Erdogan challenges Putin to quit if oil claim not proved

PARIS

Turkey’s president has said he will step down if Russian claims that Turkey buys oil from Daesh are proved and has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to do the same if they are not.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan made the pledge while talking to reporters at a climate change summit in Paris.

“As soon as such a claim is proved, the nobility of our nation requires [me] to do this,” he said. “I will not remain in this post. But I am asking Mr. Putin, would you remain?”

Erdogan was responding to claims from Moscow that Turkey helps fund Daesh through oil purchases.

The claims were made in the wake of the shooting down of a Russian military jet over southern Turkey on Nov.24.

“It is obvious where we legally buy oil and natural gas from,” Erdogan added. “Everyone must know that we are not that disreputable to make such a deal with terrorist organizations.”