Turkey’s president apologizes for downing a Russian military jet

Russian and Turkish officials said Monday that Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has apologized to Moscow for the downing of a Russian military jet at the Syrian border, opening the way for easing a bitter strain in Russia-Turkey ties and ending crippling Russian sanctions against Ankara.

His spokesman said seven months after the incident:  “In the letter, the president stated that he would like to inform the family of the deceased Russian pilot that I share their pain and to offer my condolences to them. May they excuse us. We are ready to take any incentive to help ease the pain and the burden of inflicted damage.”  Putin had demanded a formal apology and compensation for damage. Erdogan has now offered both, according to his letter, the excerpts of which were released by the Kremlin.