European Union threatens to impose sanctions on Ankara over eastern Mediterranean disputes
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, warned Turkey over its continued illegal exploration of the eastern Mediterranean on Friday.
“In case of such renewed actions by Ankara, the EU will use all its instruments and options available,” Der Leyen said, adding that the commission was tasked with drafting economic sanctions against Turkey that are ready for direct implementation.
Turkey rejected the European Union’s threat to impose sanctions against Ankara due to its activities to explore for gas in the eastern Mediterranean, describing it as “not constructive.”
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said, “The European Union must now understand that it will not reach anything with this type of speech.”
The European Union offered Turkey to improve cooperation in some areas and stimulate a customs union with it.
However, it stipulated on Turkey to stop its illegal exploration in Cypriot waters, and that Turkey should confirm its desire for dialogue with Athens.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the European Union has an interest in developing a constructive relationship with Turkey, despite all the difficulties.
On Thursday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) reached an agreement between Greece and Turkey to establish a mechanism to avoid conflicts.
NATO chief Jans Stoltenberg will visit Turkey on Monday and Greece on Tuesday.
Despite the agreement, European leaders condemned every intervention in the disputed territory of Karabakh, which has witnessed bloody confrontations in recent days.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that he had information about the presence of 300 Syrian fighters from jihadist groups in the region who were transferred to the Karabakh region, which is claimed by both Armenia and Azerbaijan, by Turkey.
He requested explanations from President Erdogan, and called on NATO to confront Ankara’s moves.