Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic Genocide News

Biden Lifts hold on sale of Helicopters to Turkey
by Congressional Quarterly - CQ Midday Update - November 21, 2000
Posted: Sunday, November 26, 2000 07:54 pm CST

[Excerpt]

Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr., D-Del., has lifted his hold on a sale of helicopters to Turkey, citing the nature of the purchase and talks he had with Undersecretary of State Thomas R. Pickering. The sale will include eight Sikorsky CH-53E helicopters, which transport heavy material, arms, and ammunition. Biden, ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, said he lifted the hold "since the number of machines is small, and since they are not outfitted as attack helicopters." Biden originally placed the hold because of statements made by Turkish leaders regarding the island of Cyprus, which is disputed by Greece and Turkey. Pickering told Biden that, due to State Department reports of progress in Cyprus peace talks, the delicate situation mandated caution. Biden said in a statement he remains "deeply skeptical" about Turkey's intentions, and did not rule out the possibility of introducing a resolution of disapproval.

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