Turkey's concern over the US F-35 sale to Greece is highlighted by stating that Washington could lose neutrality and that NATO is compromised. The Turks also noted its opposition to the acquisition of the F-16 is another marred point in the relations of Washington and Ankara on a Tuesday.
Turkey Says F-35 Sale Could End US Neutrality
The Turkish spokesman said that the F-16 sale has conditions attached to it, reported ANews. They are rumors, and evaluations are alleged, added no such demands were issued based on their assessment.
Ibrahim Kalin, the representative of Ankara, spoke to the press about the matter. He stressed that if Sen. Bob Menendez places demand in Congress but is okay with the F-35 request, then NATO will have an impartial member. Such a condition is an insult to his country.
One point made clear by Kalin is the F-16 deal is separate from the NATO bid of Sweden and Finland. No deal if the Biden administration bundles them. A request in 2021 for the sale of 40 F-16S with upgrade kits, the state department had told Congress of the probable sale, according to VOA News. Turkish officials say it benefits NATO as well too.
Kalin said that the Turk's defense industry would go on its own to acquire capabilities to secure the country. When asked if the request was at its end, he added it would continue, stressing that the US administration is going in their direction, but their US Congress needs to be overcome.
Russia, Turkey, and Syria Trilateral Meeting
One of the points of this tri-nation summit is whether Iran can be included as a possible participant, noting that Tehran, as part of it, is very welcome, citing Yeni Safak.
The Turk should note that Iran is a major player in the Middle East and is a crucial part of the Syrian resolution, with Moscow as a mediator. Erdogan mentioned the trilateral meeting for Syrian concerns. But the exact date and the venue are not set, with its ministers yet to discuss the urgent matter after the outbreak of war in Syria in 2011.
Last year on December 28, their respective defense ministers were in Moscow to discuss fighting terrorists in Syria, agreeing to continue their meeting on Syria's stability in the regions beyond it. Kalin verified that all parties did agree to what followed next.
Ankara's Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Kalin said that his government is trying its best to coax all parties to talk and stop fighting, as diplomacy is more crucial than ever. A notable point of the argument is that all global effort to end the conflict is needed for an acceptable solution for all involved. The goal is to end the war so Ukraine can rebuild based on the deals made during negotiations.
The transfer of POWs to their respective nations is a major talking point of concern. He called attention to the efforts put forward by President Erdogan for solid results.
Ankara has been lauded for attempts to settle the conflict ripping Ukraine in parts despite mediation attempts. Turkey says that the US F-35 sale to Greece will compromise NATO neutrality forever.
Related Article: US Says Ankara Will Not Get Last Generation F-16s
