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Iran asks Turkey, Syria to resolve difference through talks: DM

27 June 2012 18:59 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi on Wednesday asked Turkey and Syria to resolve their difference through dialogue, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

The existing tensions at Syria-Turkey borders will be harmful to peace and security of the region and the two sides should resolve their differences through mutual talks, Vahidi was quoted as saying.

The two sides should try to lessen tensions on their border lines, he said, adding that otherwise the issue could become a bigger problem which might engulf all the countries of the region.

A Turkish Air Force jet crashed into the Mediterranean Sea on Friday after being shot down by Syria, the Turkish premier’s office said in a statement on Saturday.

Syrian officials said the jet invaded the country’s airspace, while Turkey insisted it was attacked over international waters.

Ankara has applied to the NATO to consider Article IV of the North Atlantic Treaty in relation to Friday’s incident.

Under the article, any NATO member may consult the allies in case their territorial integrity, political independence or security comes under threat.

The NATO has adopted a politically-motivated stand in dealing with the issue which is not right, said the Iranian minister.

Interference of the NATO or any other foreign forces will be harmful and will endanger friendly ties among regional countries, he said.