Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    February 17, 2012

Turkey Pledges No Third Country Use of NATO Defenses

   Dorian Jones | Istanbul
   Secretary-General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen, left, and Turkey's
   Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu shake hands after a joint news
   conference in Ankara, Turkey, February 17, 2012.
   Photo: AP
   Secretary-General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen, left, and Turkey's
   Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu shake hands after a joint news
   conference in Ankara, Turkey, February 17, 2012.

   The head of NATO is visiting Turkey to mark the country's 60th
   anniversary as a member. But the meeting was as much about issues
   currently facing the military alliance, such as Iran and Afghanistan.
   Iran topped the agenda of talks in Ankara between NATO chief Anders
   Fogh Rasmussen and Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. Turkey,
   which borders Iran, has a radar system operating on its territory as
   part of NATO's missile defense system. That system is aimed primarily
   at countering any attack by Tehran. But, as Davutoglu made clear, who
   will use the radar remains a sensitive subject for Ankara.
   Davutoglu said Turkey "will never allow any third country to use any
   NATO facility." He added that Turkey's position on this will be "even
   more clear" regarding Israel. Davutoglu said the purpose of the NATO
   defense system to protect the populations of NATO allies.
   Rasmussen concurred, saying NATO would never share such information
   with third parties. Israel is not a NATO member.
   Turkish media were full of reports, citing a U.S. newspaper article,
   that the U.S. and Israel used data from the Turkish radar for an
   anti-missile exercise. The missile defense system is politically
   sensitive for Ankara, both domestically and internationally.
   Iran has strongly condemned Turkey for agreeing to participate in NATO
   defenses. The Turkish government has faced strong criticism from
   opposition parties, who claim the system is meant to protect Israel,
   not Turkey or other NATO members.
   The ongoing crisis in Syria was also discussed during the NATO chief's
   meeting with Davutoglu. Rasmussen praised Turkey's role in the wider
   Arab Spring, citing its unique position as a NATO member bordering the
   Middle East.
   Speculation continues to grow that Ankara could play a role in a
   possible humanitarian intervention in Syria.
   The NATO summit on Afghanistan schedule to take place in Chicago this
   May was also discussed during Friday's meetings in Ankara. Rasmussen
   said that helping Afghan forces take responsibility for security will
   be a key topic at the summit. Turkish forces remain in the forefront of
   training Afghan police and soldiers.
   After Turkey jointed NATO 60 years ago, it played a key role in the
   Cold War against the then Soviet Union, guarding Europe's southeast
   flank. Even with the ending of the Cold War, Turkey's importance to
   NATO appears undiminished.