French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated on the 26^th March that France was prepared to up its military contribution to Afghanistan, where NATO forces are fighting Taliban insurgents.

No details were given on the precise number of soldiers that France would send to the conflict, but, according to reports from Paris, the figure would exceed 1,000 military personnel.

1,600 French Soldiers in Afghanistan

At present, around 1,600 French soldiers are deployed in Afghanistan – the majority in the relatively tranquil area of Kabul. No information has yet emerged on whether the additional troops would also be stationed in the country’s calmer regions, or whether they would work in the more combat-intense South.

A number of NATO member states – the US, Canada and Britain among them - have, in recent times, been calling on other countries within the alliance to increase their contributions to Afghanistan.

Speaking yesterday, Sarkozy said: "France has proposed to its allies in the Atlantic alliance a coherent and comprehensive strategy to allow the Afghan people and their legitimate government to build peace."

He added: "If these proposals are accepted, France will propose at the Bucharest summit strengthening its military presence”.

US, British Responses to Troop Pledge

Sarkozy’s troop pledge was widely anticipated, but still received warm responses in both Washington and London. Stephen Hadley, US national security adviser, described the move as a “very positive thing", while David Miliband, British Foreign Secretary, told news agency AFP that it would be “more than welcome”.

7,800 British Troops in Afghanistan

Britain presently has about 7,800 troops deployed in Afghanistan. According to MoD figures, 89 members of the British armed forces have died in the country since the US-led operation to remove the Taliban began.

Sarkozy spoke yesterday of how, "together, our two countries are determined to remain committed, side-by-side with all our allies, in Afghanistan where a crucial phase is being played out."

NATO Meeting

Between April 2^nd and 4^th, Bucharest, Romania, will host a NATO meeting. Here, it is expected that more offers of additional troop support will be made.

President Sarkozy is currently in Britain on his first official state visit.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Political Correspondent

Recent related News Items:

NATO Members Urged for More Afghanistan Commitment

French Troops to go to "Fierce" Afghanistan: Le Monde

Defence Ministers: NATO Afghan Operation Not in Crisis

Germany Commits 200 More Troops to Afghanistan

MoD: 1,300 Scottish Troops to Serve in Afghanistan

Poland Criticises NATO's Troop Supply to Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Taliban Attacks at Least 20% Up in 2007

US Report Urges More Troops for Afghanistan

US to Supply 3,200 More Troops to Afghanistan