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Nato allies to add 7,000 to surge Nato allies to add 7,000 to surge
(41 minutes later)
Nato's top official says countries will send at least 7,000 extra troops to support the US surge in Afghanistan.Nato's top official says countries will send at least 7,000 extra troops to support the US surge in Afghanistan.
Speaking at a Nato summit in Brussels, Anders Fogh Rasmussen said there would be "more [troops] to come".Speaking at a Nato summit in Brussels, Anders Fogh Rasmussen said there would be "more [troops] to come".
"At least 25 countries will send more forces to the mission in 2010," the Nato secretary general told reporters."At least 25 countries will send more forces to the mission in 2010," the Nato secretary general told reporters.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the response from Nato allies as "positive", but some major countries are holding back.Earlier, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton described the response from Nato allies as "positive", but some major countries are holding back.
France and Germany, for instance, have not yet committed to sending extra troops.France and Germany, for instance, have not yet committed to sending extra troops.
Sceptical publicsSceptical publics
Earlier this week, US President Barack Obama announced he was sending an additional 30,000 troops to help battle the Taliban insurgency.Earlier this week, US President Barack Obama announced he was sending an additional 30,000 troops to help battle the Taliban insurgency.
AFGHANISTAN SURGE US calling for about 10,000 extra foreign troopsNato expects 7,000 troops from 25 of 43 nations in AfghanistanNot all have gone public with their intentionsBritain has pledged extra 500; Italy "about 1,000"; Poland 600; Portugal 150; Spain 200; Solvakia 250; Macedonia 80Non-Nato member Georgia sending 900, South Korea 500France still considering response; Germany may delay decision until January 2010 Italy 'to boost Afghan mission' US doubts and hopes Will more US troops change things?AFGHANISTAN SURGE US calling for about 10,000 extra foreign troopsNato expects 7,000 troops from 25 of 43 nations in AfghanistanNot all have gone public with their intentionsBritain has pledged extra 500; Italy "about 1,000"; Poland 600; Portugal 150; Spain 200; Solvakia 250; Macedonia 80Non-Nato member Georgia sending 900, South Korea 500France still considering response; Germany may delay decision until January 2010 Italy 'to boost Afghan mission' US doubts and hopes Will more US troops change things?
The US is calling on allies among the 43 nations with troops in Afghanistan to send about 10,000 extra soldiers.The US is calling on allies among the 43 nations with troops in Afghanistan to send about 10,000 extra soldiers.
"With the right resources, we can succeed," Mr Rasmussen told a news conference after allied foreign ministers met with representatives of non-Nato countries that have forces in Afghanistan."With the right resources, we can succeed," Mr Rasmussen told a news conference after allied foreign ministers met with representatives of non-Nato countries that have forces in Afghanistan.
Earlier, the Nato chief told delegates at Nato HQ that the coming year would "see a new momentum in this mission".Earlier, the Nato chief told delegates at Nato HQ that the coming year would "see a new momentum in this mission".
The BBC's Nick Childs, in Brussels, says the main thrust of Mr Rasmussen's speech was to insist on a message of solidarity, despite the challenges, and of unity behind mission.The BBC's Nick Childs, in Brussels, says the main thrust of Mr Rasmussen's speech was to insist on a message of solidarity, despite the challenges, and of unity behind mission.
"In addition to the clear pledges already tabled, we have heard indications ... that other allies and partners will probably be in a position to announce contributions in the coming weeks and months," Mr Rasmussen said."In addition to the clear pledges already tabled, we have heard indications ... that other allies and partners will probably be in a position to announce contributions in the coming weeks and months," Mr Rasmussen said.
"Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) will have at least 37,000 more soldiers in 2010 than it did this year," he said."Isaf (International Security Assistance Force) will have at least 37,000 more soldiers in 2010 than it did this year," he said.
"That is solidarity in action.""That is solidarity in action."
Warning for Kabul
But many Nato governments face publics even more sceptical about the mission than those of the US and Britain.But many Nato governments face publics even more sceptical about the mission than those of the US and Britain.
Even if more public announcements are forthcoming, turning these into firm pledges of the right troops at the right time and for the right missions, may take longer, our correspondent adds.Even if more public announcements are forthcoming, turning these into firm pledges of the right troops at the right time and for the right missions, may take longer, our correspondent adds.
Mr Rasmussen said several countries had pledged additional funds for development assistance as part of the mission's new approach in providing basic services to benefit the local people in Afghanistan.
But he warned that Kabul had to play its part in the reconstruction process.
"None of these initiatives are of any use if it is not backed up by good governance, efficient governance in Afghanistan, including a determined fight against corruption, a determined fight against the drug trade.
"So the international community stands ready to assist Afghanistan in promoting economic and social development but it also takes a strong effort from the Afghan people and not least the Afghan government."