Chirac will not receive Sharon

President Jacques Chirac of France has decided not to receive Israeli Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon during his forthcoming visit to Paris at the end of next week.

In a Monday article quoted by Monte Carlo radio, the French daily Le Figaro said that Sharon will be unwelcome during his tour of some European capitals, thereby justifying Chirac's refusal to receive Sharon at Elysse Palace.

France and the European Union have repeatedly criticized Israel's obstruction of the Middle East peace process. The "Le Figaro" daily also said Sharon is "persona non grata," adding that Chirac, in fact, wants to express discontent over Israel's freezing of the process.

The French daily referred to German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's refusal to meet with Sharon.