"I have tried to lead Europe forward, and yet Europe has changed me." In his address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the current President of the European Union, Nicolas Sarkozy, took stock of his six-month term, adding some "secrets" and suggestions. He told the heads of State, his colleagues, that "they will all benefit from the task of leading the EU. As they will gain a better understanding of the positions of the others, develop their particular visions within a European framework, and understand that national interests can be overcome by pursuing great ambitions and common projects." Focusing on the outcome of last-week summit and on the main issues the French Presidency was called to tackle, the speech received a long ovation. "As for the war in Georgia, we could not remain idle as we did in Bosnia said Mr Sarkozy -. We have negotiated the ceasefire and the retreat of Russian troops. But in particular, Europe has remained united and has taken a joint action." (continued) ” ” ” ” ” “
