Chirac and Berlusconi focus on European issues
French President Jacques Chirac and Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi were expected to discuss a range of European issues as well as Iraq, Afghanistan and terrorism during an annual bilateral meeting today.
Chirac’s office said the one-day meeting in Paris would focus on European Union issues, from finances and farm aid to French and Dutch voters’ spring rejection of a proposed constitution for the 25-member bloc.
On terrorism co-operation, the two leaders were expected to sign an agreement authorising their air forces to continue chasing down a suspect aircraft even if it crosses the French-Italian border, Chirac’s office said.
Berlusconi’s office said Iraq, Afghanistan, the Middle East peace process, reforms of the UN security council and fighting international terrorism were on the agenda.
