NATO allies respond to Obama troop surge in Afghanistan

NATO allies responded to US President Barack Obama's announcement of an additional 30 thousand troops being sent to Afghanistan. The alliance's spokesman says more than 20 nations indicated they will increase their forces in the country. That will increase the total deployment of foreign troops in Afghanistan to about 140 thousand.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says the allies will contribute at least 5 thousand more troops to the war effort.

Among them, Italy will add about 1 thousand troops, increasing its contribution by almost one-third.

The UK is sending a further 500, taking its total to almost 10 thousand.

Poland is expected to deploy 600 more; Slovakia 250 and Portugal 150.

Non-NATO member Georgia, eager to join the Western alliance, promises 900 more.

Others have been more cautious. Both the Netherlands and Canada plan to withdraw combat forces in 2010 and 2011.