Sarkozy visits Iraq in bid to rebuild ties with France

PRESIDENT Nicolas Sarkozy made the first ever visit by a French head of state to Iraq yesterday, seeking to reassert French influence in the country as the United States prepares to draw down its forces.

Sarkozy urged other European nations to follow his lead and rebuild ties with the country that was shunned diplomatically because of European opposition to the US-led war.

Sarkozy was received by Iraqi president Jalal Talabani and a guard honour in a televised outdoor, welcome ceremony despite gusty winds in Baghdad.