Sarkozy to meet Syria's Assad in Paris

The one-on-one meeting held on the eve of a summit to launch a new Union for the Mediterranean is "because the two countries have things to say to each other and things to build," said a presidential aide.

Former President Jacques Chirac cut off official contacts with Damascus over charges of Syrian involvement in the February 2005 assassination of former Lebanese premier Rafiq Hariri, who was a friend of Chirac’s. Damascus has denied the claims.Â

Assad is among some 40 foreign leaders who will be in Paris for the July 13 summit that will see European countries come together with states in the Mediterranean region including Arab nations and Israel to improve cooperation.

French officials said human rights, Lebanon and the Israeli-Syrian peace track would be discussed during the meeting, the first between the leaders since Sarkozy moved to restore high-level ties.Â

"The Syrian president is not a perfect example in terms of respect for human rights, but he is making efforts," said a presidential aide.

After the election in May of a president in Lebanon under a power-sharing deal between rival politicians, Sarkozy moved to reward Assad by renewing high-level contacts with Syria.

He has been invited to attend the Mediterranean Union summit and French Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, but former president Chirac has said he will stay away from the festivities.

Sarkozy dispatched two envoys to Dasmascus last month for talks with the Syrian leader on bolstering ties amid much speculation that a historic meeting between Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was in preparation.

Assad last week dismissed any direct talks with Olmert on the sidelines of the Paris Mediterranean Union summit in line with his previous statements that such a meeting would not take place before next year.

A third round of indirect Israeli-Syrian peace talks were to be held in Turkey on Tuesday.