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The EU is ready to impose restrictive measures if Turkey does not calm down, said Peter Stano, the commission’s foreign affairs spokesman.
“The EU is very clear about its solidarity with Greece and Cyprus and the EU’s expectation towards Turkey was expressed both in public statements and through the commitment of High Representative Borrell, who had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.” He informed him about the discussions with the foreign ministers and the expectations of the EU to see a decrease, dialogue and compromise, and not unilateral steps that are challenging and contribute to escalating tensions, “said Peter Stano.
In addition, speaking with ERT, Mr. Stano stressed that “the EU has clarified what will happen on our part if there are no signs of de-escalation”. That is why the council is willing to start discussions on possible restrictive measures, but we all hope that it will be possible to move forward through dialogue and discussion ”.
When asked what measures would scare Turkey and cause Ankara to change its position, Stano said that it is not in the nature of the EU to threaten anyone. However, if the principles of the EU are not respected or violated, many measures can be taken.
“Regarding Turkey’s other actions against an EU Member State, Greece, the EU has indicated that we are ready for discussions to see what kind of action could be taken to show how strict and firm we are in showing solidarity and defending our principles and protect our interests. ” 
Michel’s proposal
European Union leaders will decide on a “carrot and whip” approach for Turkey when they meet on September 24-25, the European Council president said, proposing a multilateral conference to defuse tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. He reiterated the “full solidarity” of Europeans in Athens.
The EU will reaffirm its support for the sovereignty of Greece and Cyprus, said the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in an interview with six European news agencies.
“We will identify tools for our foreign policy, a carrot and whip approach, what tools to use to improve the relationship and what tools to use if we are not respected,” he said, adding: “We want to be respected.”
Michel said that the thorny issue of maritime borders in the eastern Mediterranean, energy, security and migration could be discussed at the meeting. Michel, however, declined to comment on specific initiatives or sanctions that the EU could take against Turkey.
We do not accept one-sided attitudes
However, he stressed that “we do not accept unilateral behavior inconsistent with international law by Turkey.”
Michel, who will travel to Greece, Cyprus and Malta before the summit, also suggested holding an international conference on the Eastern Mediterranean with the participation of stakeholders and NATO.
Such a conference, he said, could include “all the countries involved in the various discussions on maritime borders” in the Mediterranean.
“This may be the best way to de-escalate the region and have a channel for dialogue,” said the president of the European Council, adding that he had already mentioned the idea in Athens and Ankara. “What has been happening in recent weeks cannot continue,” he said.
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