Russia says no weapons on plane for Syria stopped by Turkey
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 12 October 2012 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia says no weapons on plane for Syria stopped by Turkey, 12 October 2012, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/508907262.html [accessed 20 May 2013] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
October 12, 2012
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said there were "no weapons" aboard a Syrian passenger airliner that left Moscow bound for Damascus on October 10 and was forced by Turkish warplanes to land in Ankara.
Lavrov says cargo on the plane, which he described as "electronic equipment for radars," came from a "legal Russian supplier being sent in a legal way to a legal customer."
Lavrov conceded some of the cargo was "dual purpose" and could have civilian and military uses.
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on October 11 that the plane had ammunition and military equipment for the Syrian Defense Ministry.
Syria has also denied there were any weapons on the plane and demanded all material seized in Ankara be returned.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and Interfax
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
