Davutoglu accuses Russia of attempting ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Syria

Turkey's prime minister Ahmet Davutoğlu accused Russia on 9 December 2015 of 'ethnic cleasing' in northern Syria, saying Russians were trying to drive out the local Turkmen and Sunni Muslim populations for military purposes.

The statement was the latest of a series of accusations between Russia and Turkey since their relations reached a lowest point following the decision by Turkey to shoot down a Russian warplane near the Turkish-Syrian border in November 2015.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Turkey-Russia jet downing: Moscow announces sanctions http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-russia-jet-downing-moscow-announces-sanctions/

Deutsche Welle, 09.12.15: Russia attempting 'ethnic cleansing' in Syria, says Turkish prime minister http://dw.com/p/1HKyY

BBC News, 09.12.15: Turkey PM accuses Russia of wanting 'ethnic cleansing' in Syria http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35049591

The Wall Street Journal, 09.12.15: Turkish Premier Davutoglu Says Russian Airstrikes in Syria Strengthen Islamic State http://www.wsj.com/articles/turkish-prime-minister-davutoglu-says-russian-airstrikes-against-rebels-strengthen-islamic-state-1449674122

Euronews, 09.12.15: Turkey accuses Russia of 'ethnic cleansing”'in Syria http://www.euronews.com/2015/12/09/turkey-accuses-russia-of-ethnic-cleansing-in-syria-putin-invites-uk-experts-to/

Times of Israel, 09.12.15: Turkey PM: Russia seeking ‘ethnic cleansing’ in Syria http://www.timesofisrael.com/turkey-pm-russia-seeking-ethnic-cleansing-in-syria/

Hürriyet Daily News, 09.12.15: Turkey ‘ready to work’ with Russia to prevent repeat of jet downing: PM http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-ready-to-work-with-russia-to-prevent-repeat-of-jet-downing-pm.aspx?pageID=238&nID=92314&NewsCatID=510

---