Seabass was tugged out at o-crack sparrers today 20th May and is underway for second sea-trials. Expecting a few days off Belle-Ile with a scratch constructors crew of around 200 - apparently enough for three eight hour watches.
There seems to be no change on the alleged conditions for handover of either boats or loot, as indicated in ORAC's post above.
Vlad was quoted late April that he 'expected France to behave honourably and return Russia's money. He said he would not seek "excessive" penalties.' ..... such as the return of the 40% built in a Leningrad shipyard ?
From the FT (of London) 18th May - discussing Washington's interest in the upcoming EU sanctions review -
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1cd86b26-f...#axzz3afCKoTjX
Quote - "..... concerns in Washington that some EU members might shy away from a full rollover of sanctions. In particular, French and Italian officials have raised the possibility of calibrating the extension to reflect “progress” as the conflict looks less like a full-scale war since the Minsk deal in February." ..... Don't think President Poroshenko would agree with that view.
Entre-temps, retour au Ranch, l'affaire se corse ...
Is China Eyeing These Advanced French Amphibious Assault Ships? | The Diplomat and others .... plus Dixmude visits Shanghai for weeks R&R
'Bucket and Spade' day trips to Spratley Beach anyone ?
............ LFH