by Cary Gee
NICOLAS SARKOZY has formally opened France’s first military base in the Gulf. The base, dubbed “Peace Camp” was opened in the United Arab Emirates on May 26, following a concerted effort by France to gain greater influence in the region.
The base, which will host 500 French troops, navy and air facilities, along with a training camp, represents France’s first foray into overseas territory for many years, and is the culmination of several years of intensive diplomacy between France and the UAE.
The two countries are already signatories to a number of military and cultural agreements, including a nuclear co-operation treaty, signed last year, and a 1995 defence pact.
The French President has been at pains to point out the defensive nature of the base – which, he says, “is ready to shoulder its responsibilities to ensure stability in this strategic region”.
The move, designed to give France a voice in the Gulf that is independent of the United States, has caused consternation among French opposition leaders.
Centrist politician François Bayrou warned that it makes France’s involvement in any future conflict in the region more likely.
On his two-day visit to the UAE, which he praised for “pursuing modernism while maintaining its heritage and traditions”, Mr Sarkozy was accompanied by leading French business leaders who hope to benefit from strengthened ties between the countries.
France is already the leading exporter of arms to the Gulf state, and last year the two countries conducted some 25 joint war games manoeuvres.
Mr Sarkozy, who has recently adopted a much tougher stance towards Iran and its nuclear ambitions, met the president and vice-president of the UAE to discuss the situation in Iran. This provoked an angry response from Iranian foreign minister Hassan Qashqavi, who warned of an escalating arms race in the region.
He said: “In our view, certain countries wish to present an insecure image of the region, by creating false and illusory threats, to sell ever more weapons.”
Meanwhile, UAE officials have admitted that talks are continuing with the French over the possible sale of 60 new Rafale jets – a deal worth up to eight billion euros to the French arms industry.
