France ends four-decade Nato rift

Angela Hager

Nicolas Sarkozy announced France will be making a return to Nato's military command after four decades of self imposed exile. Charles de Gaulle pulled France out of the command in 1966 saying he wanted to maintain France's sovereignty.

Sarkozy no longer wants France to not have a say in the military decisions with Nato. The move is not yet formalized, but the president will be sending a letter before Nato celebrates its 60th anniversary.

Nato Secretary General believes that France's involvement will only strenthen the alliance. However, not is all seen as positive. There is strong fears that France will simply be at the "beck and call" of the United States and get dragged into conflicts that only reflect the interests of the U.S. Germany has not faced this problem.

While France has not been a part of the military command, the country 'has been one of the most active members, supplying troops under allied command in Bosnia, Kosovo and in Afghanistan, where it has suffered significant losses."