Urgent: F-35 Shift in Greek Lobbying Against Turkey
PSEKA Urges Opposition to Ending Sanctions on Turkey Amid F-35 Controversy
The Cyprus (South) International Coordination Committee (PSEKA) has issued a strong statement opposing any efforts to abolish sanctions aimed at resisting U.S. adversaries. This call comes amid a contentious debate over Turkey’s potential re-integration into the F-35 fighter jet program—a program currently limited to the United States’ most trusted allies.
PSEKA’s Firm Stance on the F-35 Program
In a recent press release, PSEKA emphasized that the advanced F-35 fighter aircraft should only be accessible to reliable allies. With Turkey seeking the lifting of U.S. sanctions to regain participation in the F-35 program, PSEKA made it clear: "We will not allow this."
The organization’s concerns were echoed during a meeting with Republican Senator Jim Reese, the President of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. According to sources from the Greek Cypriot news agency, Reese reiterated that the Greek Cypriot community would oppose Turkey’s re-entry into the F-35 program.
Advocating for Action
PSEKA is actively encouraging the public to support their cause, specifically urging signatures for a letter drafted by the Greek-American Leadership Council (HALC) that calls on U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to initiate discussions focusing on Turkey.
The Trump-Erdogan Meetings
The issue has gained further complexity in light of statements from former President Donald Trump. In March, Trump suggested an openness to reviving the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey following a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. U.S. media outlets reported that he evaluated the possibility of lifting sanctions after discussions between the two leaders.
While Trump expressed a willingness to explore the sale of F-35s, the ongoing challenge remains the S-400 missile system Turkey acquired from Russia, which has complicated relations between Turkey and the U.S.
Conclusion
PSEKA’s firm opposition to relaxing sanctions on Turkey underscores the deep-seated tensions surrounding U.S. defense contracts and international alliances. As discussions continue within the U.S., the implications of any decision regarding the F-35 program and Turkey’s involvement remain critical to the geopolitical landscape.
