Robert Menendez: Turkey should show that it belongs to NATO

The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the American Senate, Robert Menendez, in an interview with “Kathimerini” explains the need to continue and deepen the multi-level cooperation between Greece and the USA, from defense and security to the emerging technologies and digital economy sectors , port development and merchant shipping.

The message is also addressed to the interior of the two countries, as both are in the process of elections, America with the November midterms for the Senate and the Parliament, and Greece with the parliamentary elections that, according to the prime minister, will be held next spring.

The Democratic senator of New Jersey emphasizes the geostrategic role of Alexandroupoli, which he visited a few days ago, and in this context highlights the importance of the growing American military presence in the city.

– If Turkey is indeed considering buying additional S-400s, will this affect the prospect of selling F-16s to Ankara?

– I am deeply concerned by reports that Turkey is considering the purchase of an additional Russian S-400 missile defense system, which would be another clear violation of US sanctions imposed by the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act). From the ongoing violations of Greece’s airspace to the delay in Sweden and Finland’s NATO accession process, I sincerely hope that Turkey will change course and live up to its responsibilities to the Alliance, being the constructive partner in the region that we all hope it can be. Until then, I cannot support the sale or transfer of US F-16 fighters to Turkey.

– How do you assess President Erdogan’s behavior in the region?

– We cannot ignore the course of Turkey under Erdogan. Today, the democratic process in Turkey has been significantly undermined, religious freedom is under constant pressure, we have seen unjustified arrests of US embassy officials, record levels of attacks on independent journalists, and a complete crackdown on fundamental free speech rights. The latest military activity this week in Syria is further evidence that Erdogan is simply not acting as a responsible actor on the world stage. As Russia continues its violent and illegal invasion of Ukraine, the government of Turkey has a responsibility and an opportunity to unequivocally demonstrate its commitment to NATO and the shared principles and values ​​that characterize this important partnership.

– Alexandroupolis is rapidly developing into a strategic hub, both in the military and energy sectors.

– I have long supported the need for greater energy interdependence and cooperation between Greece, the United States and other regional partners. The 3+1 scheme has proven to be a key partnership for regional and energy security, which I believe we should continue to expand. I look forward to launching the 3+1 parliamentary composition and implementing the legislation I have drafted, calling for the creation of a new energy centre. I was particularly happy to visit Alexandroupoli this week and see the huge potential the port has for both Greek-American and regional cooperation. The Greece-Bulgaria interconnector is also a huge step forward in securing Europe’s energy independence, and I hope that we can support efforts to develop this connection and integrate more European countries, especially in the Western Balkans. I was also impressed by the military upgrades that Greece and the US have undertaken to enhance port capacity. Given its geostrategic position, I believe we can do much more here to cooperate on the security front, as we continue to recognize the importance of the Mediterranean for overall security.

– The prospects of US-Greece relations in the next period?

– The trade ties and strong economic relationship between the US and Greece continue to benefit both our nations. We must continue to expand our cooperation in emerging technologies, the digital economy and all aspects of the shipping industry, including port development and merchant shipping. The legislation I authored and passed the Senate – the Eastern Mediterranean Energy and Security Partnership Act – authorized a new energy hub that will help accelerate the region’s transition to renewable energy. Similarly, Congress also approved my US-Greece Defense and Interparliamentary Partnership Act, an act that significantly strengthens US support for the modernization of the Greek military and promotes increased multilateral engagement between Cyprus, Greece, Israel and of the USA. Our armed forces – and the armed forces of our partners – must be compatible with the latest tactics and cutting edge technologies of the future. And I am proud to have led the passage of the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement with Greece last year, which deepened our cooperation. Greece and the USA have a relationship rooted in our shared democratic values, which our nations’ founding leaders adopted on the eve of our two countries’ independence. It is up to us to take up the baton and in turn take responsibility as stewards of a precious heritage.

– Your opinion on overflights over Greek islands, as well as some moves by Turkey for natural gas exploration?

– Turkey must stop its provocations and incursions into Greek territorial waters and Greek airspace. End of story.

– Where is Cyprus today, 48 years after the Turkish invasion?

– Almost half a century since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, Turkish troops continue to illegally occupy the northern part of the island. This status quo in Cyprus is unacceptable. Turkish activity in Varosia is impermissible and directly contradicts multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. And Turkish violations of human rights are unacceptable. For this reason, the president of Turkey must stop his provocations immediately. I am proud to have led the Cyprus issue here in Washington, standing with our friends and allies in Nicosia. We remain committed to the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and the bi-zonal, bi-communal federation. As Cypriot Americans join forces with Cypriots around the world in their quest to unite their homeland and as they seek to secure an economically prosperous state free from illegal occupation, I will stand by them. In this vein, as Cyprus seeks to deepen its strategic partnership with the US, it is in our national security and economic interests to lift outdated restrictions on arms sales that no longer assist US security objectives in the Mediterranean.

– How does the scene clear for the Democrats in the midterm elections?

– Never before in my three decades in Congress have I been so alarmed by a confluence of events that brings us to the brink of global chaos. From addressing COVID-19 to restoring and strengthening democracy at home and abroad, we’ve been engaged in tackling the defining problems of our time and defying borders, such as climate change, migration and inflation. In this context, I believe that the Democrats have convinced the American people that we are the party that represents a brighter and better future. Just this month, Democrats managed to break the gridlock in Washington, passing the ChIPS Act for Important Investments in American Workers and Competitiveness, as well as the landmark Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which will strengthen access to health care for millions of working-class families, while making the largest US investment ever in clean energy. As we continue to lead the international community in holding Vladimir Putin accountable for his brutal abuse of the Ukrainian people while better positioning the US to compete against China, I believe that our efforts to reduce costs for workers and investments in our national security will pay off at the polls in November.

SOURCE: DAILY

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