The Nobel prize is "a reward for a life dedicated entirely to advocacy and democracy, defending human rights, and the fight against intolerance," the French president told reporters during his visit to this Moroccan city.

"It is an exceptional choice and I offer my most sincere congratulations to Mrs. Ebadi," Chirac said.

The French president had been suggested as a possible candidate for the award by supporters in Costa Rica for his attempts to prevent the war in Iraq and for his role in brokering ceasefire agreements in the Ivory Coast.

WAR.WIRE