The US is deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is continuing its efforts to bring the S-400 into operation, a State Department official has said.
Responding to a press report on Hellas Journal website, the official noted that “we are deeply concerned with reports that Turkey is continuing its efforts to bring the S-400 into operation. We have taken tangible steps in response to Turkey’s receipt of the system by unwinding Turkey’s participation in the F-35 programme.”
Moreover he said that “we cannot preview a timeline for a CAATSA decision on Turkey; however, we take the responsibilities under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) seriously and will comply with all laws. Deliberations surrounding CAATSA, Turkey’s S-400 purchase, and an associated sanctions package remain ongoing.”
He went on to say that “CAATSA deliberations are multifaceted, complex, and conducted on a case-by-case basis. The Administration always considers the importance of maintaining CAATSA’s credibility as a deterrent for Russian arms sales around the world during sanctions deliberations.”
“We remain committed to our strategic relationship with our NATO ally Turkey,” the official concluded.
(Cyprus News Agency)
