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Sarkozy to streamline military to tackle terror threat

Paris: France’s President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a significant shake-up of the military on Tuesday, saying a slimmed-down defence force was necessary to better target resources at the dangers of the 21st century.

“French and European territory can be hit tomorrow,” he told more than 3,000 military officers in Paris, referring to the possibility of a terrorist attack. “We cannot exclude the reappearance of a major threat ... We know that tomorrow it can take on a new form, even more serious, with radiological, chemical and biological resources,” he said.

Mr. Sarkozy’s speech was part of the White Book on defence and national security — France’s first big review of defence strategy for more than a decade. More than 50,000 jobs will go in the next six to seven years and the savings will be reinvested in intelligence and modernised equipment.

Overall, the defence budget would not be cut, with euro 377bn committed between now and 2020, of which euro 200bn would be put towards new material, said Mr. Sarkozy.

He promised that reduced numbers of military personnel would allow defence forces to be more mobile, better equipped and better trained.

Defence Minister Herve Morin paved the way for the cuts in an interview in Le Monde by making a comparison with Britain.

About 60 per cent of France’s defence personnel were employed in administration and back-up roles, with 40 per cent devoted to operational duties — whereas the proportions in the UK were reversed, he said.

The defence cuts are expected to result in the closure of several bases at home and abroad, particularly in Africa. Several backbench MPs have made known their concern, and the government has acknowledged that a commitment to ease the economic consequences has not calmed fears in some areas.

Mr. Sarkozy also confirmed his plans for France to rejoin NATO’s military command, more than 40 years after Charles de Gaulle pulled France out to assert the country’s independence from the U.S.

The move has provoked hostility, particularly from the opposition socialists, who believe the effectiveness of a European defence force would be compromised. But Mr. Sarkozy argued once France was back within the NATO fold, Europe’s role would be strengthened within the alliance. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2008

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