Merkel : avoid escalation

- The shooting down of a Russian fighter by Turkey should not lead to escalation of the conflict in Syria. That German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday in the German parliament.

" Of course, every country has the right to defend itself. But we know how tense the situation in Syria and the areas surrounding it. That is why I have asked the Turkish prime minister to do everything to bring calm everyone down. "

The solution lies not enter battle, says Merkel. " It is perfectly clear that the real solution can only be a political solution, said the Chancellor. She calls on all parties to work constructively participate in a peace plan for Syria.