France assured Lithuania Mistral would be disarmed

25.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Mistral (commons.wikimedia.org)

Being in Vilnius with official visit, French State Secretary for European Affairs Pierre Lellouche assured Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite that if France sells helicopter carrier Mistral to Russia, the ship would be sold without arms, reported Linas Balsys, press secretary of Lithuanian president summarizing results of the meeting.

In the nearest future Russia will make definitive decision on procurement of such warship and construction technology to build four Mistral-class carriers at domestic shipyards. Landing helicopter carrier Mistral has length of about 200 meters and capable to carry six helicopters, four landing cutters or two air cushion vessels, and also up to 450 marines.

France's intentions to sell advanced offensive weapons to Russia dissatisfied Lithuanian establishment. Rasa Jukneviciene, Lithuanian defense minister said two weeks ago about her plans to claim for more gradual and transparent exports of EU and NATO strategic goods if it could affect security interests of members and partners of those alliances. Similar protests were submitted by some other NATO and EU countries as well.

Commenting France's intention to sell Mistral to the eastern neighbor, Mrs. Grybauskaite said on Tuesday that "everything depends on what the ship will be equipped with, i.e. just frame or something else".

The president understood that neither French nor Russian parties have agreements on Mistral issue so far; there are only political talks, said Balsys. French official underlined that even if France sells such warship, the bargain would not provide shipborne arms. Therefore, it would be just a civil ferry", Balsys said.

Lellouche mentioned that France would consult Lithuania as strategic partner on the matter of potential sale.

Mrs. Grybauskaite "took notice of acquired information and is satisfied that strategic treaty tied with France last year is not a formality and actually works. The fact that France consults Lithuania on military matters is very important".

"Once again France demonstrated to Lithuania as strategic partner that it gives much prominence both to European security and good relations with Russia. Giving attention to European security, France does not forget about Baltic countries and the Baltic Sea; that is proved by participation in air police mission", said Balsys.