French international relations expert Jean-Vincent Brisset and parliamentary deputy Gilbert Collard told Sputnik that the downing of the Russian warplane while fighting ISIL terrorists is an indicator about the priorities of the Turkish government, which has shown little support for fighting terrorism in neighboring Syria.
Shooting down a Russian airplane in Syria was an act of support for the Islamic State terrorists being targeted by Russian airstrikes, Gilbert Collard, deputy for France’s Front National party, told Sputnik on Tuesday.
“I consider the fact that a Russian plane was hit, while fighting the Islamic State is a recognition of the state Turkey is now in,” said Collard.
“Turkey destroyed people and a plane that were fighting the Islamic State. In doing so, it chose its side, and that is the side of terrorists.”
“Turkey can call for an extraordinary meeting, but that doesn’t change the fact that in the fight against terrorists, you have to pick your allies. Unfortunately, Turkey has not done that.”
Jean-Vincent Brisset, international relations expert from the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS), said that the reaction of Turkey is now critical.
“I don’t think that Russian planes violated Turkish airspace. Now it is becoming clear, who is supporting who (in this war). It wasn’t completely apparent until this event,” said Brisset, who added that Turkey’s position in the fight against terrorism is becoming more and more contentious in the West.
“The Turks have been more aggressive to the Kurds than to the Islamic State. Now, when everybody is talking about forming coalitions and talking about cooperation, it is necessary to define a common enemy.”
“I think that the Russians have conducted themselves well enough to avoid serious confrontation. The time has come to the put cards on the table: either we are with the Russians and the other members of the coalition fighting the Islamic State, or its foul play.”
“I suggest that now Erdogan is obliged to either openly support the Islamic State, or proclaim neutrality and not take any more actions against those who are fighting the Islamic State.”
On Tuesday, a Russian Su-24 fighter jet was shot down by Turkish forces while in Syrian airspace. It was tasked with carrying out airstrikes against Islamic State targets and had never entered Turkish airspace before it was downed.
According to reports, the two pilots inside the Su-24 were able to eject from the plane before it crashed, though it is currently unknown where they landed.