Filenews 10 May 2021 - by Ioanna Mantziepa
Our presence is to fight for stability, freedom of navigation, freedom of action and of course in the interests of France and our partners, French Rear Admiral Marc Aussedat, Commander of the Naval Strike Force (Task Force 473), said today from Limassol, in the context of the flotation and stay of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the city.
As Marc Aussedat said, the development of force is designed in 3 phases. The first in the Mediterranean, the second in the Indian Ocean and the third again in the Mediterranean, now located. He then explained what the CLEMENCEAU 21 mission is:
"First of all, this mission is designed to strengthen French resolve and participation in the fight against terrorism. It is planned as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, led by the US. The CLEMENCEAU 21 mission also aims to show the presence (flag) of France and its partners in strategic areas. Our presence in these regions is to fight for stability, freedom of navigation, freedom of action and of course in the interests of France and our partners."
"Limassol is a familiar place for us"
Then, for his part the Captain of the aircraft carrier, Captain Guillaume Pinget, said:
"Three months after we left our port in Toulon and three weeks at sea, in the Arabian Gulf, our sailors are happy today to be in Limassol. Limassol is a familiar place for us, as it is our 3rd visit in the last 3 years and we like and enjoy Cyprus. Let me express my deepest thanks to the Cypriot authorities who have hosted us in these peculiar circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this visit for us, for the sailors, is to rest and rejuvenate both our sailors and pilots."
