The ministry gave few details about the trip, saying the agenda was being finalized and would be released "as soon as possible".

But in Cairo, Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher said de Villepin would travel to Egypt "in the next few days" for talks on the US-led war in Iraq.

"The situation needs friends to consult with each other so that they can unify their efforts to end the tragic situation of the Iraqi people which will have dangerous repercussions in the region," Maher told reporters.

Diplomatic sources in Cairo said that Villepin could visit other countries, including Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria.

Earlier Wednesday, the French minister called for urgent action to stave off a humanitarian crisis in Iraq and for the United Nations to play a key postwar role in the country, following talks with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

SPACE.WIRE