By Can Erozden</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – Turkey pursues its own interest in purchasing Russian missile defense system S-400, Vice President Fuat Oktay said on Thursday.</p> <p>"Turkey does what is necessary for its own interests regarding the S-400 missile defense system, it takes own decision and choice," Oktay told Anadolu Agency's Editor’s Desk.</p> <p>Oktay stated that Turkey will not renege on buying the Russian S-400 as it signed a contract.</p> <p>“In any case [about purchasing of S-400 defense system from Russia], we would do what it requires, especially if we signed a deal,” he said, adding, Turkey does not adopt an obstinate stance on it.</p> <p>On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Ankara finalized an agreement on purchasing Russia’s S-400 missile defense system.</p> <p>"We concluded the S-400 issue, signed a deal with the Russians, and will start co-production,” said Erdogan, speaking in a televised interview.</p> <p>"Later, we may work with S-500s," the next generation system, he said.</p> <p>U.S. officials suggested that Turkey should buy U.S. Patriot missiles rather than the Russian system, arguing the S-400 is incompatible with NATO systems. However, Turkish officials said that Turkey would not go back on its agreement with Russia, even if it were to also buy Patriots.</p> <p> </p> <p>- Turkey can start operation in Syria any time</p> <p>Oktay said that Turkish army is always ready to conduct operation east of the Euphrates River, northern Syria.</p> <p>"Turkey will do what is necessary and it will never allow any terror presence and threat there [east of Euphrates]," he said.</p> <p>In case of any threat to its security, Turkey can start an operation in Syria’s Manbij anytime, he added.</p> <p>Turkey has vowed to carry out a counter-terrorist operation in Manbij, and east of Euphrates in northern Syria following two similar successful operations since 2016.</p> <p>Turkish army promised to mount a cross border anti-terror combat against the YPG/PKK terrorist group.
In its 30-year terrorist campaign, the PKK — recognized as a terror group by the U.S., EU, and Turkey — has taken some 40,000 lives, including women and children. The YPG is its Syrian branch.
