Sarkozy calls for courage, calm in face of crisis

AMBOISE, France (AP) ? French President Nicolas Sarkozy says France must have the courage and calmness to make difficult decisions to overcome the financial crisis, in his first public appearance since the country's credit rating was downgraded.

But Sarkozy avoided any mention Sunday of the loss of France's prized AAA rating in a Standard & Poor's review two days earlier.

Instead he issued a rallying call, saying that a united France committed to reform would make it through.

France chooses a new president this spring, and Sarkozy was already behind in the polls before the downgrade.

The loss of the AAA rating was a severe blow to France's self-image and is expected to hurt Sarkozy's standing even further.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/apdefault/f70471f764144b2fab526d39972d37b3/Article_2012-01-15-EU-France-Financial-Crisis/id-b361f8f7cf3e4194b43e1feb037cd7c9

spear of destiny rock hill sc kate middleton pregnant national book awards jessica sutta sexiest man alive 2011 ruben studdard