LOC02:20
23:20 GMT
ANKARA, July 17 (KUNA) -- Turkey on Wednesday urged the US to reconsider its decision to omit Ankara's involvement in the F-35 fighter jet programme.
Earlier, the White House said Ankara's involvement in the programme would now be "impossible" after it had purchased Russian-made S-400 missiles.
In a statement, Turkey's Foreign Ministry described the move as a "mistake," saying it would lead to wounds to strategic relations that could not be healed.
Removing NATO member Turkey, one of the programme's key partners, according to the statement, is a unilateral step that contradicts with the Alliance's spirit, and has no legitimate grounds.
Ankara went on to suggest holding a group discussion with other NATO members over its Russian missile purchase. (end)
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