France/International

Nicolas Sarkozy talks Iran, climate and Clearstream

Article published on the 2009-09-24 Latest update 2009-09-24 08:21 TU

French president addresses 64th UN General Assembly in NYC, 23 September 2009
(Photo: Reuters)

French president Nicolas Sarkozy addressed the United Nations in a speech where he talked about global warming and banker’s bonuses. In an interview he rejected the idea that France would accept Iran’s offer to free French student Clotilde Reiss in exchange for the release of an Iranian prisoner.

Iran had hinted it could possibly release Clotilde Reiss in exchange for the release of Ali Vakili Rad, who was found guilty of assassinating Chapour Bakhtiar, the former prime minister under the Shah of Iran.

France led the walkout during Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech during the UN General Assembly. Other delegations that followed included Argentina, Australia, Britain, United States, Germany and Italy.

During his time at the UN podium, Sarkozy again called for the end of tax havens and banking secrets. He also called for more control of the bonuses given to traders.  "We have to out an end to these tax havens as we cannot tolerate a place which hides money made out of speculations of crime and fraud,” he said.

On climate, Sarkozy justified the French carbon tax, saying he preferred to tax pollution rather than work. He said that serious negotiations needed to occur before the climate summit in Copenhagen next December.

Sarkozy appeared to forget the presumption of innocence when referring to the Clearstream affair, a trial in which he is civil plaintiff, saying “After two years of investigation, two independent judges have estimated that those guilty should be tried in front of the correctional tribunal."