Sarko Uses Footstool to Measure Up to Obama

Invitation extended after Elizabeth grouses

(NEWSER) - France has finally relented and extended an invitation to a miffed Queen Elizabeth to D-Day ceremonies next week with President Obama, reports the Daily Mail. A French official said earlier this week the queen would not be included in the 65th anniversary commemoration in Normandy because it was very much a "Franco-American occasion." Yesterday, an Elysées Palace spokesman said the queen would be "welcome." The anniversary will mark the last major gathering of British survivors of the battle to liberate France. More»

US, France, Britain threaten sanctions

(AP) - President Obama and the leaders of France and Britain demanded today that Iran fully disclose its nuclear ambitions "or be held accountable" to an impatient world community. They threatened new sanctions after the disclosure of a secret Iranian nuclear facility. "Iran is breaking rules that all nations must follows," Obama said in the opening moments of the G-20 summit. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama today paid homage to the men who stormed the beach at Normandy on the 65th anniversary of D-Day, reports the Los Angeles Times. Speaking at Omaha Beach, Obama called the invasion the "story of America" and said it can provide inspiration "for the hardships and struggles of our time." More»

(AP) - Barack Obama and his French counterpart, Nicolas Sarkozy, stood together today on thwarting Iran's nuclear ambitions and furthering a Mideast peace that provides for separate Israeli and Palestinian states. "We want peace. We want dialogue. We want to help them develop. But we do not want military nuclear weapons to spread," said Sarkozy of Iran, adding that he worries about "insane statements" from Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. More»

Sarkozy invites prince to commemoration after snub uproar

(NEWSER) - Prince Charles will attend the 65th commemoration of D-Day in France, celebrating the occasion alongside Nicolas Sarkozy and Barack Obama, the Times of London reports. Earlier, it appeared that no member of the royal family would be invited, a snub that left Queen Elizabeth decidedly unamused. Sources say Charles, a friend of Sarkozy’s, called the French president, and soon received an official invite. More»