Turkey seeks to shift responsibility for downing Russian jet onto pilotJuly 21, 2016 - 20:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The pilot of the Turkish F-16 fighter jet that shot down a Russian Su-24 bomber over Syria in November last year made the decision on his own, the deputy chair of Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) told Sputnik on Thursday, July 21. Speaking about the downing of the jet, Yasin Aktay said: "The decision to destroy the plane was taken in the air. Such decisions are made by a pilot who abides by the rules of engagement, though still has the choice to avoid downing a plane that has violated the airspace for a short span and is already leaving." "The downing of a Russian plane that was clearly abandoning the Turkish airspace raises questions," Aktay added. Turkish authorities have announced that two F-16 pilots who downed a Russian combat jet have been detained "over possible links to the July 15 failed coup in the country." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday that the pilots might have ties to underground opposition organization led by self-exiled Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has denied accusations. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |