Turkish PM: US Senate bill not to affect F35 delivery

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Tuesday that a U.S. Senate decision to block the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey would not affect its delivery. 

“[US Senate decision] would not affect the delivery of F-35s,” Yildirim said in an interview to Turkish news channel Star TV. 

On Monday, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment prohibiting sales to Turkey of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, citing the purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia and detaining U.S. citizens as the reasons.

“It is necessary to look into details of the background of these allegations raised in the Senate,” Yildirim said, adding tensions between Turkey and the U.S. have risen over terrorist group FETO and American Pastor Andrew Brunson -- who is facing terror charges in Turkey.

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured. 

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.


‘No early elections after June polls’

When asked about a possible snap election after June 24 polls, Yildirim said: “No, there is no need for such a thing.” 

“We can not keep the nation busy with elections,” he added.

This April, the parliament passed a bill for early elections on June 24, cementing Turkey’s move to a presidential system.

In an April 2017 referendum, Turkish voters approved the switch from a parliamentary system to a presidential one.


Fight against terrorism 

In an election rally in the Aegean province of Izmir, Yildirim reiterated Turkey’s commitment to the fight against terrorism. 

“Our relentless struggle against terrorist organizations nested in Syria, Iraq, and Qandil is ongoing,” he said. 

Turkey continues its fight against terrorist organizations such as FETO, PKK, and Daesh, Yildirim added. 

“Now we are in Manbij to end the terror […],” Yildirim added. 

On Monday, the Turkish army announced the start of patrols in Manbij by Turkish and U.S. troops in line with a previously agreed-upon roadmap for eliminating terrorists and stabilizing the area.

In a tweet, the Turkish Armed Forces said the patrols were being carried out between Manbij and the area liberated by Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield.

The roadmap was first announced after a June 3 meeting in Washington between Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The deal focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the northern Syrian city and stability in the region.