Senator Van Hollen: Turkey ‘unfaithful ally’ – No F-16 before Sweden and Finland join NATO

In his sights senator Chris Van Hollen was found on Turkeywhich she presented as one “unfaithful ally” where it does not deserve to be rewarded by upgrading and selling new F-16s. During an event at the National Press Club in Washington, the Democratic senator emphasized that there is “no scenario” where he will allow the sale of the F-16s in Turkey without Sweden’s and Finland’s accession to NATO having previously been ratified. “F-16s are not going to be given to Turkey if it doesn’t accept Sweden and Finland… If the administration were to send a formal notification (to Congress about the sale of F-16s) now, then yes, a rejection resolution would have been tabled (of the defense contract),” Van Hollen explained.

The Maryland senator argued that the majority of the Senate embraces this view. Yes, he appreciated that there is unanimity with the White House, as, as he said, the president is unlikely Joe Biden to proceed with the sale of the F-16s without first securing the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO. Van Hollen acknowledged that the process offers the president the ability to override a potential congressional veto. However, he estimated that with the current situation the White House is not going to send the official request for the F-16s to the American lawmakers.

Finally, the senator argued that the US should consider with the EU joint imposition of new sanctions on Turkey. 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 incursion against Kurdish forces in Syria, who continue to play an important role in the fight for final and definitive elimination of terrorism in the region.