Sarkozy urges world finance rules in US speech

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is urging the United States to champion global financial regulations to avoid future cries - and says Americans should pay more attention to the rest of the world.

Sarkozy, in a frank speech at Columbia University in New York, says the United States "should reflect about what it means to be the world's No. 1 power."

He says, "The world needs an open America, a generous America, an Ameica that shows the way, an America that listens."

He urged Europe and the United States to create a new global financial system.

Sarkozy also said France would "remain at your side in Afghanistan." Sarkozy will carry a similar message to a White House meeting Tuesday with President Barack Obama.