EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has accused French President Nicolas Sarkozy of undermining him and Europe's position at world trade talks.

Mr Mandelson said his job had been made more difficult but not impossible, and he would continue to negotiate a trade deal on behalf of the EU's 27 states.

He said EU concessions would boost the world economy and developing nations.

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The French leader made his comments on Tuesday as France began its six-month presidency of the EU.

'Mystified'

Mr Sarkozy's attack came just days after he said Mr Mandelson had been a factor in Ireland's referendum rejection of the EU's Lisbon Treaty.

Mr Mandelson told the BBC he was "mystified" that the French president had blamed him over the Irish No vote.

And he continued: "I am being undermined and Europe's negotiating position in the world trade talks is being weakened and I regret that.

"It is very disappointing because the mandate on which I am negotiating in the world trade talks - and trying on Europe's behalf to bring them to a successful conclusion - has been agreed by all the member states.

The British commissioner added: "I regret that Mr Sarkozy's intervention last night will make it harder for me."

Mr Sarkozy has accused Mr Mandelson of preparing to sell out European farmers in his search for a world trade deal.

France has fiercely defended the EU's Common Agricultural Policy and its subsidies for farmers against any reforms in the name of free trade.

The French have set out ambitious plans on immigration, the environment and defence for their presidency.

But it was already off to a bumpy start even before Mr Mandelson's rebuke.

On Tuesday, Mr Sarkozy criticised Polish President Lech Kaczynski after he said he would not ratify the EU reform treaty.

Mr Kaczynski said that to do so would be "pointless" after its rejection by the Irish.

(BBC)

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