Al Sharq Strategic ResearchEASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
US Ambassador confirms the Greek demands of purchasing F-35 fighter jets
On November 30, the United States Ambassador to Greece confirmed that Greece requested to buy F-35 fighter jets. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt stated that “The United States, at the highest levels, has welcomed Greece’s interest in acquiring the F-35 for the Hellenic Air Force.” He also added that “The US-Greece defense relationship is at an all-time high and is one of America’s strongest military relationships in Europe.” Following 18 French Rafales’ purchase, Greece is set to strengthen its military capacity amid the rising tensions in the Mediterranean.
Turkey takes legal measures after the IRINI Operation
After the IRINI operation incident last week, the Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar announced that Turkey took all necessary legal measures regarding the interception of the Turkish flagged ship Roseline-A in the Eastern Mediterranean near the Libyan port of Benghazi. Furthermore, Akar said that stopping a ship that only contained humanitarian aid is what increases the tension. He also added, “Unfortunately, our neighbor stubbornly refrains from talks on this issue and seeks solutions at other doors. Even though we have told them over and over again that a solution cannot be found in this way, they still insist on that issue. They are doing wrong.”