EU calls on Russia and Turkey to remain "cool-headed"

The European Union called for peace on Tuesday following Turkey's downing of a Russian military jet on the Syrian-Turkish border. European leaders are also calling for reason, while Syria described the Turkish act as "blatant aggression" and terrorism.

- In this dangerous moment after the downing of the Russian jet, we must all keep our cool heads and remain calm - wrote President of the European Council Donald Tusk on Twitter. 

High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini discussed the incident with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and stressed that it is "important to avoid escalation". 

An extraordinary meeting of the NATO Council, the main forum for NATO's political consultation, is scheduled for Tuesday in Brussels. This council includes representatives of the 28 NATO member states, including Turkey. 

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier stated on Tuesday that he hopes Turkey's downing of a Russian jet near the border with Syria will not jeopardize negotiations on resolving the Syrian civil war.