France urges Turkey to refrain from intervention in East Mediterranean
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – French President Emmanuel Macron called on Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan to refrain from any further unilateral action that could provoke tensions in the disputed East Mediterranean.
The French foreign ministry said following the call, which lasted over an hour, that it hoped a dialogue between Turkey and Greece could continue, and said Macron had called for a similar approach with Cyprus.
“He (Macron) urged Turkey to fully respect the sovereignty of European Union member states as well as international law, and to refrain from any further unilateral action which could provoke tensions,” the French foreign office said, adding that Macron and Erdogan had agreed to keep in contact.
Relations between the EU and Turkey are badly strained on a number of issues, including exploration for hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Ankara has been at loggerheads with EU member states Cyprus and Greece.
Regional Developments
The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Ankara and the EU, in addition to the regional developments headed by the disputed eastern Mediterranean, according to a statement by the Communication Department of the Turkish presidency on Tuesday.
Erdogan told Macron that Turkey did not covet anyone’s rights, but it would not allow others to ignore its legitimate rights. Moreover Turkey advocated dialogue and cooperation to solve problems, according to the Turkish presidency statement.
Erdogan stressed that ignoring the legitimate rights of Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean is the reason for tension in the region, the statement added.
Macron chaired on September 10 the summit of leaders of southern European Union countries on the French island of Corsica, on Thursday, to discuss their strategy regarding the dealing with Turkey on several files.
“We, as Europeans, have to be more firm and clear with the Erdogan government, which is carrying out unacceptable behaviors,” Macron said in a statement before the summit.
A European summit is scheduled on this week, to discuss the disputed East Mediterranean and the French and Greek pressure regarding imposing sanction on Turkey
Interference in Libya
Regarding the Turkish interference in Libya, Macron called on Turkey to a full commitment to the arms embargo in Libya within the limits set by the United Nations, and to respect the security interests of its allies in Syria.
Meanwhile, the Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged to support Libya in confronting the terrorist militants and against some regional parties.
The Egyptian president stressed his country’s intention to counter any attempt to cross the red line there.
Al-Sisi gave a speech on Tuesday to the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
He pointed out that the consequences of the crisis do not only affect Libya, but it affects the neighboring countries’ stability and security.
“Egypt intends to stop any barefaced intervention by some regional parties that brought foreign fighters in order to fulfil their out-dated Known ambitions and colonial illusions.”
Libya has been witnessing a relatively calming, since the Libyan Government of National Accord has announced on Augusta 21 one-sided ceasefire in Libya.
LGNA called for making Sirte and Al-Jufrah demilitarized zones, while the House of Representatives stationed in Tobruk east Libya, headed by Aqila Saleh, supported this initiative.