TUNIS, June 2 (Xinhua) -- France would spare no efforts to solve the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means, the visiting French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said on Friday.

    She hoped that Iran would respect and sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of weapons of mass destruction, adding that France would do its best to help resolve the issues involved.

    The minister made the remarks after foreign ministers of five UN Security Council permanent members and Germany agreed on Thursday to offer a package of incentives to Iran if Tehran halts its controversial nuclear fuel enrichment.

    France should continue its intelligence exchange with Tunis on anti-terror, and called for a strengthening of sea patrols, she said after meeting with Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Enditem