His decision not to oppose the sale of the fighters F-16 in Turkey the senator announced Chris Van Hollen (Chris Van Hollen), noting, however, that the neighboring country should remain under straits surveillance.

THE senator of Maryland explained that it still is worried for Turkey’s actions towards Greece, Armenia and Syria. However, after the assurances and the update he received from the US government stated that he does not intend to vote against the sale of F-16 by filing a resolution of disapproval.

Regarding Turkish aggression in the Aegean, he said “the (US) administration has informed me that it continues to closely monitor this issue in order to encourage continued dialogue between Greece and Turkey.”

In this context, Chris van Hollen stated that he will remain in an open line of communication with the administration, as it is important that Turkish behavior remains under the microscope of Congress for the time to come.

Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Announcement on the Sale of F-16s to Turkey

“Turkey’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership may be long overdue, but it is a welcome step forward and an important message to the NATO community. That said, I continue to have serious concerns about President Erdogan’s continued attacks against our Kurdish allies in Syria, his aggressive actions in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the role he has played in supporting Azerbaijan’s military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh. I appreciate the fact that the Biden administration took the time to inform me about these issues and respond to my concerns.

While I was pleased to learn that President Erdogan has stopped violations by military aircraft in Greek airspace, the government has informed me that it continues to closely monitor this issue in order to encourage continued dialogue between Greece and Turkey. In addition, I have received assurances from the government that it will continue to warn Azerbaijan against taking further military action against Armenia and that it will work with Turkey to prevent any further escalation of this conflict.

I remain deeply troubled by President Erdogan’s attacks against the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northeastern Syria. However, the administration has assured me that it continues to express its strong objections to these attacks, including the threat to US forces working with the SDF, and has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to support this critical partner – who has served as spearheading our campaign to defeat the Islamic State. The administration has told me that it is more clearly communicating this commitment to the SDF in order to assuage concerns that have been expressed about a diminished American commitment to our cooperation.

Based on these assurances and the additional information I received from the government during this briefing, I do not intend to block the sale of F-16s to Turkey by filing a resolution of disapproval. However, I will continue to remain in regular communication with the Government regarding its assurances on these and other key issues. It is clear that we must keep a close eye on Turkey in the coming weeks and months – actions speak louder than words.”