The two Security Council member nations have blocked attempts by the West to mount pressure on the Syrian president to end the violence in the nearly two-year-old conflict that has killed some 70,000 people.

The U.S. Germany and the Netherlands are each sending two batteries to Turkey and up to 400 soldiers to operate them after Ankara asked NATO for help.

First Patriot missile batteries, sent by NATO members to Turkey, will be ready for use this weekend, senior officer says.

Patriot missile batteries are being set up along Turkey's border with Syria in a defensive move, Navy vice admiral says.

Turkey agrees to allow Israel to take part in some NATO activities in 2013, but remains opposed to joint military exercises.

U.S., NATO deploy Patriot anti-missile systems to Turkey in anticipation of rockets hitting the territory; Syria rebels attack base protecting military compound.

Iranian armed forces chief joins other Islamic Republic officials who caution that the stationing of NATO missiles could cause conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere.

U.S. Admiral James Stavridis, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe, described the situation in Syria as 'chaotic and dangerous.'

Head of NATO's Syria committee says Western alliance drafting plans for safeguarding Syria's chemical weapons stocks if Assad steps down or forced from power; U.S. defense secretary signs order to send Patriot missiles to Turkey.

Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad criticizes NATO's planned transfer of air-defense missiles to the Turkish border and repeated that the Assad regime will not use chemical weapons against its people.