The strategic importance of the port of Alexandroupolis, both in the military field and in in this action, Gregory Meeks, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, emphasizes in an interview with K, which characterizes “particularly deep, strong and cross-partisan” relations between Washington and Athens, noting that they will not be affected by either the November 8 midterm congressional elections or the national elections expected to be held in Greece in the spring.

Moreover, in the competent committees of both houses of Congress, Republican leaders approach Turkey and Tayyip Erdogan’s unpredictable behavior with the same skepticism as their Democratic counterparts, while the attitude of the leaders matters to committee decisions as a majority (currently Gregory Mix in the House of Representatives and Bob Menendez in the Senate) and a minority.

As for the prospect of selling new F-16s to Turkey and upgrading older F-16s, Mr. Meeks said that Congress and his foreign affairs committee are looking at these cases with an eye to regional stability as well as US national interests.

Asked to comment on overflights of the Greek islands in the Aegean, violations of the Cyprus EEZ and Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric, he expresses concern over actions that he says are causing tensions to unnecessarily escalate between two important NATO allies.

Finally, he believes that Vladimir Putin will be defeated in Ukraine, while optimistic about the prospects of the Democratic Party, to which he belongs, in the upcoming midterm congressional elections.

– Yes, the port of Alexandroupolis is an extremely strategic port, both militarily and in terms of energy. From an economic perspective, the port manages levels of commercial activity that should not be underestimated when considering global supply chain issues. On the energy front, as Europe attempts to phase out Russian energy sources, the port is proving vital. From a military point of view, the additional access of the US and its NATO allies to the Mediterranean provides greater security and stability in the region. These advantages of the port are interrelated.

“US foreign policy is based on our values ​​and protecting the national security of both the US and all of our allies.

– Not. Fortunately, the close ties and relationships between Washington and Athens are especially deep, strong and cross-partisan. We see them getting stronger under this administration and I don’t believe the midterms will change that course.

My committee is concerned that any action unnecessarily heightens tensions between two important NATO allies.

– My goal is to put the relationship between these allies above politics, and we have achieved this. No, the partnership will remain unbreakable.

The Committee continues to closely monitor the situation.

“Congress and my committee have considered and continue to consider all issues related to weapons, with full regard for human rights, regional stability and US national interests.

“The House of Representatives and my committee continue to follow developments closely and are concerned about any action that unnecessarily escalates tensions between two important NATO allies.

– Fortunately, the Ukrainians have shown exceptional courage and successfully defend their homeland, despite the monstrous cruelty that they were subjected to from Moscow. Putin underestimated their resilience, overestimated Russia’s capabilities, and unwittingly rallied freedom-loving democracies and peoples against his brutal war. He will be defeated.

“Now it’s up to the voters, but in my opinion the Democrats have proven that our leadership can make a difference and will elect us to continue the important work of improving our economy and leadership on the world stage.