BRUSSELS
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said that he did not receive an official request from Turkey on deploying Patriot missiles along Syrian border but he was in touch with the Turkish government.
Rasmussen told the press on Monday that the situation on Turkey-Syria border was a big concern and their plans to protect and defend Turkey were all ready. He said they would arrange those plans for an effective protection and defense when needed, and if Turkey requested protection, they would assess it immediately.
Rasmussen reminded that Patriot missiles were for only defensive purposes.
On Israeli attack on Gaza, Rasmussen said that NATO was not a part of the Middle East peace process. Saying that he was deeply concerned over the escalation of the tension and civilian casualties, Rasmussen added that Israel had the right to defend itself, but he also said international community was expecting Israel to act prudently.
