S-400 procurement 'national decision': NATO chief

By Michael Hernandez</p> <p>WASHINGTON (AA) – Turkey's procurement of an advanced Russian surface-to-air missile defense system is a &quot;national decision,&quot; NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday. </p> <p>Stoltenberg was addressing reporters as the transatlantic alliance marks its 70th anniversary in the U.S. capital.</p> <p>Turkey's decision to procure the Russian S-400 system has led to significantly strained ties with Washington, which earlier this week suspended delivery of parts and services necessary to Turkey's receipt of the F-35 stealth fighter jet. </p> <p>U.S. officials have suggested Turkey buy the U.S. Patriot missile system rather than the Russian S-400 system, arguing it is incompatible with NATO systems and exposes the F-35 to possible Russian subterfuge, including covert efforts to obtain critical information on the jet, which could then be relayed to Russia.</p> <p>The NATO chief said the matter is not on the meeting's agenda, but he expects it to be addressed on the sidelines of Thursday's talks. </p> <p>&quot;We see that this is an issue which has created disagreement between allies, and NATO provides a platform for allies to address issues like this,&quot; Stoltenberg said.</p> <p>&quot;NATO provides support that augments the air defenses of Turkey already,&quot; he added.</p> <p>In response to the U.S. position the S-400 missile system is incompatible with NATO military equipment, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Wednesday the system would be for Turkey's own use.</p> <p>&quot;It doesn’t have to be integrated into the NATO system, and this is not our aim. It is for our own use,&quot; he said. &quot;This system will not see any NATO system, including F-35s, as an enemy.” </p> <p>Speaking at the formal opening of Thursday's discussions, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hailed the mutual defense organization, saying no nation &quot;can match&quot; the collective power of NATO's member states. </p> <p>He reiterated Washington's calls for NATO members to increase defense spending to agreed upon levels, saying &quot;each nation&quot; has a duty to make the case to their own people about &quot;why these resources are important to keep not only our own countries, but our alliance strong.&quot;