Syria is playing "more than ever the role of Iran's Trojan Horse," the French umbrella group of Jewish organizations, CRIF, said on the eve of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's departure for Damascus. It noted that Syria has not changed its policy, "regularly ridicules human rights and shelters terrorist organizations opposed to the very existence of Israel," European Jewish Press reported.
 
CRIF did not oppose the visit and expressed hope that it will lead to progress towards peace. However, it warned that Lebanon is under the domination of Hizbullah, which is linked with Syria and Iran.