France today condemned the attack on a UN peacekeeping convoy in South Sudan that claimed the lives of five Indian soldiers besides other UN staff.
"We express our condolences to the Indian authorities and our solidarity with the victims' families.
"France calls on the government of South Sudan to institute an enquiry immediately into this attack against a peacekeeping operation and bring its perpetrators to justice," the French Embassy here said in a statement.
"France reaffirms its full support to the action of the UN mission in South Sudan as well as to the States that contribute to the consolidation of peace in this country through their participation.
"We salute India's major contribution to the UN peacekeeping troops and convey our heartfelt condolences to the Indian government," the statement added.
Five Indian Army personnel, including a Lt Colonel, were killed yesterday and four injured when their 32-member convoy was attacked in Gurmuck in the volatile state of Jonglei in South Sudan.
There are around 2,200 Indian Army personnel comprising two battalions, one based in Jonglei and the other in Malakkal, Upper Nile, on the border with Sudan.
Since South Sudan got independence in July 2011, it has witnessed ethnic strife, with Pibor county, the main base of UN peacekeeping force, being the centre of much of the violence.
Last month, an Indian soldier was shot there amid fears of a government crackdown.
