France reports death of 73rd soldier in Afghanistan

Another French soldier was killed in the Afghan conflict, bringing the number of casualities to 73rd, since France deployed troops in that country in 2001. French President Nicolas Sarkozy expressed "great sadness" upon learning of the latest casualty, a corporal who died after his armoured vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Kapisa area. Four other troops were injured in the same incident, Sarkozy's office indicated. The French leader reiterated "once again the determination of France to continue to work in the International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) to re-establish peace and stability" in Afghanistan and help with its development.