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U.S. Ambassador to Ankara Jeff Flake has denied allegations made by some political analysts and media in Turkey that the U.S. is increasing its military presence in Greece in an effort to turn the United States against Turkey.
He noted that some military reinforcements had been sent to Greece to support Ukraine, refuting claims that the United States favored Greece over Turkey and was stepping up its attacks on Turkey.
Speaking to reporters, the US ambassador also mentioned the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, confirming that the sale had received the necessary congressional approval, but he noted that negotiations between Turkey, Lockheed Martin and other suppliers were still ongoing to determine details such as Turkey’s participation in the production plan and delivery specifications.
Jeff Flake explained that the current deal includes the purchase of “40 new and 79 upgraded F-16s,” and that negotiations are continuing to finalize these issues.
Regarding Turkey’s expelled F-35 fighter jet program, the US ambassador reiterated that Washington “hopes that Turkey will be able to buy the F-35 again,” while stressing that “the S-400 issue” occurred first.
“We are hopeful that we can have serious negotiations, and if those negotiations bear fruit, we can then discuss the F-35 again,” Jeff Flake concluded.
Source: RES-MPE
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