The Socialist politician who Sarkozy defeated in the 2007 presidential election, Segolene Royal, has been particularly critical of the move, describing NATO as the "armed wing of the West." Sarkozy's decision has stirred some protest in France, particularly from die-hard Gaullists within Sarkozy's own UMP party and from his political opposition on the left and centre. France is the fourth-largest contributor of soldiers to NATO and currently has some 3,000 troops deployed in and around Afghanistan. "That would mean France is nowhere."Ī return to NATO's military structure would give Paris, which contributes troops to NATO missions, a say in the alliance's mission strategies and planning. I don't think France can be in-between," he said. "Our friends and our allies are all in the West. It was our collective choice."įrance no longer 'in-between' De Gaulle pulled France out of NATO's command to protest US influence in Europe Image: APĭe Gaulle's Cold War view was that France should act as a bridge between the East and West, but the time for such views has gone, Sarkozy said. "It was a continuous process, by governments of the Left and the Right. "Since 1966, France has been moving closer to NATO, but without saying it," he said. Sarkozy said that his decision was "the end of a long process" of reintegration. Solana welcomed the French decision, saying, "Everyone is prepared to recognize that we need a strong NATO and a strong European security and defense policy in the EU." "I shall make sure that all steps are taken to ensure implementation of the French decision."
#When did france rejoin nato full
"Its full participation in all the civil and military decision-making and planning processes cannot but strengthen the alliance further," Scheffer said in a statement. Present at the speech, which was held at Paris' Ecole Militaire, were EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana and NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. While it is returning to the military command, Sarkozy said Paris would retain its independent nuclear capabilities and officials said France did not plan to join the organization's nuclear planning committee.ĮU welcomes return Sarkozy said France, the EU and NATO would benefit from added French participation in NATO Image: AP The president's speech heralding the move came 43 years after Charles de Gaulle pulled France out of NATO's military command and evicted US military bases from French soil. "The national interest of France must lead to a return to NATO," he added.įrance's return to the NATO command would also increase Europe's influence within the alliance and bolster the defense of continent, Sarkozy said. "It's time to put an end to this situation. "NATO is the only major organization in the world in which France does not seek to have a major say," Sarkozy said in a speech in Paris. This decision did not in any way call into question the French. Sarkozy said on Wednesday, March 11, that France would return to the NATO military command and seek a larger role as a full partner of the United States and its other Atlantic allies. In 1966, France decided to withdraw from the integrated military command of the Alliance.
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