Syrian leaders begin France visit today

The Syrian Vice-President, Abdel Halim Khaddam, and the Foreign Minister, Faruq al-Shara, are due to begin a two-day visit to France today.

French officials said discussions would focus on recent developments in the Middle East peace process.

The Syrian leaders will hold talks with both President Chirac and the Prime Minister, Lionel Jospin, as well as with the foreign Minister, Hubert Vedrine.

The visit comes a week before Mr Vedrine is to begin a Middle East tour.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service