No change 'expected' in NATO's stance on Syria

NATO SG Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he did not expect any chance at NATO's stance on Syria. Rasmussen told a press conference that developments in Syria will be assessed at the NATO foreign ministers meeting that will be held next week in Brussels, but a change in NATO's stance on Syria should not be expected.   Saying that they consider protecting and defending allies such as Turkey as their basic duty, Rasmussen added "But I do not expect a change in the general position of NATO." He said he believes political solution is the right exit for Syria.   On the statements of NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, James Stavridis that NATO should get ready to play a broader role, Rasmussen said his will to get ready to take all measures needed was very normal. He said they do not have concrete plans on that but it was their duty to protect their allies effectively. Rasmussen said Israel's apology to Turkey was good news and added it was a gradual process. He said better Turkey-Israel relations would reflect positively to Israel's relations with NATO in time.