France condemns attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner on Wednesday strongly condemned separate attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan that killed more than 100 people.

"I condemn the killings with the greatest firmness," Kouchner said in a statement. "The objective of the Taliban was clear: kill the innocent and endanger the efforts to recover Afghanistan."

The Taliban attack destroyed the UN guest house in central Kabul on Wednesday, killing 12 people, including six foreign national staff.

Kouchner said the terrorists were plotting to disturb the upcoming Afghan presidential run-off on Nov. 7, but they should know that the international community would remain on the side of the Afghan people.

Kouchner also expressed his strong condemnation against the deadly attack in Pakistan on the same day, which killed over 100 people.

France extended its condolences to the victims' families and friends, said the minister.

Source: Xinhua