NATO leaders on Thursday decided to wait until next week to reach a conclusion on a plan to provide Turkey with airborne surveillance and air defense missiles during a possible war on Iraq.

The plan will take effect if no country objects to it, said the alliance's secretary-general, George Roberston. " I am confident that we will reach a decision early next week," Robertson said. But if one nation objects, the plan could be scuttled because the North Atlantic Treaty Organization works on a principle of unanimity.

In a statement, Robertson acknowledged that there was a disagreement on the issue among alliance members. "Where there has been a disagreement it is over when to formally task this military planning. Not whether to plan but when to plan," he said.

The issue has been simmering within the alliance since mid-January when the United States asked its other 18 NATO allies for assistance. The United States wants Turkey, a neighbor of Iraq, to receive two forms of help: Airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft to provide surveillance and Patriot air-defense missiles.

Three countries raise objections

Opposition has arisen from Germany, Belgium and France. The issue is particularly sensitive for German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder because he has said Germany would not fight any war against Iraq and would vote against any resolution that is presented in the U.N. Security Council to authorize such a war. But Germans serve in the surveillance planes, and if the alliance provided the planes to Turkey, Schröder would have to decide whether they remain on board. If they were pulled out, the alliance would have a difficult time carrying out the mission.

Before Thursday's meeting of the North Atlantic Council, Belgium's defense minister expressed his doubts about the plan's timing. In a radio interview, Andre Flahaut said a decision made now would be "premature and dangerous."

In response to this opposition, Roberston has pointed out to his allies that they pledged during their November summit to actively support the U.N. resolution on the disarmament of Iraq.

Turkey announces support

In Turkey, the country's leader staked out his position on a potential war on Thursday. Prime Minister Abdullah Gül said Turkey would not join a war but said his government was prepared to support those who did. As a first step, the parliament decided on Thursday to allow the U.S. military to expand its bases in Turkey. In about two weeks, the assembly also will take up a plan to allow the United States to send more troops into the country.

The United States also gained pledges of support from 10 countries in eastern Europe on Wednesday. The pledge followed a similar pledge for eight other European leaders.