Erdogan receives Russian S-400s on July
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said he expected
Russian S-400 missile defense systems to start arriving in Turkey in the first
half of July, broadcaster NTV reported on Sunday, a development set to fuel tensions
with NATO ally Washington.
The S-400s are not compatible with NATO’s systems
and have been a growing source of discord between Turkey and the United States
in recent months.
“We discussed the S-400 subject with Russia. Indeed
the S-400 issue is settled,” Erdogan was cited as telling reporters on his
plane returning from a visit to Tajikistan, where he attended a summit and met
Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I think they will start to come in the first half
of July,” he added, giving a more specific forecast than he has in the past.
US acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan this
month outlined how Turkey would be pulled out of the F-35 fighter jet program
unless Ankara changed course from its plans to buy the missile systems.
Erdogan said he would discuss the issue with US
President Donald Trump when they meet at this month's G-20 summit.
“When someone lower down says different things, then
we immediately make contact with Mr. Trump and try to solve issues with
telephone diplomacy. Matters don’t take long there,” he said.
Over 40 percent of newly elected Indian lawmakers
facing charges.
