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Sarkozy 'undermining' me, Mandelson complains

02/07/2008

Nicolas Sarkozy has come under attack from European Union trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, who says he has been "undermined" by the French president.

Former minister Mr Mandelson's comments on BBC2's Newsnight programme came after Mr Sarkozy criticised the stance being put forward by the European Union on agricultural policy.

"I am being undermined and Europe's negotiating position in the world trade talks is being weakened," he said.

"I regret that; it is very disappointing because the mandate 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."

Mr Mandelson objects to Mr Sarkozy's plans to cut agricultural subsidies and tariffs, a fundamental part of the EU's common agricultural policy.

With France assuming the rotating EU presidency for the next six months from yesterday Mr Mandelson's problem is not likely to go away in the short-term.

He said he fears the French president's intervention will make his job much harder, but says it is still possible to ensure the EU's position on world trade talks meets with progress.

"I am determined to do everything I can to minimise the risk to the world trade talks because, frankly, they are too important just to allow to fail," he said.

"Not only are we seeing the world economy in a downturn buffeted by rising commodity prices, rising inflation, it is badly in need of a shot in the arm, which success in the world trade talks would give it.

"But also for developing countries, reform of agriculture in the way that we have committed to doing is very important, is very important for their economies and also to enable them to feed their hungry."