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Obama laments loss of privacy as president
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-03 22:56

STRASBOURG, France -- President Barack Obama has confessed to European students that there are some personal frustrations that come with being president.

Obama laments loss of privacy as president
US President Barack Obama takes part in a welcoming ceremony at Palais Rohan in Strasbourg April 3, 2009. [Agencies]

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At a town hall meeting Friday in Strasbourg, France, Obama was asked by a Hungarian student whether he ever regretted running for president.

Obama lamented the loss of "privacy and anonymity" that comes with the job.

The president said it used to be that when he came to Europe, he could wander down to a cafe, have a glass of wine and watch the sun set.

Now, he says, "I'm in hotel rooms all the time," surrounded by security.

But Obama says "there's nothing more noble than public service." He urged young people to look for ways to get involved.