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Russian Crew Boards 1st Mistral Carrier As France Quietly Completes Construction Of 2nd Ship
Once again it appears France is speaking from both sides of its mouth. As Hollande openly stands behind moar sanctions against Russia and 'talks' about withholding delivery of the first Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia, ITAR-TASS reports the construction of the second ship - ironically named Sevastopol, after the capital of Crimea - has been carried out according to schedule. Furthermore, judging by the rhetoric of foreign affairs minister d'Artagnan that "France’s obligations to Russia under the contract on the helicopter carrier must be fulfilled," it appears Putin will get his way soon.
Russian troops are boarding the disputed first Mistral-class ship...
And the second Mistral-class ship is ready and remains in dry-dock in Saint-Nazaire...
The construction of the Sevastopol Mistral ship is carried out according to schedule, a source in the United Shipbuilding Corporation told TASS. The source confirmed that the dry dock in Saint-Nazaire where the ship is docked was filled up with water on the 20th of November.
According to the agency’s source, the second helicopter carrier construction is being carried out in accordance with the terms of the deal and the ship has been launched.
Currently, Russia is waiting for France to decide on the delivery of the first helicopter carrier, the Vladivostok. Its delivery was due earlier this month, however, Paris has not yet decided on the date, because of the crisis in Ukraine.
French Vice-President of the commission on foreign affairs, defense and armament Aymeri de Montesquiou d’Artagnan said in the interview with TASS, he believes that Paris will meet its commitments.
“Historically, Russia plays an important role in the world; it helped France in the First World War, the French politician noted. This summer I travelled to Moscow to attend the opening of the monument to the Russian soldier, who played a prominent role and changed the entire course of the great war”.
D'Artagnan pointed to the importance of the dialogue between Paris and Moscow. “We need to hear each other, to strengthen confidence, he said. - I agree with those who believe that France’s obligations to Russia under the contract on the helicopter carrier must be fulfilled”.
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Russians better sweep every rivet on that vessel for bugs and boobytraps.
Who would have thought that the Frogs have bigger stones than the Brit or Kraut American poodles.
I wonder if everyone knows that the Russians built part of the carrier?
They built a portion of the stern section at a shipyard near St Petersburg and consequently ALREADY OWN a percentage of the MISTRAL. While Russia is not the majority owner of the Mistral, it may have some say in to whom the Mistral may be sold if it's debarred
But Jingoist are jingoists and facts are facts.
And ne'er the twain shall meet.
Probably not correct depending on the contract. The Russian shipyard was almost certainly a sub-contractor and as such should have been paid when its work was delivered. The ship will be owned by DNCS.
The ships fittings could be a bigger problem as it is optimised for Russian weapons systems etc.
..
I was only repeating what little I can remember both Lavrov and Deputy Minister Rogozin said.
Here is Rogozin making his case in Jane's.
http://www.janes.com/article/43859/russia-preparing-legal-action-over-fr...
Consider this more proof that Putin continues to rack up more points in the Ukraine as the conflict drags on. Things appear to have quieted down to many as the eyes of the world have moved to more pressing issues, but the war continues and Putin is playing the long game by grinding away at the resolve of both bankrupt Kiev and the EU. A recently signed deal for gas supplies to Ukraine was a sign of hope to many, but it only highlights the devil of any agreement is in the details.
The Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said any resumed supplies could be halted again on Jan. 1 if Ukraine doesn’t pay $3.1 billion in debt prepay for future deliveries. It appears this deal is tenuous and the guarantees of it being fulfilled are weak. Don't hold your breath for Putin to back-off or back-down, he has put down his marker and is now playing both Obama and Kerry for fools. If Putin doesn't get his way next week he will next month or next year at the latest. The article below delves into why this conflict won't be over until Putin says its over.
http://brucewilds.blogspot.com/2014/11/putin-scores-more-points-in-ukraine.html