Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
By Lena Argiri
US Representative Chris Pappas has sharply criticized Turkey’s deployment of F-16 fighter jets to occupied northern Cyprus, calling the move “unacceptable and illegal under US law.” In a statement provided to Kathimerini, Pappas said the deployment threatens the sovereignty of the Republic of Cyprus and risks further destabilizing both a close US ally and the broader region.
Pappas accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of repeatedly disregarding US legal restrictions governing American-made weapons, arguing that Ankara has been emboldened by successive administrations that have either ignored or failed to enforce those laws. “President Erdogan has repeatedly ignored US legal prohibitions and is emboldened to do so because administrations of both parties have rewarded or ignored this behavior rather than enforcing the law,” he noted.
He added that Turkey’s decision to deploy US-manufactured aircraft to occupied Cyprus in the middle of an already volatile regional conflict highlights what he described as Erdogan’s unreliability as a partner. “Turkey’s decision to again ignore our laws and violate the sovereignty of one of our allies, especially in the middle of a volatile regional conflict, underscores how unreliable President Erdogan is and why it is crucial the administration not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said.
The congressman called on Turkey to immediately withdraw the F-16s and any other US-made military systems from the island. He also warned that if the administration does not demand their removal, he will work with colleagues in Congress to address the situation through legislative action. “Turkey must immediately withdraw their F-16s and any other US-made platforms. If the administration doesn’t demand their withdrawal, I will work with my colleagues in Congress to address the situation ourselves,” he said.
