Ankara, May 31: Turkey’s foreign ministry spokesperson Hami Aksoy has on Friday said the deliveries of Russian S-400 defence missile system was not delayed and in line with the scheduled process while brushing aside reports that Turkey was evaluating a postponement in response to the United States concerns.
On Monday, Turkish defence minister Hulusi Akar was quoted by broadcaster Haberturk as saying the deliveries of the Russian defence missiles may not proceed in June, but added that the agreement was a “done deal”.
Aksoy also said procurement of the defence missile systems was in process as scheduled.
In an official statement, he said, “Reports in some media outlets about Turkey evaluating delaying the S-400 procurement upon the request of the United States do not reflect the truth,” adding, “The process of procuring S-400s from Russia is continuing as planned.”
The US state department has said, “We have said that the S-400 defence system, the acquisition of that would have serious consequences for the US and NATO’s defence relationship with Turkey.”
Turkey has claimed the purchase of Russian S-400s systems does not pose any threat to the US as a NATO member and thus the sanctions shouldn’t be applied, according to Reuters news reports.
The United States has on May 23 cautioned Turkey will have to face “very real and very negative consequences” if it finalizes its purchase deal with Russia for S-400s missile defence system.
According to Tuesday’s news reports, it suggested the US was seriously considering to end training programme for Turkish pilots on F-35 fighter jets over Turkey’s decision to buy Russian S-400s.
Kremlin has condemned the United States threat to abolish Turkey from a program creating F-35 multi-role fighters because of its deal to purchase Russian S-400 missile defense system, stating such ultimatums by the US is “unacceptable”.
Following that, US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to hold a meet in Tokyo, Japan, on the sidelines of G20 summit.
Also read:
- US ultimatum to abandon Russian S-400 deal not received: Turkish DM Akar
- US warns ‘negative’ repercussions if Turkey finalizes Russian S-400 deal
- Russia condemns US threat to abolish Turkey from F-35 programme as ‘unacceptable’