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spanish PM admits speaking nonsense about Barcelona

. | 22.03.2002 13:20 Barcelona EU

Aznar admits to 'nonsense' speech
March 22, 2002 Posted: 5:34 AM EST (1034 GMT)

Aznar's office sought to play down the gaffe

MADRID, Spain -- Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar was unwittingly overheard referring to his own speech to the European parliament as "nonsense."

Unaware his microphone was still turned on after a 25-minute speech, Aznar turned to his neighbour and said: "What nonsense I have just come out with."

Wednesday's speech focussed on the results of last week's EU summit in Barcelona.

It was not clear which part of the speech he was referring to.

Spanish television gleefully replayed the aside and it was widely reported in the press.

Aznar's office played down the gaffe, saying it was "insignificant except as an anecdote."

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