In February, the US Secretary of State will visit Greece, Turkey and Israel. Anthony Blinkenaccording to sources close to the top of American diplomacy.

According to information from the Hellas Journal website, the head of the State Department is expected to visit Greece on February 20 and 21.

According to the same information, Mr. Blinken will take part in the strategic dialogue between Greece and the USA. At the same time, a 3+1 meeting between Israel, Greece, Cyprus and the United States is expected to take place.

Congressional reaction to the possibility of selling the F-16 to Turkey

The Immediate Reaction Of Leading U.S. Lawmakers Is Driven By Information The Government Wants Biden prepare to formally ask him Congress approval for the sale of fighters F-16 in Turkey. In the same time State Department has already informed the relevant congressional committees of its intention to sell F-35 in Greece. Recall that in October 2021, Turkey submitted its own request for the purchase of 40 new F-16s and the modernization of 80 fighters already in its fleet.

Technical talks between the two sides have recently been completed, and it is now expected that a formal request for defense contract approval will be submitted by the State Department to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the near future. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will visit Washington on January 18 for a bilateral meeting with Anthony Blinken, which, among other things, is expected to discuss the F-16 issue.

For its part, the State Department declines to comment on recent developments, following its longstanding practice of not confirming or commenting on proposed defense contracts until a formal congressional briefing. However, when asked by the Hellas Journal website whether Turkey continues to be under the CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions) sanctions regime, a US Department spokesman replied that “The United States is reviewing and reviewing case requests in accordance with the Act.” on Arms Export Control, the United States Convention on Arms Transfer Policy, and related laws, regulations, and directives.”

Senator Menendez’s Immediate Response

The climate in the corridors of Congress and the position of the senators are expected to play an important role in the outcome of Turkey’s request, since the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is the body responsible for approving defense contracts. In addition, it is worth noting that in this process, Senator Robert Menendez has the veto power granted to him in connection with his position as chairman of the committee.

The latest developments prompted an immediate reaction from the US senator, who once again vowed to continue to block the transfer of combat aircraft until Turkey respects human rights and stops threatening US regional allies. The chairman of the foreign relations committee has targeted President Erdogan, saying he undermines international law, ignores human rights and democratic norms, and engages in destabilizing behavior both within Turkey and against NATO allies.

Referring to the conditions he places on withdrawing his objections to the Biden administration’s proposal, Senator Menendez said that “until Erdogan stops his threats, improves his human rights record at home, including the release of journalists and political opponents, and will not act as a trusted ally should, I will not approve this sale.”

Political analysts who spoke to Reuters said it was unlikely that Congress would greenlight the F-16 sale before Turkey ratifies Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership. Politico reiterates this, noting that the prospect of selling the fighter jets to Turkey has unnerved some senior lawmakers in Biden’s own party, who say they are concerned about Ankara’s brake on NATO expansion, violations of Greek airspace and Turkey’s turn to authoritarianism.

Chris Pope: Violating CAATSA Sanctions

Chris Papas, the new co-chair of the congressional panel on Greek issues, also voiced his opposition to the sale of new F-16s to Turkey. The Democratic congressman recalls that since he expressed his reservations a year ago, Turkey has not only not changed its behavior, but, on the contrary, has stepped up its rhetoric and actions.

As he pointed out, “More than a year ago, I expressed my concern to the Biden administration about the possible sale of new F-16 fighter jets and other weapons to the Erdogan administration. Since then, Turkey’s behavior and rhetoric have raised concerns about any potential sales to Turkey. Turkey not only continues to violate the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), but also threatens further violations. Turkey has also unjustifiably suspended Finland and Sweden’s membership in NATO, carried out a record number of unauthorized military air incursions over Greek territory and national airspace, and is constantly threatening Greece with war.”

Mr. Popes alleges that this particular sale constitutes a violation of the sanctions of the CAATSA Act, stating that “until the concerns I have expressed and the concerns raised by Turkey’s subsequent actions are resolved, I will continue to work to prevent F -16 or any other American weapons will fall into the hands of Erdogan. This sale must not continue and I will oppose any plan presented to Congress.”

^{According to HELLAS JOURNAL, APE-MBE}