France a target of terrorism: Sarkozy

Source: xinhua

PARIS, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- France is "a target of terrorism," President Nicolas Sarkozy said at a news conference on Monday at the Elysee Palace.

When asked about major foreign challenges for France, Sarkozy pointed out terrorism as the first threat, but he refused to bow to the warning as in an audio recording said to be Al-Qaeda leader Bin Laden's address to France.

"Every time a French man or woman is murdered by terrorism, France's determination to fight is increased," Sarkozy said.

"Fear, cowardliness, non-involvement, forsaking one's duty have always led ... to disasters when you are dealing with barbarians, when you are dealing with such a violent challenge to our values. There only one possible solution: one has to be firm and brave," he stressed.

Two French young men kidnapped last week in Niger were reportedly killed in an military attempt to save them. Al-Qaeda group in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsible for the murder.

Other five French nationals were still in hands of the extremist group, which also claimed the live of Michel Germaneu, a 78-year-old French men, in last July after French force tried to free him but resulted in a failed operation.

The alleged Bin Laden's recent warning said France's persistent military existence in Afghanistan meant "open green light" to kill French nationals.