Troops of the Israeli-backed South Lebanon Army

President Chirac said Israel must understand that her people would not know security if there was no peace. At the same time, Israel itself had the right to complete security.

Earlier, Mr Chirac officially re-opened the residence of the French ambassador in Beirut, 16 years after it was closed.

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, has been in Lebanon to reinforce France's strong links with the country and seek ways to re-start the stalled Middle East peace process.

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