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French ambassador to return to Australia after subs row
France announced Wednesday (Oct 6) it will return its ambassador to Australia, ending a weeks-long diplomatic protest over Canberra's decision to scrap a submarine contract. Paris recalled its envoy on Sep 17, enraged at Australia's decision to tear up a landmark defence contract worth about US$65 billion in favour of a US offer. Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told parliament the ambassador would now return to Canberra with "two objectives". He said envoy Jean-Pierre Thebault would "define our relationship with Australia in the future" and "firmly defend our interests" as the two sides negotiate a settlement. ... (full story)