France Outlines Early Afghanistan Pullout
Source: Voice of America
France Outlines Early Afghanistan Pullout
VOA News
May 25, 2012
French President Francois Hollande said he plans to pull all of his country's 2,000 combat troops out of Afghanistan by the end of the year, but that France will continue to support the war-torn country.
During an unannounced visit to Afghanistan Friday, Hollande said some 1,300 other troops will remain in the country in a support role, training Afghan security forces and looking after equipment.
The newly-elected French leader said the early withdrawal will be conducted in close coordination with the Afghan government and NATO allies.
Hollande made his remarks after meeting in Kabul, Friday with Afghan President Hamid Karzai. In a joint news conference, Hollande said France would still have a presence in Afghanistan, but a different role than in the past -- focusing instead on the civilian front.
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