ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday said "we (Turkey) are ready to protect our national and security interests and do not expect any retaliation from Syria." after Turkish Air Force shot down a Syrian military helicopter.
"Turkey is ready for all possibilities," Davutoglu said in A-News TV channel in a response to a question whether Turkey expects any retaliation from Syria after Turkish Air Force shot down the Russian made MI 17 military cargo helicopter belonged to Assad regime.
"Turkey and Turkish Armed Forces were instructed and prepared to respond any violations towards the security of Turkey and its borders," said Davutoglu.
Davutoglu said "we (Turkey) are ready to protect our national and security interests and do not expect any retaliation from Syria."
Underlining that Turkey considers all possibilities for national security, Davutoglu said "no one can doubt about the capacity of Turkey and Turkish Armed Forces."
Criticizing Syrian General Staff for their comment that Turkey acted too quickly to shoot down Syrian military helicopter, Davutoglu said, "a comment that points 'hastiness' in this case means actually a confession of the crime."
englishnews@aa.com.tr
