MOSCOW (AP) — A senior Russian official says France has set a date next month for handing over a controversial navy ship to Russia.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin was quoted by Russian news agencies Wednesday as saying France has invited a Russian delegation to attend the transfer of the Mistral amphibious assault ship in Saint-Nazaire, western France, on Nov. 14.
The French government has been hesitant about proceeding with the contract, the biggest arms sale ever by a NATO country to Russia, because of Moscow’s role in the Ukrainian conflict. French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Tuesday that President Francois Hollande would “make the decision at the time of delivery … during the month of November.”
Emmanuel Gaudez, spokesman for defense contractor DCNS, refused to comment on Rogozin’s claims Wednesday.
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