Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov. Source: Armenpress)
YEREVAN (Armenpress) — Russian-Turkish relations may remain frozen for a long time if Ankara does not change its position in relation to the destruction of the Russian Su-24 warplane, Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov said in the interview with RIA Novosti reporter.
Relations between Moscow and Ankara deteriorated following the downing of a Russian Su-24 aircraft over Syria by a Turkish jet on November 24. Russian President Vladimir Putin called it a “stab in the back” by the supporters of terrorists. After the incident, the Russian president signed a decree on ensuring national security and special economic measures against Turkey.
“There are a certain number of countries with which our relations do not develop for decades, but simply about the same relationship we will have with Turkey if Ankara does not change its position ( on Su-24).” Karlov said.
Russia expects an official apology from Turkey for the downed Su-24 and the punishment of those responsible and compensation.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin from the very beginning said what Turkey should do to overcome this profound crisis in our relations. We are waiting for an official apology from the Turkish side, and the punishment of the perpetrators and compensation for the damage that was done to our state. Turkey’s statement reads that Turkey is sorry for the incident but it is clearly not enough as they did not match the level of what happened. So the Turkish side must take the next step,” Karlov said.
“If these conditions are not met, then there is no possibility on normalization of the relations between Russia and Turkey,” added Karlov. The diplomat concluded by stating that there is no sense to talk about a meeting as long as Turkey does not change its position in relation to the destruction of the Russian Su-24.
Source: Asbarez
Link: Russian-Turkish Relations May Remain Frozen Indefinitely, Says Russian Ambassador