Jacques Chirac, the French President, received Syrian Vice President Abdel Halim Khaddam and Foreign Affairs Minister Farouq El-Shara in Paris.
The meeting was part of Syria’s efforts to confront Israel’s maneuvers regarding Security Council Resolution 425, which Israel aimed to make empty of content.
During the talks, the two sides discussed the Israeli proposal. Khaddam emphasized that France and Syria share the view that Resolution 425 requires Israel to unconditionally withdraw from southern Lebanon, without any conditions or obligations. He further noted that he did not feel that French policy was convinced of the seriousness of the Israeli proposal.
The Syrian Vice President reiterated that Syria maintains a clear position that if the Israeli government truly wants peace, it must comply with its principles and terms of reference. However, Israel is closing the doors to peace by its actions towards the Palestinians, despite dozens of agreements. This confirms that Israel is engaging in maneuvers.
