Eastern Mediterranean: EU 'wants to give dialogue a chance,' warns Turkey of sanctions

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European Council President Charles Michel said today (October 2) that the bloc agreed to adopt "a two-track strategy" towards Turkey and wants to give a chance to constructive political dialogue but warned that all options are on the table if that was not the case.

"We want to give a chance to political dialogue. But in case of renewed provocations we will use all instruments at our disposal," he remarked at a news conference following the EU leaders' summit.

Michel said the main discussions of the gathering focused on the current situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and EU-Turkey relations along with sanctions on Belarus.

He said the EU pact encouraged political dialogue based on common interests but added that the EU offered full support for Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration and noted that the bloc expected Ankara to take positive steps.

According to Michel, the EU would rather have a positive agenda with Turkey, which it expects not to take any unilateral steps. He said the European pact also supports efforts to establish a dialogue between Athens and Ankara and the restart of Cyprus negotiations under the auspices of the UN.

Stating that the leaders taking part in the event suggested establishing a multilateral conference to resolve disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean, he further noted that the EU Council would monitor developments and re-evaluate the issue once again in December.

Von der Leyen warns Turkey against "unilateral actions"

EU Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen, also speaking at the news conference, said the European pact called for collaboration with Turkey based on a positive agenda but she reiterated that the EU supported Greece and the Greek Cypriots.

She welcomed the start of a reliable dialogue between Athens and Ankara but noted that the EU regretted the latter's attitude towards the Greek Cypriot administration, which it does not recognize.

Von der Leyen warned that the EU would utilize all instruments and options should Turkey take unilateral actions, but the bloc did not prefer this, as positive relations would benefit both sides.

She noted that updating the Customs Union, improving commercial relations and cooperating in terms of migration should be on the agenda of both Turkey and the EU, especially at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has inflicted a heavy blow on international trade.

European Council calls for dialogue between Turkey and Cyprus

In a statement released after the meeting, the European Council condemned Turkey for "violations of the sovereign rights of the Republic of Cyprus."

It called on Turkey to abstain from similar actions in the future and accept the invitation of dialogue with the objective of settling all maritime-related disputes with Cyprus, which Turkey doesn't recognize.

"The EU stands ready to play an active role in supporting the negotiations, including by appointing, upon resumption, a representative to the UN Good Offices Mission," it further said.

According to the statement, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell was asked to organize a multilateral Eastern Mediterranean conference where multiple issues such as maritime jurisdiction areas, security, energy, migration and economic cooperation would be discussed. The participants, format and date are yet to be negotiated on.

Merkel calls for a diplomatic solution

German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday called for a diplomatic solution to tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and underlined the importance of developing "constructive" relations with Turkey.

Speaking to reporters in Brussels ahead of a key summit of European leaders, Merkel said Germany's EU term presidency will continue its efforts to find a peaceful solution to rising tensions in the region.

"Our relations with Turkey are highly complex. Despite all the difficulties, the EU has a great interest in developing constructive relations with Turkey," she stressed.

Merkel reiterated the bloc's solidarity with EU members Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration but did not extend support for their call to impose additional sanctions against Turkey, due to recent tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The chancellor also underlined the importance of continued cooperation with Ankara on issues of common interest.

"We're partners in NATO. We're dependent on one another in addressing irregular migration," she said and reaffirmed the EU's continued support to Turkey for hosting almost four million Syrian refugees.

(PT/VK)