The Turkish government sent a letter to the United Nations today about the downing of a Turkish jet by Syrian forces; it outlines their side of the story. The letter says that the F-4 jet "did not display any hostile attitude" and repeats the Turkish claim that it was in international waters at the time.

In fact, both Turkish and Syrian radar and radio records testify that our aircraft was shot at the international airspace. Third parties' radar records would substantiate these facts as well. Furthermore, the captured radio communication among Syrian authorities clearly demonstrates that the Syrian units were fully aware of the circumstances and the fact that the aircraft belonged to Turkey.

The letter does not request any action from the United Nations, save for circulating the text at the General Assembly and the Security Council.