Gerard Longuet says the number of French troops will be reduced from the current 1,700 to “a few hundred men.” He gave no timetable.

Gbagbo was pulled from his burning residence Monday by troops of Alassane Ouattara, elected president last year.

The pro-Ouattara forces had received support by French tanks and helicopters.

Longuet praised the operation in the former French colony, saying Tuesday on Europe-1 radio that it “functioned well.” French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said Gbagbo’s capture would send a signal to other African countries holding elections this year.