"I have indicated that it will be imprudent to attack Iraq now and it will increase international tension," said Annan after a 75-minute meeting with Chirac.

Annan added he is "encouraged" to see that US President George W. Bush started consultation with the international community on the American plans to attack Baghdad.

Bush called Russian, French and Chinese leaders earlier in the day to discuss how to deal with the threat posed by Iraq.

The meeting between Annan and Chirac was centered on Iraq and other Middle East problems as well as the World Summit on Sustainable Development closed Wednesday in Johannesburg, said French presidential spokeswoman Catherine Colonna.

During the talks, Chirac reaffirmed France's support to the UN secretary general and expressed his admiration for the way that Annan accomplishes his mission at the service of peace, she said.

Chirac has invited Annan to make an official visit to France in the end of November, added the spokeswoman.

(People's Daily September 7, 2002)