Republican U.S. Senator Rick Scott has issued a sharp rebuke of Turkey, characterizing the nation’s recent actions toward Greece and Cyprus as "thuggish behavior." During recent visits to both countries, the Florida senator delivered blunt criticism, questioning whether Ankara remains committed to its responsibilities as a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Speaking to the media, Senator Scott, who serves on the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, argued that Turkey is "not acting like a NATO ally." He specifically pointed to long-standing disputes regarding Aegean airspace and maritime boundaries, as well as Turkey’s ongoing military presence in northern Cyprus, which has been divided since 1974. "You’re not acting like a NATO ally when you take F-16s and fly over somebody else’s country. You’re not much of an ally when you occupy a portion of another country’s land. And that’s what they’re doing," Scott remarked.
These comments arrive amid heightened regional tensions concerning a proposed undersea electricity link connecting Greece and Cyprus, with potential plans to extend the project to Israel. Turkey has insisted that it must be consulted before any seabed surveys are conducted. Senator Scott expressed support for the energy initiative, stating, "I think what Greece, Cyprus and Israel are doing is going to be good. It’s good for them, good for us." He added that the United States intends to provide support for the project and ensure that Turkey does not interfere with its progress. "So, I’m hopeful that it will change, but if you look at it, it’s thuggish behavior," he added.
The senator also addressed the status of U.S.-Greek relations following the departure of Kimberly Guilfoyle as the U.S. ambassador to Greece. He asserted that the bilateral relationship would remain unaffected by the change, despite the White House having publicly requested her resignation over allegations of improper and potentially illegal conduct—charges which Guilfoyle has denied.
