“F-16s are not going to be given to Turkey if it doesn’t accept Sweden and Finland,” the Maryland senator said
Targeting the senator Chris Van Hollen was found Turkeywhich he presented as an “unfaithful ally” not worth rewarding by upgrading and selling new F-16. During an event at the National Press Club in Washington, the Democratic senator stressed that there is “no scenario” where he would allow the sale of F-16s to Turkey without first ratifying Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership. “F-16s are not going to be given to Turkey if they don’t accept Sweden and Finland… If the administration were to send a formal notification (to Congress about the sale of F-16s) now, then yes, a resolution would have been tabled to the rejection (of the defense contract),” Mr. Van Hollen explained.
The Maryland senator argued that the majority of the Senate embraces that view. In fact, he estimated that there is unanimity with the White House as well, since, as he said, it is unlikely that President Joe Biden will proceed with the sale of F-16s without first securing the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO. Mr. Van Hollen acknowledged that the process offers the president the ability to override a potential congressional veto. However, he estimated that with the current situation the White House is not going to send the official request for the F-16s to the American lawmakers.
Finally, the senator argued that the US should consider with the EU the joint imposition of new sanctions on Turkey. As he explained, such sanctions could be on the table if Turkey continues to block Sweden and Finland from joining NATO, or if it launches a new incursion against Kurdish forces in Syria, who continue to play an important role in the fight for final and definitive elimination of terrorism in the region.
RES-EMP
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
