Despite the shock and awe bombardment of Baghdad on Friday night and the American-British invasion of southern Iraq, French-led efforts are underway to persuade Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to surrender and choose exile.

According to ABC News, French diplomats are in discussions with the Iraqi leadership to secure sanctuary for Saddam Hussein in Mauritania in west Africa.

ABC News said French diplomat Pierre Delval has 'repeatedly traveled to Baghdad to persuade Saddam to accept exile in Mauritania' since December.

But sources in the former French colony told ABC News they had no idea of such an offer made to Saddam and his family.

American officials told ABC News that Jordanian lawyers are also involved in the negotiations. The Jordanian attorneys are believed to work for Saddam's younger son Qusai.

After the US indicated its plans for war against Baghdad last year, emissaries from Iraq's neighbours have unsuccessfully tried to convince the Iraqi leader to choose exile over a bitter and brutal war that would devastate his country.

Last month, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates, sent a message to the Arab League summit asking Saddam and his family to step down and avert war, advice the Iraqi delegation rejected vociferously.

Only North Korea and Bahrain have offered sanctuary to Saddam and his family so far.