No. 30

WASHINGTON, DC — The American Hellenic Institute supports the introduction of legislation aimed to limit the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey and commends the bill’s three original sponsors, U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Tom Tillis (R-NC).

“We thank the bill’s sponsor, Senator Lankford, and the bill’s original co-sponsors, Senators Shaheen and Tillis,” AHI President Nick Larigakis said. “The transfer of such sensitive technology to the Erdogan regime, which has purchased the S-400 missile system from Russia despite U.S. and NATO objections, is a threat to U.S. interests and security.  We urge Congress to pass this legislation.”

This past week, Larigakis sent letters to each of the three senators thanking them and conveying AHI’s strong support for the legislation, S.2781.  The letters outlined several reasons for AHI’s backing of the legislation, including Turkey’s blatant disregard for the rule of law as it pertains toward Greece, Cyprus, and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.  In addition, Larigakis cited the Turkish government’s threats toward the United States military and Turkish nationals working for the U.S. Embassy and the wrongful imprisonment of Pastor Andrew Brunson.