Bruni appears awkward meeting Obama

STRASBOURG, France, April 3 (UPI) -- French first lady Carla Bruni appeared slightly flustered during her televised meeting Friday with U.S. President Barack Obama in France.

The Daily Mail said the wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy appeared to lean toward the U.S. president to give him a kiss on the cheek, then suddenly backtrack and offer an awkward handshake instead.

The meeting took place in the French city of Strasbourg as Obama and his wife, Michelle, met with Sarkozy and the former model.

The apparent awkward situation seemed to quickly dissipate as the two head of states posed together with their wives for the gathered press.

Bruni chose not to attend the Group of 20 Summit in London in order to enjoy some quiet time in France, the Mail said. But an anonymous source in Paris hinted Bruni's decision may have been due to the lack of attention she may have received amid a group of 16 other first ladies.

"As a model and pop star Carla always likes being the focus of people's attention," the source suggested.