Aznar admits to 'nonsense' speech

Aznar's office sought to play down the gaffe

MADRID, Spain -- Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar was unwittingly overheard referring to his own speech to the European parliament as "nonsense."

Unaware his microphone was still turned on after a 25-minute speech, Aznar turned to his neighbour and said: "What nonsense I have just come out with."

Wednesday's speech focussed on the results of last week's EU summit in Barcelona.

It was not clear which part of the speech he was referring to.

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Spanish television gleefully replayed the aside and it was widely reported in the press.

Aznar's office played down the gaffe, saying it was "insignificant except as an anecdote."