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French president in Afghanistan French president in Afghanistan
(about 1 hour later)
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has touched down in the Afghan capital Kabul on a visit to Afghanistan. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has begun talks in Kabul with his Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, on a visit to the country.
He is to meet some of the 1,300 French troops based in the country during his first visit since his election in May. Accompanied by his defence minister, he first met the head of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force, Gen Dan McNeill.
He is also due to meet President Hamid Karzai and the head of the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf), Gen Dan McNeill. Later, he will see some of the 1,300 French troops based locally, on his first visit since being elected in May.
Mr Sarkozy visited Washington last month and pledged France's support for the US in Afghanistan. Mr Sarkozy recently pledged France's support for the US in Afghanistan.
He told the US Congress that French soldiers would stay in Afghanistan "as long as needed" and that failure was "not an option". The French presidential palace said that Saturday's visit would "reaffirm France's support and engagement in the process of the stabilisation and reconstruction of Afghanistan".
Pressure from allies
Mr Sarkozy told the US Congress in November that French soldiers would stay in Afghanistan "as long as needed" and that failure was "not an option".
Six French combat jets are stationed at KandaharSix French combat jets are stationed at Kandahar
However, Washington and other allies have repeatedly urged France to send its forces to the more dangerous southern and eastern areas to help in the fight against a resurgent Taleban.However, Washington and other allies have repeatedly urged France to send its forces to the more dangerous southern and eastern areas to help in the fight against a resurgent Taleban.
Most of the French troops are stationed in relatively secure areas around Kabul.Most of the French troops are stationed in relatively secure areas around Kabul.
Some are deployed at a base in the southern city of Kandahar, where six French Mirage jets are based.Some are deployed at a base in the southern city of Kandahar, where six French Mirage jets are based.
In addition, "dozens" of French military trainers are due to be posted to the volatile southern province of Uruzgan to work with the Afghan army, the French news agency AFP notes.In addition, "dozens" of French military trainers are due to be posted to the volatile southern province of Uruzgan to work with the Afghan army, the French news agency AFP notes.
Accompanying Mr Sarkozy on the visit are French Defence Minister Herve Morin and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.Accompanying Mr Sarkozy on the visit are French Defence Minister Herve Morin and Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.