Ceremonies held in France for kidnapped journalists

Friday was the 500th day of captivity for two French journalists and their three Afghan assistants being held hostage by the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Rallies were organised in Paris and other French cities in support of the pair.

The last proof of their being alive was a video released last November.

Herve Ghesquiere and Stephane Taponier were filming for French state television when they were seized on 30 December, 2009, about 60 kilometres north-east of Kabul.

The French government is certain the two men are still alive and has been trying to negotiate their release.

There are around 4,000 French troops serving as part of the NATO-led security mission in Afghanistan.

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