Australia calls for restraint between Turkey, Russia

By Jill Fraser

MELBOURNE

Australia's foreign minister continued Wednesday the international call for restraint between Turkey and Russia, the day after both countries exchanged combative language following the shooting down of a Russian jet.

In a statement, Julie Bishop underlined the seriousness of the incident and urged there be no military retaliation.

"Clearly there must be an investigation as to what occurred. There are differing versions at present so we need a clear, precise analysis of the facts and that can only come through an investigation."

The Russian Sukhoi SU-24 was downed by Turkish F-16 fighter jets Tuesday in line with Turkey’s standard rules of engagement, according to the Turkish military.

Ankara added that the Russian plane was repeatedly warned that it was violating Turkish airspace before it was fired upon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted, however, that the plane was outside of Turkey's airspace when it was brought down.

The incident has raised fears in the international community that the Syrian conflict could spiral into something wider.

"I have spoken with the Department [Australia’s Foreign Ministry]. I have received briefings overnight from our posts overseas but at this point the facts are still unclear and we urge restraint while an investigation is carried out," Bishop added.

She underlined that the situation in both Syria and Iraq -- where Daesh forces targeted by Coalition troops continue to run rampant -- was adding to the complexities of the situation.

"Australia, as part of the Coalition, has an agreement with Russia in relation to the use of air space, [while] Russia and the Coalition, led by the United States, have such an agreement," she said.

"I don’t envisage there being a situation where Australian and Russian planes would find themselves in this situation."

Given that Turkey is part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), when asked by a journalist if Australia would follow the lead of the U.S. and back them in this situation, Bishop stated that Australia would be waiting the results of an international probe into the incident.

NATO has 28 member nations and Australia is one of the organisation's 41 "partner” countries; a major non-NATO ally.

"The facts are not yet clear and Australia will of course await a detailed analysis of what occurred," Bishop said.

Late Tuesday, President Barack Obama asserted Turkey’s right to self-defense following the downing of the jet.

“Turkey, like every country, has a right to defend its territory and its airspace,” Obama said during a joint press conference with his French counterpart, Francois Hollande.

The Japanese government joined Australia on Wednesday in calling for Russia and Turkey to react calmly to the dispute.

"We would like the countries concerned to respond calmly based on the facts," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a press conference.

"We expect the international community to remain united against terrorism."

Likewise, China spoke of its concern, adding that it supported the international community's counter-terrorism efforts, and hoped that all parties "strengthen communication and coordination."

- Anadolu Agency correspondent Satuk Bugra Kutlugun contributed to this story from Ankara