Kerry: Russian jets could have been shot down
PR dla Zagranicy
Nick Hodge
15.04.2016 11:36
US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that the US military could have legitimately shot down Russian jets that buzzed a US warship earlier this week in the Baltic.
US Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Miami, Florida, USA on 14 April 2016. EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA
Kerry condemned the Russian manoeuvres in an interview given to the Miami Herald and CNN, describing the pilots' conduct as “reckless".
“It is provocative. It is dangerous. And under the rules of engagement, that could have been a shoot-down.”
The USS Donald Cook, which was in international waters, was carrying out deck landing drills with a Polish helicopter when the first incident occurred on 11 April.
Kerry stated that the US “is not going to be intimidated on the high seas.”
Talks at Polish foreign ministry
Poland's foreign ministry has confirmed that Russian ambassador Sergey Andreyev was “invited” for talks on Thursday.
According to a statement released by the ministry, Deputy Foreign Minister Marek Ziółkowski “expressed concern over this dangerous incident.
“However, first of all he stressed that Poland is seeking to promote a dialogue in order to prevent such activities.
“In this context, he recalled that Poland tabled a proposal to make appropriate changes to the so-called Vienna Document of 2011.
“Our goal is to strengthen the mechanisms that would reduce military incidents as provided for in the document.
“Together with six other states, a few weeks ago we presented a relevant document with regard to this issue at the OSCE Forum.
“Recalling that Poland has recently taken over the three-month chairmanship of the Forum, Deputy Minister Marek Ziółkowski urged the Russian side to undertake work on such measures.” (nh/pk)