The Turkish foreign minister said on Monday that the S-400 defense systems will become active in early 2020. adding that Turkey would retaliate if the US imposes sanctions over the S-400 deal.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also said that there is uncertainty over US sanctions on the deal with Russia, adding that Trump does not want to impose them.

Cavusoglu said that partners in the F-35 jet program do not agree with the United States' decision to suspend Turkey after it purchased the S-400 defense systems.

Syria safe zones

Cavusoglu also said on Monday that if a planned safe zone in northern Syria is not established, and if threats continue against Turkey, a military operation will be launched east of the Euphrates river.



Turkey has been in talks with the United States over the establishment of a safe zone across its border in northeast Syria, where the United States supports the Kurdish YPG militia. Ankara sees the YPG as a terrorist organization.



In an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber, Cavusoglu also said he hopes an agreement will be reached after talks on Monday with US special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey, who is visiting Ankara.

Cyprus drilling

No further energy exploration or drilling ships are necessary in the eastern Mediterranean for now, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Monday as a dispute continued over Turkish drilling for gas and oil off the island of Cyprus.



In an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber, Cavusoglu said Turkey was ready for cooperation to reach a solution to the dispute over energy resources in the region.

Last Update: Monday, 22 July 2019 KSA 12:06 - GMT 09:06