    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [February 19, 2003]
    [Page 184]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Decision on
    Planning for the Defense of Turkey
    February 19, 2003

        I welcome today's decision by NATO's Defense Planning Committee to
    approve the deployment of AWACS aircraft, Patriot missiles, and
    biological and chemical defense equipment to Turkey. This is an
    important demonstration of the solidarity of NATO Allies in view of a
    potential threat to an Alliance member. It follows the decision taken on
    Sunday by the same committee to request military planning for such
    deployments.
        Today's decision is a direct response to the request by Turkey for
    consultations under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty as well as the
    commitment by all NATO Heads of State and Government, stated at Prague
    on November 21, 2002, ``to take effective action to assist and support
    the efforts of the U.N. to ensure the full and immediate compliance by
    Iraq, without conditions or restrictions, with UNSCR 1441.''
        I am grateful for the resolute leadership of NATO Secretary General
    Lord Robertson