By Askin Kiyagan
ANKARA (AA) – Turkey is very much concerned over a possible attack on Idlib, the last major rebel stronghold in Syria, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday.
Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of EU and candidate countries' foreign ministers, Cavusoglu said: “Turkey is trying to prevent an attack on Syria's Idlib, which would be a disaster. ”
Located near the Turkish border, Idlib in May was designated as a de-escalation zone where acts of aggression are expressly forbidden as part of the ongoing Astana process.
Nevertheless, for the past two months, the Idlib de-escalation zone has been the target of particular fierce airstrikes by Russia and Assad regime forces.
– Purchase of Russian missile defense systems
Cavusoglu also responded to a question over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
“Turkey bought the Russian S-400 missile defense system. Period. There will be no more arguments on that. Turkey needs the systems urgently, ” Cavusoglu added.
Last December, Turkey announced it had concluded an agreement with Russia for the purchase of two S-400 systems by early 2020.
This April both parties agreed on early delivery of the systems.
The S-400 is Russia's most advanced long-range anti-aircraft missile system, with the ability to carry three types of missiles capable of destroying targets, including ballistic and cruise missiles.
In June, the U.S. Senate passed a bill prohibiting sales to Turkey of F-35 jets, citing the S-400 purchase as well as Turkey’s detention of U.S. citizens.
Speaking about relations between Turkey and the U.S., Cavusoglu said: “The U.S. president does not only have problems with Turkey, but also he has problems with every EU member country. “
