Turkey says S-400 systems will be active in 2020

The Turkish foreign minister said on Monday that the S-400
defense systems will become active in early 2020. adding that Turkey would
retaliate if the US imposes sanctions over the S-400 deal.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu also said that there is
uncertainty over US sanctions on the deal with Russia, adding that Trump does
not want to impose them.
Cavusoglu said that partners in the F-35 jet program do not
agree with the United States' decision to suspend Turkey after it purchased the
S-400 defense systems.
Syria safe zones
Cavusoglu also said on Monday that if a planned safe zone in
northern Syria is not established, and if threats continue against Turkey, a
military operation will be launched east of the Euphrates river.
Turkey has been in talks with the United States over the
establishment of a safe zone across its border in northeast Syria, where the
United States supports the Kurdish YPG militia. Ankara sees the YPG as a
terrorist organization.
In an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber, Cavusoglu also
said he hopes an agreement will be reached after talks on Monday with US
special envoy for Syria James Jeffrey, who is visiting Ankara.
Cyprus drilling
No further energy exploration or drilling ships are necessary
in the eastern Mediterranean for now, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu
said on Monday as a dispute continued over Turkish drilling for gas and oil off
the island of Cyprus.
In an interview with broadcaster TGRT Haber, Cavusoglu said
Turkey was ready for cooperation to reach a solution to the dispute over energy
resources in the region.