US responds to 'attack on Turkey' claim: Retired colonel had spoken

US Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Flake met with members of the press at the US Embassy in Ankara and answered their questions.

The US Ambassador stated, "The ongoing war in Gaza is painful for all of us. In every meeting, while responding to Hamas's attack, we encourage Israel to limit civilian casualties," noting that they are making efforts to reach a ceasefire.

Stating that the US has requested help from its allies in the region regarding the achievement of a ceasefire, Flake said this could put an end to civilian casualties.

Flake expressed that they are working with Turkey for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying, "We particularly welcome Turkey's role. We want a lasting peace afterward. This will happen with a two-state solution."

"TURKEY CAN TALK TO GROUPS WE CANNOT TALK TO"

Commenting on Turkey's effectiveness in the region, Flake said, "Turkey can talk to groups regarding the situation in Gaza that we cannot talk to. We encourage our interlocutors and partners here to make efforts to de-escalate tensions wherever they can."

Defending their support for Israel "against terror," Flake pointed out that they support a two-state solution and that they differ with Israel on this issue.

In response to a question about whether the US plans to suspend the shipment of high-impact MK 84 bombs to Israel, Flake replied, "I don't know. The answer to that would be at the US Department of State, not with the ambassador in Turkey."

"THIS SITUATION IS NOT EASY FOR ME"

In response to a question about the Turkish public holding the US and other countries responsible for the massacres in Gaza and his assessment of the impact of Israel's actions on anti-American sentiment in Turkey, Flake replied, "I know that many people in Turkey identify with the Palestinians and the Palestinian cause."

Stating that he would not say this situation is easy for him and that they would be in a better position once a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza, Flake emphasized that regional power Turkey must be involved in the issue in a "positive" way for peace to be lasting after the ceasefire.

Noting that US President Joe Biden does not plan to visit the region soon, Flake commented on Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's upcoming visit to Turkey to address the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), saying, "Many Palestinians want peace. I think it is great that Turkey will host (Abbas)."

US MILITARY BUILDUP IN THE REGION

Responding to a question regarding the US military buildup and the movement of American troops in the region recently, Flake said, "Whenever we see a tension that could affect our allies and partners in a region, we do this."

Flake stated that when the US sees an escalation in a region that could affect its allies and partners, it sends military assets there and often succeeds in de-escalating the tension, adding, "Because if a country or power believes it can go after a smaller rival, the US stands shoulder-to-shoulder with that rival, whether through NATO alliance or something else."

Stating that they do not aim to increase tension, Flake said, "We do not want to see a war between Israel and Iran or between Hezbollah and Israel. We are striving to ensure that all our partners in the region help us calm the situation."

Noting that some military buildup in Greece was carried out to support Ukraine, Flake denied allegations that the US was favoring Greece over Turkey and building up forces to attack Turkey.

POSSIBILITY OF IRANIAN RETALIATION

In response to a question about the possibility of retaliation from Iran following the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Flake said, "This is another reason why we are working hard on a ceasefire. We believe that if we can achieve a ceasefire, it will reduce the chance of retaliation from any side. If we can achieve a ceasefire, there will be much less risk."

Stating that no one has complete influence over Iran, Flake expressed hope for de-escalation.

Flake stated that they are calling on everyone with relations to Iran to make efforts to de-escalate, noting that Turkey is more experienced in relations with Iran due to being its neighbor.

Highlighting Turkey's efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, Flake said, "Turkey will not benefit from a war between Israel and Iran. We know this. I think everyone knows that (in the event of a war) the entire region would take a hit."

EXCHANGE OPERATION MANAGED BY MIT

Recalling that US President Joe Biden personally called President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to congratulate him on the exchange operation managed by MIT in Ankara, Flake said that this operation, which involved 7 countries, was very complex.

Pointing out that Turkey was extremely helpful in the logistics of the operation, Flake said, "As I said, this is a very complicated exchange. Turkey has a very professional bureaucracy."

Flake further stated, "(The exchange operation) I am not sure if another country could have handled this task given to them. From a logistical standpoint, they did a truly professional, wonderful job."

