There is no sanctions risk for the S-300 anti-missile system deployed in Crete, the State Department said. In response to a related question from the Hellas Journal website, a US State Department spokesman clarified that having the system in question in Greece is not subject to sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

“The acquisition of the S-300 by Greece took place in the 1990s, decades before the passage of the CAATSA law. Section 231 of the CAATSA only authorizes significant transactions made on or after August 2, 2017. We continue to urge all NATO allies to ensure full interoperability within the alliance,” the State Department spokesman said.

It is recalled that the S-300 anti-missile system was purchased by the Republic of Cyprus, not Greece. However, this particular purchase provoked a strong Turkish reaction, leading to American mediation under Richard Holbrooke.

The result of these negotiations was the installation of the S-300 system in Crete with the consent of all parties involved.

Distances from Turkish claims

In addition, the State Department spokesman distanced himself for the second time in a row from Turkish claims that Greece was targeting Turkish F-16 fighters with the S-300 system, limiting himself to repeating a fixed American position that calls for a diplomatic settlement of differences.

“We are aware of these reports. We continue to call on our NATO allies, Greece and Turkey, to work together to maintain peace and security in the region and resolve disputes through diplomacy. We call on all parties to refrain from rhetoric and actions that could lead to further escalation of tension,” he said.

Source: RES-IPE