France announces plans to send about 80 more military trainers to Afghanistan
By APFriday, February 5, 2010
France: 80 more military trainers for Afghanistan
PARIS — France says it’s planning to send another 80 military trainers to Afghanistan.
A ministry spokesman says French Defense Minister Herve Morin told his counterparts of the plans at a NATO meeting in Istanbul.
Ministry spokesman Laurent Teisseire said Friday the trainers are meant to work at military schools and with Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams. OMLTs assist Afghan troops — notably in the hunt for insurgents.
It is the first firm offer from France since U.S. President Barack Obama’s appeal for more allied combat troops last year. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said he was willing to send more trainers but gave no figure.
The trainers will join about 3,500 French troops currently serving in the Afghan theater.
