Medvedev, Sarkozy could discuss Mistral issue at St. Petersburg forum

20.05.2010 The matter of French helicopter carrier Mistral planned to be purchased by Russia would probably be discussed at meeting between Russian and French presidents Dmitry Medvedev and Nikolas Sarkozy to be held during St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June; however, this topic will not be the central one, said Arkady Dvorkovich, Russian president's assistant.

"Surely, those topics could also be touched upon, although they will unlikely be central. Most probably, other issues will be in the spotlight", said Dvorkovich on Thursday at RIA Novosti's press conference answering the question whether dialog of Mistral issue would be possible between the leaders.

Except attending plenary sessions of the forum, Medvedev and Sarkozy will communicate during three other events, said the president's assistant. In particular, it is planned that the two presidents would participate in Russo-French business conference. Besides, official bilateral meeting and informal supper are also scheduled.

"The presidents are about to discuss variety of bilateral and global problems", added Dvorkovich.

Total displacement of helicopter carrier Mistral is 21,000 tons; length is 200 meters, beam is 32 meters; speed is 19 knots; operational range is 20,000 miles. The ship is capable to carry 6 helicopters on the deck; 4 landing boats or 2 air cushion vessels and up to 450 marines inside.

According to preliminary estimates of Russian and French experts, one heli-carrier will cost Russian Navy about 400-500 mln euro. In total, Russia plans to have four ships of this class. One is supposed to be built in France; the rest three would be constructed at Russian shipyards under French license. In its turn, the French party insists on building two carriers in France.