Sarkozy-Topolánek meeting details leaked

The details of a private conversation between French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek have been published in the Czech magazine Reflex. Among the more controversial statements contained in the conversation is one in which Mr Sarkozy laments that he is “…alone against all Arabs. To have them on the phone? They are terrible, I swear.” Mr Sarkozy was referring specifically to a request for the Czech Republic to relinquish its automatic control of the French-founded Union for the Mediterranean, which Mr Sarkozy initiated in July 2008. The pact unites EU members with other Mediterranean countries, including those in Africa – EU president countries automatically assume control – something which President Sarkozy wanted to persuade the Czech Prime Minister to do. On Wednesday, Mr Topolánek heeded this request, acknowledging the French-centred role in this grouping. The leak is likely to prove embarrassing to the Czech government.

Author: Dominik Jůn