Argentine president to open Paris Book Fair, using soft diplomacy during economic woes

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French President Francois Hollande, left, aids Argentine President Cristina Fernandez as she leaves after a press conference at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, March 19, 2014. Fernandez met French counterpart and discussed ways to tackle her country\'s growing international debt. Fernandez injured her foot during her visit to Italy earlier this week. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

PARIS – It might be called soft diplomacy: Argentina’s president is temporarily shifting focus from the country’ economic woes to showcase its literary wealth.

Cristina Fernandez is in Paris to inaugurate France’s prestigious annual Book Fair on Thursday, which is honouring Argentine literature this year.

Accompanied by several pro-government Argentine authors, the leader will meet with French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault for a special ceremony.

It may take the 61-year-old’s mind off a Moody’s Investors Service decision Monday to downgrade Argentina’s government bond rating to C1, amid shaky economic data.

It’s been an unlucky week. After jetting in on the presidential plane, Tango 1, the fashion-conscious Latin American leader sprained an ankle in Italy before an audience with the Pope, and has had to wear a clunky boot for photo-ops all week.

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