US official calls for emergency meeting with Russians about Syria

The US secretary of defence has called on Russian military officials to attend an urgent meeting at the Pentagon to discuss Russia’s military action in Syria. Ashton Carter, who is currently visiting Spain, reiterated concern about a Russian aircraft’s recent violation of Turkish airspace. He suggested that a meeting will discuss ways to prevent such accidents or errors in the future, particularly in Syrian airspace.

Asked about a meeting which took place between US officials and their Russian counterparts last week, Carter explained that it was Moscow’s idea. “We await a response from them and we expect a response from them. They should come in and do it right now.” It’s only professional that you follow through on the request they made, he added. “They’ve not done that yet, and that may be a further sign of their strategic confusion.”

Carter pointed out that he cannot confirm reports claiming that Russian volunteers have joined the fight in Syria. He also warned of the “errors” that Russia may commit in Syria.

The Turkish foreign ministry announced on Monday that a Russian plane had violated Turkey’s airspace in the south of the country.