Turkey Rejects Accusation Of Buying Oil From ISIS/ISIL

Turkey's president has rejected Russian allegations that his country purchases oil products from the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.

In a speech to local officials in Ankara on November 26, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on those who claim otherwise to "prove it," adding that they are "slanderers."

Erdogan called such claims "shameful" and noted that Russia was the largest supplier of energy to Turkey.

Erdogan insisted that his country is fighting actively against IS and noted that Turkey has detained "thousands" of suspected IS militants in recent years.

He defended his country's actions in shooting down a Russian warplane along the Turkey-Syria border on November 24, saying it had been "an automatic response" in accordance with known rules of engagement.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was awaiting a Turkish apology for the incident and an offer of compensation.
 (Based on reporting by AP, AFP, TASS, and Reuters)
  [rferl.org]
26/11/15