'Bin Laden' links French kidnaps to ban on veils

The kidnapping of five French nationals in Niger last month was prompted by France's unjust treatment of Muslims, an audio message reportedly from Osama bin Laden which aired on Al Jazeera television said yesterday.

"How is it right for you to occupy our countries and kill our women and children and expect to live in peace and security?" a speaker who sounded like bin Laden said in the message directed to the French people.

"You are killed as you kill and abducted as you abduct, and as you damage our security we damage your security."

Five French nationals and two Africans were kidnapped in Niger in September, in an operation claimed by al-Qaeda's north African wing (AQIM).

The 16 September kidnapping was an escalation in hostilities between the militant group and France.

AQIM members executed French hostage Michel Germaneau, 78, in July after French commandos took part in a failed raid to free him.

"The way to preserve your security is to end all aspects of your injustices against our Muslim nation, the most important of which is for you to withdraw from Bush's loathed war in Afghanistan," the speaker said.

The message also condemned a French ban on full face Islamic veils.

"You behaved recklessly by banning our fair women from wearing the veil. Is it not our right to expel your invading men by attacking them?" he asked.

His opposition to the veil ban echoes reported demands by the kidnappers for its repeal.