US Ambassador to Ankara Barrack: As a presidential republic, under Erdoğan's leadership...

Describing Turkey's removal from the F-35 program as "madness," Barrack said, "The S-400 issue can and should be resolved within months, thanks to the delicate diplomacy that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will conduct and based on the strong relationship between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan."

When asked about his characterization of the dispute over Turkey's participation in the F-35 program as "madness" and his statement that the issue of the Russian-acquired S-400s could be resolved within months, Barrack said, "Calling this long-standing impasse 'madness' is clearly a common-sense approach. This perfectly illustrates why the administration is right in seeking a solution. Unity within NATO against Russia and China is a fundamental US national security interest."

"THE S-400 ISSUE CAN BE RESOLVED WITHIN MONTHS"

Stating that Turkey is a vital ally that hosts critical American assets, contributes to NATO missions, and counters common threats, Barrack said, "Sanctions imposed due to the S-400 purchase and removal from the F-35 program have unnecessarily strained relations, while Russia has benefited from this. The S-400 issue can and should be resolved within months, thanks to the delicate diplomacy that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will conduct and based on the strong relationship between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan."

Stating that any solution to this issue would meet the requirements of Section 1245 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which sets the rules for US defense policy and military programs, Barrack said, "This means the verifiably ending of ownership and operational use of the Russian-made S-400 system. It also requires official certification from the Secretaries of Defense and State confirming that sensitive F-35 technology is not compromised."

Ambassador Barrack said, "There will be no compromise whatsoever in terms of American security standards. What I am emphasizing is that real steps are near regarding the restoration of Turkey's role in the F-35 ecosystem, the strengthening of its interoperability with NATO, the support of the US defense industry, and the elimination of Russia's leverage on this matter."

Barrack added, "This is a classic Trump-style approach to a deal. Enforcing the law, protecting our technology, and rebuilding alliances that enhance American power."

Barrack explained the US approach as "Applying maximum pressure on terrorists, cooperating pragmatically with key partners like Turkey, and laying out a clear path toward greater stability in an unstable region."

In the interview, regarding his observations on the Middle East and his assessment that stability and success in the region depend on strong leadership, Barrack said of Turkey, "As a presidential republic where regular multi-party elections are held, Turkey demonstrates that strong, centralized governance under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan provides stability, economic dynamism, and assertive regional influence."

News Source: 12punto