Chirac to miss Bastille Day

Former president Jacques Chirac will not attend national celebrations in Paris on July 14.

While Chirac has not given an official reason, it is believed he is boycotting the event because of the presence of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad.

Under Chirac, France broke off diplomatic relations with Syria in 2004. Relations were strained further after the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri.

The Syrian government is under suspicion of carrying out the attack on Hariri – a personal friend of Chirac.

Assad was invited to the July 14 celebrations by President Nicolas Sarkozy who resumed relations with Syria after his election in May.

Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner met in November with
his Syrian counterpart Walid Muallem, the first contacts since 2004.

Assad is among some 40 foreign leaders who will be in Paris for a summit meeting on July 13 to launch the Mediterranean Union and who are due to attend the ceremonies.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will also attend.

Photo: Bastille Day planes on flyover.
Credit BenAveling