NATO stresses strong Syria response needed

BRUSSELS — NATO’s chief says he is convinced that the Syrian government used chemical weapons against its people and insists a strong reaction is needed to show dictators around the world that such weapons cannot be used with impunity.

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said Monday that the alliance would remain a strong defender of Turkey in case the member state was attacked as part of the Syria crisis, and NATO would remain a forum for allies to consult about action. He says that, at the moment, he does not see an additional NATO role.

Rasmussen insisted that “personally I am convinced, not only that a chemical attack has taken place ... but I am also convinced that the Syrian regime is responsible.”