European condolences for French porpoises who died in CAR

(BRUSSELS2 to Strasbourg) Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, presented his condolences at a press conference to the families of the two French soldiers who died this morning in the Central African Republic. " All our feelings are with the families of the victims and with the French army ". The Elysée had confirmed this morning, the "death in combat", last night in Bangui, of two soldiers of the 8th RPIMa, the parachute regiment of marine infantry of Castres.

Died while on foot patrol

« During a foot patrol conducted as part of the mission to disarm armed groups, an element of the Sangaris force was attacked several times with light infantry weapons by an unidentified armed group “We specify to the General Staff of the armies. " During the exchange of fire, two French soldiers were very seriously injured. The first aid given on the spot, the injured were evacuated to the advanced surgical unit, based at Bangui - M'Poko airport. Too late. Nicolas V. and Antonin LQ are “ died of their injuries the statement read. " Our two soldiers gave their lives for peace and security to return to the Central African Republic expressed the Minister Delegate for Defense, Kader Arif in a press release. " Let's be proud of their sacrifice. »

"We will never be ungrateful" says the Malian president

The Malian President, Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta (IBK), who gave a speech to MEPs, also wanted to express his " solidarity with the Central Africans who are in difficulty today ". " I bow to the memory of the two soldiers who disappeared in the Central African Republic. Among us, young French people have also given their lives. We will never be ungrateful said IBK, who praised the " courage by Francois Hollande.

(Updated 17 p.m. with statements by K. Arif)