Sarkozy makes surprise visit to Malta

By Christopher Scicluna

VALLETTA (Reuters) - French president-elect Nicolas Sarkozy was cruising in a yacht off Malta on Monday after arriving unannounced for a short break on the Mediterranean island.

He arrived at Malta international airport on a private jet a day after his election win, airport sources told Reuters.

Sarkozy was driven to Malta's main yacht marina near Valletta, where be boarded a 60-metre superyacht berthed next to one belonging to Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich.

Sarkozy's yacht was later seen cruising off Malta's southern coast.

For some islanders, Sarkozy's surprise visit recalled an earlier unexpected arrival by a French ruler. Napoleon dropped in on his way to invade Egypt in 1798, seizing the island from the Knights of Saint John.

Casually dressed in a jacket and jeans, Sarkozy was accompanied by his wife Cecilia, his son and some officials. He startled passport control officials when he passed through normal channels at the airport.

Witnesses said Sarkozy winked at other passengers, who also seemed surprised to see him.

Sarkozy and his family left the French capital on Monday morning after spending the night in a luxury hotel.

They had been widely expected to spend a few days in Corsica.

Sarkozy's campaign director Claude Gueant said he had been asked not to reveal where Sarkozy was staying.

"I cannot confirm it because Nicolas Sarkozy asked us to respect the secret of his whereabouts and I am respecting this secret," Gueant told France 2 television.

"I don't know, so I cannot confirm it or deny it," he said, adding that Sarkozy had wanted some peace and quiet.

Gueant said Sarkozy was taking a break to consider the formation of his government.

"These few days rest were planned to put him more in the mindset of a president after the tumultuous battle," Gueant said.

"It will also be a few days to let him reflect on the make-up of his government team," he told RTL radio.