American project to impose sanctions on Turkey

"Turkey has taken a great deal of suspicious decisions, and does not respect the obligations arising from it as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization," said Adam Kinsinger, a Republican Member of the US House of Representatives.

"It should be made clear beyond any doubt that Turkey's actions are totally unacceptable and will have serious consequences for Ankara," added Kinsinger, who is among those who submitted the bill to Congress.

Kinsinger emphasized that the new draft text makes Turkey's actions "a felony subject to sanctions," stressing that Turkey will be treated according to Article 231 of the law to combat America's opponents through sanctions.

The bill was introduced alongside Kinsinger, the Illinois attorney, Abigail Spanberger, the California Democrat, and Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCall.

"NATO is extremely important to the United States and our allies, but in order to maintain a strong partnership, NATO members must adhere to the principles, duties, and obligations of the alliance," Kinsinger said.

"Turkey continued to make questionable decisions that did not reflect the goals of the leadership of a NATO member state. A year ago this week, Turkey ignored NATO members' warnings about the arms deal with Russia and accepted the first batch of the Russian S-400 missile defense system," he added.

He continued: "We need to make it clear that their actions will not be tolerated and will face serious consequences. Our legislation does this, and makes Turkey's actions a crime that is expressly punishable."

"The latest measures taken by Turkey are inconsistent with the security of our nation and the interests of our NATO allies, while the Kremlin orders defense and intelligence agencies to engage in destabilizing behavior around the world," he said.

For her part, the Congresswoman Spanberger said: "I am proud to stand with my colleague, Congressman Kinsinger, in introducing legislation that sends a strong and unified message to Turkey and Russia together."

"The purchase of a Russian air defense system by a NATO Alliance is a threat to the United States and to NATO. The administration must impose the sanctions required by law," she added.