NATO Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Tuesday that Syria’s use of chemical weapons would “spark immediate reaction” by the international community.

NATO Chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Tuesday that Syria’s use of chemical weapons would “spark immediate reaction” by the international community.

"The possible use of chemical weapons would be completely unacceptable to the whole international community and I would expect an immediate reaction from the international community," Rasmussen said.

Speaking at the opening of a NATO meeting expected to approve Turkey's request for Patriot batteries along the Syrian border, Rasmussen said Damascus' chemical weapons stockpiles were "a matter of great concern."

He said they had to be taken into account when assessing the threat to NATO member Turkey, which wants the US-made Patriot missiles to be deployed along its border with Syria.

"This is also the reason why it is a matter of urgency to ensure effective defense and protection of our ally Turkey," he added.