NATO welcomes US chemical arms statement, calls for Syria to allow UN investigation, assures Turkey will be protected

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Friday welcomed a "clear" US statement accusing the Syrian regime of using chemical weapons and said Damascus must let the UN investigate the allegations.

"I welcome clear US statement. Urgent that Syria regime should let UN investigate all reports of chemical weapons use," he said on Twitter, adding that the use of chemical weapons was "completely unacceptable".

"NATO Patriots will ensure effective protection of Turkey against any Syria missile attack, chemical or not."