Menendez Statement on Turkey’s Reported Test of S-400 Air Defense System

NEWARK – Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the following statement in reaction to reports that the Turkish military has begun testing S-400 air defense systems purchased from Russia:  

“Today’s test by Turkey of the Russian-made S-400 air defense system is a stark reminder that Ankara is not deterred by simple meek pleas coming from the Trump administration.  Erdogan only responds to actions, not words. In July 2019, Turkey took delivery of the S-400 in clear violation of U.S. sanctions mandated by the Countering America’s Adversaries through Sanctions law. The Trump Administration has ignored the law, weakening our hand against Putin.  It has also has emboldened Erdogan, leading to today’s test.

“President Trump’s  failure to follow the law and his affinity for Recep Tayyip Erdogan pose a serious threat to our national security and that of our NATO allies and partners in Europe.  The CAATSA mandate is clear and the administration must follow the law – Turkey must be sanctioned immediately for its purchase and use of this system.”

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