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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1090-E1091]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
UNITED STATES-TURKEY RELATIONSHIP
______
HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL
of new york
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, the United States-Turkey relationship
continues to deteriorate. Turkey has long been an important American
ally and key NATO member. However, this relationship has frayed in
recent years, and I increasingly question whether Turkey's autocratic
ruler, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is truly committed to his country's
relationship with the United States.
I must first express my profound disappointment in the Turkish
court's verdict last week against American Pastor Andrew Brunson. While
yesterday's step to move him from a Turkish prison to house arrest is a
step in the right direction, it is still not enough. I call on Turkey
to release Mr. Brunson, who has committed no crime, and return him to
his family. I make the same call in support of NASA scientist Serkan
Golge as well as other United States citizens and U.S. Mission local
employees who are wrongly held.
Two years ago, this month, a failed military coup took place in
Turkey. This was a traumatic experience for the Turkish people, as it
would have been for the citizens of any country. There is no doubt that
it has been a challenge to effectively deal with this situation.
Nevertheless, I remain deeply concerned about the Turkish government's
response which has led to curtailing personal liberty and press
freedoms and, in many cases, suspending or ignoring the rule of law.
While the State of Emergency has expired, President Erdogan continues
to crackdown on suspected opponents. Such actions are inconsistent with
Turkey's international commitments to organizations such as NATO and
with its aspiring European Union membership.
In my experience, America's partnerships are strongest when our
friends and allies are fully committed to democratic values. Among the
challenges in our relationship with Turkey are the Turkish government's
constraints on freedom and democracy. I believe that removing these
constraints will substantially benefit both the United States and
Turkey.
[[Page E1091]]
I've heard the argument that because Turkey lives in a dangerous
neighborhood, it must take bold actions to preserve its own security.
There is no doubt that Turkey faces threats from an array of terrorist
groups, a murderous Syrian regime headed by Bashar al-Assad, and other
destabilizing influences across the region. But the best way for Turkey
to meet these challenges is in partnership with the United States and
other NATO allies.
This is why I am supremely alarmed that Turkey is considering
purchasing a Russian air-defense system rather than a NATO air-defense
system. The operation of a non-NATO system puts the security of NATO
members at serious risk and is inconsistent with the spirit of the
alliance, not to mention interoperability among NATO member states. The
Alliance understands Turkey's desire for air defense and wants to help,
but Ankara's continued stated intention to acquire the S-400 is an
obstacle to NATO's ability to assist and sends a signal that Ankara
wants to break away on core defense issues.
In the time left before Turkey potentially makes a serious
miscalculation, there is a key fact to highlight: the United States has
offered Turkey two air and missile defense systems, including the
Patriot PAC-3 system, which would fulfill Turkey's defense needs, but
ultimate receipt and delivery of the Patriot is contingent on Turkey
cancelling the S-400 deal. For these reasons, I, like many of my
colleagues, remain willing to work with Turkey in order to support its
purchase of a NATO air defense system.
But, I want to be clear: Turkey must demonstrate its commitment to
its relationship with the United States and NATO. It can do so by
taking the steps I previously noted, including releasing Mr. Brunson,
Mr. Golge, and others; enhancing Turkish personal freedoms and
promoting the rule of law; and acquiring a NATO, rather than Russian,
air-defense system. No doubt, the United States has other important
differences with Ankara, including its difficult relations with Israel,
its occupation of Cyprus, and its improving ties with Moscow. But,
should Turkey pursue the course I've outlined, it would represent an
important step toward patching up some of our key differences.
Like many of my colleagues, I wish that our relationship with Turkey
were on better footing. Turkey has been a strong NATO partner for
decades. For the good of both the United States and Turkey, NATO, and
the region, we must work to improve this relationship.
____________________
