France condemns killing of 2 Indian soldiers along LoC

"Salman Khurshid (External Affairs Minister) had discussed the matter extensively with our (Foreign) Minister. The killing of the Indian soldiers is an additional element of atrocity," French Ambassador to India Francois Richier told reporters here

"What he (Minister) conveyed (to Khurshid) was that India and Pakistan should resolve the issue peacefully. The death of the Indian soldiers is condemnable," he said to a question on the tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the incident.

"There has to be traditional areas of cooperation (between the two countries)," he observed.

The Ambassador and senior officials were here to announce the "Bonjour India" - a cross cultural event organised by the French Embassy and Alliance Francaise.

Noting that the organisers are awaiting confirmation from the office of French President Francois Hollande to inaugurate the event in New Delhi, he said, a total of 15 cities would host over 150 cultural events during the event in India, to be held between February and March.

There will be cross cultural exchanges between India and France on various sectors - art, literature, cinema, education, sports, fashion photography and performing arts, an official said.