The Palais des Pins, dating from the Ottoman era, was severely damaged during the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990).

Mr Chirac, who ordered the restoration of the residence two years ago, is in Lebanon to reinforce France's strong links with the country and seek ways to re-start the stalled Middle East peace process.

Troops of the Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army

He is also meeting with Lebanese leaders to try and push forward efforts to end Israel's 22-year occupation of southern Lebanon.

During talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, Mr Chirac said France backed a United Nations resolution calling for Israel's pullout.

Lebanese leaders were expected to urge France to press for an unconditional withdrawal of Israel's 1,500 soldiers and 2,500 allied Lebanese militiamen from a self-declared security zone along the south Lebanon border.

Israel has occupied the zone since 1985 as a buffer against guerrilla attacks on its northern territory.

Israel has offered to withdraw from south Lebanon on condition that the Beirut government disarm Muslim guerrillas in south Lebanon and take responsibility for security there.

Lebanon fears that Israel will get amendments to a UN resolution which calls for its unconditional withdrawal from Lebanon.

So far France, which ruled Lebanon between the two world wars, has backed the Lebanese position.