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Erdogan Stands by Russia Despite Syrian Tensions

Dorian Jones

   ISTANBUL - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is standing by his
   Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, despite escalating tensions
   between them over Syria.

   Erdogan confirmed Tuesday his commitment to activate Russia's S-400
   missile system, claiming Washington's "position regarding the S-400 has
   toned down significantly."

   In a telephone press briefing Tuesday with James Jeffrey, U.S. special
   representative for Syria engagement, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey David
   Satterfield said the Russian missile system was at odds with Turkey's
   NATO partnership.

   "It is incompatible with Turkey's role as a NATO partner, and it would
   produce serious consequences with respect to the U.S. CAATSA
   (Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act)," Satterfield
   said, warning that Congress could impose sanctions in the "not-distant
   future."

   In the face of Washington's threats, Erdogan pledged this month to
   activate the system in April.

   Ankara's S-400 purchase violates the CAATSA, which forbids the
   acquisition of advanced Russian military systems.