US F-16 Sales Statement to Turkey
US Secretary of Defense Austin held a joint press conference with Chief of Staff General Mark Milley after the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting.
“Turkey is demanding to purchase modernization kits for its new F-16s and existing F-16s. Ankara says that failing to get approval as soon as possible will undermine the security of not only Turkey but also NATO. What is your opinion about this evaluation? What do you think of the delivery of F-16 Blok 70 aircraft to Turkey? Austin replied:
“Turkey is a NATO ally and we have a long and strong relationship with Turkey. We are doing our best to keep it that way as long as possible. It is very important to us to maintain interoperability between our NATO partners. That will always be something we focus on and a top priority.”
Stating that he will not comment on the pending arms and equipment sales requests until Congress is notified, Austin said: “However, I must emphasize that Turkey is a very valuable partner. We will do everything possible to strengthen our relationship.” he used the phrase.
QUESTION FROM SYRIA
General Mark Milley, AA correspondent, said: “His visit to Syria made headlines in Turkey. Finally, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned Ambassador Flake to the Ministry to give an explanation. What was the message behind his visit? He answered the question:
“My visit was nothing more than a routine troop visit to oversee what we were doing, things like force protection, to verify mission, purpose and mission. We have around 100 soldiers in Syria. Are at risk. From time to time they are attacked by different groups with different ammunition. I went to check them. I went to see if the mission was accomplished and report what they were doing”.
Milley also stated that Turkey and the US have common interests in defeating ISIS, saying: “The ISIS caliphate has been destroyed, but the organization still has remnants there. There are still refugee camps and prisons there. I had to do this. It is perfectly appropriate for a chief of staff to visit forces, especially those that are in danger.” saying. (AA)