NATO will convene for fresh talks on tomorrow morning, the third meeting in two days devoted to trying to unblock an impasse over Iraq, a NATO official said.
NATO ambassadors held the meeting in Brussels this afternoon after France, Belgium and Germany blocked proposals to defend fellow-member Turkey in the event of a US-led war on Iraq.
The three countries - who are opposed to war over Iraq - object that NATO would send the wrong signal by starting military planning when diplomacy still has a chance. The believe the move would hamper UN efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.
Later the countries moved to clarify their action in a short statement: "France, Belgium and Germany reaffirm their determination to meet all obligations, according to the spirit of the North Atlantic Treaty, to the allies, especially Turkey."
But the move invoked American anger. US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld denounced today's development as "a disgrace" and said countries blocking the plan to reinforce Turkey's defences would be condemned by their own people.
US ambassador to NATO Mr Nicholas Burns said the alliance faced a "crisis of credibility" after what he called a "most unfortunate decision".
US Secretary of State Colin Powell said that NATO had an obligation to offer Turkey assistance in the event of a war against Iraq.
"I hope that NATO will now realise that they have an obligation to assist a NATO member who asks for help, and Article 4 will produce a solution to make sure that Turkey is not put at any risk," Mr Powell told reporters after talks with Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
The United States formally asked NATO on January 15th to lend various kinds of backing in the event of military action against Iraq
But France - joined by Belgium and Germany - formally raised objections under a "silence procedure" invoked by NATO Secretary General Mr George Robertson last Thursday.
Under the procedure, a US request for NATO to start logistical planning over Iraq would have been considered approved if none of the 19 Alliance members had objected by 9 a.m. today. "The French broke the silence," a NATO official said.
Later, Turkey sought consultations in NATO today for defence of its territory in the event of a US-led war against Iraq.
"Turkey has invoked Article 4. There will be another meeting at 4.30 [3.30 Irish time]," a NATO official said. NATO called an emergency meeting this morning after the three country's blocked Alliance from proceeding with the defence plans.
Mr Robertson said he was confident the Alliance would overcome the deep divisions which emerged this morning.
"This is undoubtedly a difficult situation," Mr Robertson told reporters.
"I'm confident we'll reach agreement but I can't say when it will happen.
"Three countries have to be persuaded. What matters is to arrive at a consensus and I'm confident that we will.
"The question is not whether but when to begin the planning," Mr Robertson added.