Hulusi Akar's S-400 remarks: 'If the obstacle is removed...'

Parliamentary National Defense Commission Chairman and AKP Kayseri Deputy Hulusi Akar, who is in Washington, the capital of the US, for various contacts, and the commission members answered questions from members of the press at the Turkish Embassy residence in Washington.

Making assessments following the visit, Akar stated that they attach importance to strengthening the dialogue between Turkey and the US and consolidating mutual trust.

Stating that they met with members of the US Congress and representatives of various think tanks as a delegation, Akar said that defense and security issues were primarily discussed in the meetings.

Regarding the general atmosphere of the contacts, Akar used the expressions, "We held meetings in an extremely positive, extremely productive, and extremely constructive environment."

"TURKEY-US RELATIONS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER"

Stating that they conveyed to their counterparts that military, defense, and scientific cooperation between Turkey and the US has become more important than ever, Akar expressed that the success of the NATO Summit held in Ankara and the relations between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US President Donald Trump created a positive ground for the visit.

Stating that they expressed in the meetings that defense and security cooperation between Turkey and the US carries strategic importance not only for the two countries but also for NATO's deterrence and Euro-Atlantic security, Akar emphasized that problems should be resolved without delay through mutual sharing of information and experience.

Akar said, "We will try to develop cooperation with the US on the basis of mutual respect, common interests, and a strategic vision."

"WE DID NOT SAY THE S-400 IS GOING TO THE UAE"

Akar, who also made assessments regarding the US Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), the S-400 air defense system, and the F-35 program, said that discussions were held on this issue at the leadership level and a certain framework has been formed.

Addressing the allegations that the S-400 systems would be sent to the United Arab Emirates, Akar used the following expressions:

"We did not say, 'The S-400 is going to the UAE' or anything like that, and we are not saying it. We talked and discussed with them that a consensus has been reached to resolve this as soon as possible, to put it on a track as soon as possible, and that there could be some developments in the near future, and that this issue, which is a problem between us, will be resolved. They already have information they received through their own channels on this matter. Within the framework of that information, they gave us positive answers."

"IF THE S-400 IS RESOLVED, THE F-35 PROGRAM WILL START"

Expressing his expectations that the S-400 issue will be resolved, Akar stated that the process is progressing positively.

Saying, "The S-400 issue will be resolved one way or another," Akar included the following assessments in his statement:

"We are expecting, hoping, and wishing for some developments on this issue, and it seems like it will happen. We characterize the S-400 issue as one that will result in important and positive developments. The reason for the suspension of the F-35 program is the S-400; once that is removed, the F-35 will start directly."

Touching upon Turkey's position in the F-35 program, Akar stated that Turkey is not just a country that buys aircraft, and expressed that it is among the countries that produce approximately one thousand parts within the scope of the program.

"WE ARE NOT A BUYER OF THE F-35, WE ARE A PROGRAM PARTNER"

Sharing the goal of returning to the F-35 program, Akar used the following expressions:

"We are returning to the F-35 program. We are not in the position of an F-35 buyer. We have responsibilities in the program, including our duties to manufacture parts, and we will fulfill them. Therefore, this is a program and we will continue our work."

STEEL DOME AND PATRIOT STATEMENT

Making assessments regarding Turkey's air defense capacity, Akar said that work on the Steel Dome Project is continuing.

Speaking about the Patriot air defense systems, Akar said, "Within the scope of NATO and bilateral agreements, one or two Patriot batteries have come or are coming to Turkey."

He stated that negotiations with different countries on this issue are also continuing.

ISRAEL AND US MESSAGE

In his statements, Akar also made assessments regarding Israel's activities in the US.

Emphasizing that the US is Turkey's ally, Akar said that they conveyed the issues that need to be paid attention to regarding Israel to the Washington administration.

Akar stated that in the meetings, they pointed out that Israel is exploiting the US, acting with American support, and the loss of life occurring in the region.