Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
December 2021 - France Special Weapons News
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- France suspends transit ban for UK nationals Press TV 31 Dec 2021 -- The French government has suspended a road travel prohibition for UK nationals, allowing Britons to drive through France to reach their residential homes in EU member states.
- France takes the lead of NATO's highest readiness force NATO 29 Dec 2021 -- France takes the lead of NATO's highest-readiness military force on Saturday (1 January 2022), for a period of one year.
- Secretary Blinken's Call with French, German, and UK Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 29 Dec 2021 -- The below is attributable to Spokesperson Ned Price:
- France's Naval Group Denies Knowledge About Any Discussions Between Paris and Delhi on Nuclear Subs Sputnik 28 Dec 2021 -- While France has doubled down on its partnerships with countries in the Asia-Pacific after being snubbed by Australia, the US, and the UK in the wake of the AUKUS pact announcement, experts say it is unlikely that it will replicate AUKUS' example to transfer nuclear defence technology to non-permanent members of the UNSC.
- France Plans to Replace Health Passes With Vaccine Ones in January Sputnik 27 Dec 2021 -- The French authorities have prepared a draft law to replace health passes with vaccine ones for visiting places of leisure since January 15, Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Monday.
- Joint Statement on Libyan Election Process US Dept. of State 24 Dec 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom:
- Indonesia Scraps Deal to Buy Russian Sukhois; Will Acquire US, French Warplanes BenarNews 22 Dec 2021 -- Indonesia has abandoned a deal to purchase Sukhoi fighter-jets from Russia and has narrowed its acquisition choice to U.S.-made F-15s and French-made Rafales, the Indonesian air force chief said Wednesday.
- US Army hosts mountain warfare course in Djibouti Army News 22 Dec 2021 -- Five U.S. Army Mountain Warfare School instructors with the Vermont Army National Guard travelled to Djibouti to teach a five-day Joint Expeditionary Mountain Warfare Course to service members from France's 5th Overseas Interarms Regiment (5e RIAOM) at the Arta Range Complex, Dec. 12-16, 2021.
- France - Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) DSCA 21 Dec 2021 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of France of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.321 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.
- French parliamentary delegation leaves Taiwan after five-day trip CNA 20 Dec 2021 -- A group of French parliamentarians led by François de Rugy, chair of the French National Assembly's France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, left Taiwan late Sunday following a five-day visit.
- France praises troops after probe into killing of civilians in Niger Press TV 19 Dec 2021 -- France has praised its troops who killed civilians during a standoff in Niger last month after allegedly conducting an investigation into the incident.
- Navy, French Marine Nationale Sign Strategic Interoperability Framework US Navy 18 Dec 2021 -- Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy, Vice Adm. Bill Merz and his French counterpart, Vice-Admiral Christophe Lucas, Marine Nationale, Director of International Engagements, co-hosted a strategic dialogue via video teleconference Dec. 17.
- E3 back down in face of Iran demands IRNA 18 Dec 2021 -- At the end of the seventh round of Vienna talks for revival of the 2015 nuclear deal and lifting of anti-Iran sanctions, three European states (Britain, France and Germany) retreated from their stances and were convinced to accept Iranians' proposals as a basis for the next round of negotiations in the Austrian capital.
- France Plans to Seek Progress Within Normandy Format on Ukrainian Issue, Macron Says Sputnik 17 Dec 2021 -- France hopes to make progress within the Normandy format on the Ukrainian issue in the coming weeks and expects Russia to return to discussions, French President Emmanuel Macron said.
- French delegation stresses importance of keeping status quo in Taiwan Strait CNA 17 Dec 2021 -- Visiting French parliamentarians on Friday expressed support for Taiwan in the face of growing pressure from China and said it is important to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
- France Ready to Provide Additional Rafale Jet to India, Defence Minister Parly Says Sputnik 17 Dec 2021 -- India signed an $8.7 billion contract with France for 36 Rafale fighter jets in 2016. The manufacturer, Dassault Aviation, has so far delivered 26 Rafales to the Indian Air Force and these jets have been deployed at two locations near the border with China.
- Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & his French counterpart Ms Florence Parly hold 3rd Annual Defence Dialogue in New Delhi India PIB 17 Dec 2021 -- The third Annual Defence Dialogue between India and France took place between Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh and French Minister for Armed Forces Ms Florence Parly in New Delhi on December 17, 2021
- France toughens travel rules for UK over Omicron fears Press TV 16 Dec 2021 -- France has introduced tougher travel rules for the UK travelers in an attempt to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus.
- French Army Leaves Timbuktu for First Time Since Arriving in 2013 VOA 15 Dec 2021 -- French troops have left a military base in Timbuktu, Mali, where they were posted since liberating the area from Islamist militants in 2013. French forces have been gradually withdrawing from the region, despite ongoing fighting with militants that threatens stability. Locals are expressing unease about the French troops' departure.
- French forces leave Mali's Timbuktu base after nearly a decade Press TV 15 Dec 2021 -- French troops have left a key military base in the city of Timbuktu in northern Mali, handing it over to the Malian army nearly a decade after a military intervention in the West African country.
- French parliamentarian delegation touches down in Taiwan CNA 15 Dec 2021 -- A delegation of French parliamentarians led by François de Rugy, chair of the French National Assembly's France-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group, arrived in Taiwan Wednesday for a five-day visit during which it will meet with President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文).
- Russia says monitoring French warship in Black Sea Press TV 14 Dec 2021 -- Russian naval forces are monitoring a French warship near Russia's borders in the Black Sea, amid growing concerns over the risk of a major military confrontation.
- European Powers Warn Iran Nuclear Talks Nearing 'End Of The Road' RFE/RL 15 Dec 2021 -- Three European powers said on December 14 that talks with Iran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal are "rapidly reaching the end of the road," while Tehran accused Western powers of playing a "blame game."
- E3 playing blame game against Iran in Vienna talks IRNA 14 Dec 2021 -- Three European powers (Britain, France, and Germany) have neglected the United States' destructive role in the current situation of the 2015 nuclear deal, trying to portray Iran as an obstacle in the way of reviving the accord.
- The diplomatic door is firmly open for Iran to do a deal now UK FCDO 14 Dec 2021 -- Joint statement by United Kingdom, Germany and France ahead of Security Council meeting on the implementation of resolution 2231
- Ally Anxiety: US May Block Another French Naval Deal After Approving $9.4 Bln Sale to Greece Sputnik 12 Dec 2021 -- Earlier this year, Washington revealed that it would deliver Australia's first nuclear-powered submarine as part of a new trilateral security partnership, despite France's Naval Group having already discussed a $90 billion submarine contract with Australia. The move prompted Paris to recall its ambassadors in both Canberra and Washington.
- G7 Foreign Ministers' Statement on Russia and Ukraine US Dept. of State 12 Dec 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union.
- G-7 Warns Russia on Military Buildup Along Ukraine Border VOA 12 Dec 2021 -- The Group of Seven democratic economic powers on Sunday warned Russia to de-escalate its large-scale military buildup along the Ukrainian border or face what it characterized as "massive" economic consequences.
- G7 Warns Russia Of 'Massive Consequences' If It Attacks Ukraine RFE/RL 12 Dec 2021 -- Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) have warned Russia that it faces "massive consequences" and "severe" costs if it launches a military attack on Ukraine.
- G7 Leaders Pledge 'Severe Cost' in Event of Russian 'Military Aggression' in Ukraine Sputnik 12 Dec 2021 -- Concerns about Russia's "military build-up" in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border continue to arise, with Moscow repeatedly underscoring that it has no plans to attack anyone. Russian President Vladimir Putin told his US counterpart Joe Biden that Russian troops are located within the country's territory and pose no threat.
- Over 96% vote against New Caledonia's independence from France Press TV 12 Dec 2021 -- People in the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia have voted overwhelmingly against full independence from France in the third and final referendum on the issue, a result that could raise fears of unrest and exacerbate ethnic tensions in the tiny island.
