Latest update: 25/02/2009 

- Iran - Nicolas Sarkozy - Silvio Berlusconi - Turkey


In the papers
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FRANCE 24 journalists present some highlights from the world's daily papers.
By Clovis CASALI (text)

The Guardian (Britain)

 
 
The Guardian spoke with Turkish Prime minister Tayip Erdogan and he’s offered once again to be a mediator between the US and Iran. He says Iran actually asked him to help resolve its 30-year dispute with Washington when President Bush was in office. At the time, he passed the message to the White House and got no response. Erdogan hopes things will change now President Obama is in power.
 
More than ever Turkey is keen to play a key role in world affairs. Because of its history, culture and geographical position, the country claims to be the ideal mediator between the West and the Middle East. It is willing to help improve relations between the US and Iran, just like it helped broker peace deals between Israel and Syria last year.
 
 
Le Figaro (France)
France and Italy have agreed on several business deals, proving once again that Sarkozy and Berlusconi truly get along.
For French paper le Figaro, the two are presently on a “honeymoon”. Berlusconi said he and Sarkozy were old friends and that it could only help improve ties between the two countries. The French president joked about the fact that since he’s married to an Italian, Carla Bruni, strengthening Franco-Italian relations is an everyday task for him.
 
 
Il Corriere della Sera (Italy)
The Italian press also highlights what they call the Berlusconi/ Sarkzoy axis. “They speak with one voice”, says Il Corriere della Sera. They understand and respect each other despite Carla Bruni’s opinion of Berlusconi. The French first lady has repeatedly criticised him in public.
 
 
Il Giornale (Italy)
Il Giornale also writes about the special Sarkozy/Berlusconi bond, while pointing out a few points of friction. France and Italy are indeed battling on several grounds. The two have renowned cheese and wine industries, with both nations seeking to win more and more customers in the world. Another point of friction is football. Il Giornale still has in mind the final of the World Cup 2006 when Zidane headbutted Materrazzi and got sent off for it. The Squadra Azzura went on to win the trophy.
 
 
The Independent (Britain)
We all know that the big winner of the Oscars 2009 was Dany Boyle's 'Slumdog Millionaire'. The film's main female character is sharing in the limelight. Freida Pinto is the new up and coming star in Hollywood, and British paper The Independent tells us that Woody Allen has picked her for his new film.
 
Some in Hollywood say she was chosen ahead of Scarlett Johansson. Woody Allen “signs up his Slumdog star” and has possibly found himself a new muse, suggests the British daily. The Independent lists the various muses he has had in the past. It started in 1966 with his first wife Louise Lasser. Then it was Mia Farrow in the 80s and Scarlett Johansson more recently.
 
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