Sarkozy walked out on interview after marriage question

French president Nicolas Sarkozy ended an American TV interview after he was asked questions about his wife, it emerged today.

The interview with CBS was filmed in Paris three weeks ago, before it was revealed that he and wife Cecilia were to divorce.

It was intended to introduce him to US audiences, but Mr Sarkozy called it "stupid" and a "big mistake".

Before it even began, Mr Sarkozy called his press secretary "an imbecile" for arranging it on a busy day.

"OK, I don't have the time. I have a big job to do, I have a schedule," Mr Sarkozy said through a translator before the interview began. In English, he added: "Very busy. Very busy."

He candidly discussed what he likes about the US but grew frustrated when was asked about Cecilia, who, after helping negotiate the release of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor charged with infecting Libyan children with HIV, failed to show up at a ceremony in which Mr Sarkozy was given a medal by Bulgaria.

"If I had to say something about Cecilia, I would certainly not do so here," Mr Sarkozy replied.

He declared the interview over and said: "Bon courage."

Two weeks later, the Sarkozys' divorce was announced.