French Libya military mission costs almost $230 million

Attack helicopter from the French Navy helicopter carrier Tonnerre participating in Libya operation, June 3, 2011.

From John Irish, Reuters:  French military operations in Libya have cost 160 million euros ($228.9 million), Budget Minister Valerie Pecresse said on Saturday, just days before a key parliamentary debate on extending operations. . . .

"Compare that figure to the 40 billion euro (French) Defense budget. We can absorb it," she said.

Parliament votes on Tuesday whether to extend operations, with the opposition Socialists likely to back it while questioning in detail the government’s strategy in Libya.  (photo: Reuters/French Ministry of Defense)

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