DUSAHNBE, April 24, Asia-Plus - Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) expressed its condolenses to the relatives and friends of a French officer who was killed after a landmine exploded on the Tajik-Afghan border on April 19.

Warrant Officer Gilles Sarrazin worked for the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, which is implementing partner in mine-clearing operations in Tajikistan.  Mr. Sarrazin suffered severe injuries when an anti-personnel mine exploded during his clearance work in a minefield on the Tajik-Afghan border.  He died of his injuries at the central district hospital in Panj.  Azam Asrorov, a Tajik soldier who worked with Mr Sarrazin, was also seriously wounded in the blast.