You're reading: Russia: Syrian plane legally carried radar parts

MOSCOW — Russia's foreign minister says the Syrian plane that was forced to land in Turkey was legally carrying Russian radar parts for Syria.

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

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 Thursday that it was carrying ammunition and military equipment for the Syrian Defense Ministry.