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London, Paris: French President Nicolas Sarkozy ends a state visit to Britain after he and British PM Gordon Brown had showcased their warm friendship during the French leader's 36-hour trip. Sarkozy and Brown sealed a multibillion pound defence deal, vowed to jointly press the US on climate change and to curb the spread of nuclear weapons technology.
Sarkozy says he and Brown had worked "hand in glove" since they both took office last year, but acknowledged they are divided over a possible Olympics boycott.
"I reserve the right to say whether I will attend," Sarkozy said. He said that because France will hold the rotating presidency of the European Union during the Beijing Olympics this summer, he must consult with the rest of the 27-member bloc before making a decision.
Bad news
After returning to France, Sarkozy was confronted with bad news on the state of the French economy and consumer confidence. Data released yesterday showed French citizens are growing increasingly gloomy about their prospects amid slowing economic growth and widespread fear of declining purchasing power and rising prices.
The figures were also gloomy about efforts under EU rules to contain budget overspending.
The morose mood of the French public is likely to ring alarm bells in the presidential palace.
"Evidently the reassuring speeches from the French finance ministry about the health of the French economy are not convincing anyone," commented economic analyst Alexander Law.
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