Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Katrougalos said on Wednesday that the EU’s new stance on Turkey and Cyprus represents an important success in the world of diplomacy.
“The General Affairs Council’s decision to impose EU sanctions on Turkey is an important diplomatic success, a result of systematic effort and synergy with Cyprus at all levels,” he said during an interview with public broadcaster ERT.
The Foreign Minister noted that there have been no EU measures against Turkey in the past.
“The EU sends a clear message that Turkey’s unlawful behavior must come to an end,” Katrougalos stressed, noting that anyone who takes unlawful actions must also experience the consequences.
Turkey’s actions in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are not just a bilateral difference; they concern the EU’s own borders, the minister explained. in response to a question about Turkey’s aggressive moves in the eastern Mediterranean, he stated “We are not afraid or worried, but we must be on alert.”
On Tuesday, Johannes Hahn, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement, said Turkey is moving further away from accession into the European Union due to its current illegal drilling activities in Cyprus’ EEZ.
Speaking after a General Affairs Council meeting, Hahn announced the suspension of accession talks with Turkey and added that their recent actions will bring about the possibility of “appropriate” measures being enforced against the nation.
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