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In the wake of Turkey's announcement that the delivery of the first group of S-400 defense missile system components was completed yesterday (July 25), US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has spoken to US-based Bloomberg channel regarding the issue.
Addressing Turkey's purchase of S-400 air defense missile system from Russia and its ongoing delivery to Turkey, Pompeo has expressed their wish "for the S-400 not to become operational." "There could be more sanctions to follow", Pompeo has stated and added, "But, frankly, what we would really like is for the S-400 not to become operational."
"That is our objective. It is what we have been talking to the Turks about for months and months", Pompose has indicated further and said, "They have taken delivery of some of the components today and we are urging them to reconsider that decision." Pompeo has also indicated that they have "made clear to the Turks that the activation of the S-400 is unacceptable."
Ortagus: Nothing new to announce on sanctions
Morgan Ortagus, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State, also responded to journalists' questions regarding further US sanctions over Turkey's purchase of S-400s in her press briefing yesterday.
To the question, "Do we have any updates on the S-400 sanctions, and can you tell us what is taking so long?", Ortagus gave the following answer:
"I would point you to – first of all, to the President's statements about the F-35, and – that is certainly not insignificant. That was something that the President took and the Department of Defense took very, very seriously. I mean, that is a very, very heavy action.
"As it relates to CAATSA, there is no timetable in the legislation. We continue, of course, to talk to the Turks about this and to reiterate our concern. And so I do not think that – we do not have anything new to announce today, but I would certainly point you to the President's comments last week about where we are in terms of the F-35 program. But nothing new to announce today on sanctions.
'Sanctioning a NATO ally a very, very serious action'
"I think that, again, there is no timetable on the President making a decision with the consultation of the Secretary, and I want to give the President and the Secretary the space to do that.
"I think it is important to remember that Turkey is, of course, a NATO ally, and the actions that we have taken thus far are significant. And one of the things that we always do here at the State Department is we always try to preserve diplomacy; we always try to preserve relationships.
"Turkey has worked with us incredibly hard on the fight against ISIS in Syria, and they have many of their own accomplishments to point to there. So sanctioning a NATO ally is a very, very serious action, and when the President and the Secretary are ready to make a determination under CAATSA, I will be more than happy to tell you all of that."
Graham: We must avoid damage to our relationship
On the other side, US Senator Lindsey Graham has also made a statement regarding the issue on Twitter and stated the following:
"It is my hope that we can have a stronger relationship with our allies in Turkey by discussing and negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. This will integrate our economies and be a Win-Win for both nations.
"We must find a way to avoid the damage to the relationship that comes from Turkey activating the Russian S-400 missile system. When it comes to Turkey, we are looking for a Win-Win, not a Lose-Lose." (TP/SD)
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