ISTANBUL: Turkey’s government on Friday rejected US pressure over itsdisputed deal to purchase Russian missiles, saying Ankara was already intalks over delivery of the S-400 defence system.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has riled Turkey’s NATO allies, especiallythe US, by purchasing the Russian arms system and by drawing closer toRussia’s President Vladimir Putin.
US officials have warned Turkey could face possible sanctions and a blockon its participation in the US-made F-35 fighter jet programme because ofthe Russian deal.
“We have signed a deal with Russia, and this deal is valid. Now we arediscussing the delivery process,” Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu saidduring a press conference with his Russian counterpart in the Turkish cityof Antalya.
“We have an agreement with Russia and we are bound by it,” he said, addingpressure from other countries was against international law.
Cavusoglu said Turkey had also met its obligations as a partner in the F-35jet made by US company Lockheed Martin.
“Turkey is also a partner in the F-35 project. Some parts are being made inhere in Turkey. Turkey has fulfilled its responsibilities in this regard,”the minister said.
The first Russian S-400 delivery is expected in July.
The dispute is one part of a growing rift between Washington and Ankara whoare at odds over Syria and also a US refusal to extradite a US-basedpreacher Turkey blames for a 2016 failed coup.
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In the latest sign of US pressure, four US senators on Thursday introduceda bill that would block delivery of F-35 jets to Turkey until Ankara givesup the Russian missiles.
“Turkey is an important NATO ally and willing partner in addressing anumber of US national security priorities,” said Republican Senator JamesLankford in a statement on the bill.
“It’s concerning that Turkey would seek close defence cooperation withRussia, whose authoritarian ruler seeks to undermine NATO and US interestsat every turn.”
Turkey plans to buy 100 F-35s and some Turkish pilots already startedtraining with counterparts in the US.
US officials say they are worried about technology from the S-400s allowingMoscow to collect data on NATO aircraft and about how compatible the Russiasystems will be inside NATO operations.
US officials have increasingly warned about fallout over the missile dealfor the F-35 jet programme and have pressured Turkey to buy US-made Patriotmissile defences as an alternative. – APP/AFP
