Chirac: cooperation with Egypt maintained in all fields

French President Jacques Chirac highlighted continued coordination and cooperation between France and Egypt in all fields, hailing the deeply-rooted ties between both countries.

Interviewed by the Egyptian TV late Sunday hours before his envisaged Monday visit to Cairo, Chirac said it is very important for Egypt and France to consult in these crucial international conditions.

"Although President Mubarak and myself always consult over the phone, our direct meetings are much more effective," he added.

On the possibility of tabling a French-European initiative to work out a solution for the Middle East problem within the framework of a European-American-Russian agreement on terrorism combat, Chirac made it clear that he and Mubarak have identical views on the Mideast situation and terrorism combat.

The French President said there should be no linking of Islam to terrorism. Chirac stressed the necessity of confining the US-led military strikes to Afghanistan.

The current international conditions dictate a return to the Middle East peace process, said Chirac.

He underlined the importance of building the peacemaking drive on UN resolutions and Madrid terms of reference as well as laying friendly pressures on both sides (Palestinians and Israelis) by the US.

Chirac declared as indispensable the American role to bring the parties concerned back to peace negotiations along with the EU, Egypt, Jordan, Russia and the UN chief. He praised as positive the Sharm E1 Sheikh meetings, pressing for the revival of peace talks so that the Palestinians and Israelis would realise that force will finally lead to nowhere.

On France's reservation to the US-led military strikes in Afghanistan and its participation in the campaign opposed by the world public opinion, Chirac said that his country had never had any reservation.

The military operations in Afghanistan have been enjoying collective approval and acceptance since the outset, he said.

Although our solidarity with the operations had never changed, we affirm the necessity of limiting the shelling to Taliban and not the Afghan people, Chirac said.

He expressed hope the military operations would end as soon as possible.

If Osama Bin Laden and his assistance are arrested the solution would be swift and would pave the way for peace, he added.