.

The sources said that President Chirac expressed hope that the French-Bahraini Joint Committee, which would convene late this month, would give a push to relations between the two countries.

The sources pointed out that President Chirac had welcomed reaching an end to the dispute between Qatar and Bahrain, after the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).