Invasion nears as US seek support from NATO

PREPARATIONS for the invasion of Iraq moved a step closer yesterday as the United States formally asked its NATO allies for indirect military assistance, including the deployment of missiles to protect Turkey.

NATO officials said the allies were asked to deploy early warning and surveillance aircraft and Patriot air defence missiles to protect Turkey - a likely base for any US-led air strikes on Iraq - from Iraqi missile or air attack.

The move came as Russia confirmed it was sending a top diplomat to Baghdad to help avert war and UN weapons inspectors swooped on Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's main palace compound in Baghdad.