Choosing to highlight climate change as a key issue for his presidency, Sarkozy said: “A great nation, like the United States, has a duty not to block the battle against global warming but — on the contrary — to take the lead in this battle, because the fate of the whole of humanity is at stake,” he said as he addressed

The US can count on France’s friendship, given that “friendship means accepting that friends can have different opinions,” he told supporters in Paris following Sunday’s victory.

Responding to the comments, the US State Department said the two countries are cooperating on climate issues and highlighted the American technology-oriented approach to climate change.

“We are working very closely on issues related to climate change,” spokesman Sean McCormack said.

The US has refused to sign the Kyoto protocol and emphasise the role of technological innovation in finding alternatives to fossil fuels.

Goska Romanowicz

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