No U-turn on Russian S-400 deal, says Turkey’s president

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

Turkey's president said on March 14 that his country would not make a U-turn on its deal to purchase Russian S-400 air defense systems.

"We finished this business. For us, taking a step back here is out of the question," Recep Tayyip Erdoğan told a private broadcaster about the purchase.

He said Russia will deliver the missiles in July.  He added Turkey is also not closed to offers from the U.S. on purchasing the Patriot air defense systems.

U.S. officials suggested Turkey should buy U.S. Patriot missiles rather than the Russian system, arguing the S-400 is incompatible with NATO systems.

But Turkish officials countered that Ankara would not go back on its agreement with Russia, even if it were to also buy Patriots, and also complained that up to now its allies have been unwilling to sell it missile defense.

Patriot missiles are used for defense purposes to shoot down incoming missiles and attack planes.  On the economy, Erdoğan said despite rising challenges in global economy, Turkey has the capacity to show "positive growth rates" beginning in the second quarter.

"We have left crises behind us," he stressed.  Erdoğan said this year will see development move to a "much better place" for Turkey.

Responding to a question regarding Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Erdoğan said that Israeli premier was accused of corruption and bribery ahead of the coming elections in Israel.

"You are cruel enough to persecute woman and children there [Palestine]," Erdoğan said and criticized Israeli soldiers who he said disturbed Muslim holy grounds with their boots.