Former Turkey PM confirms to have given order for downing Russian jetJuly 28, 2016 - 14:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu confirmed that he gave the order for the shooting of a Russian plane in November last year, adding that the order didn’t refer to a specific plane but was a general instruction for the protection of Turkish skies, Hurriyet Daily News reports. “Within our state’s customs, the prime minister gives the rules of engagement in a written directive to the General Staff. I gave the order on October 10,” Davutoglu said at an interview with private broadcaster NTV on July 15. “These rules of engagement will be implemented not only on Syrian planes but all that intrusions into the Turkish air space,” the Oct. 10 instruction read according to Davutoglu, adding that such a change came after repeated violations by Russian jets during their operations in Syria. Turkish jets downed the Russian plane on Nov. 24, leading to a bilateral diplomatic crisis that only recently eased after President Recep Tayyip Erodgan sent an apology letter late in July to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. There was no problem with the implementation of the rules of engagement because the issue concerned the protection of Turkey’s airspace, Davutoglu said. 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 | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |