PARIS, Jan. 14 -- The personal life should remain private, says French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday, refusing to answer questions on his secret liaison with a French actress.

"Everyone in their personal life can face trials. That's our case. These are painful moments. But I have one principle, and that is that personal life should be treated privately, respecting each person's intimacy," Hollande said during his New Year Greetings message to journalists.

"This is neither the place nor the moment to (discuss) that. If I do not respond to any question on that topic today, I will do so before (the U.S. visit scheduled next month)," he added.

Last Friday, the president's long time girl-friend, Valerie Trierweiler, has been hospitalized after a celebrity magazine Closer published a 7-page photo spread, titled "the President's secret love," with the actress Julie Gayet.

Hollande has four children with the Socialist Party heavyweight, Segolene Royal. They decided to separate soon after his ex-partner failed to challenge Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007 presidential election.