Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said yesterday that Ankara will impose sanctions against Russia “if necessary”, but added that Turkey remains open to the possibility of talks with Moscow.
“Russia should understand that this is the border of Turkey and Syria. Those across the border are our brothers and it’s our duty to protect their rights and also to protect our border,” Davutoglu told fellow party members at a parliamentary meeting of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Ankara.
He pointed out that his country is ready to engage in dialogue with Russia but will never accept foreign dictates.
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Moscow hit Ankara with a list of sanctions in response to the downing of a Russian warplane near the Turkish-Syrian border.
The resolution, signed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, bans imports of foodstuffs from Turkey beginning from 1 January, 2016, including poultry, a variety of fresh, frozen and dried fruit and vegetables, as well as spices and table salt.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Şimşek said the sanctions could cost Ankara $9 billion in losses.
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On the other hand, Davutoglu pointed out that Turkey has achieved substantial gains for Syrian refugees at the EU summit s including a 3 billion Euro pledge by the EU to support Syrians in Turkey.