Sanctioned Turkish official thinks US relations won't change
A Turkish defense official sanctioned by the United States says bilateral relations will not be affected despite the Trump administration’s decision to finally punish Turkey for its purchase of a Russian air defense system, as senior officials continue to condemn the move
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Turkish defense official sanctioned by the United States said Tuesday that bilateral relations will not be affected despite the Trump administration’s decision to finally punish Turkey for its purchase of a Russian air defense system, as senior officials continued to condemn the move.
Ismail Demir, the head of Turkey’s military procurement agency, emphasized that Turkey and the U.S. are NATO allies who will continue working together. He also argued that the sanctions could serve as a “warning” for Turkey’s local defense industries to continue and speed up their work.
“This is an exclusive event that should remain alone, I think. We expect this to not affect relations much,” Demir told journalists.
Monday’s sanctions are part of a U.S. law known as CAATSA, which are aimed at pushing back on Russian influence. They target Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries, Demir and three other senior officials. The penalties block any assets the four officials may have in U.S. jurisdictions and bar their entry into the U.S. They also include a ban on most export licenses, loans and credits to the agency.
The move is the first time that CAATSA has been used to penalize a U.S. ally.
Turkey’s defense minister condemned the sanctions, saying the decision "has shaken all the values of our alliance.”
“It is clear that the sanctioning of a NATO member will not only hurt the spirit of alliance but also shake trust among allies from its core,” Hulusi Akar said, adding that Turkey had serious security concerns and would take all steps to protect its citizens.
Ankara has angered Washington by buying and testing the S-400 missile defense system. It has insisted that it was not offered the U.S. Patriot systems and was forced to buy the Russian system instead for its national security.
The U.S. has kicked Turkey out of its F-35 stealth jet program, saying their use alongside the Russian technology would jeopardize the safety of the fighter jets. Washington also says the Russian system would not be interoperable with NATO systems.
In a rare show of unity, lawmakers from Erdogan's ruling party and its nationalist allies, parliamentarians from the main opposition party and a smaller opposition group all said they reject the sanctions decision.
“Turkey does not hesitate to take any steps required for its national security. It's not a country to take a step back in the face of threats and sanctions,” their joint statement read.
Demir tweeted on Monday, soon after the U.S. sanctions announcement, that any decision abroad against him or the Presidency of Defense Industries would not change his position. “Nothing will be able to stop the Turkish defense industry,” he said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking ahead of the sanctions, said he was saddened by an increase in “sanctions discourse” from both the U.S. and Europe. Erdogan said he expects support from its NATO ally against terror organizations, rather than sanctions.
Turkey’s foreign ministry and other top officials also condemned the move late Monday.
Fahrettin Altun, Turkey’s communications director, called the sanctions “unreasonable, fruitless and ultimately incompatible with the spirit of our partnership.” He tweeted that Turkish-American relations were more important and said he hopes the U.S. will reverse its decision.
Turkey took delivery of the S-400 missiles in the summer of 2019 and tested them for the first time in October.
Bilateral relations have suffered from numerous disputes, including the jailing of American citizens and local consular staff, U.S. support for Syrian Kurdish fighters and the continued U.S. residence of a Muslim cleric accused of masterminding the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey.