Syrian plane cargo complied with international law, says Russia

The Syrian plane that was forced to land in Turkey was legally carrying Russian radar parts for Syria, Russia’s foreign minister has said.

Sergey Lavrov insisted today the shipment complied with international law. He said the plane carried no weapons and that the “electric equipment for radar” was a legitimate cargo.

Mr Lavrov added, however, that the cargo was of “dual purpose”, meaning it could have civilian and military applications.

He said the Russian company that sent it to Syria will demand that Turkey return it.

The Syrian Airbus A320 was intercepted by Turkish fighter jets on its way from Moscow to Damascus on Wednesday and forced to land in Ankara.

Turkey’s Prime Minister said yesterday that it was carrying ammunition and military equipment for the Syrian Defence Ministry.