Turkish minister denies Russia’s involvement in Syria jet downingJune 27, 2012 - 16:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz has denied a claim that Russian forces shot down a Turkish F-4 military jet off the Syrian coast, Today’s Zaman reports. Responding to questions posed by opposition MPs, Yılmaz said his government has no knowledge of Russian involvement in the incident. He added that all evidence suggests Syria attacked the jet while it was on a peaceful mission with the full knowledge of the identity of the plane. Masum Türker, chairman of the Democratic Left Party (DSP), alleged that a Russian ship was involved in the attack, rather than Syrian forces. “There are two Russian warships and a Russian frigate in Latakia's harbor,” he said, adding, “One of them, Admiral Chabanenko, has the technology to detect the slightest action in the air.” Türker maintained that the Chabanenko shot down the Turkish jet, but Yılmaz categorically denied this claim, calling it a baseless allegation. “This is not true” he said, advising deputies believe the explanation offered by the Prime Ministry and Foreign Ministry. A Turkish jet was shot down by Syrian forces while flying solo and unarmed 13 miles off the coast of Syria in international airspace last week. However, Syria still maintains the aircraft was in Syrian airspace when it shot down the plane. 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 | Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. |