Turkey Confirms Deal for Russia Defense

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu says Turkey is committed to a deal to purchase S-400 air defense systems from Russia despite warnings from Washington that the deal could put Turkey's participation in the U.S. F-35 fighter aircraft program at risk.

Speaking Friday at a joint news conference with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, Cavusoglu said Turkey has met all of its obligations concerning the F-35 program.

Cavusoglu said: "As a principle it is contrary to international laws for a third country to oppose an agreement between two countries."

The Turkish minister said Turkey and Russia were discussing delivery times and that Turkey has no intention of selling the S-400s to another country.

U.S. officials have warned Turkey's use of the Russian system would be a threat to the F-35.

(KA)