Russian S-400 missile systems most possible to purchase in negotiations: Turkish defense minister

Russia's S-400 long-range air defense missile systems stood as the most possible to purchase among many others for Turkey's long-range anti-missile shield, Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Işık has said.

"Russia's S-400 missile systems seem to be the most possible in discussions. Some progress was obtained in the talks, but we are not at the stage of a signature yet," Işık said on Feb. 22 in a televised interview. 

"There is a schedule in negotiations," he said, abstaining to give further details.

When asked about NATO member states' concerns over the possible deal, Işık said "I think they will understand. Some NATO countries also have non-NATO systems."

He said Turkey would not be able to use NATO database if Ankara preferred to purchase a Russian system. "But we have to face up to it," he noted.

US to finalize Syria plans by end of month

"One of the crucial aims of Turkey is to end the PKK [outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party] - PYD [Syrian Kurdish Democratic Union Party] presence in Manbij. If the United States does not do so, Turkey will have to re-evaluate this operation. This is something that will affect the Raqqa operation. Our advice, as Turkey, is to do this with the right actors who will solve the problem permanently in Raqqa," Işık said, noting that they might not need Turkish ground troops in the Raqqa offensive.

"We do not think Turkish troops will be needed much in the Raqqa operation," he stated.

Işık said the U.S. was aiming to finalize its plans for the Syria offensive. 

The new U.S. administration has closer perspective toward Turkey, compared to the previous Barack Obama administration, he said. 

Elaborating on Turkey's proposal to launch...