French Pledge Support for Tunisia if Attacked by Libya

TUNIS, Tunisia —  French Premier Jacques Chirac began a brief visit to Tunisia on Saturday, pledging instant support in case of an attack on its former colony, which is engaged in a dispute with Libya.

During his four-hour stay, Chirac conferred with President Habib Bourgiba at Carthage Palace and with Premier Mohammed Mzali

Asked at an airport news conference about Libyan threats against Tunisia following last month’s U.S. bombing of Tripoli and Benghazi, Chirac stressed the strong ties between France and Tunisia.

“If Tunisia was the target of an attack . . . from whichever quarter, and it sought France’s help, this help is of course granted to it instantly and unreservedly,” he said.