When will you understand that when armaments' business dealing take place France is the most cynic, deceitful country that you can imagine. I reported what happen in Algeria, in 1960 when good French parents with their taxes-money procured armaments which after going to Tchecoslovakia, then Egypt were found on FLN possession to kill their own children. We have the most creepy, greedy decisions-makers in the World. Not too long ago, we lived that hilarious scandal when navy-frigates were sold to Taïwan; 10 or 12 persons died because of commissions or retro-commissions being not paid to the proper persons. The French judge: Eva Joly had to move out of France temporarily to avoid assassination (now she is Euro-depute and wrote a book about that affair). In my country to protect any government crooks or strange dealing; top-politicians have a terrific weapon: the secret-defence' stamp which forbid to open certain documents before 50, 70 or 100 years or after the death of the supposed to be culprit (Example: Mitterrand Angolagate). Some of our french politicians could have tough a few thinks to the "soviets"...That is why I maintain, regardless of who it please or not that the Mistral deal is just a money making arrangement because France is broke and Sarkozy needs his own "Air-Force One". Merci amis russes pour votre générosité ! Sorry Future Russian and French Generations...Your friend: JCM

ha ha, the French, that's all I have to say....They wave that white flag at the first sign of danger. They do have pretty women though, wait...isn't everyone in the country female? -U.S.A

Didn't the Germans occupy Paris during WW II? Nothing has changed from Italy to France. Sarkozy is a sad example of a President.

Why France could not sell ships or other goods to Russia? After the end of the Cold War Russia is no more a danger for Europe.

Oh wait, I forgot about the double standards in the world. Only Russia can't buy weapons other weapons.... I still think this particular deal is a waste of money. I don't think a defenseless invasion ship will do any good other than adding an additional option for military planners... Yet that Option is a silly one for only suited for aggression.