Sarkozy makes surprise visit to Malta

VALLETTA, May 7 (Reuters) French President-elect Nicolas Sarkozy is taking a short break in Malta, airport sources told Reuters today.

He arrived unannounced on the Mediterranean island on a private aircraft on Monday morning. His whereabouts are being kept secret.

A casually dressed Sarkozy arrived with his family.

In Paris, his aides said he was taking a break to consider the formation of his government.

Sarkozy left the French capital today morning with his wife and son, after spending the night in a luxury hotel.

They had been widely expected to spend a few days on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica to recharge his batteries.

''These few days rest were planned to put him more in the mindset of a president after the tumultuous battle,'' said Claude Gueant, his campaign director.

''It will also be a few days to let him reflect on the make-up of his government team,'' he told RTL radio from Paris.

REUTERS RS RAI2343