French and German forces patrol near Kabul last month (epa)
June 6, 2007 -- French Prime Minister Francois Fillon says France has no plans to withdraw its forces from Afghanistan.
After meeting in Paris with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Fillon said France will remain faithful to its commitments and allies in Afghanistan. He said, however, that France wants its force in Afghanistan to become more efficient, and to help ensure the training of the Afghan Army.
Speculation that France could reduce its 1,100-strong deployment with NATO forces was raised after new President Nicolas Sarkozy said he saw no long-term role for French troops in Afghanistan.
(AP, Reuters)
RFE/RL Afghanistan Report
RFE/RL Afghanistan Report
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