India in Fix Over Protocol for French President's Girlfriend

India in Fix Over Protocol for French President's Girlfriend - Paper

Jan 06, 11:54 PM

Text of unattributed report headlined "Sarkozy may get Bruni to India" published by Indian newspaper The Asian Age website on 5 January

New Delhi, 4 January: France has indicated to India that President Nicolas Sarkozy could be accompanied by his girlfriend, former supermodel Carla Bruni, on his four-day state visit here from 24 January.

The indication, conveyed to the Ministry of External Affairs [MEA], has the government in a fix on what protocol to accord to Ms Bruni as she does not fall in the category of Mr Sarkozy's "wife" or "spouse".

Though the list of the French President's delegation is yet to be finalized, the two sides held discussions on it and other aspects on Friday when a senior aide of the French President met officials of the MEA, sources said.

Ms Bruni has been accompanying Mr Sarkozy to all his foreign visits and the French President is said to be intending to bring her during his maiden trip to India also, the sources said.

The two are likely to visit the Taj Mahal, the 17th-century white marble monument of love, during the visit.

The MEA is holding consultations with the French government to decide on an appropriate protocol that could be granted to Ms Bruni if she were to accompany Mr Sarkozy, the sources said.

If Ms Bruni is not classified as "wife" or "spouse", she would not be entitled to be with the President during banquets and other official engagements.

Originally published by The Asian Age website, Delhi, in English 05 Jan 08.