Nato has condemned Syria's disregard of "peace, security and human life" in a statement stating their solidarity with Turkey over the shooting down of one of its reconnaissance planes.

"We consider this act to be unacceptable and condemn it in the strongest terms," said a statement from the ambassadors of the 28 Nato nations after emergency talks were called by Turkey at Nato headquarters.

Nato secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, said the talks had been held under Article 4 of Nato's founding treaty, which says that the allies are consulted when one of them feels that their "territorial integrity, political independence or security" is threatened.

But he emphasised that the incident over the Mediterranean, which Turkey says was a deliberate attack, was not discussed under Article 5.

Article 5 states that an attack on one Nato member is considered an attack against all and opens the door for possible military retaliation, making the difference important.

Mr Fogh Rasmussen said: "The allies have expressed strong support for and solidarity with Turkey.

"My clear expectation is that the situation won't continue to escalate. What we have seen is a completely unacceptable act and I would expect Syria to take all necessary steps to avoid such an event in the future."