French Minister Pledges 9m Euro

May 14 (www.quqnoos.com): French Foreign Minister in a surprise visit reaffirmed the commitment of France in the reconstruction of the nation.

Talking to Foreign Minister Dr. Rangeen Dadfar Spanta, the French Foreign Minster said the donations will be driven to improve health services.

"The money will be spent to provide more facilities to the French Medical Institute for Children in Kabul," Foreign Minster Bernard Kouchner said.

The French hospital in Kabul is one of most well-equipped with professional medical team hospitals providing free treatment to needy citizens.

The officials of the healthcare centre said 18 million Euros are needed to expand the hospital and develop it to a 400-bed health centre.

"Aga Khan Foundation will contribute the remaining 9 million Euros to complete the second phase of the hospital," Nadim Khan, an Aga Khan Development Network AKDN official, accompanying French FM in the hospital said.

Foreign Minster Kouncher in a meeting with Minster Spanta pledged additional support to the Afghan government.

The French Minister had carried another message from his government; the transparency of the August elections.

He discussed a free and fair election with Minster Spanta in the Foreign Ministry and termed it a key factor for the future of country.