Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has called on France to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan in exchange for releasing French hostages held by allies of his terror group.

The message came in a new audio message broadcast on Arabic news channel al-Jazeera yesterday.

“The exit of your hostages out of the hands of our brothers depends on the exit of your troops from Afghanistan,” bin Laden said.

Extremist groups associated with al Qaeda are holding at least seven French hostages, including five in the Sahara Desert and two in Afghanistan.

Bin Laden reminded the French people of President Nicolas Sarkozy’s refusal in November to withdraw the French troops from Afghanistan and to negotiate with al Qaeda over the hostages.

“Your President’s rejection is a result of being a hireling to America and a green light to kill the hostages... his stand will cost you a high price on different aspects inside or outside France,” he said.

Bin Laden mocked the French, saying they did not have the ability to fight his organisation due to their poor economy.

“The size of your debts and the weakness of your budget will not allow you to open a new front,” he said.