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Chirac to meet Iraqi president Talabani on
November 2 -
30.10.2006
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PARIS, October
30,-- An Iraqi delegation made up of President Jalal
Talabani and four ministers is to make a four-day
visit to France this week, during which Talabani
will hold talks with President Jacques Chirac.
Talabani and Chirac are to meet Thursday to discuss
the situation in Iraq, the French president's office
said Monday.
It will be the second visit of an Iraqi president to
France since the 2003 war lead by the United States
that Chirac firmly opposed. Talabani's predecessor,
Ghazi al-Yawar, came to Paris in January last year.
The Iraqis are due to arrive in the French capital
late Wednesday and stay until Saturday, according to
French officials.
During the visit, they are also to meet Foreign
Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy and other officials.
The designated next UN secretary general, South
Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon, is also
expected in Paris during that time, from Thursday to
Saturday, but there was no announced plans for him
to meet Talabani. |
Iraqi
President : Jalal Talabani, a Kurd (L), French
President Jacques Chirac (R) |
The Iraqi visit comes as the United States is under
increasing pressure to withdraw its military forces
from Iraq, which has become home to widespread and
intense violence.
The French foreign ministry said Paris was not
calling for an "immediate" withdrawal of the US
troops, but rather a "coordinated" plan for them to
leave so the Iraqi people can enjoy full
sovereignty.
France has taken an active role in international
efforts to help Iraq, offering to train police
outside the country and rubbing out four billion
euros (five billion dollars) in Iraqi debt.
It fears, however, that the rampant sectarian
violence in Iraq could lead to a fragmentation of
the country and "consequences for regional
stability."
AFP
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