Sen. Rick Scott Criticizes Turkey's Actions, Questions NATO Commitment

Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Scott has accused Turkey of "thuggish behavior" toward Greece and Cyprus, questioning the NATO ally's commitment to the military alliance amid longstanding disputes.

During visits to both Greece and Cyprus, Scott, a member of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees, told The Associated Press that Turkey was "not acting like a NATO ally." He pointed to Turkey's airspace and maritime boundary disputes with Greece, as well as its continued 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 said of Turkey. "So, I'm hopeful that it will change, but if you look at it, it's thuggish behavior."

Greece and Turkey, both NATO members, have been engaged in decades-long disputes over maritime boundaries in the Aegean Sea and eastern Mediterranean, and over the divided island of Cyprus.

Scott's comments come as new tensions arise over a planned undersea electricity link between Greece and Cyprus, with a potential extension to Israel. Turkey has stated it must be consulted before seabed surveys for the project proceed.

"I think what Greece, Cyprus and Israel are doing is going to be good. It's good for them, good for us," Scott said. "We're going to do everything we can to be helpful. We're going to do everything we can to make sure Turkey does not cause problems with it."

Scott also addressed the recent departure of Kimberly Guilfoyle as U.S. ambassador to Greece, stating that the U.S.-Greek relationship would not be affected. Guilfoyle resigned after the White House called for her resignation over allegations of improper conduct, which she denies.