TURKEY-US RELATIONS

Stating that the 26th NATO Summit will be held in Turkey, and that Turkey is the second-largest military power in NATO and an indispensable member of the Alliance, Flake also evaluated bilateral relations.

Flake pointed out that the mutual trade volume has exceeded 30 billion dollars, and said they aim to increase this to 100 billion dollars in the coming years.

Touching upon the ammunition production facility in the state of Texas, Flake said, "This is an important partnership we have."

Flake noted that tourism between the two countries is developing, and stated that they expect 2 million people from the US to have visited Turkey by the end of the year.

Underlining that Congress plays an important role in US foreign policy, Flake emphasized that regardless of who comes to power in January 2025 after the presidential election in November, there will be no major shifts in the US's bilateral relations.

VISA ISSUE FOR THE US

Flake also touched upon the significant increase in visa applications for travel to the US.

Stating that they are trying to process all visa applications as quickly as possible and to expedite this process for business and student visas, Flake said, "Some of the wait times are simply a result of the demand."

ANKARA PROCESS BETWEEN SOMALIA AND ETHIOPIA

Regarding a question about the Ankara Process conducted between Somalia and Ethiopia under Turkey's mediation, Flake referred to Turkey's recent rapprochement with Greece and the normalization process with Armenia, commenting, "Regarding Somalia, we see that Turkey is involved here, which is very positive."

Ambassador Flake explained that this issue was brought up during a phone call held a few days ago between Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his US counterpart Antony Blinken.

The US Ambassador also pointed out that Turkey's involvement in Africa is different from that of many European countries with a colonial past and others.

"THE S-400 ISSUE NEEDS TO BE RESOLVED FIRST"

Responding to a question regarding the sale of F-16 fighter jets and F-35 issues between Turkey and the US, Flake confirmed that the necessary Congressional approvals for the F-16 sale have been obtained.

On the other hand, Flake noted that negotiations are still ongoing between Turkey, Lockheed Martin, and other suppliers to determine details such as local contribution, industrialization, and delivery specifications.

Flake announced that the current agreement includes the purchase of "40 new and 79 upgraded F-16s" and that discussions are continuing to finalize these matters.

Regarding the F-35, Flake reiterated that the US "wants Turkey to be in a position to purchase F-35s again," while emphasizing that for this to happen, "the S-400 issue must be resolved first."

Expressing his optimism on the matter, Flake said, "We are hopeful that serious discussions will take place, and if these discussions yield results, we can talk about F-35s again."

REACTION TO 'ATTACK ON TURKEY' CLAIM: NONSENSE

When asked how they evaluate the normalization process between Syria and Turkey, Flake stated, "The US will not normalize relations with Syria," noting that they continue to adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2254 regarding Syria.

Flake also responded to claims by retired US colonel and former Pentagon advisor Douglas McGregor that "the US is preparing the terrorist organization PKK/YPG in Syria to attack Turkey."

"I haven't heard of anything like that being reported. I've heard some nonsense being said that is completely unrelated to NATO and does not reflect the views of this administration or the people I know in Congress, so I wouldn't give any credence to that claim," Flake said, emphasizing that McGregor does not speak on behalf of the US government.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR

The US Ambassador stated that when the Russia-Ukraine war began, Turkey invoked the Montreux Convention Regarding the Regime of the Straits, which provided significant benefits to Ukraine's defense.

Flake said, "I believe Turkey has repeatedly demonstrated that it is an indispensable ally, especially within NATO."

When asked about a statement from a US Treasury Department official regarding potential consequences if Turkey continues to trade with Russia, particularly in materials like microchips, Flake said they understand Turkey's stance on not implementing unilateral sanctions against Russia like its US and European allies, but that they want to ensure there is no increase in parts that could be used by Russia's "war machine."

Flake noted that they are monitoring certain companies in the US and their own production in this context, adding that they are making efforts to ensure that the final destination of relevant US-origin parts is not Russia.

Finally, when asked whether he would re-enter politics upon returning to his country, the US Ambassador replied that he would be free to engage in politics if he wished in September, commenting, "Stay tuned."