America yesterday asked NATO for help as it prepares for a military assault on Afghanistan.

The request was made at a meeting of the defence organisation's formal decision-making council.

France has said it will provide military assistance for the US-led campaign against international terrorism.

President Chirac, and prime minister Lionel Jospin, has agreed in principle to allow US planes to use French airspace during missions, and will also make two naval ships available in the Indian ocean for security operations and the refuelling of vessels.