Chirac visits Beirut

French president Jacques Chirac arrived in Beirut late yesterday for a formal visit, his third during the last two years.

Chirac will hold talks with Lebanese President Elias Hrawi, Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Foreign Minister Fares Boueiz, tackling enhancing bilateral relations, reviving the peace process and addressing the Israeli suggestion of a conditional withdrawal from south Lebanon -- where Israel asked Chirac to intervene and convince the Lebanese government to accept the Israeli offer.

Lebanese President Elias Hrawi on Thursday stressed cohesion between the Syrian and Lebanese tracks in peace negotiations with Israel. In a statement to Monte Carlo radio, President Hrawi asserted that there would be "no peace in Lebanon unless it is comprehensive" and urged France to veto any attempts that might be made at the UN to amend UN resolution 425.

A Lebanese government source told ArabicNews.com that Chirac's visit has a special importance because he is standing behind Arab rights at a time when many countries have adopted "double standards" towards the region in their foreign policy.