“Turkey will not be given the F-16 if it does not accept Sweden and Finland … If the administration sends an official notice (to Congress on the sale of the F-16) now, then yes, a resolution to refuse (the defense contract) would be presented” , Mr. Van Hollen explained.

The Maryland senator argued that the majority in the Senate was of this view. In fact, he estimates that there is unanimity with the White House as well, as he says it is unlikely that President Joe Biden will continue selling F-16s without first securing Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Mr. Van Hollen acknowledged that the process gives the president the ability to override a potential congressional veto. However, he calculated that in the current situation, the White House is not going to send an official request for the F-16 to American lawmakers.

Finally, the senator argued that the US should consider joint imposition of new sanctions against Turkey with the EU. As he explained, such sanctions could be on the table if Turkey continues to block Sweden and Finland from joining NATO, or if it launches a new invasion against the Kurdish forces in Syria, which continue to play an important role in the struggle for final and final solutions. elimination of terrorism in the region.

Source: RES-IPE