<\/p>\n
by Stephen Lendman<\/p>\n
Russia\u2019s investigation will get to the bottom of what happened, why and who was responsible.<\/p>\n
Though unknown at this point, it has the earmarks of a CIA plot to undermine growing Russian\/Turkish ties, notably their cooperation in Syria, adversely affecting Washington\u2019s regional imperial agenda.<\/p>\n
The assassination happened in the wake of Aleppo\u2019s liberation, a major defeat for Washington, NATO, Israel and other rogue Middle East states.<\/p>\n
It came on the eve of Russian, Turkish and Iranian foreign ministers meeting in Moscow (America, Britain and France excluded) \u201cto discuss in trilateral format the situation in and around Syria first and foremost,\u201d Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov explained.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, they\u2019ll meet in Moscow \u201cto try to reach an agreement on lasting ceasefire, on resolution of some humanitarian issues with eye of reaching political settlement.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the basis for that and it is United Nations Security Council resolution 2254,\u201d he added. Cessation of hostilities and conflict resolution would be a major step toward defeating Washington\u2019s regional imperial agenda.<\/p>\n
If Trump normalizes ties with Russia, both countries cooperating in combating terrorism, it\u2019ll represent a major change of US foreign policy for as long as it lasts. Deep state dark forces in Washington want it prevented.<\/p>\n
According to Tass, Russian ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov \u201cwas assassinated on Monday in the country\u2019s capital of Ankara by former special task police force officer Mevlut Mert Altintas,\u201d citing Turkey\u2019s interior minister Suleyman Soylu.<\/p>\n
Karlov was killed during the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition called \u201cRussia through Turks\u2019 eyes,\u201d dedicated to normalized bilateral relations between both countries.<\/p>\n
He died later at an Ankara hospital, Russia\u2019s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova explained.<\/p>\n
Putin commented on his assassination, calling it \u201cundeniably a provocation aimed at derailing the normalisation of Russian-Turkish relations and the peace process in Syria, which is actively promoted by Russia, Turkey, Iran and other countries interested in the settlement of the internal conflict in Syria.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere can be only one response \u2013 stepping up the fight against terrorism \u2013 which the criminals will find out firsthand.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRussia\u2019s Investigative Committee has already opened a case on the murder, and has been tasked with forming a working group which will promptly leave for Ankara to take part in the investigation of this crime together with Turkish partners.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was just agreed during a telephone conversation with the President of Turkey. We must find out who directed the killer\u2019s hand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Separately, Turkish President Erdogan said \u201c(w)e are determined to maintain our ties with Russia.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karlov\u2019s strategically timed assassination was likely aimed at undermining Russian\/Turkish relations \u2013 especially after Aleppo\u2019s liberation and US electors confirming Trump\u2019s triumph.<\/p>\n
The provocative scheme seems destined to fail as decisively as the campaign to deny America\u2019s president-elect the office he won.<\/p>\n
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net.<\/p>\n