French Aircraft Carrier to Join Fight Against Terrorism by Mid-December

French Aircraft Carrier to Join Fight Against Terrorism

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French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort ships will be deployed in the Indian Ocean in mid-December to support the ongoing anti-terrorist fight in Afghanistan, French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin announced Wednesday.

"It is decided this morning at the restricted cabinet meeting with the President of the Republic (Jacques Chirac) to plan the deployment in mid-December to the Indian Ocean of 'Charles de Gaulle' and its escort," said Jospin when speaking to the National Assembly, lower house of the French parliament.

A new phase started on the military aspect of the fight against terrorism as the Americans demand more concrete participation of other countries, he added.

On deployment of fighter planes to Afghanistan that France announced last week, Jospin said that the technical conditions of this deployment are under negotiations with Kirghizistan and Tajikistan.