In the context of an interview given to the NTV channel, the representative of the Turkish President, Ibrahim Kalincalls his government Joe Biden to “persuade” the American Congress so that Washington would give the “green” light for the supply of F-16s to Turkey and for the modernization of existing ones.
I. Kalin emphasizes that the future of Turkish F-16s cannot and should not depend on Ankara’s position on the issue of Sweden and Finland joining NATO. He also states that even if this F-16 program is not continued, Turkey has alternative options while he is also directing his fire against Senator Robert Menendez.
Specifically, Mr Kalin stated that: “It is up to the US government to convince Congress. And the Biden administration has said it supports the F-16 program. This is welcome. There are those in Congress who want to make the program dependent on Sweden and Finland joining NATO. Like Bob Menendez, who in the last 1-2 years has built a career aimed only at resisting Turkey. He states that he will not approve the sale under any circumstances. He is chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. We need to find another formula. I don’t know what the formula will be. This is an internal US affair. Of course, we support this program. It would be nice if that happened. But, if it doesn’t, we still have alternatives. They began to build UAVs with similar characteristics to the F-16. Especially Kyzylelma. There is huge growth. It depends on how the US will act. We think it will be good if this happens. In my meetings in the Senate, I said: “If you put Sweden and Finland as a condition, you are making a logical error. These are two different problems. Separate them from each other. But if you try to use this as leverage against Turkey, I will come to you with a counter offer. What will you do if I tell you that we will not approve Sweden’s membership until you approve the F-16?” At the moment they don’t have an answer. Do not put pressure on Turkey by raising extraneous issues. It won’t work. Push and then we’ll find another way out“.
Source: Kathimerini
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