Poland ready to increase Afghan troops

Poland's foreign minister has said his country is willing to commit more troops to Afghanistan and criticised other European nations for excluding their forces from combat missions.

Radek Sikorski said Poland "wants to be seen as a nation that stands by its allies" and was ready to expand its presence if asked.

"We will be at 2,600 by April and 400 additional troops on standby, which we will deploy if there is a need to strengthen security," he said.

Poland assumed responsibility for security in the volatile Ghanzi province in eastern Afghanistan in October 2008.

Mr Sikorski expressed his frustration over caveats used by other nations, including Germany, that often exclude their forces from combat operations in Afghanistan.

Read more:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/poland/7011289/Poland-ready-to-increase-Afghan-troops.html