U.S. to Russia: Break Silence on Air-to-Air Rules of Conduct

MORON AIR BASE, Spain (Reuters) —

Defense Secretary Ash Carter called on Moscow on Tuesday to urgently respond to proposed rules for air-to-air conduct over Syria, as he condemned Russia’s “seriously irresponsible and unprofessional” violation of Turkish airspace.

The U.S. and Russian militaries held a secure videoconference last week in which Pentagon officials suggested protocols aimed at preventing a mishap, as the former Cold War foes carry out rival campaigns of airstrikes in Syria.

But since then, Moscow has failed to follow up, Carter said.

“We are waiting for the Russians. They owe us a response,” Carter told reporters as he visited Moron Air Base in Spain.

“They should come in and do it right now.”

The discussions on ways to keep the U.S. and Russian aircraft from clashing have gained urgency after the United States and NATO denounced Russia on Monday for violating Turkish airspace. Turkey, a NATO ally, threatened to respond, raising the prospect of direct confrontation.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Moscow would welcome a Turkish Defense Ministry delegation to discuss avoiding any “misunderstandings” in Syria.

The U.S. proposal includes basic safety protocols, such as maintaining a safe distance between U.S. and Russian aircraft and using common radio frequencies for distress calls, officials say, adding they would be similar to civil aviation.

Carter expressed frustration that Russia, after calling for talks with the United States, had let so much time elapse before getting back in touch on the U.S. proposals for air conduct.

The United States and Russia say they have the same enemies — the Islamic State — but the United States fiercely opposes Moscow’s support for Syrian President Bashar Assad and accuses Moscow of mainly targeting other insurgents who oppose Assad, rather than Islamic State.

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