France expects to agree on Mistral issue soon

08.12.2010 According to French government statement, Russia and France are ready to implement procurement contract on two Mistral class helicopter carriers, although proposes to wait until results of Russia's tender are promulgated, said a spokesman for French Prime Minister at Tuesday's press-conference.

In March 2010 during official visit of Russian president Dmitry Medvedev to France, the parties declared start of exclusive negotiations on Russia's purchase of French Mistral class assault landing ships. Nonetheless, Russia issued a tender for helicopter carriers in autumn as Russian legislation requires. French shipyards in Saint-Nazaire – manufacturers of Mistral class ships – are still main candidates to win the tender anyway.

As for the representative of the Matignon, the talks are in good progress, and there is some certainty; obviously, both parties keep to targets set by presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Nicolas Sarkozy in the Elysee in March.

Russian and French parties are about to reach an agreement, but it is necessary to wait for the tender results, said the official.

The tender was issued in October; DCNS offered the bid on time. France expects for positive answer from Russia in the nearest future, said the source.

According to him, no decisions will be made on Mistral issue during the current visit of French premiere Francois Fillon to Moscow.