REMARKS BY SECRETARY KERRY, TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER BEFORE THEIR MEETING

FROM:  U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT 

Remarks With Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu Before Their Meeting

Remarks

John Kerry

Secretary of State

Brussels, Belgium

June 25, 2014

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SECRETARY KERRY: Turkey is such a key partner in so many ways, but particularly given what is happening in Syria and now in Iraq with ISIL and the participation that we’ve had. We have obviously some major issues to confront. And also, we’ve been talking about Cyprus quietly and thoughtfully over a period of time. We’ll continue that discussion. I will be visiting there at some point in the next months; we’ve been talking about that. And so there’s a lot to discuss today, but we’re grateful for your friendship, Mr. Foreign Minister.

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary.

SECRETARY KERRY: (Inaudible.)

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: Oh, it’s – no, no, it’s okay. (Laughter.) Of course, Turkey and the U.S. are two allies, and we are going through a very difficult process in neighboring regions of Turkey and the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and the Balkans and Black Sea. Now it is time to consult more frequently, act together as two strategic allies, and that cooperation will continue in all things and all challenges. Thank you.
SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you.

FOREIGN MINISTER DAVUTOGLU: Thank you.

SECRETARY KERRY: Thank you for talking.

USS DONALD COOK SPOTS RUSSIAN AIRCRAFT FLYING NEARBY IN BLACK SEA

Right:  Sailors man the rails as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook arrives at Naval Station Rota, Spain, Feb. 11, 2014. Donald Cook is the first of four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers to be stationed in Rota. U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Edward Guttierrez III . 

FROM:  U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT 

Russian Aircraft Flies Near U.S. Navy Ship in Black Sea

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2014 – A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.

The USS Cook was patrolling in the western Black Sea when an unarmed Russian Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the Navy ship, Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters.

“The aircraft did not respond to multiple queries and warnings from Donald Cook, and the event ended without incident after approximately 90 minutes,” Warren said. “This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with international protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries.”

Two Russian aircraft were present, but only one took part in the provocative actions, Warren said. The aircraft flew from near sea level to a couple of thousand feet, he added, but never overflew the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
“The Russian plane made a total of 12 passes,” he said.

The wingman stayed at a considerably higher altitude, Warren said.
Officials later said the aircraft approached within about 1,000 yards of the ship. The USS Cook was never in danger, Warren said.

“The Donald Cook is more than capable of defending itself against two Su-24s,” the colonel said.

Warren said he does not think this is an example of a young pilot joyriding. “I would have difficulty believing that two Russian pilots, on their own, would chose to take such an action,” he said. “We’ve seen the Russians conduct themselves unprofessionally and in violation of international norms in Ukraine for several months, and these continued acts of provocation and unprofessionalism do nothing to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine, which we called on the Russians to do.”
The Cook arrived in the Black Sea on April 10. The ship is now making a port call in Constanta, Romania.