BRUSSELS - NATO Defense Planning Committee (DPC) convened on Wednesday and examined report of military wing of NATO regarding defense of Turkey.
NATO Council which also convened with participation of France noted decisions of DPC. NATO Council confirmed that obligations regarding defense of Turkey in case of a possible war against Iraq would be fulfilled.
New decisions were taken on defense of Turkey in case of a military operation against Iraq at two separate meetings at NATO.
NATO had proposed to take a decision on defense of Turkey at DPC since France opposed the move. France which had left military command structure of NATO in 1966 cannot participate in DPC.
DPC had convened on Sunday and took concrete decisions by persuading Belgium and Germany.
According to the decision which was announced, it was confirmed that all allies will fulfil their obligations for defense of Turkey and military wing of NATO was asked to launch preliminary studies and inform DPC urgently about what should be done.
List of preliminary studies and plans include AWACS radar aircraft's providing logistic support to Turkey and NATO's contribution in protection methods against chemical and biological mass destruction weapons.
DPC convened on Wednesday after military wing of NATO said that all preparations were completed. Military officials said that measures which were mentioned in the decision of DPC were ''necessary and implementable''.
DPC took a new decision and gave authority to military wing of NATO to implement urgently the measures regarding defense of Turkey.
(EÖ-AÖ) 19.02.2003