Turkey does not accept the language of sanctions in discussions of deliveries of Russian S-400 air defense systems with its NATO partners, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said.
"We discussed the subject of the S-400 with Pompeo. We told him we needed these systems." The process for the S-400 was completed before the sanctions. Statements like 'if you buy the S-400, we will apply sanctions' will not work with us," Cavusoglu said.
The statement comes after Assistant Secretary of State Wess Mitchell said last week that Turkey could face US sanctions if it goes ahead with plans to purchase S-400 missile defense systems from Russia.
In December 2017, Russia and Turkey signed a loan agreement for the supply of S-400 systems to Ankara. According to a statement by the Turkish defense industry secretariat, Ankara acquires two batteries of this system, which will be operated and serviced by Turkish military personnel.
READ MORE: 'Logical Next Step': Why Turkey May Need Russian Pantsir in Addition to S-400
Russia also agreed to provide technological know-how for the production of a new generation of Turkish air defense systems.
Washington is seriously concerned about Ankara's push to buy Russian S-400 systems.
The head of NATO’s cyber defense unit, Christian-Marc Liflander said that the S-400 system is not compatible with the air defense systems currently used by the alliance.
READ MORE: Turkey Shrugs Off US Attempts to Link S-400 Deal With Russia to F-35 Supplies
However, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reiterating the alliance's position regarding Turkey's purchase of S-400 missile defense systems, saying it is "a national decision."
