[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 8 (Monday, February 24, 2003)]
[Page 217]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 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 in bringing the Alliance discussions to a successful 
conclusion. I also appreciate the efforts of all the members of the 
Defense Planning Committee to fulfill their responsibilities as Alliance 
members in exceptionally difficult circumstances.