Sarkozy's keen to be seen with 'my pal Barack'

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As Mr Obama arrived in Paris for a flying visit this afternoon, the French president said: "Obama? He's my pal. Unlike my diplomatic advisers, I never believed in Hillary Clinton's chances. I always said that Obama would be nominated."

Mr Obama touched down at Le Bourget airport, north of Paris, after a triumphant reception in Berlin and was met with an equally enthusiastic welcome. Mr Sarkozy made his endorsement to the Right-wing newspaper Le Figaro. The Left-wing LibÈration carried a full-page picture of him and, under the headline "Obamania", praised his oratorical skills and appeals for international unity.

Opinion polls in France mirror those elsewhere in Europe to show a huge majority would prefer Mr Obama to succeed George Bush in the November elections.

Mr Sarkozy made it clear that it was not a presidential visit. Le Figaro said: "Nicolas Sarkozy's advisers received only one demand from the team of the Democratic candidate: no American flag for the press conference, because it's a candidate being received, not the president of the United States."

Mr Obama's spokeswoman Wendy Morigi said: "Senator Obama looks forward to meeting with President Sarkozy and discussing areas of mutual interest, including security, trans-national threats, and the global economy."