Atlantic Council

From Anders Fogh Rasmussen, NATO:  [L]et me make this clear: The security of the Alliance is indivisible.  We stand together with Turkey in the spirit of strong solidarity.

And with that, I am ready to take a couple of questions.

OANA LUNGESCU (NATO Spokesperson): NTV Turkey.

Q: Secretary General, (inaudible...) from NTV Turkey. The Alliance has shown a great solidarity towards Turkey, but if this happens one more time, if this occurs one more time by Syria, is the Alliance ready to make more to make a prudent planning, or something like that? It's really what's the step forward? Thank you.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN (NATO Secretary General): I would certainly expect that such an incident won't happen again. Should anything happen Allies will remain seized of development, we closely monitor the situation and if necessary we will consult and discuss what else could be done.

OANA LUNGESCU: Al Arabiya.

Q: Noureddine Fridhi from Arabiya news centre. Secretary General, I have one question and a half. My first question is, you discussed on the basis of Article 4, did you raise the Article 5 and which are the next steps? And if you also are in a position today to tell us if, how long the Turkish jet stay in the Syrian air space, or it did not enter at all in the Syrian air space? Thank you.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN: I will not go into details on the briefing we got today. We did not discuss Article 5. We have had a consultation based on Article 4, which is normal. Turkey has requested such a consultation. We have discussed the situation and Allies have expressed their strong support for and solidarity with Turkey. And as far as future developments are concerned, we have stated in today's statement that we will remain seized of developments.

OANA LUNGESCU: The lady over there.  

Q: (Inaudible...) from Turkish TV 24. If Syria continues to escalate the tension what can be the limits of NATO to respond to this violence against Turkey in the border? Thank you very much.

ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN: It's my clear expectation that the situation won't continue to escalate. What we have seen is a completely unacceptable act and I would expect Syria to take all necessary steps to avoid such events in the future.

As regards to the development in the region, we monitor the situation closely and as stated, we will remain seized of developments. 

Excerpt from press briefing by NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council.  (photo: NATO)