U.S. threatens to impose sanctions against Turkey over S-400 dealJune 28, 2019 - 14:21 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkey will be sanctioned if it goes forward with the purchase of Russia's S-400 missile system, acting U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper told his Turkish counterpart Hulusi Akar on Wednesday, June 26 following a NATO defense ministerial, Deutsche Welle reports. "Turkey has been a longstanding and trusted partner and ally for many, many years," Esper said. "The pursuit of the S-400 undermines that." For months, US officials have urged Turkey to scrap its deal to acquire the Russian-made aerial missile defense system and buy the American-made Patriot system. Esper said Turkey would be dropped from the F-35 fighter jet program if it went ahead with the deal. Turkey has refused to bow down to U.S. pressure, saying the deal for the S-400s has been completed. Deliveries are expected in July. Read more: Is NATO's future at risk over U.S.-Turkey rift? 'Imposing sanctions on each other' Before leaving to Japan for a G20 summit, Turkish President Recep Tayyep Erdogan warned Washington against imposing sanctions on a fellow NATO ally. "If NATO allies are now imposing sanctions on each other, I don't know anything about that," Erdogan said. "These are not impressions I got from the talks I have had with Mr. Trump until now." Erdogan is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday. The acquisition of Russian-made military hardware is likely to be a contentious subject for the two. Related links: 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 | 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. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |