Diplomatic Response to US Airspace Violation

The recent violation of Turkish airspace by an American fighter plane has caused an increase in diplomatic activity between the two countries. US ambassador Wilson called it an accident. The US is surprised that the violation was made public.

Ankara

The announcement by the General Staff on 24 May that an American F-16 plane had violated Turkish airspace, has led to a diplomatic flurry between the two countries.

According to "Radikal" newspaper, USA authorities have described the violation as "an accident" and have started an investigation into the incident. They are however uncomfortable with the fact that the media was informed.

Considering the good relations that the military forces of the two countries have, "Radikal" newspaper was also surprised that the General Staff felt the necessity to announce the air space violation.

According to the Turkish television channel NTV, the USA's ambassador in the Turkish capital Ankara, Ross Wilson, told the 2nd Chief of General Staff General Ergin Saygun that the violation had been an accident and that it was being investigated.

The website of Turkey's General Staff lists 33 air space violations for 2007, one of them by an American plane, one by a Syrian helicopter, and the remaining 31 by Greek planes or helicopters. (TK/EÜ/AG/EÜ)