Erdogan, in his message to Putin apologized for the death of the pilot of the Su-24 – RIA Novosti

15:59 27.06.2016

(updated: 08:33 28.06.2016 )

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MOSCOW, June 27 – RIA Novosti. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the death of the pilot of the Su-24, said a spokesman for the head of state, Dmitry Peskov.

“The head of the Turkish state in his message expressed his sympathy and deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Russian pilot and said: “Excuse me,” – said Sands

According to him, the Turkish leader told about the readiness to do everything possible to restore the traditionally friendly relations between the two countries

Erdogan in the letter to Putin assured that Ankara has “never had the desire and intention to bring down a notorious aircraft belonging to the Russian Federation” and called Russia “a friend and a strategic partner”.

Turkish President also noted, that Ankara is ready for any initiative “for the relief of pain and the severity of the damage” to the family of the pilot of the Su-24.

Commenting on Erdogan’s message, the Federation Council noted that while it is impossible to talk about the restoration of Russian-Turkish relations in the near future.

“I would not be too optimistic, too much, we have already lost relationship torn quickly, and recover for a long time.” -. Said RIA Novosti first deputy chairman of the Federation Council’s international affairs committee, Vladimir Jabbarov

According to the head the Federation Council’s defense and security Committee Viktor Ozerov, a lot will depend on the future of Turkey steps, including to restore order on the Iraqi-Turkish border.

“As a first step towards normalization of these excuses can be seen, but to return to our Turkish tomatoes and our visitors to, the Turkish resorts this is not enough “- said the senator

Earlier, Erdogan said that Turkey would not apologize for the incident with the downed Russian Su. -24.

According to him, the Turkish pilots and armed forces “simply fulfilled their duties, which consisted in the fact that the answer to the violation”.

in the middle of June, Erdogan has sent a message to Putin, in which he congratulated the Russians on the Day of Russia past and wish that relations between Moscow and Ankara have reached the “Distinguished level.”

Then, press secretary of the Russian president called the document “protocol” and regretted the lack of it “meaningful moments”.

Russia relations and Turkey deteriorated after Ankara at the end of 2015 was hit in the Syrian sky Russian Su-24. After that, the Turkish leadership has repeatedly stated its desire to improve relations with Russia. In Moscow, in turn, stressed that this is only possible after Ankara apologize and compensate for the damage downed aircraft.