Washington, DC-
The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Order of AHEPA) calls upon Congress to pass S.J.60 immediately, which would prohibit the proposed sale of arms to the Government of Turkiye, announced Supreme President Savas C. Tsivicos.
In the Administration’s Policy Justification for the Republic of Turkiye’s “F-16 Aircraft Acquisition and Modernization,” Turkiye has requested to buy 40 new F-16 aircraft and to modernize 79 existing F-16 aircraft—a total defense packages estimated to be $23 billion.
According to the Policy Justification, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security of the United States by improving the air capabilities and interoperability of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Ally that is a force for political and economic stability in Europe.
Congress received notification of the arms sales on February 1, 2024. U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) filed his resolution on February 5. Congress has 30 calendar days during which the arms sale may be reviewed.
“With the U.S. House set to recess for two weeks, and the Senate out next week, time is of the essence,” Tsivicos said. “Turkey is a failed NATO ally and in no way upholds the Administration’s policy justification for the arms sale, with which we take serious issue. The instability caused by Turkey to U.S. allies and strategic partners is well documented, and we strongly contend it harms U.S. foreign policy and national security.”
Tsivicos added, “We commend and sincerely thank Senator Paul for introducing the joint resolution. We urge the community to call upon their members of Congress to urge leadership to take action on the resolution and to pass it. As the largest and oldest Hellenic membership organization it is our duty to fight for justice in the region and maintain peace in the Southeastern Mediterranean. We ask all of our members to contact their Senators to support S.J.60. As we observe the 50th year of Turkish Invasion of Cyprus we must Never Forget.”
