Friday, May 16, 2014

US criticizes France-Russia warship sale

US criticizes France-Russia warship sale: US Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated Washington's opposition to France's sale of warships to Russia during a meeting with French counterpart Laurent Fabius earlier this week, US officials said Thursday.

Under a 1.2-billion-euro ($1.6 billion) deal agreed in 2011, France is to sell two Mistral-class helicopter carriers to Russia, despite criticism from several allies.

The issue has strained relations between the United States and France and was prominent during Fabius's visit to Washington this week.

US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf confirmed on Thursday that Kerry and Fabius had discussed the sale during their meeting.