INTERNATIONAL > US backs Turkey for grounding Syrian plane

WASHINGTON - Agence France-Presse

A Syrian passenger plane is seen after it was forced to land at Ankara airport on October 10, 2012. AFP photo

The United States threw its backing behind Turkey Thursday as new tensions flared with Syria's top ally, Russia, when Ankara forced a Syrian passenger jet to land for inspections.

Turkish officials said the SyriaAir plane, which took off Moscow, was carrying arms destined for the Syrian defense ministry.

"We strongly support the government of Turkey's decision to inspect the plane," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said, although she said she could not confirm what had been found on board the plane.

"Any transfer of any military equipment to the Syrian regime at this time is very concerning. And we look forward to hearing more from the Turkish side when they get to the bottom of what they found," she added.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the SyrianAir plane was carrying "equipment and ammunition" destined for the Syrian defense ministry that had apparently been provided by Russia's arms export agency.

Erdogan added that the confiscated material -- which he said came from a Russian military supplier -- was still being meticulously studied by the Turkish authorities.

Russia has demanded an explanation, accusing the Turkish authorities of endangering the lives of passengers, while the Syrian regime furiously demanded that Turkey return the cargo it had seized at Ankara's Esenboga airport.

October/12/2012

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Thessalonian

10/12/2012 10:46:06 PM

@Anatolian. In replying to Nikos you wrote, "Although "credibility" is somewhat a lost word in Greece nowadays, so I am surprised that you used it so comfortably." And since when has "credibility" been a new found word in Turkey? Does Ergenekon and Sledgehammer happen to correlate with the Turkish version of the meaning of credibility? As always I'll be open to credible suggestions. Regards

TheAnatolian

10/12/2012 9:43:42 PM

Nikos T. Is that a serious question? Of course Erdogan has more credibility, Lavrov is the foreign minister of one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Although "credibility" is somewhat a lost word in Greece nowadays, so I am surprised that you used it so comfortably.

Arnold Yesovitch

10/12/2012 8:31:25 PM

This can be referred to as the aerial Mavi Mamara scenario. Intercepting a cargo for examination. But this pilot is no fool. He landed and did not try to attack the Turkish forces.

US Observer

10/12/2012 7:44:29 PM

Oh I see how you are spinning it Nikos, the people being slaughtered are terrorists? Ah I see. Syria is in bed, a puppet even, of the worst State sponsor of terrorism in the world...ironic!. I won't say that some radical Islamist have joined the frey becasue frankly to much time has elasped and probably provided the extremist a way in. But to sit here and say all those people are terrorist is insane. Maybe they are tired of being Irans sidekick...which I'm sure is the real problem for you.

Rimon Tree

10/12/2012 6:52:50 PM

That is the most stupid thing Obama can do now before the elections being already in disadvantage! Nobody in America will cheer war meddling of US with Russia!

Turk Uzan

10/12/2012 6:48:19 PM

@ Adam Polk, Same here, I dislike Erdogan but I won't hate on his policies and actions just because they are his. I am not kilicdaroglu haha .. anyway, let's be honest .. most people commenting here are people who aren't fond of Turkey and or Turks. It may be historical issues, or more recent issues, people comment here mostly to make propaganda. Some people commenting here will "always" find something to hate on, Turkey can give them a golden ball and they'll blame Turkey for poisoning it

Adam Polk

10/12/2012 6:45:31 PM

Nikos T. good terrorists fight security forces. bad terrorists bomb schools. its easy to separate them. when someone supports communism and dictators Lavrov seems to have more credibility

Nikos T.

10/12/2012 6:19:53 PM

It's very convenient to say that these are good terrorists and the others are bad terrorists. But this is nothing but double standards. Turkey is as responsible as Assad is for the deaths of civilians in Syria. What about the victims of the terrorists? It's your choice to support fanatic Islamists and mercenaries but don't expect the rest of the world to agree. Mr Lavrov has given a statement. Ask yourself who has more credibility, Erdogan or Lavrov...

Adam Polk

10/12/2012 5:18:29 PM

leave it US Observer, people hate turkey and US so they feel OK when they support a dictator like Assad. Even I dont like Erdoğan and Davutoglu but I support their actions towards Assad. they might not be consistent when you look at last 10 years but at last they support Syrian people right now.

US Observer

10/12/2012 4:54:49 PM

So for some of you, it's OK Syria has Russian and Iranian support since they are allies, but Turkey cannot have their allies support? And the fact this matter means more to you than the fact the Syrian government is mass murdering its citizens really says something. Your hatred for the U.S. is tronger than a govt slaughtering tens of thousands of people. Once again it's OK when Muslims kill Muslims, just turn a blind eye and find something to blame on the U.S.

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