Dispute 'Completely Resolved': Putin, Hollande Officially Cancel Mistral Contract
Russian President Vladimir Putin and French President Francois Hollande have reached an agreement to cancel the contract to deliver two Mistral helicopter carriers, the Kremlin press service said on Wednesday.
The parties agreed that Russia will be returned the funds which it had already paid under the contract, as well as all its equipment and materials. France has already transferred the money.
"France has already transferred these funds and, after the return of equipment, will acquire ownership and be able to take charge of both ships," the Russian president’s press service said.
“Moscow considers the Mistral issue completely resolved.”
The Mistral contract worth €1.2 billion that was signed by the French DCNS/STX Company and Russian Defense Export Corporation Rosoboronexport in 2011 envisaged delivering two French helicopter carriers to Russia, with the first one to be delivered in 2014 and the second one in 2015.
Russia plans to send a team of experts to France to remove the equipment installed on Mistral helicopter carriers in September.
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http://www.rt.com/news/311682-mistral-putin-hollande-cancel/