- New Caledonia holds tense final vote on independence from France Press TV 12 Dec 2021 -- People in the South Pacific archipelago of New Caledonia have taken to the polls to cast their ballots in an independence referendum aimed at breaking away from France, the third and final ballot on the issue amid heightened fears of violence as Paris is determined to maintain its colonialist influence on the tiny island.
- France-Greece frigate deal going ahead despite US offer: Paris Press TV 11 Dec 2021 -- France says its mega military deal with Greece to supply the country with three warships has already been done, following a competing offer from the United States to challenge the contract.
- Foreign Secretary's meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian: 11 December 2021 UK FCDO 11 Dec 2021 -- A readout of the Foreign Secretary's meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.
- France to Unseal Secret Records on Algerian War of Independence VOA 10 Dec 2021 -- France announced Friday that it would soon declassify some of the most secret sections of its national archives concerning the Algerian war of independence, opening the door for citizens to explore some of bloodiest parts of the country's history.
- France to Initiate Nationwide Disaster 'White Plan' Amid 5th COVID Wave Sputnik 09 Dec 2021 -- France will put its health care system on a so-called "white plan" emergency footing in the coming days to mobilize resources as the country battles the fifth wave of the pandemic, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday.
- Russian Fighters Escort 5 US, French Military Aircraft Over Black Sea - Video Sputnik 09 Dec 2021 -- Russian fighters on Thursday escorted the US and French warplanes over the Black Sea as they tried to approach the Russian borders, the Russian Defence Ministry's National Defence Control Centre (NDCC) told reporters.
- French Military Reports Second 'Interaction' Between Russian Jets & French Aircraft Over Black Sea Sputnik 09 Dec 2021 -- The Russian Ministry of Defence reported a day earlier that Sukhoi Su-27 fighters had been scrambled to intercept and accompany French Rafale and Mirage-2000 jets, as well as a French Air Force C-135 refuelling aircraft, as they flew over the Black Sea.
- France frees Saudi suspect arrested over Khashoggi killing Press TV 08 Dec 2021 -- French authorities have released a Saudi man earlier arrested at a Paris airport over suspected links to the 2018 Saudi state-sponsored killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- Saudi Man Wrongly Detained in France in Connection With Khashoggi Murder Released Sputnik 08 Dec 2021 -- On Tuesday, a suspect in the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed in 2018 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, was detained in France.
- Man Arrested in France in Connection with Saudi Journalist Killing is Released on Mistaken Identity VOA 08 Dec 2021 -- A man who was arrested Tuesday at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in connection with the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been released from custody because of mistaken identity, prosecutors said Wednesday.
- U.S. Sixth Fleet Hosts FS Auvergne, Porter Visits Marseille, France US Navy 07 Dec 2021 -- U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) hosted French FREMM Frigate FS Auvergne's (D 654) leadership at its headquarters in Naples, Italy, while France welcomed the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) to Marseille, France this past week.
- Readout of President Joe Biden's Call with President Macron of France, Chancellor Merkel of Germany, Prime Minister Draghi of Italy, Prime Minister Johnson of the United Kingdom The White House 07 Dec 2021
- Saudi Embassy in Paris clarifies that what was reported in media about arrest of Saudi citizen suspected in the case of citizen Jamal Khashoggi is incorrect, calls for his immediate release SPA 08 Dec 2021 -- Regarding the arrest of a Saudi citizen on the grounds of being a suspect in the murder of the late citizen Jamal Khashoggi, the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of France would like to clarify that what was reported in the media is incorrect, and that the person who was arrested has nothing to do with the case in question. Therefore, the Kingdom's embassy expects his immediate release.
- Khashoggi murder suspect arrested in France Press TV 07 Dec 2021 -- One of the suspects involved in the Saudi state-sponsored killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 has been detained at an airport near Paris, media reports say.
