Carla Bruni-Sarkozy to skip G8: Japan
A top Japanese official voiced disappointment today that French supermodel-turned-First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy will not accompany her husband Nicolas Sarkozy to next week's Group of Eight summit.
By Agencies |
TOKYO: A top Japanese official voiced disappointment today that French supermodel-turned-First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy will not accompany her husband Nicolas Sarkozy to next week's Group of Eight summit.
"As one Japanese citizen, I am disappointed that the popular First Lady won't be able to visit," Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura, the government's spokesman, told reporters.
It would be the second time Japan's eager tabloids have missed the chance to see Bruni as Sarkozy also put off plans to visit Japan earlier this.
But Machimura denied Sarkozy was taking Japan lightly. "That's a shortsighted view," he said. "There will be another opportunity."
Bruni, who swapped vows with Sarkozy after a whirlwind romance, is credited with softening the right-wing president's public persona, although some critics wonder if Sarkozy - with a sagging popularity rating - has been paying more attention to her than national affairs.
Japan's TV Asahi interviewed a chef who is preparing French dishes for the first ladies at the G8 summit, which will be held in Toyako.
"Yes, it's indeed a bit disappointing because I studied in France," the chef said. "It would have been a rare opportunity to have her."
But the broadcaster - quoting unnamed foreign ministry sources - reported the attention was now on the "young and beautiful" first lady of new Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
"As one Japanese citizen, I am disappointed that the popular First Lady won't be able to visit," Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura, the government's spokesman, told reporters.
It would be the second time Japan's eager tabloids have missed the chance to see Bruni as Sarkozy also put off plans to visit Japan earlier this.
But Machimura denied Sarkozy was taking Japan lightly. "That's a shortsighted view," he said. "There will be another opportunity."
Bruni, who swapped vows with Sarkozy after a whirlwind romance, is credited with softening the right-wing president's public persona, although some critics wonder if Sarkozy - with a sagging popularity rating - has been paying more attention to her than national affairs.
Japan's TV Asahi interviewed a chef who is preparing French dishes for the first ladies at the G8 summit, which will be held in Toyako.
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"Yes, it's indeed a bit disappointing because I studied in France," the chef said. "It would have been a rare opportunity to have her."
But the broadcaster - quoting unnamed foreign ministry sources - reported the attention was now on the "young and beautiful" first lady of new Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
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