ANKARA (Sputnik) – However the Turkish Prime Minister asked to take into consideration Ankara’s sensitivity regarding the security of his country's borders.
“We understand [the Russians’] feeling in regard to the death of the Russian pilot, but they need to understand our sensitivity as well in regard to the security of our border with Syria, which is the border of the national security of Turkey. And it is here that the situation occurred that threatens our security. We will continue to show our sensitivity in this issue that is not only directed at Russia,” Davutoglu told journalists on the plane on his way to Brussels.
On November 24, the Russian Su-24 aircraft was downed by an air-to-air missile while carrying out precision strikes against terrorists in northern Syria. The missile was fired by a Turkish F-16 fighter in response to an alleged violation of Turkish airspace by the Russian military aircraft.
The Russian General Staff and the Syrian Air Defense Command confirmed that the Su-24 never crossed into Turkish airspace, and was downed on Syrian territory.
Speaking ahead of the EU Council, Davutoglu reiterated Ankara’s official stance on the incident that "attempts to pin the blame on Turkey are improper," expressing hope that Turkey’s neighborly ties with Russia would be restored.
