NEARCHUS: France to fight Islamist militants..[ 4291 ]

The Hellenic Navy (HN) (Greek: Πολεμικό Ναυτικό, Polemikó Naftikó, abbreviated ΠΝ) is the naval force of Greece, part of the Greek Armed Forces. The modern Greek navy has its roots in the naval forces of various Aegean Islands, which fought in the Greek War of Independence. During the periods of monarchy (1833–1924 and 1936–1973) it was known as the Royal Navy (Βασιλικόν Ναυτικόν, Vasilikón Naftikón, abbreviated ΒΝ).The total displacement of all the navy's vessels is approximately 150,000 tons.The motto of the Hellenic Navy is "Μέγα το της Θαλάσσης Κράτος" from Thucydides' account of Pericles' oration on the eve of the Peloponnesian War. This has been roughly translated as "Great is the country that controls the sea". The Hellenic Navy's emblem consists of an anchor in front of a crossed Christian cross and trident, with the cross symbolizing Greek Orthodoxy, and the trident symbolizing Poseidon, the god of the sea in Greek mythology. Pericles' words are written across the top of the emblem. "The navy, as it represents a necessary weapon for Greece, should only be created for war and aim to victory."...............The Hellenic Merchant Marine refers to the Merchant Marine of Greece, engaged in commerce and transportation of goods and services universally. It consists of the merchant vessels owned by Greek civilians, flying either the Greek flag or a flag of convenience. Greece is a maritime nation by tradition, as shipping is arguably the oldest form of occupation of the Greeks and a key element of Greek economic activity since the ancient times. Nowadays, Greece has the largest merchant fleet in the world, which is the second largest contributor to the national economy after tourism and forms the backbone of world shipping. The Greek fleet flies a variety of flags, however some Greek shipowners gradually return to Greece following the changes to the legislative framework governing their operations and the improvement of infrastructure.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

France to fight Islamist militants..[ 4291 ]

France sets up anti-Islamist force in Africa's Sahel

BBC || 14 July 2014 Last updated at 14:23 GMT

French helicopters flying near Timbuktu (file photo 2013)

The French force based in Mali has officially wound up its work and will be replaced by the new operation

France is to set up a new military operation in the Sahel region of northern Africa in an effort to stop the emergence of jihadist groups.

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About 3,000 French soldiers will be deployed, along with troops from Mali, Mauritania, Burkina Faso and Chad.
On Monday France ended its military deployment in Mali, set up 18 months ago after an Islamist insurgency there.
French forces helped the Malian government recapture the north from al-Qaeda-linked militants last year.
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Counter-terrorism The new long-term force, named Operation Barkhane, will be based in the Chadian capital Ndjamena, but will have a mandate to operate across borders.
It will target Islamist extremists in Mali, Chad and Niger.
The French troops will be backed by six fighter jets, 20 helicopters and three drones.
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The main objective of Operation Barkhane is counter-terrorism, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has said.
The new deployment will take place in the coming days.
The Sahel includes some of the world's poorest countries but has rich natural resources in the form of minerals and gas.
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France sent troops to Mali in January 2013 after Islamist militants threatened to overrun the capital, Bamako.
But Mr Le Drian said Islamist groups posed a threat to the entire region.

Map showing where militant groups are based

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