U.S. Rep. Pallone: Turkey’s threats have escalated

PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Representative Frank Pallone (D-NJ) wrote to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton concerning Turkey’s disregard for international law and recent threats to Israel and Cyprus.

Recent reports indicate that Turkish F-16 fighters have been deployed in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus and Turkish warships have been harassing Israeli merchant vessels in the Cypriot waters.

“I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the Republic of Turkey’s recent aggressive posturing towards Israel and Cyprus. Israel and Cyprus have proven to be steadfast allies of the United States and have shown their dedication to respecting international law. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of Turkey, which has expanded its policies of threatening peaceful acting neighbors with complete disregard for international law,” Pallone wrote in the letter.

“Turkey’s threats have now escalated and have become actions that are directed at provoking conflict with peacefully acting nations. Turkey has sent an oil exploration ship escorted by a frigate and a submarine to the waters off Cyprus, hardly actions of a peaceful mission. Recent reports indicate that Turkish F-16 fighters have been deployed in the Turkish occupied northern Cyprus and Turkish warships have been harassing Israeli merchant vessels in Cypriot waters.”

“There is no question that should any type of violent conflict erupt in the east Mediterranean between Turkey and Cyprus or Israel that it will be result of Turkish aggression in violation of international law. Additionally, should the Turkish navy take action to interfere with a U.S. based company pursuing a legal agreement to explore for natural gas with a European Union nation it would certainly require a strong reaction from the United States,” he wrote, Asbarez reported.