Japan ‘disappointed’ Carla Bruni to miss summit
JAPAN: Japan’s top government spokesman said on Wednesday the country
would be disappointed that Carla Bruni, former model and wife of French
President Nicolas Sarkozy, would not be visiting for a wealthy nations’
summit next week.
Japan is set to welcome the leaders of the Group of Eight nations, as
well as other world leaders, to discuss climate change and world
economic problems at a luxury resort on the northern island of Hokkaido.
Traditionally, the leaders are accompanied by their spouses, who
attend a separate programme during the annual summits. But the French
government contacted Tokyo to say that the first lady was unable to make
the trip, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura told reporters.
“She’s a very popular first lady and I’m sure everyone will feel
disappointed,” he said, but added that he did not see her absence as
disrespectful towards Japan.
Tokyo, Wednesday, Reuters
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