ANKARA TO HAND OVER BODY OF RUSSIAN PILOT TO MOSCOW

Turkish premier Ahmed Davutoglu

Istanbul, 18 Shafar 1437/30 November 2015 (MINA) – Turkey’s Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said on Sunday his country would hand over soon the body of Russian pilot killed when his plane was shot down by Turkey last week.

The pilot, who had lost his life after his plane violated the airspace, was received by Turkey on the Syrian border last night, Davutoglu told a news conference in Istanbul before leaving for a meeting with EU leaders in Brussels, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) quoted Kuna news agency as reporting.

He noted that a Russian official will travel “soon” to the southern Hatay region with a Turkish military official to receive the body of the pilot.

Davutoglu criticized the recent statements made by Russia that blame Turkey for the downing of the plane, stressing that the Turkish forces carried out instructions in line rules of engagement and it has nothing to do with Russia as a state.

This incident has been deteriorating relations with Moscow, a major trade partner and Turkey’s largest energy supplier.

As for the meeting in Brussels, he expressed his hope that it would promote relations with European Union countries, especially it is the first time to organize such a summit since 2004.

He noted that he will discuss Russian violations of Turkish airspace with EU leaders during the meeting.  (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)