French Foreign Minister Arrives in Accra

The French Foreign Minister, Mr Dominic de Villepin, on Friday said France was committed to supporting Africa's mediation efforts particularly the ECOWAS in resolving conflicts on the continent.

He said France would work with the regional bodies to achieve the peace needed on the continent to ensure both economic and political development.

"There is the need for us to unite our efforts to find solution to the numerous conflicts that spring up every now and then."

Speaking to journalists on arrival in Accra on a two-day visit to the country the Minister said such partnership was vital in achieving peace.

On Liberia, he said there was the need to get the warring factions to cease-fire to pave the way for a mediation force.

Mr Villepin paid tribute to President John Agyekum Kufuor's effort at promoting democracy both in Ghana and in the sub-region.

"His efforts at helping to stabilise Cote d'Ivoire will also be needed to bring peace in the Liberian situation," he said.

The minister said he would first discussed with President Kufuor, how this could be achieved stressing that "we need to act in a dynamic way."

Nana Akuffo Addo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Mr Villepin on arrival.