LOC02:15
23:15 GMT
ANKARA, Nov 26 (KUNA) -- Omer Celikm, spokesman of Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said Wednesday that Russia is Turkey's neighbor and friend, not foe.
Commenting on the shooting down of a Russian Su-24 bomber by a Turkish F-16 near the Syrian-Turkish borders two days ago, Celikm said the incident fell in the framework of the internationally-recognized rules of engagement.
Celikm made the press remarks after an AKP meeting.
Turkey was serious in warning against any violation of its airspace, he said, noting that the doomed Russian aircraft was given 10 warnings within the span of five minutes to change course.
On the Syrian crisis, he reiterated Turkey's support to a political settlement and added that the Russian military intervention in Syria further complicated the crisis.
Regarding the Russian attacks on the Turkmen Mountain in Latakia, northwest Syria, he affirmed Turkey's determination to establish a buffer zone in the area and provide protection to its residents who are part of the Turkish society.
The AKP spokesman stressed that the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other militant groups have no presence in the area. (end)
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