NATO’s decision was taken as a result of Turkey’s request for consultation in the context of Article IV of the North Atlantic Treaty. This Article states that the Parties to the Treaty will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.

As a result of NATO’s decision, the Alliance and its member countries will contribute to measures involving the use of AWACS aircraft to strengthen the existing air surveillance capability over Turkey, improving Turkey’s ability to withstand chemical and biological threats and strengthening the capability of the Turkish Air Force with regard to self-defence against ballistic missile attack. These three capabilities are purely defensive and are designed solely to make Turkey better able to defend itself in the event of any attack.

With regard to protection against biological and chemical agents, Norway has put together a package including 10,000 protective suits together with a quantity of other equipment. Plans are in hand for a small number of Norwegian specialist officers to accompany this equipment for a short period and to train Turkish instructors who will then train the personnel for whom the suits are intended.

Where air surveillance is concerned, Norway could make a substantial contribution to NATO in the form of aircrew and ground support personnel for the AWACS aircraft. These aircraft, which are stationed at Geilenkirchen in Germany, are a joint NATO asset. Norway has no relevant capability to offer where defence against a possible ballistic missile attack on Turkey is concerned.