Madrid- ­ Spain should increase the number of troops it sends on international peacekeeping missions, the country's defence minister told parliament Wednesday.

Current law allows no more than 3,000 Spanish troops to serve under foreign command, said Defence Minister Carme Chacon, announcing plans to propose lifting that limit when the cabinet meets December 31.

Chacon said the 3,000-troop level was outdated, adding that Spanish forces are strong enough to send up to 7,700 troops abroad on peacekeeping missions. Spanish troops are currently active in five international missions in Afghanistan, Lebanon, Kosovo, Bosnia and Chad. (dpa)