French President Jacques announced Tuesday that he will not debate with his extreme right election rival Jean-Marie Le Pen before the second round of voting on May, saying he would have nothing to do with a man who peddled hatred.
"Facing up to the intolerance and hatred, no transaction, no compromise, no debate is possible," said Chirac at a campaign gathering in the western French city of Rennes.
Le Pen surprisingly emerged out as one of the finalists for the final round following Sunday's round-one voting. A debate broadcast live on televisions between the two finalists is a traditional program in French general election.
(Xinhua News Agency April 24, 2002)
