France backs European missile shield

Published November 17, 2014

President Nicolas Sarkozy's office says France is ready to help build and pay for a European missile shield — but that it can never replace this country's nuclear deterrent.

An official in the president's office says France wants Russia to take part in a U.S.-led European shield project.

The official said Friday that "France is fully for missile defense" but said it could only "complement" the nuclear deterrent.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity according to presidential policy.

France's defense minister has been skeptical toward the idea of European missile defense.

Sarkozy will discuss the issue with visiting NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen later Friday. Rasmussen has pushed strongly for such a shield.

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