France has agreed to sell a Mistral class warship to Russia, a French official said on Monday, despite concerns expressed by Georgia and other countries.This is nuts. Obama better do something...
Russia wanted to buy the 21,300-tonne helicopter carrier from France to modernise hardware that was exposed as outdated in its five-day war against Georgia in 2008.
"France has agreed to sell one Mistral warship to Russia," a Defence Ministry official told reporters.
France belongs to NATO and its willingness to sell Russia advanced technology that could be used in a confrontation with its forces or against its allies has caused concern among other NATO members.
Several of Russia's neighbours have also expressed worries. Lithuania wrote to France in November asking for clarification of the situation and details of the ship's ammunition.
PASTORIUS ADDS:
Could it be this is France's way at getting back at Obama for his weakness and lack of support of his traditional allies?
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When the Eagle is away, the rats come out to play.RELIAPUNDIT ADDS: IS THIS PART OF A DEAL WITH NATO? SEE THIS:
Hamas leader Mashaal visits MoscowMAYBE RUSSIA DEMANDED THE SALE IN RETURN FOR HELP WITH IRAN AND HAMAS!?!?
The leader of the Palestinian terror group Hamas is visiting Moscow as Russia seeks to expand its role in Middle East peacemaking.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued no information about Monday's meeting between Khaled Mashaal and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Moscow hopes to host a Middle East peace conference but has not yet set a date.
In Russian eyes, Hamas is an integral part of the peace process despite strong opposition from Israel and the US, which list the organization as a terrorist group. Russia has repeatedly called for an end to the blockade of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.
Russia is part of the so-called Quartet of Mideast peace-brokers that also includes the US, the European Union and the United Nations.
Mashaal visit to Russia comes less than a week before Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will travel to Moscow, on Sunday next week.
Netanyahu is expected to stay in Russia for three days of talks focusing on getting Russia to back stepped-up sanctions against Iran.
STAY TUNED...
UPDATE: NYTIMES: Gates Opposes Arms Sale to Russia
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told French officials Monday that he was concerned about their plans to sell Mistral-class amphibious assault ships to Russia, although there is little if anything the United States could do to block the deal, officials said.
Russia has been engaged in months-long negotiations over what would be the first significant purchase of advanced NATO weaponry since the collapse of communism. Each of the Mistral warships costs up to $750 million, and the vessels, which can launch helicopters carrying troops and armored vehicles, would be viewed as a notable addition to the Kremlin’s rusting fleet.
Mr. Gates chose the well-known diplomatic code for disagreement in describing his discussion of the arms sale with his French counterpart, Defense Minister Herve Morin.
“I think I would just say that we had a good and thorough exchange of views,” Mr. Gates said.
Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary, said later that Mr. Gates’ meetings here were “very amicable and positive” on a range of issues, including the NATO effort in Afghanistan, but that Mr. Gates “made our concerns very clear” on the arms sale.
The weapons deal has raised alarm in capitals across formerly Soviet territory — in particular in the republic of Georgia, which fought a war with Russia and sees the vessels as a threat that could be based in the Black Sea off its shores.
BTW: THIS NEWS ITEM ISN'T YET ON DRUDGE OR INSTAPUNDIT OR POWER LINE OR HOT AIR OR ANY OF THE OTHER BIGGIES.
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