By Xinhua
Paris : French President Nicolas Sarkozy has agreed to the formation of a national defence and security council, supported by a consultative council whose members will be appointed by the head of state.
Sarkozy also approved the report prepared by a presidential commission on national defence calling for the definition of a comprehensive national security doctrine within five major strategies, including intelligence, deterrence, protection, prevention and intervention, according to a statement issued Thursday by the French president’s office.
The presidential commission on national defence and security was formed in July last year to formulate a French policy in national defence and security in the context of globalisation.
Meanwhile, Sarkozy approved the proposal calling for the strengthening of the EU policies in the fields of security, defence, industry and research, while establishing transatlantic links at the same time, which are two “complementary objectives of the same security and defence policy”, the statement said.
The president re-affirmed a “triple commitment” concerning the armed forces, aimed at ensuring the army has modern and adaptable means to carry out its missions, and that equipments are maintained to the highest levels.
Sarkozy said the objective is to maintain a national defence capability of two percent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product).