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“Washington has no idea who it is dealing with,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in response to US criticism of the S-400 missile system.
“The United States doesn’t know who it’s dealing with. You told us to send the S-400s to Russia. But we are not a rogue state, we are Turkey“Underlined the Turkish president.
“The tests were done and will continue to be done”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan confirmed the test of the Russian S-400 anti-missile system in the Sinop region of the Black Sea on Friday, noting that it was a success.
Speaking to reporters after Friday prayers, Erdogan said: Turkey will not ask anyone, especially the United States, for permission to continue testing the S-400.
“The tests were correct, they were done and they continue to be done. The American approach does not oblige us for any reason, because what good is having them if we don’t try them? Of course, we are not going to consult the United States on this matter. Not just for the S-400, but for many of our light and heavy weapons. For some of those bought in USA, we have already done tests and now in a similar way we will continue the tests and exercisesErdogan told Turkish public television TRT.
“Washington doesn’t ask Athens about the S-300”
The Turkish president also referred to the Greek S-300, noting that Washington does not ask Athens about these missiles.
“Obviously the Russian weapon we have is bothering them. We are determined to continue on our way.”
News of the S-400 system test had sparked a strong reaction from the United States.
“The United States has been clear in its expectations that the S-400s will not go into operation.” We were also clear about the potential serious consequences for our security relationship if Turkey activates the system, “said a State Department spokesman.
«The test of the Russian S-400 system is unacceptable behavior on the part of an ally of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). “It further damages the alliance and poses an immediate threat to the F-35 fighter jets and systems of other US and NATO allies,” said the chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Furthermore, a NATO official had stated that “any test of the S-400 air defense system would be regrettable.”
With information from CNN Greece
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