We consider static, cylindrically symmetric configurations in general relativity coupled to nonlinear electrodynamics (NED) with an arbitrary gauge-invariant Lagrangian of the form $L_{em}= ��(F)$, $F =F_{mn}F^{mn}$. We study electric and magnetic fields with three possible orientations: radial (R), longitudinal (L) and azimuthal (A), and try to find solitonic stringlike solutions, having a regular axis and a flat metric at large $r$, with a possible angular defect. Assuming the function $��(F)$ to be regular at small $F$, it is shown that a regular axis is impossible in R-fields if there is a nonzero effective electric charge and in A-fields if there is a nonzero effective electric current along the axis. Solitonic solutions are only possible for purely magnetic R-fields and purely electric A-fields, in cases when $��(F)$ tends to a finite limit at large $F$. For both R- and A-fields, the desired large $r$ asymptotic is only possible with a non- Maxwell behaviour of $��(F)$ at small $F$. For L-fields, solutions with a regular axis are easily obtained (and can be found by quadratures) whereas a desired large $r$ asymptotic is only possible in an exceptional solution; the latter gives rise to solitonic configurations in case $��(F) = \const \cdot \sqrt{F}$. We give an explicit example of such a solution.

7 pages, Latex-2e,gc.sty, to appear in Grav. & Cosmol