France Proposes Defense Accord with Greece
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Athens
Published: 23 Nov 2009 14:34
French Defence Minister Herve Morin on a visit to Greece on Monday proposed that the two countries boost their relations by signing a defence and security accord.
"I conveyed a plan from the French government which proposes that France and Greece sign in several months a defense and security accord which would establish a mutual base for our relations," Morin said after meeting with his Greek counterpart, Evangelos Venizelos, in Athens.
It was Morin's first visit to Greece since the election of a new socialist government Oct. 4. The two countries are in negotiations for several major weapons programs.
Morin said he made clear to Greece's new defence minister that France envisions the weapons program, in particular for the Greek Navy, as involving a "strong industrial partnership with Greek naval contractors along with the transfer of the necessary technology."
The negotiations since the beginning of the year include the purchase by Athens of six multi-mission European frigates (FREMM), as well as 15 Super Puma search and rescue helicopters.
For his part, Venizelos said the Greek government would announce its decision on the military purchases as soon as all matters had been resolved, stressing that Athens was seeking "as much participation as possible for Greek industry."
As for the possible purchase of some 30 fighter jets, Venizelos said the government had not yet looked into the matter.
Meanwhile, the French defence minister also assured Greece that the French Navy would reinforce its presence to help Greece fight the problem of illegal immigration, as many migrants from Africa and the Middle East seek to enter the European Union via Greece.
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