News

French Foreign Minister Michele Alliot-Marie has admitted she was wrong to fly on a Tunisian businessman's plane during the country's uprising.

The minister has faced calls to resign because the plane was owned by Aziz Miled, allegedly close to a relative of ousted leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Ms Alliot-Marie told French radio "it was an error" to take the free flights.

She said she had not realised the potential problems that could arise from an arrangement made with a friend.

The foreign minister had faced initial criticism last month for suggesting that France was offering Tunisia help in restoring order shortly before the fall of the Ben Ali regime.