MOSCOW. Feb 22 (Interfax) - Turkey has placed anti-missile systems Patriot on the Syrian border solely for defense purposes as it is concerned about its security on the Syrian border, Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari said.
"There are concerns that the crisis in Syria will not stay within the country's limits. Turkey is among the countries that will be affected by that for many reasons. Being a member of NATO, it is trying to defend itself. The placement of Patriot systems along its border is a defensive step, not an offensive step," he said in an interview with Interfax.
The minister recalled that the countries of the region are already feeling the consequences of the crisis in Syria. "The situation in Iraq is influenced by the crisis continuing in Syria, in this way or another. Clashes occur in Lebanon. Turkey is concerned about Kurds' activities in northeastern Syria, the activities by the Kurd Working Party, etc.," he said.
Some observers believe the placement of the Patriot systems in turkey may be a sign of preparations for external invasion of Syria. In addition, some people believe this step may be a stage in the preparations for a military campaign against Iran.
A complete text of the interview will be published on the website www.interfax.ru.