METTLACH, Germany, (Reuters) – The leaders of France and Germany urged Syria on Tuesday not to interfere in Lebanon but to contribute constructively to efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability to its neighbour.

“Through a change in its behaviour Syria can hope to develop the normal relations it desires with the international community, including the countries of the European Union,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Jacques Chirac said in a joint statement issued after a meeting.