Turkey's instigation of the most recent migration crisis at the Greek-Turkish border is yet another in an endless series of provocative actions by Turkey that causes instability to the region and fuels tensions within the NATO alliance ( our statement). Turkey's actions are not one of a NATO ally and are not in the best interests of the United States.

This is the Turkey that warranted our international call to " Sanction Turkey." The belligerent and authoritarian-led Turkey  that caused Congress to undertake unprecedented action to hold Turkey responsible for its actions. 

Now, more than ever, Congress must finish what it started and pass legislation that sanctions Turkey.

AHEPA has reiterated, most recently at the rally in New York City, to #DefendHellenism, and calls for the community to continue its efforts for the U.S. government to sanction Turkey.

Background

• If enacted, the bill places comprehensive sanctions on Turkey for its military invasion of northern Syria.

• S.2641, Risch-Menendez Promoting American National Security and Preventing the Resurgence of ISIS Act of 2019 ( see co-sponsors)

• Tell your U.S. Senators to support bipartisan-backed legislation that places strong sanctions on Turkey by encouraging Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to bring S.2641 to the Senate floor for a vote.

Contact your U.S. Senators, identify yourself as a constituent, and ask to speak with the Senator's legislative director or foreign affairs legislative assistant.

As a constituent, I urge you to call on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to have the Senate take immediate action to sanction Turkey.

 

Turkey must be held liable for its invasion of northeast Syria, which is a violation of international law. Turkey attacked U.S.-allied Kurds who fought against ISIS, resulted in civilian casualties, and endangered U.S. military personnel. It worsened a humanitarian and refugee crisis and fueled increased regional tension and instability, including instigating a migration crisis on the Greek-Turkish border. In the Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey conducts illegal drilling activities, signs illegal maritime agreements, and practices gunboat diplomacy.

 

As a first step, I urge you to co-sponsor, if you have not already, S.2641, Promoting American National Security and Preventing the Resurgence of ISIS Act of 2019, sponsored by Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Jim Risch and Ranking Member Robert Menendez. Equally important, please reach out to Majority Leader McConnell and urge a floor vote on the bill.

 

Please support this vitally important legislation that upholds American values and security interests.  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[NAME]

[ADDRESS]