Sarkozy ready to risk EU 'crisis' to protect farm subsidies

(PARIS) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Wednesday he was ready to risk provoking a "crisis" in European relations in his efforts to defend EU farm subsidies to French farmers.

"I am ready to head into a crisis in Europe sooner than accept that the Common Agricultural Policy be dismantled," said Sarkozy in his first public speech since his UMP party's humiliation in Sunday's regional elections.

"I will not let our farms die."