US in touch with Turkey over Russian air space violation

ANKARA

United States is in contact with Turkey over Russia's violation of Turkish air space, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter has said.

Addressing a joint press conference with Spanish Defense Minister Pedro Morenes in Madrid on Monday, Carter said that Turkey was a NATO member and the issue would be discussed at a NATO meeting this week.

NATO defense ministers will gather on October 8 in Brussels.

About Russia’s Syria operation, Carter said: “By taking military action in Syria against moderate groups targets, Russia has escalated the civil war".

He accused Russia of supporting the Bashar al-Assad regime on the pretext of fighting against Daesh. He added that despite Russia’s efforts, the Assad regime would not remain permanently in Syria.

Patriots not aimed at Russia

Morenes said that Spain’s Patriot Missile systems in Turkey were aimed at preventing potential attacks from Syria, not from Russia.

“Our mission in Turkey is related to NATO and to protect Turkish people from a potential attack from Syria, it is not for Russia,” he said.

About Russia’s air space violation of Turkey Morenes said: “What happened between Russia and Turkey is an accident and I hope that it won’t be repeated. Turkey is our friend and ally. We will realize our promises to Turkey and NATO”.

A Russian fighter jet was intercepted by Turkish jets after violating Turkey’s air space Saturday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Monday. The Russian jet had crossed into southern Hatay province, according to a statement.