US ultimatums not helpful: Turkey's defense chief

The take-it-or-leave-it deadlines coming from the U.S. do not help dialogue between Ankara and Washington, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Monday.

"Threats, ultimatums and deadlines do not help and they are not in line with the alliance’s spirit," Akar said at a conference on American-Turkish relations in Washington where he discussed Turkish procurement of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and increased pressure the U.S. has put on Turkey because of its decision.

"We believe this issue can be solved through constructive dialogue," he said of talks with its NATO ally.

Following protracted efforts to purchase air defense systems from the U.S. with no success, Ankara decided in 2017 to purchase Russia’s system.

Washington warned Ankara of its purchase of the S-400 system, and early April suspended delivery of parts and other services related to the F-35 jets.

U.S. officials suggested Turkey buy the U.S. Patriot missile systems rather than the S-400 from Moscow, arguing it would be incompatible with NATO systems and expose the F-35 to possible Russian subterfuge.

"A possible safe zone should address Turkey's national security concerns," Akar said in regards to the establishment of a safe zone along the Turkish-Syrian border.