We need Turkey's voice in NATO, says NATO SG Rasmussen

BRUSSELS (A.A) - Secretary General of NATO Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Thursday that he had no doubts that the Turkish government would remain attached to NATO. Answering questions of the Turkish media at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rasmussen said that they needed "Turkey's voice in NATO". Turkey played a crucial role during the Cold War. There is no need to say that Turkey played a key role in that term as a neighbor of the Soviet Union. We are in a new security climate following the Cold War and the latest developments indicate that Turkey could play a crucial role. What is happening in North Africa and the Middle East shows how strong a role Turkey could play. Aside from its geographic location, Turkey's historic, cultural and religious ties to the region will make Turkey play a vital role, Rasmussen noted. I consider Turkey as a loyal ally that carries critical importance. I have close ties with Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and National Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz ever since I have assumed the post of NATO Secretary General, Rasmussen underlined. I do know that Turkey is strongly attached to our alliance and I appreciate Turkey's important contributions to NATO operations, Rasmussen stressed. Turkey has made great contributions to NATO operations in the Balkans, Libya and Afghanistan. Turkey has made its territory available for a NATO missile defense system. Turkey has an important role in the alliance. Turkey will continue to play an important role for the security of the European Atlantic region. Within this frame, we need Turkey's voice in NATO, Rasmussen emphasized. NATO-EU ties could be carried further before the Cyprus issue gets resolved. I propose that the EU signs a security agreement with Turkey and admits Turkey into the European Defense Agency as a full member and, in return, Turkey accepts that the EU includes the Greek Cypriot side as one of its 27 members, Rasmussen said. NATO has no plans for an intervention in Iran or Syria. I call on the Tehran administration to act in conformity with its international obligations and the Damascus regime to meet the legitimate demands of its people, Rasmussen said. Rasmussen will pay a trip to Turkey soon as part of activities to celebrate Turkey's 60 years in the alliance.