Greece and Turkey must try for her decrease in intensity while the resolving long standing disputes they will bring new and big opportunities, stated, among others, the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken in an interview he gave to the Turkish NTV while also mentioning in the sale of F-16s in Turkey, repeating that he cannot say when the issue will be presented to Congress.

“I do not believe that there is any imbalance in our relations between Greece and Turkey, although Turkish officials claim such a thing. Greece and Turkey are important partners us and our NATO allies. We attach great value to our relations with both countriesAnthony Blinken said during the interview, as reported by SKAI correspondent from Istanbul, Manolis Kostidis.

“It was a great joy and satisfaction for us to see the Greeks, Armenians and Israelis working together in the earthquakes. If the only good thing that will come out of this earthquake might be the improvement of the relations between these countries. We see the clear steps that Turkey is taking in this direction and we support themBlinken added.

“Both countries (Greece and Turkey) must try to reduce the tension and to find a positive path for the future. But if long-term problems, such as those of navigation, are resolved then there are huge possibilities as Turkey will be at the center of the energy flow. The flow of energy in the Mediterranean, the Aegean and especially the Southern Mediterranean. Turkey will benefit enormously from being at the center of energy flow afrom northern Africa to Europe. This will be in the interest of the Turkish people, Turkish companies and Turkey. The resolution of these longstanding differences will therefore bring new and great opportunitieshe underlined

For the sale of F-16 to Turkey

Relatively with the sale of F-16s to Turkey and when this will be done, the US Foreign Minister repeated: “President Biden and the Biden administration support the sale of F-16s to Turkey as well as its modernization. This is important for the US and for NATO’s joint operations. But I can’t give a date and officially I can’t say when the matter will be presented to Congress. But I can say that we are in frequent contact with the members of Congress to explain to them the importance of the issue. This has nothing to do with the elections in Turkey» he characteristically declared and continued:

“Our members of Congress have some concerns. Congressional concerns must be addressed effectively. Every sale like the F-16 every package needs congressional approval. It remains to be seen how the concerns of members of Congress will be allayed».

Asked if the US is looking for the right time to overcome this obstacle, Mr. Blinken replied: “And the concerns of members of Congress should be allayed. Whatever our government wants. It is not possible to proceed on this matter. without congressional approval,” he concluded.