Turkey invokes NATO pact after Syria downs plane

Turkey invokes NATO pact after Syria downs plane

www.smh.com.au

Turkey has called a meeting of NATO member states after one of its warplanes was shot down by Syria, in what it claims was international airspace.

Under article 4 of NATO's charter, member countries can request consultation when they feel their security is threatened. NATO will meet tomorrow to discuss its response to the shooting.

Turkey has said its response will be strong, decisive and legitimate once it has gathered information about the downing of the jet.

(visit the link for the full news article)

The shooting presented Turkey with a dilemma at a time when an effort to aid the rebel Free Syrian Army is gearing up along its border with Syria, in collaboration with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the US. A conflict with Syria now could rapidly spiral into a regional war.

This is not looking good. As was speculated in a previous thread, that Turkey would call meetings with NATO, it has now been confirmed...

Currently, both Turkish and Syrian navies are amounting a search and rescue mission for the two missing pilots while Turkey is in talks with NATO.

My friends, this meeting does not sound good...Lets hope this doesn't lead to a war.

www.smh.com.au
(visit the link for the full news article)

NOt necessarily so:

"Turkey's decision to call a Nato meeting to discuss the downing of one of its warplanes by Syrian air defences is a measure of the seriousness of the current situation but it also sends a signal that, for now at least, Ankara is looking for a concerted diplomatic response rather than taking military action of its own."

"For now at least Turkey is not seeking to invoke Article 5 of the Nato treaty which would require countries to offer it practical military assistance. This is what happened after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait when Saddam Hussein threatened Turkey. Many will wonder if this episode brings the likelihood of direct external military intervention in Syria any closer. The answer is probably no."

www.bbc.co.uk...

Strange considering Turkey admitted to being inside the Syrian border by 1.6 klms.Their pilot's error.Both countries are JOINTLY searching for missing pilots.
Turkey getting pushed much?????