LOC17:36
14:36 GMT
PARIS, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- The French government announced here Tuesday that
another of its soldiers has been killed in an ambush by Taliban forces in
Afghanistan, bringing to 40 the number of troops who have died there in this
conflict since 2002.
A statement from President Nicolas Sarkozys office said that the soldier
was killed while on a detail to protect a logistics convoy belonging to the
Afghan national army.
The convoy was attacked in the Kapisa region at the southern entrance to
the Alasay valley, the statement indicated.
The French leader sent his condolences to the family and relatives of the
fallen soldier, who was not named, and Sarkozy also "reaffirmed his support to
the Afghan people and the Afghan authorities".
Sarkozy also "forcefully condemned the blind violence and expressed the
determination of France to continue to work within the International Security
and Assistance Force (ISAF), mandated by the UN," and which aims to help bring
stability, peace and development to Afghanistan. (End)
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KUNA 091736 Feb 10NNNN