World Bulletin / News Desk

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on Tuesday called on Russia to “open communication channels” to ease relations after a Russian jet was shot down last week.

Speaking at Esenboga International Airport in Ankara before leaving for Northern Cyprus, Davutoglu said: “We call on Russia to open military communications channels.”

He said diplomatic channels should also be opened to prevent a large-scale crisis.

Regarding a Russian claim that Turkey buys oil from ISIL, the prime minister suggested the allegation was designed to “cover up the violation of Turkish air space.”

He added: “The Syrian crisis is not a Turkish-Russian crisis. It is not even a Russia-NATO crisis. But, unfortunately, due to this continuing attitude, it has turned into a crisis between Turkey and Russia.”

Further defending the Nov. 24 downing of a Russian SU-24 after it entered Turkish airspace, Davutoglu said: “Turkey only defended its air space.”

The incident, in which one of the pilots was killed, has led to heightened tension between Turkey and Russia, with President Vladimir Putin announcing economic sanctions.