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Disarmament DiplomacyIssue No. 22, January 1998News ReviewFrance Shows Russia Nuclear Submarine BaseIn mid-January, Russia's Defence Minister, Marshal Igor Sergeyev, toured the main base of France's strategic nuclear submarine fleet, at Ile Longue in Brittany. The unprecedented visit was heralded by Sergeyev, speaking in Paris on 19 January: "Organizing such a visit demonstrates the high level of transparency and confidence now existing between our armed forces." Sergeyev added: "When the French armed forces chief visits Russia later this year, he too will have an opportunity to see how our strategic forces are organized." Also on 19 January, Sergeyev and his French counterpart, Alain Richard, signed a defence cooperation agreement which included details of regular exchanges between nuclear commanders. Report: Russian Defense Minister sees French nuke sub base, Reuters, 19 January. © 1998 The Acronym Institute. |