Letter to the US from organization defending Greek interests: 'Do not sell to Turkey'

The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), which conducts lobbying activities in the US in favor of Greece, has initiated an effort to prevent potential authorization for the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

Writing a petition addressed to four key figures in the US Congress, HALC members alleged that Turkey uses these weapons "against US allies."

The petition, reported by DW Turkish, was sent to Senators Ben Cardin and Jim Risch, as well as House members Michael McCaul and Gregory Meeks.

The HALC petition stated, "Turkey must prove much to the American people before it earns the privilege of being readmitted to the F-35 program. Turkey has shown a willingness to use American-made weapons against America's partners and allies, which is contrary to the interests of the US."

'USED AGAINST GREEK SOVEREIGNTY'

The petition further argued that Turkey violates Greek airspace with American-made F-16 fighter jets as part of its "Blue Homeland" doctrine, emphasizing that "expensive aircraft are being used against Greek sovereignty."

In the same text, Turkey was also accused of "cooperating with Russia, providing a safe haven for Hamas, and blackmailing NATO," with the petition urging Congress to reject Ankara's demands, stating, "Turkey cannot be rewarded with F-35s or advanced jet engines."

Turkey was removed from the F-35 program on the grounds that it purchased the S-400 air defense system from Russia, and CAATSA sanctions were implemented with the signature of then-President Donald Trump.

In the absence of F-35s, Ankara had requested new F-16 jets and modernization kits from the US to rejuvenate its aging fleet.

While Washington has approved this sale, technical negotiations are currently ongoing between the Ministry of National Defense and the supplier parties.

On the other hand, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had announced that Ankara is still interested in F-35s and that work is underway on formulas that would allow for the lifting of the CAATSA sanctions hindering the sale.

News Source: 12punto