Twelve French soldiers on peacekeeping duties in Ivory Coast have been arrested in connection with a bank theft there last week.
The troops had been assigned to protect a branch of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and were charged with stealing $120,000 (100,000 euros).
French military spokesman Colonel Henry Aussavy said the accused soldiers were being sent home to face French justice.
More than 4,000 French troops are serving alongside UN peacekeepers.
Matt's Chat
John Kerry wants these guys where? In Iraq? Uh, thanks, but no thanks. There are enough 'insurgents' and terrorists there already.Mark's Remarks
Wow, Johnny boy, these are some great people you hold so high? Sounds like the French are reminiscent of Jenjis (your pronunciation) Khan in their dealings....This is disturbing, and more disturbing is the lack of condemnation by the Left. Of course, the mantra for the Left is, as long as it doesn't affect me, who cares?
And besides, it is only West Africa, they don't deserve justice anyway, right? I mean, that is what you think about democracy in Iraq, right lefties?
And if French justice is anything like Belgian justice, these guys will be "escaped" in a couple of days and back out on the street....
