Saakashvili: Mistral is Russia's bribe to France

24.02.2010
Georgian president Mikhail Saakashvili criticized France's intention to sell helicopter carrier Mistral to Russia, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Saakashvili says the bargain is unusual and risky; it looks like a kind of Moscow's compensation for France's tolerance towards Russian non-observance of a truce with Georgia. We remind that peace talks between Moscow and Tbilisi during South Ossetian conflict were held with the participation of French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

If Vladimir Putin gets tanks, warships and missiles, the situation becomes very hazardous, stated Georgian president visiting London. According to Saakashvili, he had informal discussion with Paris on Mistral sale, but Georgia did not declare official protest.

Meanwhile, RIA Novosti referring to undisclosed Georgian media informs that Saakashvili planned to deliberate about Mistral sell matter with Sarkozy. Georgian president said that "having a helicopter carrier, Russia will manage to seize any East European country in the Black Sea region in few hours", reports Russian informational agency.

Saakashvili also criticized Russia's plans to purchase French armor; in his opinion, those vehicles may be used for invasion into neighboring countries. Panhard General Defense, however, stated that the negotiations are in initiatory stage. Besides, according to the company's representatives, those vehicles are generally used in peacekeeping operations and can not increase Russia's offensive capabilities.

However, scientific production association engaged in technical supply of Russian MIA said the ministry had no intentions to buy French light armored vehicles.

French government approved sale of Mistral helicopter carrier to Russia early Feb. Besides, France received request for sale of construction license on three Mistral-class ships to be built at Russian shipyards. Even so, Russia has not made definitive decision on procurement.

Source: Lenta.Ru, photo: Mikhail Saakashvili (AP)