"A non-commissioned officer paid with his life for the commitment of France to the peace and security of the Afghan people, and an officer was very gravely wounded, " a statement from President Nicolas Sarkozy's office said.

BBC: US, UK and French soldiers die in Afghanistan attacks

Last week, a former cabinet minister and an army officer were shot dead by the rebels shortly after they abandoned the peace talks.

ECONOMIST: Nepal: Sinking fast | The