ANKARA
Turkey has requested NATO to support the augmentation of its national air defense, a statement by the Foreign Ministry said.
"In view of the threats and risks posed by the continuing crisis in Syria to our national security and following Council consultations held on June 26 and October 3, 2012 upon our request within the framework of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, a decision has been taken to formally request NATO to support the augmentation of our national air defence by Allied air defence elements," it said.
"Our request has been formally raised through a letter, which we have today issued at NATO," the statement said.
NATO SG: Turkey requests deployment of Patriot missiles
On the other hand, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen confirmed that he had received a letter from Turkish government requesting deployment of Patriot missiles.
Releasing a written statement Rasmussen said, "such a deployment would augment Turkey's air defense capabilities to defend the population and territory of Turkey."
"It would contribute to the de-escalation of the crisis along NATO's south-eastern border. And it would be a concrete demonstration of Alliance solidarity and resolve," he noted, adding, "the deployment will be defensive only, and that it will in no way support a no-fly zone or any offensive operation."
Rasmussen said, "NATO will discuss Turkey's request without delay''
