Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in Paris yesterday that he is seeking France's "support" and "backing" to restart the Middle East peace process.

"We are going to take up the future of the peace negotiations in order to translate the principles of Israeli and Palestinian people into reality, and we are looking forward to your support and backing," Abbas told press at the French presidential palace Elysee, before beginning talks with President Jacques Chirac.

The Palestinian leader affirmed his commitment to a solution between the two states, resolutions of international legality, agreements that have been signed and the refusal of terrorism and violence.

Abbas described the French president as "a great head of state" and "a great friend whom we respect very much."

The agreement reached on February 8 in Mecca between Abbas and Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, allowing for the formation of a Palestinian coalition government.

The agreement should be carried out "in reality and through acts," Chirac said, adding that "recognition of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) is important" considering the concerns of the international community.

Abbas, who is on a European visit, has already been to Britain, Belgium and Germany.

It is Abbas' third visit to France since he was elected Palestinian president in January 2005.

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2007)