Chirac stresses remarkable relations with Syria, Lebanon

French President Jacques Chirac has asserted his country's readiness to take part in the process of establishing just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. He noted the remarkable relations linking Paris with both Damascus and Beirut.

At the conference of France's ambassadors currently being held in Paris, the French president said, "Our distinguished relations with Syria and Lebanon would avail our country to make great contributions to peace negotiations and the solutions to be reached."

Chirac asserted that France's firm consultations and relations with sides concerned in the region would enable it and the European Union to carry out their complete role in establishing a just and comprehensive peace in the region.