French welcome Obama for NATO summit

Barack Obama and his first lady Michelle have been given a rapturous reception in Strasbourg where he is attending NATO’s 60th anniversary summit.

The French people are excited about the visit and cheering crowds were on hand to greet the presidential pair.

France’s leader Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla are co-hosting the distinguished guests.

Obama is looking for backing from Washington’s partners in the military alliance for a new strategy to turn the tide in Afghanistan.

While French critics claim NATO is essentially US-dominated, France has opted to return to its military command structure.

The two day summit is being held on both French and German sides of the Rhine.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Barack Obama, NATO, Nicolas Sarkozy