Parker, who was McChrystal's deputy in Afghanistan, would remain in the position until General David Petraeus is formally installed as the commander of international forces in the country.

The decision came in a conversation between British Prime Minister David Cameron and US President Barack Obama, after the president dismissed McChrystal earlier Wednesday after he made disparaging remarks in a magazine interview, said the British government.

"The British Deputy Commander of (NATO's International Security Assistance Force) ISAF, Lt Gen Nick Parker, has assumed command," said a Downing Street statement.

"The Prime Minister has spoken to General Parker this evening," it said..

"The Prime Minister told the president of General Parker's determination that the mission in Afghanistan 'would not miss a beat' during this period," it added.

Obama and Cameron pledged their commitment to their strategy in Afghanistan, said Downing Street, despite McChrystal's controversial sacking.

"The Prime Minister and the President again made clear that the UK and US Governments remain absolutely committed to the strategy in Afghanistan," said Downing Street.

Britain has around 9,500 troops in Afghanistan and is the second biggest contributor of forces to ISAF after the United States.

In their conversation, Cameron and Obama also "agreed that General Petraeus was the right man to take command," said Downing Street.

The statement added that the prime minister was "grateful to General McChrystal for his service in Afghanistan as the Commander of ISAF and his contribution to the campaign, notably through his role in defining and taking forward the current counter-insurgency strategy."

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