French Prime Minister Says No Plan To Leave Afghanistan

After meeting in Paris with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Fillon said France will remain faithful to its commitments and allies in Afghanistan. He said, however, that France wants its force in Afghanistan to become more efficient, and to help ensure the training of the Afghan Army.

Speculation that France could reduce its 1,100-strong deployment with NATO forces was raised after new President Nicolas Sarkozy said he saw no long-term role for French troops in Afghanistan.

(AP, Reuters)