``France, no less than its European, American and Russian partners, will not tolerate a conflict that tramples on the basic principles of human dignity,'' Chirac said.

``An international deployment, accepted by all, seems to us necessary to guarantee and silence of arms,'' the president added as he formally opened the talks which are being co chaired by Britain and France.

The six-power Contact Group has summoned the warring sides to Rambouillet Castle outside Paris to finalise an agreement before February 20 that would grant a high degree of autonomy to Kosovo for a three-year interim period.

Chirac said the international community was united in efforts to end to the bloodshed. ``Its action is not directed at any one person,'' he said.``It is acting for the benefit of all.''