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Russia can't decide NATO policy on Syria, says Polish foreign minister

PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle 05.12.2012 08:28
Poland's foreign minister has said that despite objections from Russia, NATO will go ahead with stationing Patriot missiles on the Turkish-Syrian border.

Turkish
Turkish people shout slogans and hold banners as they gather to protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin who arrived for a visit to Turkey, in Istanbul, Turkey, 03 December 2012. Slogan on placard reads: 'Assad's ruthless accomplice Putin - Not welcome!' photo - EPA

“Russia may have its position, but the alliance itself will decide how to defend the territory of one of its members, if, as in the case of Turkey, they are at risk, or someone is shooting down their planes,” Foreign Minister Radolsaw Sikorski told Polish journalists in Brussels following a meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and ministers from 28 NATO countries.

The Kremlin has opposed NATO's decision to deploy Patriot missiles along the Turkish-Syrian border after intelligence reports suggested that the embattled and increasingly desperate Assad regime in Damascus could resort to firing Scud ballistic missiles, possibly armed with chemical warheads, at neighbouring states.

Russia believes that the Patriot missiles could provoke the Syrian regime.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said yesterday that the deployment of the Patriots “is creating the risk that these arms will be used.”

When in Istanbul on Monday, Russian president Vladimir Putin called for restraint in the conflict.

On Patriot missiles, Putin said: “Firstly, this is an outdated system. Secondly, we do share Turkey's concerns over the issue and understand the feelings of the Turkish nation but we call on both sides to show restraint.”

Minister Sikorski said, however, that “under Article 4 [which says measures can be taken by other NATO members if another is under attack] NATO countries can, in a practical way, express their solidarity with Turkey”.

“This is good news for other NATO border states, such as Poland,” he added.

“We know that Syria possesses missiles. We know they have chemical weapons and this is also the reason why it is necessary to ensure effective defence and protection of our ally Turkey," NATO secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said.

Syria also shot down a Turkish military plane in the summer, a move roundly condemned by NATO.

Around six batteries of Patriot missiles will be supplied by Germany, the Netherlands and US, serviced by 300 and 400 troops, would be deployed on the Turkish-Syrian border by the New Year.

President Barack Obama has said that if the Syrian regime, under increasing attack from rebel forces in a civil war which began in March 2011, uses chemical weapons then “there will be consequences”. (pg)

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