Syria, France for developing bilateral relations

The Monte Carlo radio correspondent in Damascus said on Saturday that appointing three diplomats close to the French President Jacques Chirac in the French embassy in Damascus is considered a frank French desire to develop bilateral relations, in the course of the nearby visit to be paid by the French President Jacques Chirac to Syria.

Diplomatic sources in Damascus said that the existence of such figures in the French embassy reflects Paris' desire to develop relations with Syria during the coming phase, noting that Syria pins great hope on the second presidential term of office for President Chirac.

Well-informed sources said that Damascus will ask Paris to extend to it the helping hand in an important part of the development and renovation operation announced by President Bashar al-Assad.