Saudi Official Calls On French President To Visit Kingdom Without Girlfriend
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia:
A senior Saudi official called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Monday to respect Saudi Arabia’s conservative Islamic culture by visiting the country later this month without his former supermodel girlfriend.
Sarkozy, who divorced his wife Cecilia in October, has flaunted his relationship with Carla Bruni on recent holidays in Egypt and Jordan, drawing criticism that he is being too loose with the presidential image.
The Saudi diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Sarkozy should leave Carla Bruni behind for “religious reasons” when he visits the kingdom on Jan. 13.
Under the strict interpretation of Islamic law enforced in Saudi Arabia, unmarried or unrelated couples are not permitted to be alone together. Westerners are expected to abide by the rules in public, and many hotels will not check unmarried Western couples into a single room.
Sarkozy’s office said the composition of the delegation has not yet been finalized. However, several officials in France, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said Bruni was not planning to go to Saudi Arabia.
The French president was criticized by several Egyptian officials in December for sharing a room with Carla Bruni while in Egypt on vacation, local media reported. Saudi Arabia is more conservative than Egypt, where unmarried Western couples are allowed to share hotel rooms.
The French newspaper Le Journal Du Dimanche, citing unidentified sources, said Sunday that Sarkozy proposed to Bruni in December, and the two would wed in early February.
The presidential palace declined to comment on the report.
Wild Thing’s comment……….
“The Saudi diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, said Sarkozy should leave Carla Bruni behind for ‘religious reasons’ when he visits the kingdom on Jan. 13.”
RELIGIOUS REASONS?!?!
Sarkozy is NOT a muslim so there should be no religious reason for him to leave his fiance behind. As a foreign leader he has diplomatic immunity and he should invoke this.
I don’t know why any leader from the West would want to visit a backwards ignorant and xenophobic country like Saudi Arabia.
I hope that Sarkozy tells the Saudi jerks that if his fiance can’t come along, then he will cancel the trip altogether.
There is a religious reason why the Saudi’s don’t want Sarkozy to bring his fiance with him. “The Saudi diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity” and other Saudi men are afraid of being caught by the Mutaween (religious police) drooling at Carla Bruni and having obvious impure thoughts about the infidel making them want to convert from Islam and the following of Sharia Law.
These guys amputate hands and feet for robbery. I wonder what they amputate for drooling and having impure thoughts about an infidel? Sounds like a good enough “religious” reason to me.
Maybe the French delegation should “act muslim” and riot and burn cars in Saudi.
I can understand observing customs in their land, but the Saudis also demand their customs be observed when they are visiting other countries. Perhaps Saudi sheiks and royalty should be required to wear blue jeans and football jerseys when they visit the West, instead of their man dresses and do-rags.
Actually, Western delegations should refuse to travel to muslim lands that require adherence to “religious reasons”.
Exactly, Tom, if they don’t like it. Don’t look, (hehe).
and tell the King to ‘sit on it’.
Ditto the above, BTW, off topic. Sorta!!!
Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground
with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Today, it’s called golf.
I have to agree with Tom here. When you are in someone else’s house, you abide by their rules. I smoke and if I was to visit someone’s home where they don’t allow smoking, then I wouldn’t smoke. But if they came to my house, they better not ask me not to smoke!!! Therefore, when these middle east leaders (and I use that term loosely!!!!!) visit another country, they better plan on leaving their dresses and towel rags at home!!!!! And what is with this “condition of anonymity” crap?!?!?! What a cop out!!!! Sheesh…..where is my cappuccino???????
Sakorzy has to decide whether to visit Saudi Arabia or leave Carla Bruni back home? I really don’t think their’s much of a decision there. I’d stay home with Carla.
Even better– Sarkozy can go to Saudi Arabia and I’ll stay home with Carla!
Les…….LOL….”I wonder what they amputate for drooling and having impure thoughts about an infidel? “.
I don’t get it, she can wear clothes to cover up like Condi does. Just too weird. hhahaha
Tom yes they(the Saudi’s) demand it when they visit other countries and that is not right. Like the whole world is about them. sheesh
Mark, yes blindfold the King and anyone else that is offended. She isn’t going there naked anyway. haha
Jack, LOL good one.
John your right, that is exactly what they are doing.
Bob, that is what Nick said he should do too. I said ah heck take her and have her wear something modest and then have a nice slit on the side of her long dress like some evening gowns have to expose her leg sort of kind of by accident. hahahahhahaa
Rick heh heh, we should let him know you are willing to help out.