WASHINGTON, DC — American Hellenic Institute (AHI) President Nick Larigakis wrote to President Donald J. Trump today to convey the Institute’s profound disappointment that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit the White House on November 13, 2019.
“Turkey is not a friend of the United States, let alone an ally. We vehemently opposed your invite to Mr. Erdogan because his authoritarianism must not be rewarded or dignified with a visit to the White House,” Larigakis wrote. “However, because it is set to take place, you must, therefore, deliver a clear, stern message that Turkey will be held accountable for its illegal activities in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Larigakis cited the laundry list of examples of how Turkey, under the Erdogan government, has been a consistent violator of the rule of law. As a result, AHI’s president insisted that President Trump make it clear that there will be consequences for Turkey’s illegal actions.
Larigakis expressed further disappointment with the State Department’s opposition to two House-passed measures last week, a bill to impose sanctions on Turkey and a resolution to recognize the Armenian genocide, because they risk further “straining relations with a key NATO ally.”
Larigakis wrote, “Turkey has never proven to be a faithful NATO ally and the State Department’s rationale for this position is moot and the evidence does not support it.”
