More than 30 African heads of state are in Cannes, France, Thursday for the biennial summit aimed at strengthening France's relations with the continent.
BizVantage – When knowing counts: Business, Investing, Technology.
Try the free, no-hassle 6 month trial!
In his opening address, President Chirac said it is time for the Sudanese government and all parties in Darfur to accept peacekeepers and halt their attacks in the region.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has so far rejected efforts to deploy a U.N.-proposed peacekeeping force of about 20,000 to Darfur.
Sources in Mr. Chirac's office say the Sudanese president is likely to meet on the sidelines of the summit with his counterparts from Chad, Idriss Deby, and the Central African Republic, Francis Bozize.
Violence in Darfur has spilled over into both countries, which share borders with the region.
This is likely to be the last summit hosted by Mr. Chirac. The 74-year-old president has hinted he plans to retire after 12 years in power. French officials have said they want to reassure African leaders that France's ties to the continent will remain close after Mr. Chirac's departure.
Hundreds of African protesters and members of international non-profit organizations are expected in Cannes. They say the summit does little to help average Africans.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.