US cautious on possible French withdrawal from Afghanistan

Jan 20, 2012, 20:40 GMT

Washington - The United States Friday underlined the important role played by France in Afghanistan and was cautious about the possibility that Paris could withdraw after the killing of four French soldiers by an Afghan serviceman.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said France 'has been an excellent and valued member' of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) team in Afghanistan.

'I don't want to get ahead of any discussions or decision that France might make with regard to its presence as part of that coalition,' Carney told reporters.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy suspended all training and support operations by the French army in Afghanistan and was considering accelerating the withdrawal of his country's troops from Afghanistan.

An Afghan soldier who was later arrested carried out the attack at a joint Afghan and coalition forces military base in Tagab District of Kapisa province, where the bulk of France's soldiers are stationed. Fifteen soldiers were wounded.

The deaths brought to over 80 the number of French soldiers killed in Afghanistan since 2001. France has about 3,600 troops in Afghanistan.

'The French army is not in Afghanistan to be shot at by Afghan soldiers,' said an indignant Sarkozy.

The attack coincided with a report in The New York Times that American and other coalition forces are being killed in increasing numbers by Afghan soldiers they are fighting alongside of and training.

The Times quoted a classified coalition report that documented the increasing mistrust among civilians and militaries on both sides.

Carney refused to comment on the classified report, but said ISAF was closely examining the incidents and had 'taken steps to improve the vetting process.'

He noted that 130,000 ISAF troops from 50 nations are fighting and training with 300,000 Afghan soldiers.

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