The US Congress is sending a clear message to Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish government about the overflights of Turkish fighter jets over the Greek islands, which included a relevant reference in the accompanying text of the defense budget (NDAA) that was finalized on Tuesday night.
“We believe that NATO allies should not conduct unauthorized overflights into the airspace of other NATO allies,” US lawmakers wrote in the explanatory text accompanying the defense budget, which once approved by the full House and signed by the President will become Federal law.
On the F 16s
The F16 transfer section titled “F16 transfer restrictions” states that the House defense budget text included amendment 1271 (the Pope amendment) which would have prohibited the President from selling or authorizing the export of new F-16 aircraft 16 or F-16 upgrade technology or modernization kits to Turkey or any organization or body of Turkey, unless the President provides certain certifications and reports. Lawmakers go on to clarify that the Senate text did not contain a similar amendment. And therefore, they conclude, no such provision is included in the final text.
Although the effort to pass an amendment for the F-16s did not succeed, it should be noted that the amendments were from the beginning only an additional tool, as Senator Robert Menendez continues to maintain the right of veto as chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee. In fact, in a recent interview with state broadcaster ERT, he repeated once again that he is not going to consent to the granting of fighter jets to Turkey.
Latest News
Bank of Greece Governor Says EU will Retaliate to Trump’s Tarrifs
The Bank of Greece Governor defended the independence of central banks amid criticism from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who had publicly commented on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powel
September in Greece Winning Tourists Over from US, Germany
Tourists continue to visit Greece off-season into Sept. with the number of inbound travelers up by 6.6% and a 7.9% rise in travel receipts.
Bitcoin Surges Toward $100K Amid Pro-Crypto Optimism in US
According to Reuters, the cryptocurrency surged to an all-time high, briefly exceeding $96,898 during Asian trading hours.
Greek Driver Violations at a Touch of a Button
Traffic offences recorded in the last five years by Greece’s “Driver Behavior Control System” are now available on Gov.gr Wallet
Milan Tops List of Most Expensive Streets, Athens’ Ermou Holds Steady at 15th Place
In Athens, following Ermou Street is the southern suburb of Glyfada and Tsimiski Street in Thessaloniki.
New Gov.gr Service Enables Secure Reporting of Minor-Related Delinquency
It should also be noted that via the recently introduced initiative ‘Safe Youth’ application citizens have access to specially tailored informative material regarding the safety of children and adolescents
Thousands Strike in Athens Over Soaring Living Costs and Stagnant Wages
Inflation, particularly in food prices, has been crushing Greek households
Greece Overhauls Property Valuation System
Greece plans to launch a revamped property value registry in 2025 and overhaul the way objective values are calculated to enhance tax revenue and improve transparency.
Greece’s New Tax Bill Foresees Tax Relief Beyond Big Business
Tax relief measures in Greece are proposed for freelancers, property owners and farmers, along with 'big business'
Unions Call Nationwide Industrial Strike for Wed.
Mass transits are usually affected, especially in the greater Athens-Piraeus area, although bus and metro services are curtailed but not fully halted