Paris  - The European Union plans to send more than 300 observers to Georgia, substantially more than had been foreseen, a French foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.

Asked during an electronic press conference about media reports that the mission could comprise 340 observers, instead of the 200 originally called for, Frederic Bouillon said, "We confirm that the EU observation mission in Georgia could comprise 300 observers, to which must be added the logistical support personnel."

He said that at least 200 observers would be deployed by October 1. They are to take up positions in buffer zones adjacent to the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

France currently holds the rotating EU presidency and has been at the forefront of negotiations over a resolution of the conflict.

Bouillon said that the September 8 agreement between Russia and the European Union calls for the complete retreat of Russian forces from areas adjacent to the two regions within 10 days of the deployment of international observers.

The EU monitors are to help monitor a buffer zone in Georgia adjacent to the two rebel provinces, in which some 7,600 Russian troops are based. (dpa)