US: Amendments on Turkey and Arms Sales in Congress

Turkey has come under scrutiny in the US Congress with the introduction of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The amendments examine Turkish policy in the Eastern Mediterranean through the lens of US security interests.

Democratic Representatives Dan Goldman and Josh Gottheimer are leading the initiatives, with the support of the Greek-American community, the American Hellenic Institute (AHI), and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC).

Dan Goldman's amendment calls for a report on the security threats arising from the Turkish occupation of Cyprus. The report will detail the risks to the US and its allies, the presence of terrorist organizations in the occupied territories, and the use of American weapons in the occupation.

Josh Gottheimer's amendment places restrictions on the sale of American weapons to Turkey until Ankara complies with specific conditions. These include ending violations of the sovereignty of other states and avoiding support for terrorist organizations.