French President Sarkozy, wife part ways

SARKOZY'S MARITAL CRISIS: It was the first time in modern French history that a serving president has divorced.

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New Delhi: French President Nicolas Sarkozy and wife Cecilia have decided to part ways.

The separation comes five months after Sarkozy took office and shortly before the couple's 11th wedding anniversary on October 23.

Ending months of spiraling speculation about a marital rift, Sarkozy's spokesman issued a terse statement saying the pair were separating by mutual consent and would not discuss the issue any further. He later confirmed they were divorced.

According to news agency Reuters, the couple's lawyer said they had already seen a judge to formalise the split and had agreed financial terms.

''There was no problem, they resolved everything amicably,'' lawyer Michele Cahen was quoted by Reuters as telling Europe 1 radio.

It was the first time in modern French history that a serving president has divorced and Sarkozy's reaction to the split will come under intense scrutiny.

Cecilia has played a major role in her husband's career, serving as an adviser during his rise to power.

Interestingly, Sarkozy's rival in the Presidential elections, Segolene Royal also separated from her husband Francois Hollande recently.