Plans for an Anglo-French defence force have been played down by Downing Street.

Officials confirmed reports on Tuesday that London and Paris will co-operate more closely but played down suggestions that it amounted to a new EU fighting force.

Following successful joint operations in the Congo, Britain and France's elite forces will carry out more joint operations.

Focus

The focus will be on jungle, desert and mountain operations. Around 1500 troops would be capable of being deployed within 15 days and would work under a UN mandate.

Proposals are for the force to be combat-ready by 2007 but Downing Street said the idea was still being planned.

"It's not new. This was discussed at the UK-French summit in November last year," said the official spokesman.

"We're still at the discussion stage. It will be complimentary to Nato, not competitive."

Washington

Number 10 also rejected claims that Washington was unaware about the initiative or had voiced concerns.

"I don't think this will come as a surprise to the Americans," said the spokesman.