- French Police Arrest Suspect in Connection With Journalist Jamal Khashoggi's Murder, Media Claims Sputnik 07 Dec 2021 -- The journalist of Saudi Arabian origin was killed in 2018 after he entered the premises of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later revealed that his killing was carried out by a group of rogue state agents and promised to punish those responsible.
- SAMI, Airbus to Form Joint Venture for Military Aviation MRO and Services SPA 05 Dec 2021 -- The Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the National Champion of Military Industries Localization, and Airbus have signed an agreement to form a joint venture on military aviation services and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
- Zemmour Says He 'Would Like' to Withdraw France From NATO Sputnik 05 Dec 2021 -- French far-right presidential candidate Eric Zemmour said on Sunday that he would like France to leave the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
- Joint Statement on Reports of Summary Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Afghanistan US Dept. of State 04 Dec 2021 -- The text of the following statement was released initially by the Governments of the United States of America, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine.
- France's Macron Says Europeans Working To Open Diplomatic Mission In Kabul RFE/RL Gandhara 04 Dec 2021 -- The U.S. special representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, has welcomed a Taliban decree calling for the enforcement of certain women's rights, but said much more is needed to protect their rights "in every aspect of Afghan society."French President Emmanuel Macron has said several European countries are working on opening up a common site for diplomatic representation in Kabul that would enable their ambassadors to return to Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover in August.
- Macron: France, European countries seeking diplomatic representation in Afghanistan Press TV 04 Dec 2021 -- Several European countries are considering opening a common site for diplomatic representation in Afghanistan following Kabul's fall to the Taliban in August, says French President Emmanuel Macron.
- French Foreign Ministry Says Evacuated Over 300 People From Afghanistan Sputnik 04 Dec 2021 -- The French Foreign Ministry has said that it's evacuated nearly 260 Afghans, 11 French citizens, and about 60 Dutch nationals from Afghanistan, with the assistance of Qatar.
- Р5 Conference Paris, 2-3 December, 2021 FINAL Joint communique Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 04 Dec 2021
- Joint Statement on French President's Visit to Saudi Arabia SPA 04 Dec 2021 -- A joint statement was issued today on today's visit of the French President Emmanuel Macron to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- France signs deal to sell 80 Rafale fighter jets to UAE Press TV 03 Dec 2021 -- The French government has sealed a $19-billion arms trade deal with United Arab Emirates (UAE) to sell 80 Rafale warplanes and 12 military helicopters to the Arab country, France’s Defense Ministry has announced, amid French President Emanuel Macron’s two-day tour to the Persian Gulf region.
- Historical contract for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 by the United Arab Emirates Dassault Aviation 03 Dec 2021 -- In the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice-Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, in charge of security and defense acquisitions, for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 for the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence (UAE AF & AD).
- France, UAE Sign Multi-Billion Dollar Rafale Warplanes Deal Sputnik 03 Dec 2021 -- On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the United Arab Emirates on an official visit.
- USS Porter Concludes Participation in French Exercise POLARIS US Navy 03 Dec 2021 -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) successfully concluded participation in the French exercise POLARIS 21, December 2, 2021.
- France rebuffs UK’s proposals for resolving migrant crisis as violation of sovereignty Press TV 03 Dec 2021 -- France has firmly rejected Britain’s proposals for fighting illegal migration through joint patrols across the English Channel, saying the United Kingdom’s ideas encroach upon the country’s sovereignty amid rising tensions between the two sides over the migrant crisis.
- French minister warns worsening epidemical situation People's Daily 01 Dec 2021 -- The epidemical situation in France is worsening, French Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Tuesday.
- French Military: Forces Did Not Fire into Crowd of Nigerien Protesters VOA 01 Dec 2021 -- A French military spokesperson has denied an accusation that French soldiers shot into a crowd of protesters in Niger late last month. The deteriorating security situation in Africa's Sahel region has been accompanied by protests against the French forces sent to help African governments battle the Islamist militant groups who are increasingly active in the region.
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