France's Hollande to meet diplomats as more claims about affair emerge

French President Francois Hollande will address his nation's diplomats Friday amid new claims about his alleged affair with French actress Julie Gayet -- including a report it has been going on for two years.

In its online edition, the French Closer magazine, which first alleged the affair a week ago, says the "couple" also made use of a second apartment near the Elysee Palace for romantic trysts and went on weekend breaks in the south of France.

The tabloid's latest allegations come a day after it said that Gayet is suing the magazine over its earlier report. Her lawyers want 50,000 euros for alleged invasion of privacy plus 4,000 euros in legal fees, according to the magazine.

In a news conference Tuesday at the Elysee Palace, Hollande did not confirm or deny the alleged affair.

The claims have sparked a media firestorm unusual for France, where privacy is closely guarded.

Hollande's partner of several years, Valerie Trierweiler, was hospitalized after the report emerged a week ago.

She told French radio station RTL on Thursday that the president had not visited her in hospital because her doctors barred him from doing so. However, Hollande has spoken with her health care team and sent flowers and chocolates, RTL said.

The first lady is being kept distant from her entourage while she clears her head and recovers, the radio station said.

'Painful moments'

Hollande is due to give New Year's wishes to the diplomatic corps Friday and is expected to talk about France's foreign policy priorities.

France is involved in international discussions aimed at resolving the crisis in Syria and limiting Iran's nuclear ambitions. It has also recently sent peacekeeping forces to the strife-torn Central African Republic and has about 2,500 troops engaged in security operations in Mali.

It's not clear whether the president will address the growing furor over his personal life, which has gripped the international media.

Asked Tuesday whether Trierweiler was still the first lady of France, Hollande said personal affairs should be dealt with in private.

"Everybody in their personal lives can go through hardships. This is the case for us," he said.

"These are painful moments, but I have one principle: Private affairs are dealt with in private. This is not the place nor the time to do this."

Hollande and Trierweiler are expected to visit the United States at the invitation of President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle. Their itinerary next month includes a February 11 state dinner at the White House.

Hollande said he would clarify the situation before the February trip.