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 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". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Armenia to participate in key EU meeting for the first time ever National Assembly speaker Alen Simonyan has said that Armenia will for the first time participate in the Conference. U.S. reacts to Russia’s criticism of upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting Matthew Miller has weighed in on Russia’s criticism of an upcoming Armenia-EU-U.S. meeting. Lavrov sees ‘collapse’ of Russia’s ties with Armenia Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored heightened tensions between Russia and Armenia. Russia warns Armenia against “falling into West’s trap” Zakharova maintained, however, that anything that will benefit the people of Armenia can only be welcomed. |