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In warnings to Turkey, without, as expected, clear references to sanctions, S. Michel and Ur. Von Der Lainen in their remarks after the “27” agreement. It was preceded by 9 hours of negotiations, three different drafts, fermentations and pressures to reach an agreement, the exact content of which is expected to be known today. In any case, the issue will be discussed again at the December Summit.
“We are ready to use all means, if necessary,” the two presidents said in an interview that followed, insisting on using the word sanctions.
The only time the word in question was heard was when journalists asked for more details on what the EU would do if Turkey persisted in challenges. “On the one hand there is the choice of sanctions and on the other a positive option, that of the debate on the customs union, cooperation on migration matters on the 2016 agreement, the improvement of trade between the EU and Turkey,” replied the head of the European Commission. Ursula von der Leyen.
The “toolboxes”
Both presidents, the Commission and the Council of Europe, spoke about two toolboxes on the table and it is up to Turkey to decide which one will be used. One is for a situation that we do not want, as von der Leyen said, as long as Turkey insists on unilateral action, in defiance of international law. The second set of tools is on a more positive agenda, added the president of the European Commission, noting that Turkey must show that it is willing to have a truly constructive dialogue with the EU.
“If we find that Turkey is not moving in the right direction, we will use all available tools and make all appropriate decisions, but we hope that it will choose dialogue,” Michel said. Like you said, we have a toolkit that we can apply right away, but we don’t want it. Instead, we want a new form of cooperation with Turkey, as the President of the European Council said, adding that we want to build a new strong relationship with Turkey.
When asked what would happen if Turkey did not immediately stop illegal searches in Cyprus waters, S. Michel avoided responding directly, despite repeating the general reports in the toolboxes.
“We support Greece and Cyprus, we support the resumption of talks to solve the Cyprus problem under the auspices of the UN, we will monitor developments week by week, we expect a more positive attitude from Turkey, but we are ready to use all available tools. “. said the President of the European Council.
He also spoke of the need for a political dialogue to establish stability in EU-Turkey relations, but warned that he hopes Ankara will take steps forward in its conduct in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The “27” also agreed to impose sanctions against the Lukashenko government and specifically against 40 people on the occasion of the country’s presidential elections. In them, Lukashenko was reelected, under strong questioning of the electoral result. According to the head of the Commission, the Belarusian president is not among the 40 people mentioned.
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It was preceded by a meeting of about seven hours, with fermentation and pressure to draft a text that satisfies all parties after the rejection of the initial draft by Greece and Cyprus.
Following a meeting between Mitsotakis – Merkel – Macron and Michel, a new improved draft conclusions on Turkey were presented. Michel’s new draft appears to contain the phrase “the EU will use all available means and options in the event of a unilateral Turkish action or provocation, which is contrary to international law.”
According to a message from the spokesperson of the European Council, Barend Leyts, the work of the Summit will continue at 9.30 am on Friday morning.
First day of #EUCO has come to an end.
Follow the press conference of @eucopresident Together with @vonderleyen in a short period of time.
Tomorrow’s meeting will resume at 9:30 am
– Barend Leyts (@BarendLeyts) October 1, 2020
It is recalled that earlier, a Turkish official commenting on what is happening in Brussels, stressed that any condemnation of Turkey and any reference to measures and sanctions at the Summit will be unacceptable.
“It is known that for the Turkish side, any conviction, any reference to any measure and sanction, any exception to the rights and political equality of Turkish Cypriots, is completely unacceptable,” the Turkish official, who spoke on condition of being, told Politico. anonymity.
Johanna Geron, Pool via AP
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