NATO backs president 's plan to rejoin NATO . President Charles de Gaulle 's plan is politically sensitive . U.S. was a founding member of French National Assembly but left in the next 43 years . While France was still not a part of the military command , it contributed troops and funding to NATO activities , including actions in Kosovo and Afghanistan . President Charles de Gaulle said in 1966 membership meant losing independence .
NATO backs president 's plan to rejoin NATO . President Charles de Gaulle 's plan is politically sensitive . U.S. was a founding member of French National Assembly but left in the next 43 years . President Charles de Gaulle said in 1966 membership meant losing independence .