Posted on 08/21/2008 1:42:29 PM PDT by Cincinna
French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Thursday pledged to continue the fight in Afghanistan while attending a state funeral in Paris for the 10 French soldiers killed in a Taliban ambush earlier in the week.
Sarkozy, who was accompanied by other French leaders at the funeral ceremony in a church at Les Invalides, said France will not give up its fight against terrorism in Afghanistan
"We don't have the right to lose over there, we cannot renounce our values," he said.
"We cannot let the barbarians triumph because a defeat at the other side of the world will be paid for by a defeat on the ground of the French Republic."
Ten French soldiers were killed and 21 others injured Monday when their patrol was ambushed by Taliban militants in a mountainous region about 50 km east of Kabul, the Afghan capital.
The political impact of the attack remains unclear as the opposition Socialist Party has called for a debate on France's involvement in Afghanistan.
The government is expected to issue a statement on the Afghan deployment on Sept. 22, following the parliamentary debate, a government spokesman said Thursday.
It must be a difficult time. My heartfelt condolences.
God, please help all the the wounded heal quickly, and may the brave soldiers who died Rest in Peace. God Bless all their families.
Sarko deserves a great deal of credit for holding a State Funeral, a religious service, for these fallen heroes. The Church of Saint Louis des Invalides is one of the most magnificent and important churches in France.
Despite the push and power of the Secular Left, the anti-war sentiment in France, Sarko seems to do what is right for France.
Defeating terrorism is top priority for this new French President.
Prayers for the President and people of France, and especially for the fallen heros and their families.
Ahh...even France in her age contributes to the fight.
Deus misereatur...Deus vobiscum
for the soldiers...
Je vous salue, Marie, pleine de grâces, le Seigneur est avec vous; vous êtes bénie entre toutes les femmes, et Jésus le fruit de vos entrailles, est béni. Sainte Marie, Mère de Dieu, priez pour nous pécheurs, maintenant, et à l’heure de notre mort.
Great photo coverage!
Thanks for the ping & pictures.
Condolences to the friends and especially the families of France’s finest.
Thanks Cincinna. France elected the right one for a change.
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