United States sanctions

US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt met with Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias in Athens on Tuesday to brief the Greek official on the US government's recent decision to impose sanctions on Turkey over Ankara's purchase of a Russian missile defense system.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on a key Turkish defence agency over Ankara's purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system.

Turkey took possession of the Russian missiles last year, despite repeated warnings from the US that it would lead to sanctions.

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) issued a statement on Monday hailing the Trump administration's announcement to impose sanctions on Turkey for its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which is in violation of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) issued separate statements on Monday hailing the Trump administration's announcement to impose sanctions on Turkey for its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which is in violation of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

The US Senate approved on Friday its defense budget for 2021 that, among other provisions, paves the way for the imposition of sanctions on Turkey over the supply of Russian S-400 missile systems.

The bill provides for the obligation to impose sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in Turkey within a specific timeframe.

The image of the US Capitol reflected in glass windows in Washington, 8 December 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

International pressure on Ankara aimed at containing its expansive foreign policy was further intensified this week with the US defense budget bill for 2021, which foresees sanctions against Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missiles. 

The Trump administration on Nov. 5 issued licenses allowing some U.S. companies to pay taxes in Venezuela in spite of a broad U.S. sanctions regime, but also issued more sanctions on top officials in President Nicolas Maduro's government.