"The NATO decision does not use the word ultimatum," he said.

Though the members set the 2014 target date, many have already stated that their withdrawals will take place outside of any NATO decision.

As for Turkish participation in providing air cover, he called it a "NATO decision."

But NATO decisions require a consensus of all 16 members.

So it was a NATO decision to only have an air option.

The stage for a NATO decision was finally set, but the alliance did not act.

So they have advanced the NATO decision from May to March, and it could come up this week.

The NATO decision brought widespread relief throughout the alliance.

The NATO decision does include an authority to suppress air defenses as appropriate.

"The NATO decisions remain in force," he said.