Concerns by some allied nations about France's sale of a modern assault ship to the Russian navy are understandable for historical and geographical reasons, AP quoted NATO's spokesman as saying today. «Secretary-General (Anders Fogh Rasmussen) doesn't consider Russia as a threat and he hopes Russia doesn't think of NATO as a threat,» spokesman James Appathurai said. «But the anxieties of some allies are of course real and are understandable for historical reasons and for geographical reasons,» he said. The sale of the 23,700 ton (21,500 metric ton) Mistral class helicopter carrier has alarmed Estonia and Lithuania, which have expressed concerns about the deal. France has agreed to sell Russia a single warship and is considering a request for three more vessels that may be built under license in Russian shipyards. Each ship costs between ¤400 million and ¤500 million (US$547 million and $684 million). NATO members and Russia have had some small, country-to-country technology deals in the past, but this would be the first sale of a major piece of equipment by a NATO nation to Moscow. Mistral-class vessels are the second-largest ships in the French fleet after the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The ships have not yet been sold outside France. The Mistral can carry up to three dozen transport helicopters, along with a battalion of naval infantry with their armored vehicles.
