GREECE: "Everyone recognizes that Ankara's behavior upsets the balance"

N. Panagiotopoulos does not see Ankara securing an F-16

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The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulos, described the result of the visit of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to the United States as "absolutely positive".

"It is extremely rare for MPs from both parties to stand up and applaud a speaker in Congress," said Mr. Panagiotopoulos, referring to the "historic success" of our country.

The balance is disturbed by Ankara's behavior

He dismissed Turkey's criticism, saying the balance was being upset by Ankara's behavior, which is now a problem recognized by all and not just a bilateral issue.

According to Mr. Panagiotopoulos, Greece is listened to and valued by its allies, and in fact by its strongest ally, which is none other than the United States and is recognized as a reliable partner.

Referring to Turkey's request for the acquisition of the F-16, the Minister of National Defense expressed serious doubts on SKAI radio whether this request would be approved by the US Congress and the Senate.

As Mr. Panagiotopoulos said, "we developed our arguments and explained the behavior of Turkey at this time towards its ally Greece with overflights and provocative statements."

He added that the Americans insist on their decision not to accept the simultaneous acquisition by Ankara of both the S-400 and the F-35.

in.gr