NATO urges Russia, Turkey to deescalate tensions

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged Russia and Turkey to deescalate tensions in bilateral relations, the NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Central Asia James Appathurai told reporters in Baku Feb.16.

 

The secretary general has more than once said that he would like to see a discussion, which would set in place improved modernized agreements to improve transparency and reduce risk of unintended military incidents and unintended escalation, according to Appathurai.

 

“Until now, we have not seen progress in this regard, but we will keep pushing for it,” he added.

 

Relations between Russia and Turkey have deteriorated after Turkish Air Force jets shot down the Russian SU-24 bomber when it entered Turkish airspace Nov. 24.

 

After the incident the Russian president signed a decree on measures to ensure national security and on special economic measures in regard to Turkey.

 

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