Nicolas Sarkozy has withdrawn his backing of Tony Blair to become the first president of the European Union, senior sources Germany rejects Czech PM Topolanek's criticism of police checks ...
France to boost its Afghan forces ...
Blair in Japan for climate talks ...
'Optimism' over German rail row ... have told the BBC.

The French president is understood to have changed his mind after meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

It is thought he feels EU opposition to the former UK prime minister is too strong because he backed the Iraq war.

The role, to be created under the new EU reform treaty, would replace the six-month rotating presidencies.

Sources also indicated that Mr Sarkozy felt Mr Blair was not right for the role because Britain has failed to adopt the European single currency and the Schengen zone of passport-free travel.

(BBC)

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