In view of the threats and risks posed by the continuing crisis in Syria to our national security and following Council consultations held on 26 June and 3 October 2012 upon our request within the framework of Article 4 of the Washington Treaty, a decision has been taken to formally request NATO to support the augmentation of our national air defence by Allied air defence elements.

Our request has been formally raised through a letter, which we have today issued at NATO.

The NATO Council will shortly convene to address our request.