Russia calls for economic sanctions on Turkey

MOSCOW, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Russia's prime minister on Thursday called for wide-ranging economic sanctions against Turkey that could halt some $30 million in trade between the two countries after the downing of a Russian fighter jet over Syria.

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told a meeting of cabinet ministers the downing of the Su-24 aircraft was "an act of aggression" that warrants retaliatory economic measures. The sanctions are expected to be drafted in the coming two days.

"Defense and diplomatic response measures have already been taken against this crime and will follow as well," the prime minister said. "The government is tasked to develop a system of response measures in economic and humanitarian spheres against the aggression act."

Medvedev said joint investment projects with Turkey will be canceled and negotiations over a preferential trade agreement with Turkey will be scrapped. At the same time, Russia's consumer oversight agency has seized more than 1,500 pounds of "high-risk" Turkish meats, candies and nuts.

The country also expects to expel 39 Turkish businessmen in Russia on tourist visas to attend an agricultural expo.