SARKOZY TO VISIT SYRIA ON SEPTEMBER 3

France's Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner was in Damascus on Monday where he offered help to Syria and Lebanon on thorny issues linked to their resolve to normalise ties for the first time since the French mandate over the two countries ended 60 years ago.

British and American newspapers had previously also reported that four French soldiers were captured during the ambush last week.

The EU will now examine from this point of view the consequences of Russia's decision.

President Sarkozy recalled the position of the EU presidency concerning the Russian decision to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, the Elysee Palace said.

Poland's president, prime minister to attend EU summit on Georgia