loud message to her Turkey to fulfill his allied obligations, the chairman of the committee on foreign relations of the US Senate sends an interview to “K”, Robert Menendez.

Mr. Menendez is concerned by reports that Turkey is considering buying an additional Russian S-400 missile defense system, which he notes would be another clear violation of US sanctions imposed by CAATSA on America’s adversaries through sanctions).

“From the ongoing violations of Greek airspace to the delay in the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO, I sincerely hope that Turkey will change course and fulfill its obligations towards the Alliance, being a constructive partner in the region, which we all hope to she can. to be. Until then, I cannot support the sale or transfer of American F-16 fighters to Turkey,” he stressed.

He also notes that Ankara’s progress under Erdogan cannot be ignored, stressing that “the democratic process in Turkey has been significantly undermined, religious freedom is under constant pressure, we have witnessed unwarranted arrests of US embassy officials, a record number of attacks on independent journalists and a complete crackdown on major the right to freedom of speech. The latest military activity this week in Syria is further evidence that Erdogan is simply not behaving like a responsible actor on the world stage. As Russia continues its violent and illegal invasion of Ukraine, the Turkish government has a responsibility and an opportunity to unequivocally demonstrate its commitment to NATO and the shared principles and values ​​that characterize this important partnership.”

The Democratic Senator from New Jersey emphasizes the geostrategic role of Alexandroupolis, which he visited a few days ago, and in this context stresses the importance of the growing US military presence in the city.

The Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee says the need to continue and deepen the multi-level cooperation between Greece and the United States, from defense and security to the areas of new technologies, the digital economy, the development of ports and commercial shipping. The message is also addressed to the interior of the two countries, as both countries are in the process of elections, America with the November mid-term Senate and Parliament elections, and Greece with parliamentary elections, which the Prime Minister said will be held next spring.

Read the full interview in today’s “Kathimerini tis Kyriaki”.