Germany extends participation in NATO mission in Turkey
Iran Press TV
Wed Jan 7, 2015 4:2PM
German troops' participation in a NATO mission in Turkey operating Patriot missile batteries is due to be extended for another year.
The cabinet of Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday approved plans to extend Germany's participation in the so-called Active Fence mission to January 31, 2016.
The decision needs the green light of the German parliament.
The two German batteries were deployed around the southeastern Turkish city of Kahramanmaras, which lies about 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Syrian border, and became operational in late January 2013.
The Netherlands also activated two Patriot batteries near the Turkish city of Adana last year. The systems were part of NATO's plans to deploy six batteries of the US-made surface-to-air missiles, effective against aircraft and short-range missiles.
The United States also sent two systems which were stationed in Turkey's southeastern city of Gaziantep.
Berlin says the Netherlands is expected to pull out its batteries at the end of the month, but Spain is planning to add one.
In November 2012, NATO announced a plan to deploy six batteries to "protect Turkey" from potential missile strikes from Syria.
The government in Damascus, however, said it would never attack any of Syria's neighbors, denouncing the deployment as an act of provocation.
Iran, Russia and China have also criticized the NATO move, arguing that the missiles would only heighten regional tensions.
MR/HSN/SS
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