Sarkozy Attacks Energy 'Brutality'

French President Nicolas Sarkozy warned Russia on Monday against exercising its energy resources with "brutality" on the world stage, amid mounting concerns in Europe over future supplies of oil and gas.

Sarkozy, in a sweeping speech to French ambassadors outlining French foreign policy, said, "Russia is imposing its return on the world scene by playing its assets, notably oil and gas, with a certain brutality."

Sarkozy said Russia's resurgent global activity comes "while the world, particularly Europe, is hoping for an important and positive contribution from [Russia] toward settling the problems of our age."

He added, in unscripted remarks, "When you are a great power, you should not use brutality."

Since his election in May, the conservative Sarkozy has taken a harder line on Russia under President Vladimir Putin than his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.