Brussels: The North Atlantic Council (NAC) today condemned shooting down of a Turkish aircraft by Syria.
“We consider this act to be unacceptable and condemn it in the strongest terms. It is another example of the Syrian authorities’ disregard for international norms, peace and security, and human life,” NAC said in a statement issued to the press.
The above statement came after the western alliance met at Turkey's request to hold consultations within the framework of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty which states that "the Parties will consult whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of any of the Parties is threatened."
“Our thoughts at this difficult time are with the missing Turkish aircrew, their families and their loved ones. We continue to follow the situation closely and with great concern, and will remain seized of developments on the South-Eastern border of NATO,” the statement further said.
The NAC asserted that its members stand together with Turkey in the spirit of strong solidarity.