France reiterates support to Afghanistan forces
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French President Nicolas Sarkozy reiterated on Friday France's commitment in helping Afghanistan forces to crack down terrorist insurgents and restore peace despite the rise in death toll of French soldiers killed in the country.
A soldier and an officer from the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment were killed on Monday in Afghanistan after being fatally wounded by gun fire during an overnight operation in Tagab. "I'm here to tell you that as head of the state and head of the Army, I realize and assume the responsibilities ... when our soldiers are engaged in peril of their lives," Sarkozy said in a tribute to two dead soldiers of Fergus's regiment.
Despite the number of the French soldiers killed in Afghanistan rose to 47, the president said France will continue to be part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and to "stay in Afghanistan as long as necessary. "We can not leave free the fanatics and terrorists who threaten our societies, violate the universal values of humanity and sow death,"Sarkozy added. "Our security here in France is also based on our commitment there ... France can not escape responsibility in the fight against global terrorism," he noted.
About 3,750 French troops are deployed in Afghanistan since 2001.
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