France Voices Concern over Firing of C. Africa Ministers

France voiced concern on Monday over the firing of three ministers in the Central African Republic's transitional government, saying the move risks causing more instability in the strife-torn country.

President Francois Hollande meanwhile said France's decision to deploy 1,600 troops in its chaotic former colony was aimed at stopping "crimes against humanity".

"France is concerned by the firing of three ministers and the treasury director announced by (interim president) Michel Djotodia without the counter-signature of Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye," deputy foreign ministry spokesman Vincent Floreani said.

"This move, which contradicts the constitutional charter of the transition, is likely to further exacerbate instability," he said.

Finance Minister Christophe Bremaidou, Security Minister Josue Binoua, Livestock Minister Joseph Bendounga and Treasury director Nicolas Geoffroy Gourna-Douath were all dismissed under presidential decrees issued by Djotodia.

Djotodia, whose rebel coalition Seleka seized power in CAR with the ouster of president Francois Bozize in March, is heading an interim government due to step down by the end of next year.

Djotodia has repeatedly vowed to remain faithful to the principles of the January 2013 Libreville peace accords Seleka signed with the opposition and Bozize's regime.

CAR has descended into chaos since the March coup, with deadly violence pitting Muslims against Christians.

Some 600 people have been killed in the country in the last 11 days and two elite French soldiers have died there in a gun battle. The French force is supporting an African mission trying to restore order.

Hollande, speaking in Paris at a ceremony to honor the two fallen soldiers, said it was to France's credit that it decided to intervene in CAR, but added that the full French mission "will not stay for the long term" in the country.

The two dead soldiers -- Antoine Le Quinio, 22, and Nicolas Vokaer, 23, both members of the crack Eighth Parachute regiment -- were posthumously promoted to the rank of corporal and awarded the Legion d'Honneur, the country's highest award.

"When crimes against humanity are committed, it is a point of honor for France and for its soldiers to commit themselves to ending it, and to do so without the slightest hesitation," Hollande said.