Pak expresses deep shock over shooting down of Turkish jet

Islamabad: Pakistan today expressed deep shock at the shooting down of a Turkish combat jet by Syria and called for a joint investigation into the incident that has raised regional tensions over the conflict in Syria.

“The government of Pakistan expresses its deep shock and regret on the shooting down of a Turkish Air Force aircraft by Syria on June 22, 2012 which was reportedly unarmed and on a routine training mission,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

“We express our solidarity with Turkey over this unprovoked tragic incident. We urge Syria to cooperate with Turkey in carrying out a joint investigation,” it said.

Pakistan desires “peace and stability in this important region” with due respect for international law and norms.

“We urge restraint in avoidance of any action that may lead to an escalation of tensions in the region,” the statement said.

NATO will hold emergency talks tomorrow to discuss the downing of the Turkish fighter but the alliance is not expected to take military action.

Turkey has claimed the unarmed plane was attacked in international airspace.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has criticised Syria for downing the plane and Turkey’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as an “open and grave violation of international law” that would justify retaliation. Pakistan has close diplomatic and security ties with Turkey.

PTI