Putin Approves Economic Sanctions Against Turkey

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order imposing economic sanctions against Turkey following the downing of a Russian warplane by Turkish jets on Nov. 24.



According to a statement issued by the Kremlin Saturday, Putin signed the order imposing a ban on economic operations of several organizations under the jurisdiction of Turkey as well as a temporary limitation on certain goods originating from Turkey.



The order also prohibits the employment of Turkish citizens by Russian employers as of Jan. 1, 2016. The prohibition will exclude employees who have already been officially hired as of Dec. 31, 2015. 



The sanctions include the unilateral suspension of the visa-free regime for Turkish nationals traveling to Russia starting in 2016. Russian travel agencies are also to suspend the sale to Russian citizens of products that consider visiting Turkey.



The order excluded Turkish citizens who have temporary or permanent residence permits in Russia, as well as Turkish citizens -- including their family members -- who have been assigned to diplomatic representations and consulates.



The sanctions also introduced a ban on charter flights between Russia and Turkey. Moreover, security control on Turkish ships within Russian waters in the Sea of Azov and in the Black Sea would be enhanced.



Turkey's Foreign Ministry asked early on Saturday its citizens to delay non-urgent and non-significant trips to Russia amid strained relations between the two countries.



Turkish F-16 fighter jets on an aerial patrol intercepted an unidentified warplane on Nov.24 within engagement rules when it intruded into Turkish airspace on the Syria border.



The intruding aircraft was warned about the violation 10 times within five minutes before it was shot down.



The Russian Defense Ministry later announced that one of its SU-24s had been shot down. It crashed in the Syrian region of Bayirbucak, close to Yayladagi district of Turkey's southern Hatay province.



NATO confirmed the accuracy of the information shared by Turkey about the violation.



It was not the first time Russian fighter jets had violated Turkish airspace. In early October, Russian warplanes breached Turkish airspace. Russian officials apologized and pledged that no such incident would be repeated. Turkey had also renewed its warning on engagement rules, including a military response against violations of Turkish airspace. - Ankara