PARIS -- French Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner said in an interview published Sunday that " France is not involved in the fighting between the Chadians."
"The Chadian government, legitimate and elected, is threatened by attacks perpetrated by armed Chadian rebel groups, from a neighboring country. France's position is that blood shedding must stop, followed by a truce and negotiations. We are not favoring the brutal taking of power as has happened several times in this country. French troops are not involved in the fighting between the warring sides, some of whom related to Idriss Deby," said the minister in an interview with the French weekly "Journal de Dimanche."
France has condemned the aggression, said the minister.
"President Deby's requested us to respect our agreement, by taking care of the injured, and that's what we are doing. Our support to the Chadian authorities, which is still there, does not include getting directly involved in the fighting," he said.
The besieged Chadian leader turned down an offer by France on Friday to evacuate him from the country should his life be threatened, according to local press.
