Turkey Refused Russian Inspection Flight Over Security Concerns

Ankara has refused to grant Moscow a permission for an observation flight over the Turkish-Syrian border for safety concerns, the ruling Turkish Justice and Development Party's (AKP) spokesman said Thursday.

ANKARA (Sputnik) — Russia planned to conduct the observation flight on board an An-30B plane over Turkish territory under the Open Skies Treaty on February 1-5. The Russian mission was refused permission to do so after it arrived in Turkey and announced the flight route.

"For security reasons, observation flights along our border with Syria cannot be considered, that is why a permission for the Russian aircraft has not been issued," Omer Celik told reporters, labeling the Russian request "speculative."

Earlier in the day, the Turkish Foreign Ministry explained the refusal with the disagreement on the flight plan.