Ban concerned over downing of Russian plane by Turkish Air Force, urges measures to lower tensions

The United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is seriously concerned over the downing of a Russian military jet by the Turkish Air Force earlier today, and has urged all relevant parties to take urgent measures with a view to de-escalating tensions, according to his spokesperson.

“He hopes that a credible and thorough review of the incident will clarify the events and help prevent future recurrences,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a note to the media.

According to media reports, the Russian jet was shot down somewhere over the Turkey-Syria border.

“As he reiterated a number of times, all those who are engaged in military activities in Syria, especially air campaigns, need to maximize operational measures to avoid unintended consequences and, of course and most importantly, to do whatever they can to avoid civilian casualties and to protect civilians,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in the note.

The note added that, in the wake of the event, the UN chief believes that today’s “worrying development” underscores the importance of international unity and cooperation in international action against violent extremists in the region, as well as the urgent need to agree on a political solution to the tragic events in Syria.