SYRIA: DAMASCUS: FRENCH PRESIDENT JACQUES CHIRAC VISIT

(20 Oct 1996) French/Arabic

Israel and France are bickering over the Middle East peace process even before French President Jacques Chirac sets foot in the Jewish state Monday.

Chirac, on a visit to Syria this weekend, said Europe must join Washington in sponsoring Arab-Israeli negotiations - contributing proposals, not just money.

But Israel is pouring cold water on the suggestion.

Cheering crowds greeted the French leader, Saturday night,, as his convoy drove to the Presidential Palace in Damascus for talks with his Syrian counterpart President Hafez al-Assad.

Jacques Chirac is in the region to outline his case for a bigger European role in the Middle East peace negotiations.

But Israel has firmly rejected such a proposal, stating Europe should limit its role to one of continuing financial support.

Syria, however, is pushing for a more active European role.

At this official reception both Syrian and French presidents made speeches voicing their concerns over the peace process.

SOUNDBITE: (Arabic)
"It is a sad and dangerous situation that the peace process has reached a stalemate especially with the new Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government which refuses to apply all the commitments dealt with the last past five years".
SUPER CAPTION: President Hafez al-Assad

Chirac told his audience he had various issues he intended to raise with the Israelis when he met with them.

SOUNDBITE: (French)
"In order to have peace we should apply the policy of Land for Peace and it is applied also for the Golan Heights in Syria. I'll mention it tomorrow in Israel. Lebanon should have its sovereignty over South Lebanon and the 425 should be applied".
SUPER CAPTION: French President, Jacques Chirac

Despite Israels clear disinterest in an increased European involvement in the peace talks, Chirac is still hopeful of persuading them to change their minds.

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