(24 Dec 2001)
1. Various shots of candlelit mass at the US Army compound at Mazar-e-Sharif
2. Various shots of servicemen singing carols and praying
3. SOUNDBITE: (English) Dan, US serviceman:
"Today one of my Afghani friends in the Afghani army came to me and thanked his American friends for coming to Afghanistan and giving them the gift of peace. It was just a few hours ago and it really turned me around and I thought this is really a great thing to do at Christmas time, even if I have to pay the price of being away from my family."
4. Various shots of of candlelit carol singing, soldiers wishing each other merry Christmas
5. Wide shot of French marines around tables of food and gifts at their compound at Mazar-e-Sharif airport.
6. Various shots of French marines drinking celebrating Christmas
STORYLINE:
French and US soldiers stationed in the Afghan city of Mazar-e-Sharif held Christmas ceremonies on Monday in an attempt to kindle the spirit of Christmas at their chilly base in northern Afghanistan.
US soldiers flew in an army chaplain, strung one of the few green trees around with lights, and held a candlelit service.
Although the soldiers said they missed their families, many said that helping Afghans rebuild their country was an unforgettable way to celebrate Christmas.
The US army, which has refused to say how many soldiers are based here, allowed those attending the service to be identified only by their first names.
About 50 soldiers in desert camouflage, many wearing weapons, gathered in the cafeteria of the abandoned school they have turned into their compound to sing carols and pray for peace.
More than 200 French troops living in a tent camp at the Mazar-e-Sharif airport held their own Christmas Eve celebration on Monday afternoon with beer and cookies before attending Catholic Mass in a large tent.
Later the troops, who had been complaining about their US military rations, were given gift bags containing red wine, liquor, pate and an assortment of canned French food.
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