Paris  - French President Nicolas Sarkozy late Thursday came to the defence of Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, who has been accused of conflict of interest.

"Bernard Kouchner has my total trust," Sarkozy said during an appearance on national television to discuss the economic crisis.

A book published Wednesday accused Kouchner of using his position as head of a public health organization to carry out high-paying consulting activities in Africa for private companies.

Paris  - French President Nicolas Sarkozy demanded late Thursday that the European Union adopt a common position to reform the capitalist system.

During a 90-minute appearance on national television to discuss the economic crisis, Sarkozy also criticized the European Union for passivity in the face of the crisis.

"It is not possible that, in such a situation, Europe does not take the initiative," Sarkozy said, indirectly criticizing the Czech presidency and the European Commission.

Paris - A court in the Paris suburb of Nanterre on Thursday fined the

Val d'Isere, France - Jessica Lindell-Vikarby of Sweden tore the cruciate ligament in her right knee during training for the world championship downhill ski race and is out for the season.

Germany's Maria Riesch also crashed and injured herself, but was set to compete in the next training run set for later Thursday.

Swedish team officials made the announcement on Lindell-Vikarby late Wednesday after medical examinations. She lost control in her practice run and crashed into the safety nets.

Paris - One week after a general strike and nationwide demonstrations to protest his government's economic policies, French President Nicolas Sarkozy will appear on national television late Thursday to defend his economic stimulus plans.

The success of the January 29 strike and demonstrations, in which up to two and a half million people took to the streets, has added urgency to his television appearance, which will be in the form of an interview.