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 by Staff Writers Washington (AFP) Nov 26, 2019
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday voiced alarm over Turkey's testing of its Russian missile defense system but said the NATO ally could still return to Washington's good graces. "It's concerning," Pompeo told reporters when asked about reports that Turkey used US-developed F-16 fighter jets to test the S-400 system controversially purchased from Moscow. But he added: "We are hopeful. We're still talking to the Turks. We're still trying to figure our way through this thing." "We have made very clear to the Turkish government our desire to see them move away from the putting into full operationalization of the S-400 weapons system," he said. Turkey defied US warnings to buy the weapons system from Russia, which culminated in Ankara's expulsion from the F-35 fighter-jet program. US officials fear that Turkey's purchase will let Russia fine-tune the S-400's ability to counter Western jets and missiles. But US officials have said that Turkey can reverse course by returning the S-400, destroying it or essentially keeping it in its box. President Donald Trump has held off on imposing sanctions on Turkey, as required by a 2017 law that aims to punish any country with "significant" military transactions with Russia. Pompeo declined to comment on what Trump "may or may not do" on the sanctions. The S-400 purchase came during a year of high tensions between the United States and Turkey. Last month, Trump briefly slapped sanctions on senior Turkish officials over Ankara's assault on Kurdish fighters in Syria, an incursion made possible by Trump's decision to withdraw US troops.
Turkey tests Russian missile defences despite US threats Ankara (AFP) Nov 25, 2019 Turkey began testing on Monday its Russian missile defence system, local media reported, despite repeated calls from the United States that it could lead to sanctions. Planes, including F-16 fighter jets, circled the Murted military base in Ankara province to test the newly acquired S-400 system and train Turkish operators, news agency DHA reported. Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 in July was met with consternation by its NATO allies. The US argues there is a risk that sensitive technolo ... read more
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