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Eugene

(62,627 posts)
Fri Dec 11, 2020, 03:55 AM Dec 2020

U.S. set to sanction Turkey over Russian defense system - sources

Source: Reuters

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA
DECEMBER 10, 2020 12:33 PM UPDATED 3 HOURS AGO

Exclusive: U.S. set to sanction Turkey over Russian defense system - sources

By Humeyra Pamuk, Phil Stewart
4 MIN READ

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is poised to impose sanctions on Turkey over its acquisition last year of Russian S-400 air defense systems, five sources including three U.S. officials told Reuters on Thursday, a move likely to worsen already problematic ties between the two NATO allies.

The long-anticipated step, which is likely to infuriate Ankara and weigh on Turkey’s relations with the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, is expected to be announced as early as Friday, sources have said.

The sanctions would target Turkey’s Presidency of Defence Industries and its head, Ismail Demir, sources have said. They would be damaging but narrower than the severe scenarios some analysts have outlined.

Two sources familiar with the matter, including a U.S. official speaking on the condition of anonymity, said President Donald Trump had given aides the blessing for the sanctions.

The Turkish lira weakened as much as 1.4% following the news. U.S. sanctions could harm a Turkish economy struggling with a coronavirus-induced slowdown, double-digit inflation and badly depleted foreign reserves.

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Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-turkey-sanctions-exclusive-idUSKBN28K2TX
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