Statement by President Barack Obama on France's Return to NATO's Military Structure

Statement

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ON FRANCE'S RETURN TO NATO'S MILITARY STRUCTURE

(AS RELEASED BY THE WHITE HOUSE)

Copyright ©2009 by Federal News Service, Inc., Ste. 500, 1000 Vermont Ave, Washington, DC 20005 USA. Federal News Service is a private firm not affiliated with the federal government. No portion of this transcript may be copied, sold or retransmitted without the written authority of Federal News Service, Inc. Copyright is not claimed as to any part of the original work prepared by a United States government officer or employee as a part of that person's official duties. For information on subscribing to the FNS Internet Service at www.fednews.com, please email Carina Nyberg at cnyberg@fednews.com or call 1-202-216-2706.

PRESIDENT OBAMA: I enthusiastically welcome the decision made by French President Nicolas Sarkozy to fully reintegrate France into the NATO Alliance.

President Sarkozy's leadership has been essential and is much appreciated. France is a founding member of NATO and has been a strong contributor to NATO missions throughout the Alliance's history. France's full participation in the NATO military command structure will further contribute to a stronger Alliance and a stronger Europe.

The NATO Alliance has been the cornerstone of trans-Atlantic security for the past 60 years. The United States is committed to its success, and knows that it is through close cooperation with Allies and partners that we can overcome our most difficult challenges. In this context, I also welcome the further strengthening of European defense capabilities.

During my upcoming visit to France and Germany for the 60th Anniversary NATO Summit, I look forward to discussing ways to ensure that our strengthened Alliance, with France as a full participant in all its structures, will be as important in the 21st century as it was in the 20th century.

END.

Source