The Coordinate Effort of Hellenes (CEH) called late Thursday on Greek-Americans across the country to join them in urging senators and members, as well as members of the Jewish community, to oppose the proposed sale of US attack helicopters to Turkey, particularly at a time when Turkey is threatening US allies Cyprus and Israel.
The US Congress was formally notified on November 4 of the planned sale of three Bell AH–1W Super Cobra Attack helicopters to Turkey, for an estimated cost of $111 million, transferring them from US Marine Corps’ existing inventory. Turkey and the US have indicated that these helicopters would replace those lost in Turkey’s long fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Over the past few months, Turkey has directly threatened Cyprus over offshore drilling in Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, and Israel over the Gaza flotilla.
According to one of the CEH leaders, the Greek-American side asked for concessions from Turkey through this deal, along with absolute guarantees that these helicopters will not be used against Cyprus or Israel.
Members of the US Congress have also expressed their opposition and concerns over this sale in a letter to President Obama.
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