Published 06:22 IST, November 12th 2019
Trump to confront Turkey about buying Russian defence system
US President Donald Trump will speak to Turkey's leader about his decision to buy a Russian air defense system when they are scheduled to meet at White House.
US President Donald Trump will speak to Turkey's leader about his decision to buy a Russian air defence system when they are scheduled to meet this week at the White House due to strained relations between the two NATO allies. Robert O’Brien, President Trump's national security adviser said on November 10 that the US is very annoyed by the move to purchase the S-400 system from Russia.O'Brien said if Turkey does not get rid of the Russian system, then it may likely face US sanctions backed by a bipartisan majority in Congress.
Trump administration removes Turkey from the F-35 program
The US said that the system is not compatible with the NATO forces and could compromise the F-35 fighter jet program and support the Russian Intelligence. The Trump government removed Turkey from the F-35 program in July. Trump is expected to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, November 13, and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on the following day. Both the leaders, Trump and Erdogan are planning for a joint news conference on Wednesday afternoon. O'Brien said S-400 does not have any place in NATO.
Trump to deliver an important message to Erdogan during their meet: O'Brien
He said that there is no place in NATO for significant Russian military purchases. He said it is a very important message the US President will deliver to him when Turkey's president will be there in Washington. O'Brien clarified that the US will do anything to keep Turkey in NATO. Turkey has been criticized worldwide for its offensive into northeastern Syria to attack the Kurdish forces that were fighting along with the US against Islamic State militants. It was just after the US withdrew its forces from the area. O'Brien said that the administration did not pave its way for Erdogan's offensive into Syria.
Updated 06:43 IST, November 12th 2019