‘Nato credibility at risk’ over call to defend Turkey

For nearly a month, the US-led Nato alliance, once the core of transatlantic relations, has been torn apart with France, Germany and Belgium blocking a decision that entailed asking the military planners to consider ways to protect Turkey. The US asked Nato to provide Patriot missiles, the Awacs early warning radar system and units to protect Turkey against any possible chemical or biological attacks. In all it would require about 3,000 personnel, said Turkish officials.
At last Thursday’s emergency meeting of Nato’s North Atlantic Council, the alliance’s highest political authority, all three countries were given until today to respond to the US request under the special "silent procedure" method. This procedure is only used for the most difficult decisions. If any country breaks the silence by sending a note to the secretary-general questioning a proposal, then the NAC has to reconsider the issue. But if all members maintain the silence then the proposal is nodded through.
Yesterday, Peter Struck, German defence minister, said he saw no reason why Berlin would break the silence. Despite his belief, the final decision rests with Chancellor Gerhard Schröder.
Last night, he was due to talk to President Jacques Chirac of France. If Paris chooses to break the silence, Mr Chirac is expected to seek support from Mr Schröder so as not to be isolated within Nato.
France said it would almost certainly break the silence. Michèle Alliot-Marie, French defence minister, explained that she wanted Turkey to justify its fear that there was an imminent risk of attack. Louis Michel, Belgium’s foreign minister, said Brussels would break the silence.
* France is also blocking attempts by Nato to play a greater role in Afghanistan, where Germany and the Netherlands today take over the joint command of the multinational International Security Assistance Force (Isaf).
Peter Struck, German defence minister, who arrived in Kabul yesterday ahead of today’s takeover, said he would ask President Hamid Karzai about giving Nato a more prominent role in providing security and stability.
Washington has until recently been lukewarm to the idea. But yesterday senior Nato officials said Donald Rumsfeld, US defence secretary, was "fully on board" for backing the 4,000-strong Isaf mission. However, they added, France was holding up any final decision. France says it does not want Nato to have any "out of area" role, even in peacekeeping.