NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says problems between Greece, Cyprus and Turkey are affecting the alliance's effectiveness in Afghanistan and Africa.

Cyprus has been divided since Turkey invaded the island in 1974. Ankara refuses to recognize Greek Cypriot sovereignty of the island and as Cyprus is both a member of the European Union and NATO, this has resulted in numerous problems. Ankara has blocked a number of decisions affecting the EU mission in Afghanistan because the Greek Cypriots are also contributing to the mission.
 

Mr Rasmussen, who took over as NATO Secretary-General earlier this month, is currently visiting Turkey. And in interview with a Turkish newspaper, Mr Rasmussen said Turkey plays a key role within the alliance and can help improve ties with Arab and Central Asian countries.
 

The NATO Secretary-General, who formerly served as prime minister of Denmark, has a troubled relationship with Turkey; Ankara opposed Mr Rasmussen's candidacy for the NATO top job over his defence of a Danish newspaper's decision to publish cartoons about the Prophet Mohammed.