Shaikh Hamad and Abbas in Paris for Middle East talks

Paris, France: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Qatar's Shaikh Hamad Bin Jassem Al Thani are meeting French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

Sarkozy had taken an active role in helping broker a ceasefire for Israel's recent offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Qatar has also emerged as a regional mediator after it helped resolve a long-standing political crisis in Lebanon last year.

US envoy George Mitchell will also hold talks on Monday with French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

Last week, Washington' Mideast point man met with Palestinian officials, including Abbas.