PARIS, Jan 5. (Xinhua) -- French President Jacques Chirac has renewed his call on Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities in order to "re-establish trust" and engage the international community in dialogue.

    "It is up to Iran to re-establish trust by making an independent gesture," said Chirac on Thursday while addressing diplomats.

    "The suspension of its uranium enrichment related activities before the start of dialogue as demanded by the international community will, with regards to Iran's political options, open the doors for cooperation and a new partnership for stability, peace and prosperity in the whole of the region," he said.

    The French president also said that Iran is "fueling the apprehension of the world community through its proliferation activities and the unacceptable declarations made by some of its leaders."

    Iran, which is suspected of seeking to acquire nuclear arms, is on the verge of being slapped with sanctions by United Nation's Security Council for refusing to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.