Brilliant French President Nicolas Sarkozy called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "liar" in remarks to US President Barack Obama overheard by journalists.
Mr Sarkozy said in French:
"I can't stand him any more, he's a liar."
Mr Obama replied:
"You may be sick of him, but me, I have to deal with him every day,"
The exchange at the G20 summit was quoted by a French website, Arret sur Images, and confirmed by other media.
The remarks - during a private conversation - were overheard by a few journalists last week but were not initially reported.
Journalists at the bilateral press conference had been handed translation boxes but had been told not to plug in their headphones until the backroom conversation had finished. But those who did heard the revealing comments.
For several days there was media silence in France about the exchange - a decision had been taken not to embarrass the French president.
A correspondent for Le Monde newspaper referred to the conversation without the quotes.
But Israeli newspapers have reported it in full.
It is said Mr Obama was taking Mr Sarkozy to task for voting in favour of the Palestinian bid for full membership of the UN cultural organisation, Unesco, a bid that was approved despite American opposition.
The remarks indicate a breakdown of trust with the Israeli leader which could have wider implications for the Middle East peace process.
Yet again, this now shows that not only does Israel have the worlds population against them, but also the world G8 leaders too.
The illegal 'occupiers' of Israel stand more alone, isolated & paranoid than ever before.
the whole world are sick of him
farro1224 3 months ago 5
Big up to Sarkozy! Ice cold!
Rapatz100 1 month ago