US criticism of Russian S-400 deal goes too far: AK Party spokesman
"The remarks [made by the senior U.S. officials] have crossed the line. They have reached the unreasonable point of suggesting the U.S. might cancel its deal to sell Turkey F-35 fighter jets, something unworthy of a NATO ally" Ömer Çelik, the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesman, told reporters in the capital Ankara.
- World
- Anadolu Agency
- Published Date: 02:02 | 11 March 2019
- Modified Date: 02:44 | 11 March 2019
U.S. criticisms of Turkey's deal to buy a Russian S-400 missile defense system have gone too far, said the spokesman for Turkey's ruling party on Monday.
"The remarks have crossed the line," Ömer Çelik, the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party spokesman, told reporters in the capital Ankara.
They have reached the "unreasonable" point of suggesting the U.S. might cancel its deal to sell Turkey F-35 fighter jets, something unworthy of a NATO ally, added Çelik.
"Allies can solve issues by talking," he said, adding that no one can threaten Turkey.
U.S. officials have suggested that Turkey should buy U.S. Patriot missiles rather than the Russian system, arguing the S-400 is incompatible with NATO systems.
But Turkish officials shot back that Turkey will not go back on its agreement with Russia, even if it were to also buy Patriots, and also complained that up to now its allies have been unwilling to sell it missile defense.