By Julie Mason
Examiner White House Correspondent
Yes, two for 9 p.m., table by the window please.
Oh, Berlusconi! Always kicking protocol in the asino. This morning the NATO leaders gathered on the German side of a bridge over the Rhine for a stroll together across to the French side. The symbolism-heavy event was the key, scripted photo-op of the NATO conference.
But while the 27 other leaders gathered and German Chancellor Angela Merkel poised to greet him, the Italian prime minister got a call on his cell phone. Turning away from the group, he took the call and strolled off in the other direction. Per Capital News:
Once the leaders had all arrived seven or eight minutes later, Merkel gave up on Berlusconi and went to join the other leaders inside, peeking out at one point to see if the Italian was coming in — but in vain.
His phone call continued, and when a brass band struck up, Berlusconi put his finger in his ear and walked further down the river bank to escape the noise.
The leaders, including US President Barack Obama, then crossed the bridge to meet President Nicolas Sarkozy who crossed from the French side before meeting midway and posing for a photo — without Berlusconi.
(ap photo)
