Russia approves economic sanctions against Turkey

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed a government order approving sanctions to be imposed on Turkey over the downing of an SU-24 Russian bomber.

The order, published on the government's official website, included a list of the agricultural products such as tomatoes, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, oranges, apples, pears, strawberrys, grapes and tangerines as well as chicken products that Russia will no longer import from Turkey from Jan. 1, 2016.

The list does not mention lemons or nuts, of which Turkey exports large quantities to Russia.

The order suspended the planned joint fund to support projects between Turkey and Russia.

Also starting today, all charter flights between Russia and Turkey are cancelled.

In the first 11 months of 2015, Russia imported 704.6 million dollars worth of fruit and vegetables from Turkey.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently signed a decree outlining a package of measures against Turkey.

It was emphasized that the decision would remain in force until a new order is issued.

The 6-point package of measures includes the following:

1- The firms and companies centrally located in Turkey will not be able to operate in areas concerning security in Russia.

2- After January 1, 2016, recruitment of Turkish citizens is banned. Meanwhile, the Turkish nationals who signed a contract with the employer before 31 December 2015 will be able to continue to work.

3) The entry of certain products manufactured in Turkey to Russia is prohibited.

4) Vehicles engaged in transportation to Russia will be under strict control and supervision. Tour operators will not be able to sell tours to Turkey.

5) The charter flights between Russia and Turkey are cancelled.

6) Russia suspended visa-free travel with Turkey. Security measures are ramped up in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

The tension between Turkey and Russia escalated after the downing of an Su-24 Russian bomber in Turkish airspace.

Turkey refused to apologize and stated that Russia had violated Turkey's airspace.

US President Barack Obama, who met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the ongoing global climate negotiations in Paris, also said the US supports Turkey's right to defend itself.