Baku-APA. French President Francois Hollande announced on Friday that the mission of French fighting forces in Afghanistan was achieved, and only non-combat troops are to stay in the country by mid 2013, APA reports quoting Xinhua.
Addressing combat troops that already quit Afghan territory, Hollande said "France has fought for the right cause" in Afghanistan to crack down terrorist cells.
"Today the mission is completed. Al-Qaeda has been driven out of Afghanistan, its leader was killed and those who supported this organization have been permanently weakened and disorganized," the president added.
By mid 2013, 500 French soldiers will remain in Afghanistan to support local authorities in civilian fields including health, education, culture, agriculture and also assist Afghan defense and interior ministries in training.
About 2,000 French soldiers have returned home so far and 1,500 others were still in the restless country to bring back military materials, according to the president who kept his promise to withdraw French combat troops from Afghanistan by the end of this year, two years ahead of the alliance's plan.
More than 3,800 French troops have been stationed in Afghanistan within the framework of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in the war-torn country.
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