Keep fighting for world freedom, Sarkozy tells troops

KABUL (AFP) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday told French soldiers mourning 10 comrades killed by the Taliban that their work in Afghanistan was essential for the “freedom of the world” and must continue.

Sarkozy travelled to Kabul with his Defence Minister Herve Morin and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner for a lightning visit to show support after the 10 were killed and 21 others wounded in a battle with Taliban rebels this week.

It was the deadliest toll in ground fighting for international forces sent to Afghanistan after the Taliban regime was routed in late 2001, and the heaviest for French troops in 25 years.

“I came to tell you that the work that you are doing here is essential,” Sarkozy told the troops at their base at Camp Warehouse on the outskirts of Kabul.

“The best way to be loyal to your comrades is to continue your work, is to raise your heads, to be professional.”

Sarkozy visited a morgue where the 10 bodies were held before being repatriated, and spoke to survivors of the battle, including some of the wounded being treated in a camp hospital.