US sanctions on Turkey welcomed

The American Armenian National Committee (ANCA), the Greek-American Command Council (HALC) and the Defense of Christians Organization (IDC) praised the Trump administration's sanctions against the Turkish Military Procurement Agency and its officers in response to Turkey's purchase of Russian-made missiles, Greek newspaper Kathimerni reported.

ANCA, HALC and IDC have prioritized holding Turkey accountable for its violations of American and international law and its destabilizing behavior in multiple regions.

"While we have a lot of work to do, today's announcement is a welcome American response against increasingly rogue Ankara," said IDC Chairman Tawfiq Baaklini. "We look forward to continuing to intensify pressure in 2021."

"Today we join our partners in HALC and IDC to welcome this first step to hold Turkey accountable for its reckless behavior," ANCA Executive Director Aram Hambrian said.

He added, "We look forward to working with our allies in working together during the next Congress and with the incoming Biden administration to build on today's actions."

"The US policy on Turkey has finally shifted from appeasement to accountability," HALC Executive Director Andy Zimmenides said.

"These sanctions are a positive first step and a clear signal to Ankara that they are not above the law, however, they remain the first step, sanctions are not the end of the game, we are committed to working with our partners at ANCA and IDC to ask the next Congress and the incoming Biden administration to build on the current development.” Zeminides concluded.

J.O