WASHINGTON (AFP) — The White House on Thursday declined to comment on French President Nicolas Sarkozy's divorce, calling it a "private matter" between him and ex-wife Cecilia.
"We will not comment on what is obviously a private matter between the couple," spokeswoman Dana Perino said after Sarkozy's office announced they had divorced by mutual consent after an often tempestuous 11-year marriage.
Sarkozy is expected to make his first official visit as president to Washington next month and meet here with President George W. Bush, who hosted him in August at the ocean side Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine.
At the time, Cecilia begged off from a luncheon with the Bushes at the last minute, citing a throat ailment. She was photographed later in the day taking a stroll in town with two friends.
Bush aides privately expressed skepticism at her explanation, but have generally expressed fondness for Sarkozy, who is widely seen in Washington as much more pro-American than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.
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