BELGIUM: Speaking as NATO Defence Ministers gather for talks on the future of Afghanistan, the organisation's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen commends Turkey's restraint faced with Syrian shelling

Record ID: 863131

  • Title: BELGIUM: Speaking as NATO Defence Ministers gather for talks on the future of Afghanistan, the organisation's Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen commends Turkey's restraint faced with Syrian shelling
  • Date: 10th October 2012
  • Summary: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM (OCTOBER 9, 2012) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF FLAGS OUTSIDE NATO BUILDING SECURITY PERSONNEL NATO SECRETARY GENERAL ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN ARRIVING, WALKING TO PODIUM RASMUSSEN SPEAKING SEEN THROUGH TELEVISION CAMERA
  • Embargoed: 25th October 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Belgium
  • City:
  • Country: Belgium
  • Topics: International Relations,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVABZ9FAQ0N4WILHZ0OLMGR5YVZ6
  • Aspect Ratio:
  • Story Text: The head of NATO commended member state Turkey's restraint on (October 9) in its dealings with Syria, but said that the military alliance had plans in place to defend the country against attack if necessary.
    "I would like to commend the Turkish government for the restraint it has shown in its response to the completely unacceptable Syrian attacks on Turkey. Obviously, Turkey has a right to defend herself within international law. I would add to that that obviously Turkey can rely on NATO solidarity. We have all necessary plans in place to protect and defend Turkey if necessary," Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen told reporters before a meeting of the alliance's defence ministers in Brussels.
    Following Syrian gunfire and shelling, NATO ambassadors expressed their support for Turkey in an emergency meeting last week. Turkish forces have retaliated against the bombardment from northern Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad's forces are battling rebels.
    The feeling at Tuesday's meeting was one of solidarity with Turkey and defence ministers threw their weight behind the member state.
    "I can confirm strongly that Turkey has reacted, and will react, in a considered and firm way and everybody is working hard to make sure it stays that way," German defence minister Thomas De Maiziere said as he arrived.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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