U.S. Congress

What we need at this juncture of significant developments in the Eastern Mediterranean geopolitical landscape is caution - and more caution. Greece and Cyprus have so far played their cards well, but they should not get ahead of themselves. The messages coming from the United States and Israel are strong and positive.

The "Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act" submitted to the US Congress by Senators Robert Menendez and Marco Rubio that essentially upgrades the geopolitical roles of Greece and Cyprus is seen in Athens as a reflection of Washington's renewed interest and growing involvement in the region. 

Defence Minister Evangelos Apostolakis, the former Chairman of Greece's Joint Chiefs of Staff, has welcomed the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act of 2019 as a move that confirms and upgrades Greece's strategic role in the broader region.

Greece will consider the possibility of acquiring the US-made F-35 fighter jets as part of its efforts to upgrade its Air Force fleet, Defense Minister Evangelos Apostolakis said on Friday, following remarks by a US official on expanding the sales of the aircraft.

A joint committee of US Congress's two chambers called for a temporary ban to be placed on the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, effective until November 1.

American legislators are seeking to block the delivery of the advanced fighter jets in demand that Turkey, a NATO ally, abandons plans to purchase a missile defense system from Russia.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and former US Vice-President Joe Biden met for over an hour on the sidelines of the Security Conference in Munich.

State ANA-MPA news agency reports that the two discussed relations with Turkey and energy issues in southeast Europe, as well as Greek-US relations and US developments, and that there was a broad agreement on issues.

The American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA) hailed on Friday the approval by the US Congress of a funding bill that includes boosting Greek army education and training and raises obstacles in the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.

The Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) welcomed on Thursday the US Congress decision that blocks the sale of weapons and F-35 aircraft to Turkey until further notice.

An overwhelming bi-partisan majority both at the Senate and the House in Washington has passed a bill backed by HALC and the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) with two key provisions on Turkey.

According to the Serbian government, she also noted that "our relationship with the United States is very important to us."

Prime Minister Brnabic will visit Columbus and Atlanta on 28-29 January, the Serbian government announced.

mMinister will meet in Columbus with Ohio Governor Mike Dewine and Commander of the National Guard Ohio Major General John Harris.