As the NATO summit begins there is already trouble on the streets of Strasbourg.

Libération (France)
Le siège de Strasbourg 
 

The siege of Strasbourg. The paper warns thousands of protestors will hit the city. They pick up on  highly-organised groups – communicating via social networking sites.

Other papers are more concerned about the flourishing Franco/ American friendship.

Le Figaro (France)
Les retrouvailles, franco –américaines
 

Le Figaro puts the two first couples on the front page, giving the paper a touch of glamour.  There is a five-page special covering the new relationship, US President Barack Obama’s charm offensive in Europe and NATO’s strategic future amongst other angles.

The interest isn’t confined to France: the UK pages are full of pictures of the French and American premiers (and their glamorous wives).

The Times (UK)
Obama hails great leader Sarkozy 
 

The Times cynically comments that “you could feel the joy radiating from Sarko (French President Nicolas Sarkozy) as the pair proclaimed a new era in Franco-American unity “

They compare the two leaders' styles – “Obama, grave, measured, still – Sarkozy, shorter , energetic, punchy.”  The paper says Obama was greeted like a hero by the crowds in Strasbourg. 

The Independent (UK)
Now let's change the world together
 

The Independent seems to be suggesting that Obama is turning the page – to a new chapter on Europe.  “We were arrogant towards Europe," says Obama - "but you were guilty of Anti Americanism.”  Now let's change the world together…..

But on the inside pages they are a bit more sceptical. A cartoon depicting Sarkozy dancing the can-can, but with Obama playing the tune. The title is: “Yes we can can”

If Sarkozy thinks he’s running the show – he’s got another thing coming.

The Independent (UK)
A little French kiss
 

There’s a lovely little behind-the-scenes story in The Independent. Apparently one of the adoring onlookers, a young student,  in a Strasbourg crowd gathered to see the U.S. president, asked Obama for a kiss… He looked far from keen, so cupid  President Sarkozy intervened saying: “What – you’re not going to give her a kiss?”  Obama gave in to the pressure and offered his cheek to the student.

 
Another glipse behind the scenes.

Thanks to a snippet of film on YouTube, the Queen has become YouTube’s latest sensation….

Daily Mail (UK)
Why does that man have to shout?
 

The Queen was caught on camera during the G20 summit seemingly giving Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi a royal ticking off. The leaders were gathered for a family photo, and Berlusconi can be heard shouting “Mister Obama, Mister Obama”. The Queen looks irritated , and she raises her arm saying “What is it? Why does he have to shout? Why!”  and then she gets up and leaves. This piece of film has delighted internet users, and the footage has become a YouTube hit.