Tensions high between Russia and Turkey

(Vatican Radio) A diplomatic crisis between NATO ally Turkey and Russia deepened Saturday over Syria, after Moscow accused Ankara of endangering lives by illegally diverting a Syrian plane. Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that the United Nations Security Council is held hostage by Syria's allies Russia and China, who have veto power, as it failed to agree on decisive steps to end Syria's 19-month civil war.
He spoke amid a row with Moscow which claimed Turkish fighter jets "illegally" intercepted a Syrian Air plane late Wednesday endangering the lives of 35 passengers aboard the aircraft by forcing it to land.
Turkey has defended the action saying the passenger plane flying from Russia was carrying
Russian ammunition and military equipment destined for Syria's forces.
But Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters the Airbus A-320 only transported radar equipment.
"We have no secrets. There were, of course, no weapons on the plane," Lavrov said. He added the cargo was that of a recognized Russian supplier who "was sending it in a legal way to a legal customer." He added that this cargo was "electro-technical equipment for radar systems".
Russia's top diplomat admitted it was "of dual military-civilian use" but stressed that "it was not prohibited by international conventions".
After some nine hours at the Ankara airport, with passengers barred from leaving the plane, some items were confiscated but it was allowed to continue to Damascus.
Lavrov warned that the supplier demands the cargo be returned and that Moscow demands an explanation.
He said, "We are awaiting an official reply why our diplomats were not allowed to
meet the Russian passengers on board."
Instead, Turkey's Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan indirectly criticized Russia on Saturday
at an international conference in Istanbul.
He said the future of Syria will be in danger if the world further waits for one or two of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Russia and China -- two of the Council's five permanent members, have vetoed resolutions seeking to put pressure on Damascus to end the conflict, that has so far killed tens of thousands of people, and agree to a political transition. Listen to this report by Stefan Bos