The French president, Jacques Chirac, has pledged an additional 1,600 French troops to the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon.
In a televised address he announced the dispatch of a further two battalions and said France was willing to continue leading the force.
France had caused sharp disappointment with its initial offer of just 400 troops for the UN force in its former colony.
Its decision to send many more troops followed UN assurances that they would be able to defend themselves fully if they came under attack and could use force to protect civilians.
Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers will meet the UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in Brussels tomorrow to discuss contributions to the force from EU countries.
