Afghan President Hamid Karzai says violence has risen in the country because the his government failed to pay required attention to counter terrorists and their resources. Mr. Karzai said Wednesday there has not been enough of a focus on terrorist facilities, sanctuaries or financial networks.

He spoke with reporters after meeting with visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

The French leader traveled to Kabul to pay respects to 10 French soldiers killed in a fierce battle with Taliban insurgents east of Kabul on Monday. He also visited the 21 troops wounded in the attack.

Mr. Sarkozy told the troops he had no regrets about sending them to Afghanistan, saying Afghanistan should not have to battle what he called "barbarism" alone.

An Afghan government spokesman, Humayun Hamidzada, said Monday`s attack would not affect relations between his country and France.

In the latest violence, officials say Afghan forces and coalition troops killed at least 10 militants who attacked a road construction team in the eastern province of Khost Wednesday.

In neighboring Paktia province, Afghan officials say coalition troops killed 10 militants and wounded at least 10 others during a separate clash Wednesday.

A soldier with the U.S.-led coalition was killed in fighting with insurgents who attacked a coalition patrol in western Afghanistan.

End.

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