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French President Francois Hollande defiantly batted away questions on Tuesday over the future of Valerie Trierweiler and his alleged affair with a French actress, vowing to deal with the problems in his personal life in private.
Looking stiff and stressed at a news conference, he admitted the couple were going through "painful moments" and indicated that the status of his long-term girlfriend would be clarified before a scheduled trip to the United States next month.
Trierweiler, France's de facto first lady, has been invited to accompany Hollande on an official visit including an overnight stay at the White House. She has been in the hospital since Friday with stress linked to last week's revelation that Hollande, 59, has been having a secret liaison with Julie Gayet, 41.
Asked directly if Trierweiler was still France's first lady, Hollande insisted on the troubled couple's right to privacy.
"I understand your question and I'm sure you will understand my response," he said. "Everyone in their personal lives can go through tough times. That is the case (for me). These are painful moments.
"But I have one principle: these private affairs are dealt with in private. This is neither the time nor the place to do it, so I will not be responding to any questions about my private life."
The instruction did the trick, and Hollande visibly relaxed as it became apparent he was not going to be given the kind of grilling a leader in Britain or the United States could have expected in similar circumstances.
After the opening question, Hollande was not asked directly about Trierweiler until questioned on her state of health nearly two hours later. "She's resting, and I have no further comment to make," he replied.
Trierweiler, 48, was admitted to the hospital hours after glossy magazine Closer published a series of photos showing Hollande and Gayet arriving separately for trysts at a flat close to the presidential Elysee Palace.
Media reports claimed Trierweiler was suffering from low blood pressure, exhaustion and a "severe case of the blues".
Hollande reiterated his "total indignation" over Closer's intrusion into his private life but said he would not be taking legal action over the report, which he has not denied.
Friends and political allies of Hollande have urged him to move quickly to clarify the situation by stating clearly whether he is still in a relationship with Trierweiler.
About the broadcaster:
Nelly Min is an editor at China Daily with more than 10 years of experience as a newspaper editor and photographer. She has worked at major newspapers in the U.S., including the Los Angeles Times and the Detroit Free Press. She is also fluent in Korean.