Sarkozy says no more French troops

PARIS, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- President Nicolas Sarkozy of France says he wants to see victory in Afghanistan but has no plans to send more French troops to that country.

Speaking to the Le Figaro newspaper, the French leader said he believes there should be a build-up of more Afghan troops, CNN reported.

As for staying on in Afghanistan, Sarkozy told the newspaper: "I answer yes -- and stay to win.

"But France will not send one more soldier," he added. "My belief is that more Afghan soldiers are needed. It is them who will be the most efficient to win this war because it is their country."

About 3,070 French troops, part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, are in Afghanistan.

Britain announced plans this week to send an additional 500 soldiers, raising its Afghan troop strength to 9,500. The United States, which will have 68,000 troops in the country by year's end, is considering another troop surge there.