Photograph: Murat Kula / Varna / AA
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The President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk met at EU-Turkey leaders' meeting held yesterday (March 26) in the city of Varna in Bulgaria and hosted by Boyko Borissov, the Prime Minister of Bulgaria as the current President of the EU Council. It was the first time since May 2017 that the leaders of the EU and Turkey came together.
After having dinner together at Evksinograd Palace, the summer residence of Bulgarian kings, the leaders of the EU and Turkey held a joint press conference.
Tusk: We expressed our concern with Turkey's actions in Syria
Having stated that they would express their criticisms regarding Afrin operation three days ago, the European Council President Donald Tusk said in the press conference, "This evening we took stock of where things stand and set out some parameters for the future" and added:
"On migration and support for refugees, the EU and Turkey remain very close partners. I would like to express our appreciation for the impressive work Turkey has been doing, and to sincerely thank Turkey and the Turkish people for hosting more than 3 million Syrian refugees these past years.
"We understand Turkey's need to deal effectively with its security after the attempted coup and the terrorist attacks it has suffered. But we are concerned that some of the methods used, undermine fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Turkey.
"Good bilateral relations with EU Member States are also an important commitment within the accession process. We welcome positive progress in recent months with some of our Member States, but still have serious concerns about inter alia recent Turkish actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea as well as the detention of EU citizens. The European Union stands united behind the Republic of Cyprus regarding its right to explore and exploit its natural resources in its Exclusive Economic Zone.
"We also expressed our concern with Turkey's actions in Syria, in particular the situation in Afrin. Escalating violence and displacement in an already tragic and volatile situation must be avoided."
Erdoğan: An immediate step needs to be taken for visa liberalization
Speaking at the joint press conference, Erdoğan expressed his "hope that a difficult period in relations between Turkey and the European Union is now in the past."
As a response to the criticisms directed against the Afrin operation, Erdoğan said that "Turkey expected Europe's backing and intended to continue with these operations as long as necessary." He also added:
"Our operations against terrorism do not just contribute to our and the Syrians' security, but to Europe's security as well... On sensitive issues such as the struggle against terrorism, we don't expect unnecessary criticism but strong support."
Regarding Cyprus issue, Erdoğan emphasized the "Turkish Cypriot community's rights to Cyprus's resources" and said that "the EU had nothing to contribute to the dispute as long as it does not maintain a fair approach."
As to the visa liberalization, President Erdoğan stated, "We told the EU side that it needs to complete its work on this issue... This should not be turned into a political issue, it should not become an issue that shakes the trust of our people."
Juncker: Negotiations on full membership will continue
The European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker emphasized "the necessity to address the issues that unite Turkey and the EU" and said, "In fact, we have joint interests and shared difficulties. We need to find an answer to these difficulties together. We have geostrategic interests about security."
Juncker added, "the deal between Turkey and the EU regarding refugees have visible results and have become very successful. Negotiations on full membership with Turkey will continue. I can guarantee it." (PT/SD)
