But what was it about Dominique de Villepin that made Mr Chirac appoint him first as chief of staff, then foreign minister, interior minister and finally his prime minister?

BBC: Profile: Dominique de Villepin

The new army chief of staff, Abdul Fattah Younis, was Col Gaddafi's interior minister until he defected.

BBC: Who's in charge? Sorting out Libya's rebel armies

You can easily imagine that happening in the current location's '60s mod interior with leather banquettes, a giant seafood ice boat and vested wait staff that all give off a Cold War-era highbrow vibe.

BBC: James Bond��s London