PARIS, May 23 (Xinhuanet) -- French President Jacques Chirac is to make a "declaration to the French people" on Thursday over the May 29 referendum on the European Union constitution, his office announced Monday.

    "At the end of the great democratic debate that has taken placein France at the occasion of the referendum over the ratification of the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe", President Chirac will make an address to the French on Thursday, three days before the Sunday's referendum, Chirac's office said.

    Chirac's intervention is to "light the way for the French's choice", according to his office.

    Aides said the French president, whose prestige is riding on the outcome of Sunday's vote, wants to "shed light on the choice of the French people" and "highlight what is at stake".

    Chirac has made three speeches in television in the framework of campaign for the referendum, whose result is still very unclear.Recent surveys in France showed the "no" camp was still prevailing.Enditem