Moscow to suspend Russia-Turkey visa-free travel
Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree imposing economic sanctions against Turkey after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane. The Presidential decree said a ban of charter flights from Russia to Turkey will be introduced, and Russian tourism operators should stop selling tour packages to Turkey.
The visa-free travel regime between Russia and Turkey is also formally suspended and Turkish citizens, except Turkish diplomats and their dependants and those with temporary permits of residence, are not allowed to enter Russia starting Jan. 1, 2016.
The decree, which entered into force immediately, said charter flights from Russia to Turkey would be banned, that tour firms would be told not to sell any holidays there, and that unspecified Turkish imports would be outlawed, and Turkish firms and nationals have their economic activities halted or curbed.
The decree, posted on the Kremlin’s website, spoke of the need to protect Russia’s national security and Russian citizens “from criminal and other illegal activities”.
Turkey mainly sells food, agricultural products and textiles to Moscow and is also one of the most popular holiday destinations for Russians.
The decree is entitled “On measures to ensure Russia’s national security and protect Russian citizens from criminal and other illegal activities and the application of special economic measures against Turkey.”
In accordance with the decree, Turkish companies of transportation shall be restricted in their operations in Russian territories, with Turkish ships and boats being banned from staying at or navigating across Russian ports, while import of certain goods from Turkey will be halted.
Russian employers are ordered not to extend contracts with Turkish nationals and will face restrictions in this regard.
Russia’s move came after Turkey shot down Russia’s fighter jet Tuesday, with the latter claiming that the Russian warplane violated Turkish airspace, which Moscow vehemently denied and insisted the Su-24 fighter jet stayed over Syria during its flight.
Putin had warned that Turkey’s downing of the Russian fighter jet would have serious consequences for bilateral ties. Moscow had vowed to take measures in response to Turkey’s downing of the Russian warplane.
Putin demanded an apology from the Turkish leadership and a compensation for the damage, while Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev ordered the relevant government departments to prepare the draft of possible economic sanctions against Turkey.
Earlier on , Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a travel warning, urging Turkish nationals to postpone their visits to Russia unless absolutely necessary, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced regret over the incident, saying his country was truly saddened by the incident and wished it hadn’t occurred.- Agencies
Nov.28, 2015
