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ACTS Post opinions with a wide range of perspectives to encourage constructive discussion.
For now, the threat remains only in the field of diplomacy. But for how long? At a meeting of Community Foreign Ministers, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced that consultations on the imposition of sanctions on Turkey would take place at the next Brussels summit in three weeks.
This political turn is a diplomatic success for Greece and Cyprus: it was they who called for sanctions for Turkey’s ongoing illegal oil and gas drilling, as well as the presence of Turkish warships in the eastern Mediterranean.
Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias expressed his satisfaction in an interview with SG: “This is a success not only for Greece, but for the entire EU. We are facing Turkish aggression in the eastern Mediterranean, which violates the law international law and international maritime law. If Turkey does not come to its senses and does not return to dialogue and compliance with international law, sanctions will be on the agenda. “
Danger of military conflict
How explosive would the situation be if Turkish warships aimed their weapons at Greek or French frigates? Following a similar incident, France sent its warships to support the eastern Aegean Sea. Shouldn’t we have acted sooner?
“The problem is that Turkey knows no borders, and these are international law and international maritime law. Clear lines should be drawn. Turkey must understand that it cannot live without complying with international law. This is dangerous not only for the region, but for the entire world ”, explained Dendias.
At the same time, the Greek chancellor reaffirmed his readiness for negotiations. Athens awaits a mutually acceptable solution and is ready to come to the negotiating table.
What can Brussels do?
Regarding the nature of the sanctions against Turkey, Josep Borel highlighted a number of possibilities. They could be directed against people, against property such as ships, Turkey could be banned from using European ports, or it could be denied access to technology and supplies.
All measures must be justified by illegal activities on the part of Turkey and aim to put an end to them. If that doesn’t help, sanctions could be imposed on the Turkish economy.
They will try negotiations first
However, before these sanctions can be discussed, as both Josep Borrell and German Chancellor Heiko Maas have stressed, a diplomatic solution must be sought once again.
That was the purpose of Heiko Maas’ visit to Ankara earlier this week, but to no avail. Behind the facade of European unity are German and Italian fears that Erdogan could release refugees to Europe, diplomats say.
Author: Barbara Wesel
Turkey
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