French President Jacques Chirac said a World Bank fund should be created to pay the salaries of Palestinian officials. After meeting with Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Chirac also suggested that more aid be placed under the leader's authority, and asked Hamas to renounce violence and recognize Israel's right to exist. The Hamas-led government is unable to pay its 165,000 employees because of international sanctions. France is to raise the issue during May 9 talks with the United Nations, United States, European Union and Russia, all of which are key players in the stalled roadmap peace plan.