Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Tuesday that a U.S. Senate decision to block the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey would not affect its delivery.
鈥淸US Senate decision] would not affect the delivery of F-35s,鈥� Yildirim said in an interview to Turkish news channel Star TV.
On Monday, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved the annual National Defense Authorization Act, which includes an amendment prohibiting sales to Turkey of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets, citing the purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia and detaining U.S. citizens as the reasons.
鈥淚t is necessary to look into details of the background of these allegations raised in the Senate,鈥� Yildirim said, adding tensions between Turkey and the U.S. have risen over terrorist group FETO and American Pastor Andrew Brunson -- who is facing terror charges in Turkey.
FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup on July 15, 2016, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.
Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.
- 鈥楴o early elections after June polls鈥�
When asked about a possible snap election after June 24 polls, Yildirim said: 鈥淣o, there is no need for such a thing.鈥�
鈥淲e can not keep the nation busy with elections,鈥� he added.
This April, the parliament passed a bill for early elections on June 24, cementing Turkey鈥檚 move to a presidential system.
In an April 2017 referendum, Turkish voters approved the switch from a parliamentary system to a presidential one.
-Fight against terrorism
In an election rally in the Aegean province of Izmir, Yildirim reiterated Turkey鈥檚 commitment to the fight against terrorism.
鈥淥ur relentless struggle against terrorist organizations nested in Syria, Iraq, and Qandil is ongoing,鈥� he said.
Turkey continues its fight against terrorist organizations such as FETO, PKK, and Daesh, Yildirim added.
鈥淣ow we are in Manbij to end the terror [鈥,鈥� Yildirim added.
On Monday, the Turkish army announced the start of patrols in Manbij by Turkish and U.S. troops in line with a previously agreed-upon roadmap for eliminating terrorists and stabilizing the area.
In a tweet, the Turkish Armed Forces said the patrols were being carried out between Manbij and the area liberated by Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield.
The roadmap was first announced after a June 3 meeting in Washington between Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
The deal focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the northern Syrian city and stability in the region.
By Tolga Albay
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr