MOSCOW BACKS FRANCE’S MIDDLE EAST OVERTURES.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry yesterday applauded French president Jacques Chirac and the efforts of French diplomats to strengthen Europe’s role in the Middle East peace process. A ministry spokesman said that Moscow and Paris were working together actively on Middle East issues. (Itar-Tass, October 24) During a trip to the region Chirac has called for the creation of a Palestinian state and suggested that the U.S.-led peace process is losing momentum. (AP, October 24)

Moscow Urges IFOR Extension.